Are you looking for a great set of best headphones? The Sony WH-1000XM4 are, in our opinion, the best headphones for most people.
These headphones mades it to the top of our best wireless headphones and best noise canceling headphones roundups because to their combination of top audio quality, excellent noise cancellation, and trustworthy wireless operation. That’s right, they’re that good.
We’re confident that the Sony WH-1000XM4 will be an excellent pick for most people, but if you need other options, we’ve got you covered. We’ve found a few more models, each with its own set of advantages, whether they’re for use during a workout or simply to save your credit card from overworking itself.
WH-1000XM4 (Sony)
The best headphones of all time
Pros
- Extremely comfortable
- High-quality sound
- Superior noise cancellation
- good call quality
- good battery life
- Multi-device pairing through Bluetooth
- Convenient, adaptable features
Cons
- There is no aptX or aptX HD.
Why should you buy them? They provide great wireless sound, plush comfort, and superb noise cancellation.
Who they’re for: Anyone looking for a top-tier wireless experience while also enjoying the ability to silence the world around them.
Why picked we go with the Sony WH-1000XM4?
The fourth generation of Sony’s premium wireless best headphones, the WH-1000XM4, is technologically advanced (following the excellent WH-1000XM3, WH-1000XM2, and MDR-1000X models). They include top-of-the-line noise cancellation, high-quality wireless audio, and velvety comfort. This enticing combination earned the model an rare five-star rating in our initial review, and makes the latest version the best headphones you can buy, thanks to a few notable improvements.
Outstanding wireless sound lies at the heart of the WH-1000xM4. Sony’s LDAC technology offers a wireless signal three times the quality of regular Bluetooth streaming when paired with an Android device, according to the company. The firm has discontinued support for the aptX and aptX HD Bluetooth codecs, which was a feature of the previous 1000XM3, but we wouldn’t lose about it. SBC, AAC, &, of course, LDAC, which is one of 2 Bluetooth codecs that has been validated as hi-res compatible, are still supported by the headphones.
Sony claims that the noise-canceling technology in the 1000XM4 has been made, particularly when dealing with mid- to high-frequency sounds such as human conversations. Our testers didn’t notice much of a change between this model and the previous XM3, but that’s because the prior model’s noise cancelling was already great. It’s too close to call when compared to Bose’s Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, as both are fantastic.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 has made a number of revisions, including:
- Bluetooth multidevice capability, allowing you to take a call on your phone and then continue watching a YouTube video on your computer.
- When you take the best headphones from your ears, sensors immediately pause the music.
- When the XM4 detects that you’re speaking, it automatically switches to ambient mode.
- Increased comfort when wearing headphones for extended periods of time
Even though the Sony WH-1000XM4 is fantastic, if you can find a set of WH-1000XM3 for $50 to $100 or more, grab them before they’re gone!
Looking for an alternative for the WH-1000XM4? The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones-700 are light and comfy to wear, and they have excellent noise cancellation and call quality. They’re better for business travellers, but they’re also a great option for everyday use.
Elite 7 Pro by Jabra
Overall, the best wireless earbuds
Pros
- Extremely comfortable
- Excellent sound quality
- Superior call quality
- good anti-corruption and transparency
- Long-lasting battery
- Charging using wireless technology
- A plethora of personalization choices
- Excellent water/dust resistance
Cons
- None
Why you should buy them: The Elite 7 Pro have it all, from top-notch sound to noise-cancellation and a slew of other great features, and they do it all at a reasonable price.
Who they’re for: Anyone looking for a set of high-quality, comfortable earbuds.
The following are the reasons why we picked the Jabra Elite 7 Pro:
The Sony WF-1000XM4 was our previous pick in this category, and we still adore Sony’s premium earbuds. We were blown away when Jabra released the Elite 7 Pro, which has a feature set that is as good as — and in some cases, better than — the XM4 and costs less. We gave the Elite 7 Pro a rare 10/10 rating in our review because it does so much and does it so well.
