Best Headphones 2024: Reviews, Buying Guides & Top Picks
Ryland Roberts May 17, 2024 2:44 AM
Your budget, the features you value most, and any aesthetic or fit preferences you may have will all influence which headphones are best for you. And the information below will help you make sense of it all and choose the best headphones for your needs, no matter your budget.
While several of the headphones on our list may have different looks, they all share many important characteristics: a cozy design, class-leading audio performance, and fantastic features like wireless networking and built-in voice assistants. You won't be dissatisfied with one of these choices whether you listen on your smartphone, laptop, or one of the greatest MP3 players.
OUR TOP PICKS
- BEST NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONE: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Headphones
- BEST OVER-EAR HEADPHONE: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 Wireless Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones
- BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONE: Jabra Elite 75t Earbuds
1. BEST NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONE: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Headphones
- Industry Leading noise cancellation—two CPUs manage eight microphones for unparalleled noise suppression. Auto NC Optimizer automatically improves noise cancellation based on your appearance and surroundings.
- With the new Integrated Processor V1 has expertly developed magnificent sound.
- Quick charging can extend battery life to 30 hours (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback)
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The latest flagship headphones from Sony are the best all-rounders, providing excellent noise-cancelling, outstanding sound quality, comfort, simple controls, and many unique features. So basically the same as what the earlier XM4s did.
These Sonys provide for a confident, convincing, and delightful listening experience. The low frequencies are powerful but elegant, the highs are controlled, and a ton of detail is present throughout the frequency range. Noise cancellation, a hallmark of the XM series, virtually eliminates all outside noise, and the superb Sony Headphones Connect app lets you customize your audio to your preferences.
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2. BEST OVER-EAR HEADPHONE: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 Wireless Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones
- Innovative design for the 40mm drive unit FEA-optimized for sharper imaging and more excellent resolution
- Redesigned more prominent voice coil and new, more powerful motor system for reduced distortion
- Each earcup's drivers are positioned to provide a consistent, more natural, and immersive soundstage.
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The price of the Sony and the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 over-ear headphones is the same. They are well-made, comfortable, and, depending on your taste, either subtly attractive or a little too subtly attractive for their good. They offer an app for control and active noise cancellation, but "extended functionality" is not their strong suit.
Everything in the frequency spectrum fits together nicely; nothing is overemphasized or tries too hard to be represented—clean, constant, and ultimately persuading tone. Several options are available if you want every wireless headphone feature known to man. However, the Px7 S2 must be considered if you want headphones that maximize the digital audio information you provide. They work as intended, providing the most extraordinary wireless sound this kind of money can buy.
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3. BEST WIRELESS HEADPHONE: Jabra Elite 75t Earbuds
- WIRELESS EARBUDS - Jabra Elite 75t is designed to fit; Making and receiving calls is always a pleasure, wherever you are, thanks to improved 4-microphone call technology that blocks out wind and other background noises.
- COMPACT COMFORT - The Jabra Elite 75t includes a new compact form that offers the perfect fit for any ear, while the ergonomic shape makes them incredibly comfortable. Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity Bluetooth profiles HSP v1.2, HFP v1.7, A2DP v1.3, AVRCP v1.6, and SPP v1.2 are all supported.
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Sweat absorption is one of many underrated benefits, and fitness enthusiasts will adore the dependable comfort and fit they offer. Jabra discovered a way to enhance our preferred wireless earphones by cramming a ton of performance into a smaller waterproof design. In addition to having longer battery life and more superb audio quality than AirPods Pro, the Elite Active 75t's charging case also feels more durable and holds more portable power.
Any shortcomings of the Elite 75t, such as call quality and support for digital assistants, have also been addressed. The buds constantly deliver precise detail and warm, vibrant instrumentals and vocals that can also be adjusted for a custom sound using unique features via the companion app.
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OTHER CHOICES
- BEST CHOICE (Under $300): Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
- BEST CHOICE (Under $400): Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones
- BEST CHOICE (Above $400): beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio Headphones
The prices of the products are just right at the moment when we check. They are subject to changes by the Seller, so some may be slightly different from those found on Amazon when you see them. Please note that they are just for reference. If you want to know the exact price, don't hesitate to check Amazon.
Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds - Apple H1 Headphone Chip, Class 1 Bluetooth Headphones, 9 Hours of Listening Time, Sweat Resistant, Built-in Microphone - Black
View on Amazon- SCORE9.2AI Score
H Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandBeats
- Prime
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Noise-Cancelling, with Alexa Voice Control - Black
View on Amazon- SCORE9.4AI Score
H Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandBose
Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones - Apple W1 Headphone Chip, Class 1 Bluetooth, 40 Hours of Listening Time, Built-in Microphone - Rose Gold (Latest Model)
View on Amazon- SCORE9.4AI Score
H Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandBeats
- Prime
Kids Headphones - noot products K11 Foldable Stereo Tangle-Free 3.5mm Jack Wired Cord On-Ear Headset for Children/Teens/Boys/Girls/Smartphones/School/Kindle/Airplane Travel/Plane/Tablet (Navy/Teal)
View on Amazon- SCORE9.4AI Score
H Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- Brandnoot products
- Prime
- SCORE9.2AI Score
H Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandBose
- Prime
Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones - Apple W1 Headphone Chip, Class 1 Bluetooth, 22 Hours of Listening Time, Built-in Microphone - Matte Black (Latest Model)
View on Amazon- SCORE9.4AI Score
H Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandBeats
- Prime
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH710N: Wireless Bluetooth Over the Ear Headset with Mic for Phone-Call, Black
View on Amazon- SCORE8.8AI Score
H Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandSony
- Prime
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones. Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Spatial Audio, Digital Crown for Volume Control. Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone - Silver
View on Amazon- SCORE9.2AI Score
H Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandApple
- Prime
Beats EP Wired On-Ear Headphones - Battery Free for Unlimited Listening, Built in Mic and Controls - Red
View on Amazon- SCORE9.2AI Score
H Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandBeats
- Prime
Soundcore by Anker Life Q20+ Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, 40H Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, Soundcore App, Connect to 2 Devices, Memory Foam Earcups, Bluetooth Headphones for Travel, Home Office
View on Amazon- SCORE9.2AI Score
H Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our AI Consumer Report tool based upon the data collected. This score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturer or sales agent websites. Learn more
- BrandSoundcore
- Prime
Last update on 2024-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Several elements come into play when looking for the best headphones, but your choice should always be based on the intended use. Having stated that, before choosing any combination, you should consider the following factors.
1. Design
Design typically comes first in all situations. Are in-ear, on-ear, or over-ear headphones what you're looking for? Wireless or wired? Luxury or athletic? Whatever style you pick, make sure the headphones are sturdy, portable, and comfortable enough to use for a daily wearing time of between one and two hours. It would help if you had something that fits your lifestyle because these headphones will be worn numerous times.
2. Audio quality
Different models have different sounds, and since you're buying a pair of headphones to listen to the music separately, it's crucial to find a pair that matches your taste in sound. Some models include customized audio with a companion app that allows users to design their profiles and adjust the EQ levels to suit their hearing.
3. Battery life
Most high-end wireless headphones have battery life ratings of 15 hours or more. Always make sure one is included. Wireless earbuds have a battery life of 5 to 10 hours and offer more extended playtime with their supplied charging cases.
4. Accessories
Accessories are equally crucial, particularly for wired models (the manufacturer must include the aux cable). The best headphones to buy are those with a carrying case, charging cable, user manual, and extra ear cups or tips.
1. Are wired headphones preferable to wireless ones?
In general, wired headphones produce sound quality superior to wireless headphones. However, there have been so many improvements in audio technology recently that it is unlikely you will hear a difference with many of the best wireless headphones.
For this reason, we frequently advise audiophiles to stick with wired headphones. However, it will largely depend on the personal preference of everyone else. Wireless headphones are a better option if they suit you and are more practical. Investing in a nice pair won't miss any sound quality.
2. What is the top-selling brand of headphones?
There isn't a single ideal headphone brand available. Everything depends on your budget, audio requirements, desired features, and even the comfort or appearance of the headphones.
Because of this, we have a wide selection of headphones with various price points and feature sets. There is something for everyone, so even while large brands like Sony and Bose might stick out the most, you shouldn't count out the others.