I’ve tested hundreds of headphones for CNET and these are my current top over-ear and in-ear picks, from swanky premium options that cost $700 to value budget models that cost under $
I’ve been testing all kinds of headphones for over 10 years — from over-ear headphones to noise-canceling earbuds to workout-friendly headphones to earbuds with open designs. But this best list represents the best of the best from all of our best headphones and earbuds lists at CNET. I’ve personally tested or reviewed every pick on this list. Recent standouts include the Sony WH-1000XM6, Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 and Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC.
What are the best headphones overall?
With so many different great headphones, it’s hard to declare one model better than all the others. That said, the new Sony WH-1000XM6 received a CNET Editors’ Choice award in May of 2025 and sits at the top of this list, making it our current pick for best overall wireless noise-canceling headphone. While we have a few wired headphones on this list, if sound quality is your biggest priority and you’re OK with a strictly corded headphone, check out more standout wired options our list of best wired headphones for audiophiles. Our top wired picks include the Sony MDR-M1 and the Sennheiser HD 505.
Compare headphones
Need to compare specs? Check out our convenient comparison chart to evaluate key features across all the headphones on this list, including battery life, noise canceling ability, water resistance, weight and Bluetooth specifications.
| Product | Form factor | Single-charge battery life | Noise canceling | Water-resistant | Weight | Bluetooth multipoint | Bluetooth version | Audio codecs supported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Over-ear | Up to 40 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | No | 254 grams | Yes | Bluetooth 5.3 | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Over-ear | Up to 24 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | No | 254 grams | Yes | Bluetooth 5.3 | SBC, AAC, AptX Adaptive |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Over-ear | Up to 36 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | No | 249 grams | Yes | Bluetooth 5.2 | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) | In-ear | Up to 6 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | Yes (IP54 splash-proof and dust-resistant) | 5.3 grams (per bud) | Yes (Apple devices only) | Bluetooth 5.3 | SBC, AAC |
| Sony WF-1000XM5 | In-ear | Up to 12 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | Yes (IPX4 splash-proof) | 5.9 grams (per bud) | Yes | Bluetooth 5.3 | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds | In-ear | Up to 6 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | Yes (IPX4 splash-proof) | 7.1 grams (per bud) | Yes | Bluetooth 5.3 | SBC, AAC, LC3, AptX Adaptive |
| Apple AirPods Max | Over-ear | Up to 20 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | No | 386 grams | Yes (Apple devices only) | Bluetooth 5.0 | SBC, AAC |
| Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 | In-ear | Up to 10 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | Yes (IPX4 splash-proof) | 8.7 grams (per bud) | Yes | Bluetooth 5.3 | SBC, AAC |
| Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 | In-ear | Up to 12 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | Yes (IPX4 splash-proof) | 5.6 grams (per bud) | Yes | Bluetooth 5.4 | SBC, AAC |
| Sonos Ace | Over-ear | Up to 30 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | No | 312 grams | Yes | Bluetooth 5.4 | SBC, AAC, AptX Lossless, AptX Adaptive, AptX Adaptive Low Latency, AptX HD |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | In-ear | Up to 7 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | Yes (IP54 splash-proof and dust-resistant) | 5.4 grams (per bud) | Yes | Bluetooth 5.4 | SBC, AAC, SSC UHQ |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless | Over-ear | Up to 60 hours | Yes (ANC) | Yes (IP54 splash-proof and dust-resistant) | 293 grams | Yes | Bluetooth 5.2 | SBC, AAC, AptX Adaptive |
| Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Over-ear | Up to 25 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | No | 236 grams | Yes | Bluetooth 5.1 | SBC, AAC |
| Sony CH-720N | Over-ear | Up to 50 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | No | 192 grams | Yes | Bluetooth 5.2 | SBC, AAC |
| Beats Studio Pro | Over-ear | Up to 40 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | No | 260 grams | Yes | Bluetooth 5.3 | SBC, AAC |
| Sony MDR-M1 | Over-ear | Not battery powered | No | No | 216 grams | No (wired connection) | NA | Up to 80 kHz (analog) |
| QCY H3 Pro | Over-ear | Up to 55 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | No | 231 grams | Yes | Bluetooth 5.4 | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Edifier W830NB | Over-ear | Up to 94 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | No | 265 grams | Yes | Bluetooth 5.4 | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Sennheiser Accentum Plus | Over-ear | Up to 50 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | No | 227 grams | Yes | Bluetooth 5.2 | SBC, AAC, AptX, AptX Adaptive |
| Noble Fokus Apollo | Over-ear | Up to 80 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | No | 327 grams | Yes | Bluetooth 5.3 | SBC, AAC, LDAC, AptX, AptX HD |
| Focal Bathys | Over-ear | Up to 30 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | No | 350 grams | Yes | Bluetooth 5.1 | SBC, AAC, AptX, AptX Adaptive |
| Technics EAH-AZ100 | In-ear | Up to 12 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | Yes (IPX4 splash-proof) | 5.9 grams (per bud) | Yes | Bluetooth 5.3 | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
| Earfun Wave Pro | Over-ear | Up to 80 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | No | 266 grams | Yes | Bluetooth 5.3 | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 | Over-ear | Up to 30 hours (ANC off) | Yes (ANC) | No | 300 grams | Yes | Bluetooth 5.3 | AAC, SBC, AptX Adaptive, AptX Lossless |
Factors to consider when choosing headphones
Budget and performance
Before anything else, you’ll want to figure out how much you’re willing to spend on new headphones. A quick tip — consider the price-to-performance ratio rather than just the lowest price. Entry level models ($30-$80) typically offer decent sound but fewer premium features. Mid-range options ($80-$150) balance sound quality with features like basic ANC, a better build and water- and dust- resistance (IP ratings) for portable models. Premium headphones ($150-$300+) deliver superior sound engineering, advanced noise cancellation, extended battery life for wireless models and other specialized features like planar magnetic drivers or high-resolution audio support. Determine which features matter most for your specific use cases — commuting, exercise, professional calls, audiophile listening or gaming — and invest accordingly rather than paying for features you may not use.