What is it about them thats makes them so good? Let’s begin with the fundamentals. Jabra has always mades some of the most comfortable earbuds on the market, and the Elite 7 Pro adds even more refinements that make them even more comfortable. They make your ears feel “full,” as do practically all in-ear buds, but it’s a cosy sense rather than a suffocating one. Jabra has also increased the level of water resistance. The Elite 7 Pro are best headphones effectively waterproof & dustproof, with an IP57 rating, so you don’t have to worry about workouts, rain, showers, or even brief submersion in water.
Wireless charging is now standard on the Elite 75t and Elite Active 75t, which was previously an optional upgrade. The earbuds’ battery life has also been improved, with up to eight hours of play time per charge and up to 30 hours of total play time when the charging case is used. If you’re in a hurry, a five-minute charge will buy you an extra hour of use.
The buds’ transparency mode and active noise cancellation (ANC) are both outstanding, giving you a high level of awareness of your surroundings, whether for additional safety or casual discussions. You can also use a best headphones second side-tone option to better hear your own voice during calls.
One of the most significant upgrades to the Elite 7 Pro is its ability to provide ultra-clear calls in a range of settings, including ones with a lot of background noise or wind. They’re without a doubt one of the best genuine wireless earbuds for making phone calls.
While the sound quality isn’t quite as immersive as the Sony WF-1000XM4, it’s still excellent, especially for the price, and the Jabra app allows you to fine-tune the EQ to your preferences. They don’t have as much bass as the Elite 75t, but unless you just listen to hip hop, rap, or EDM, their well-balanced sound will suit a wider range of music genres.
While we’re on the subject of personalization, the Jabra app offers a plethora of options. You can modify the ANC and transparency levels, as well as the behaviour of each of the controls and your favourite voice assistant. There’s also an fit test to help you figure out what size ear tips you need, as well as a “find my earbuds” option if you lose one or both earbuds.
The Elite 7 Pro has been updated with Bluetooth multipoint, which was previously unavailable, as of January 2022. This means that the only thing these buds can’t do is provide best headphones hands-free wake-word access for voice assistants..
1More Triple Driver
Best wired earbuds for less than $100
Digital Trends/Nick Woodard
RPT-01 Sport Headphones by Adidas
For workouts, the best
Pros
- Battery life of 40 hours
- Waterproof grade of IPX4
- Sturdy construction
- Controls that are simple to use
Cons
- Inconsistent setup instructions
- Form-fitting
- Limited audio range
Why you should buy them: Workouts or sweaty affairs, and these headphones are built to withstand them.
Athletes seeking for a set of headphones that can keep up with their strenuous workout regimens.
Why picked we choose the Adidas RPT-01?
There are a lot of great true wireless earbuds for workouts, such as the Powerbeats Pro and Sony’s WF-SP800N, but there are less options if you want a set of over-ear or on-ear headphones made exclusively for workouts. The Adidas RPT-01 is one of the best.
These cans aren’t going to win any awards in terms of pure technology or audiophilia. They lack ANC, transparency, and wear sensors, and you’re unlikely to use them for important listening sessions. But that’s fine since the RPT-01 has everything you need to get you through the roughest of workouts, whether it’s at the gym or on your regular run.
The removable and washable cloth covers for the ear cushions and headband are its major selling point. When it comes to workouts, perspiration is an unavoidable aspect of the process. Most headphones, on the other hand, aren’t made for this situation, and they surely aren’t designed to absorb sweat. Adidas understands that its clients aren’t out for a Sunday stroll, therefore the RPT-01 is ready for anything.
That also applies to their ability to deal with rain. With an IPX4 certification, they’ll readily withstand the occasional deluge if your workout necessitates it. Their light but sturdy headband frame can generate a lot of clamping power, which, paired with the fabric wrap, keeps the RPT-01 rock firmly on your head. They were almost too snug for our reviewer’s large head, but on balance, we think that’s a good thing.
With these headphones, you may utilise your favourite voice assistant, and the joystick-like multifunction button on the right earcup best headphones provides quick and easy access to all major features such as play/pause, track skip, and call answer/end. Even better, the RPT-01’s large 40-hour battery life means you’ll never have to stop working out before you’re ready.
As we mentioned earlier, the Adidas RPT-01 aren’t the best headphones for uncovering hidden intricacies in your favourite cans, but they excel at producing deep, powerful bass. Whether you’re attempting a personal best in powerlifting or running your 12th mile, that powerful low-end will provide you with the beats you need to push yourself a bit farther.
RPT-01 Sport Headphones by Adidas
For workouts, the best
Sennheiser
HD 560s Sennheiser
The best in terms of music
Pros
- Awe-inspiring, lifelike sound
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Excellent construction quality
- Insane price
Cons
- Unsuitable for noisy environments
Why you should buy them: Legendary audiophile sound quality in a comfortable style that is also surprisingly inexpensive.
That they’re for: Those who take their music listening seriously and want a set of headphones that won’t let them down.
Why picked we go for the Sennheiser HD 560S?
Nothing beats a good pair of open-back headphones, according to audiophiles, if you’re enthusiastic about music and have a listening location that’s relatively free of outside noise.
The Sennheiser HD 560S are our favourite open-back headphones because they’re built to the same audiophile standards as our previous pick, the HD 6XX/HD 650, but with angled drivers that do a better job of recreating the sound of in-room speakers.
Sennheiser considers these to be homestudio critical listening cans, therefore the accompanying detachable cable has a 1/4-inch headphone socket, but there’s also a 1/4-inch to 3.5mm adapter for usage with smartphones and other media playback devices. It’s also worth mentioning that the Sennheiser HD 560S is the only selection on this list that doesn’t offer voice calls or remote control of phone or media player functions such as play/pause.
“Warm and rigid bass, an midrange that dips close to the ruddy colours of analogue tape saturation (without sacrificing an ounce of detail), and a laser tight response up top that helps illuminate vivid clarity and granular instrumental texture across the board,” we observed in our time with these amazing cans.
If that sounds like the kinds of performance you’re looking for in a set of headphones, we believe the Sennheiser HD is the way to go; you can absolutely spend more to attain this level of quality, but you don’t have to.
HD 560s Sennheiser
The best in terms of music
Apple AirPods Max are an pair of wireless headphones designed by Apple.
The best iPhone apps
Pros
- Top-of-the-line ANC
- Exceptional transparency mode
- High-quality construction
- High-quality sound
- Excellent call quality
Cons
- Uses a Lightning cable to charge
- Excessive weight on the head
Why you should buy them: A wonderfully designed set of wireless headphones with class-leading ANC, transparency, and call quality, as well as outstanding sound.
Who they’re for: iPhone users looking for the best wireless headphones for the money.
The following are the reasons why we picked the Apple AirPods Max:
At $549, the AirPods Max are somewhat expensive. If you’re on a tighter budget, the $249 AirPods Pro might be a better option; before the Max debuted, they were our top pick in this category.
However, now that the AirPods Max have arrived, we must report that we are quite impressed. The quality of the design, materials, and construction alone is almost worth the price of entry. Apple has once again paid close attention to the smallest of details, resulting in a set of headphones that are both remarkably basic and extremely high-tech.
All of the elements move together with undetectable, clockwork-like precision, and the aluminium earcups and stainless steel headband sliders feel amazing in your hands. The mesh cloth on the uniquely formed headband almost completely eliminates pressure spots, and the ear cushions are extremely comfortable.
Apple’s repurposed digital crown from the Apple Watch is surprisingly good as a combined control, allowing you to adjust volume with far more precision than a set of buttons. The separate ANC/transparency mode button is very easy and intuitive to operate.
When it comes to ANC and transparency, Apple has smashed it out of the park. Our reviewer said the transparency was so good that he foundn’t even notice he was wearing the headphones. When these cans are paired with an iPhone or an Apple TV 4K, you can experience head-tracking spatial audio, which is similar to sitting in a full surround sound home theatre but without any actual speakers.
While not quites as good as the Sony WH-1000XM4, the sound quality is very near. We believe that few people who try both will feel compelled to choose the XM4.
With the AirPods Max, though, this isn’t the case. The Max are far heavier than any other headphones on our list, and while they are comfy for a couple of hours, we believe that with all of that weight on their heads, people will become exhausted.
Another flaw is the provided carry case, if you can call it that. It doesn’t completely protect the headphones, and it doesn’t make packing them in a backpack or suitcase any easier. However, utilising anything else isn’t really an option because the AirPods Max’s internal magnets are required to push them into ultra-low-power mode — there’s no other way to turn them off.
With an battery life of 20 hours, the AirPods Max won’t win any endurance awards, but it’ll get you through all but the longest flights.
Apple AirPods Max
The best iPhone apps
Galaxy Buds 2 (Samsung)
Android’s best
Pros
- Compact
- Comfortable
- ANC that works
- Excellent audio sound
- Powerful Battery
Cons
- Inconvenient touch controllers
- There are an lot of features that are only available on Android.
Why you should buy them: They are comfy, sound great, and come with a lot of features for a low price.
Who they’re for: Android consumers looking for the perfect companion to their smartphones and tablets.
The following are the reasons why we picked the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2:
As true wireless earbuds become more common, the challenge is to find a pair with the features you desire at a price you can afford. Samsung has always done an great job with this formula, and it continues to add new features to its Galaxy true wireless earbuds while keeping pricing low. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 are the company’s most recent effort, and they fall between between the Galaxy Buds+ and the Galaxy Buds Pro in terms of features and price.
Despite having a similar form as the Galaxy Buds+ and Pro, the Buds 2 are significantly smaller, resulting in a highly comfortable fit. Our reviewer called them “among the most comfortable wireless earbuds I’ve ever worn,” and the charging case is also fairly compact, making the entire item incredibly pocketable.
Both USB-C and Qi-standard wireless charging are supported by this case. You can use your Androids phone to charge the charging case if it supports reverse wireless charging. The battery life is on par with other true wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation: 5 hours per earbud, with an additional 15 hours in the case. That’s with ANC enabled. Turning it off reduces the time to 7.5 hours and 29 hours, respectively.
The Galaxy Buds 2 have a good sound quality. The EQ has a bass-forward quality to it, and Samsung’s Galaxy Wearable app allows you choose from a variety of EQ presets if you don’t like it. We also found that both the noise cancellation and transparency modes are equally capable, even if they fall short of some of Samsung’s claims. Outside noise will be reduced by 98 percent, according to the marketing sounds. That may be overly hopeful.
The one caveat we don’t suggest the Galaxy Buds 2 is because of their touch controls. They’re responsive, which is good, but when combined with the earbuds’ small size, it’s impossible to avoid accidentally activating the controls when inserting, withdrawing, or simply adjusting the buds in your ears.
In the Wearable app, you can change or disable these controls, but this is also why we recommend the Galaxy Buds 2 to Android users: the Wearable app isn’t available for iOS, so iPhone users will miss out on advanced features like the built-in fit test, quick switching between devices, and compatibility with Samsung’s smartwatches.
Despite this little issue, we believe the Galaxy Buds 2 will love to the majority of Android users.
Looking for a different alternative? The Google Pixel Buds A-Series, which were previously our top pick in this category, don’t include ANC or transparency, but they’re $50 less expensive and quite comfortable.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
Android’s best
Mobius, Audeze
For gaming, the best
Pros
- High-quality sound
- Wireless and wired connectivity
- Volume control for the microphone and sound
- 3D head-tracking immersion
Cons
- Expensive
Why should you buy it: It does everything properly, connects to everything, and offers a plethora of features.
Who they’re for: Specifically, PC gamers who want 3D and 7.1 surround sound tailored to the games they play.
Why picked we choose the Audeze Mobius?
The Audeze Mobius (pronounced odd-eh-see) is the kind of headset you buy when you have a lot of money and a lot of things on your wish list. The Mobius is a $400 7.1 surround sound headset with near-unparalleled quality that works with PC, Mac, and consoles. The Mobius deserves its top-dollar price with similarly premium performance, from how it feels on your head to how you interpret game audio across many genres.
The Mobius features Bluetooth or cable connectivity, as well as a fantastic 10 hours of play per charge and two separate toggle switches for controlling mic and headphone volume. It also offers seven distinct EQ presets to accommodate various audio requirements for various game genres. In first-person shooters, for example, you can prioritise footfall to give an advantage.
Its 3D mode aligns your audio experience with your screen, allowing sounds to originate from their source in your video game when you turn your head in proportion to the perspective of your ears in real space. It can detect sound sources and track your head up to 1000 times per second, changing them dynamically as you move.
Aside from that feature, the pure sound quality is fantastic, and while you’ll get the best quality from a Bluetooth or USB wired connection (the 3.5mm jack in a console controller doesn’t get as loud as we’d like, and won’t remember your audio settings when you turn them off), audio is fantastic through the Mobius, and your voice will be well transmitted to your teammates in competitive gaming.
Aside from the extensive list of features and modifications available, the Mobius is also quite light and comfortable to wear. It has a memory foam headband and removable contoured memory foam earpads to help you relax throughout long gaming sessions.
Because the microphone is removable, the Audeze Mobius can be used for other audio activities such as wirelessly listening to music or watching TV, which we highly recommend. The Audeze Mobius is our top pick for a quality gaming headset, despite its hefty price tag.
Audeze Mobius
For gaming, the best
On-Ear Active Noise Cancelling Headphones by PuroQuiet
For kids, the best
Pros
- Noise cancellation that works
- Volume control (85db)
- Perfect size for children’s heads
- Excellent sound quality
- good battery life
Cons
- A little on the costly side for children’s headphones
Why should you buy them? The PuroQuiet shields your kids from dangerously high sound levels while also cancelling out extraneous sounds.
Parents who want to provides their kids with high-quality headphones without exposing them to loud sounds will find them useful.
Why picked we go with the Puro PuroQuiet?
Is it possible to have noise cancellation for kids? Isn’t this implying that they’ll disregard their parents even more than they currently do? Perhaps, but if it means your children’s hearing will be safeguarded in the long run, it’s a risk worth taking. The Puro PuroQuiet headphones are built on this idea.
They’re not only wireless and sound great, but they also have a software limiter that keeps the volume at or below 85dB, which is the maximum volume that anyone (particularly children) should be exposed to for extended periods of time. Above that level, kids are at danger of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Because of the noise-canceling feature, they’ll be able to listen at lower (and hence safer) volumes.
These headphones have a non-ANC playtime of roughly 35 hours (23 hours with ANC), which is excellent even by adult ANC headset standards, but you may also use an analogue wire instead. The noise cancelling can-be turned on and off using an external switch. Without a doubt, these are geared at children, but the quality of construction, materials used, and colour choices give them a timeless appeal that will appeal to your young charges long after they’ve outgrown their Disney period (which some of us haven’t yet).
The Puro PuroQuiet are not the cheapest kids’ headphones on the market, but they are extremely competitively priced for what they offer. We believe that your children’s ears are worth it.
Like the PuroQuiet concept but need something a little bigger? Check a look at the PuroPro. Do you want to limit the level without using active noise cancellation? Check a look at Happy Plugs Play.