Noise cancellation
Active noise cancellation technology uses microphones and special processors to generate anti-noise that neutralizes any ambient sound. Adaptive ANC automatically adjusts to your environment, while adjustable systems let you control noise cancellation levels manually. Some premium models offer specialized noise cancellation for different environments (airplanes, traffic noise, ambient chatter). Over-ear headphones typically provide the best ANC performance due to larger drivers and sealed ear cups, while on-ear models offer less isolation than their on- and in-ear counterparts. If you know you’ll be listening in busier environments, look for headphones with ANC. Do keep in mind that active noise cancellation can limit both battery life and sound quality, so if you’re hoping to salvage those, look for headphones that advertise a natural-sounding transparency mode that allows ambient sound in without digital artifacts.
Battery life
If you’re eyeing some wireless headphones and expect to be using them for long stretches of time, be sure to consider the battery life. True wireless earbuds typically offer 5-12 hours on a single change, while over-ear wireless headphones can provide 20-60+ hours. Both models’ battery life depends largely on feature usage, with ANC reducing battery life by about 20-30%. If you’re crunched for time, look for fast-charging capabilities that offer at least 1 hour of playback from 5-10 minutes of charging. Also consider battery degradation — like any battery-powered device, expect maximum battery capacity to drop up to 80% from its original specifications after several charge cycles. Make sure the typical length of your listening sessions is in line with the battery life of the model you choose.
General features
Today’s headphones are often jam-packed with features that can make a huge difference in your listening habits. If you want the best sound possible, advanced codec support impacts audio quality substantially. Look for AAC compatibility for Apple devices, or aptX Adaptive or LDAC for Android. Many headphones offer on-model controls for those looking for easy ways to switch songs, adjust volume or answer calls. Control interfaces vary from touch-sensitive panels to physical buttons, rotary dials and voice commands. Microphone arrays with beamforming technology and AI noise suppression dramatically improve call quality, with over-ear models often featuring detachable boom mics for gaming. Companion apps offer customizable EQ settings, firmware updates and additional features like spatial audio or gaming modes to keep your headphones’ features in one spot. Consider how you plan to use your headphones and choose the features best suited to your needs.
Durability
You want headphones that hold up well over time, so look for models that I note have sturdy build quality. Construction materials can impact longevity — premium models use reinforced plastics, aluminum or even carbon fiber components to keep them safe from scratches and dents. For portable models, consider foldable designs with reinforced hinges and quality carrying cases. Water resistance is especially relevant for earbuds and sports-oriented headphones, with ratings from IPX4 (splash-resistant) to IP68 (fully dust- and waterproof). Over-ear headphones should have durable headband padding, sturdy adjustment mechanisms and hinges and replaceable ear pads for long-term comfort. If you’re looking for a pair with wired connectivity, be sure to look for detachable cables with reinforced connectors. Also consider your portability needs: frequent travel or long commutes calls for compact, folding designs, while larger, less portable models can work for home or otherwise stationary use.
Form factor and design
The physical design of your headphones can have a major impact on your listening experience. Earbuds or in-ear models offer the best portability and are usually best for exercise and commuting and can provide excellent noise isolation when properly fitted. Still, their portability means they are most susceptible to loss and damage and the in-ear design may cause ear fatigue during long listening sessions. On-ear headphones sit on your ears and balance portability with sound quality – they’re more comfortable than earbuds for longer sessions while remaining relatively compact, though they may not seal as well and can create pressure points on your head and ears over time. Over-ear headphones surround your ears completely, typically delivering the best sound quality and comfort. They excel at noise cancellation and often house larger drivers for superior bass response and a larger sound stage, but they’re bulkier and less portable.
Connection type can make a big difference, too. Wired headphones offer consistent, superior audio quality without battery concerns, lower latency for gaming and often better value at each price point, though they limit mobility and cables can wear over time. Wireless models provide freedom of movement and convenience, with many offering both connection options for flexibility. True wireless earbuds eliminate cables entirely, however have the shortest battery life and are easiest to misplace without a cable or headband connecting the buds together. Consider your primary use cases – portable convenience, home listening or professional use – to determine the best form factor and connectivity for your needs.
Fit and comfort
Proper fit is critical for sound quality and long-term comfort. For earbuds, look for models with different ear tip sizes (typically S/M/L) in different materials (silicone for durability, memory foam for comfort and isolation) to help achieve the proper fit. If you plan on running or otherwise heavy movement in your earbuds, look for wingtips — sometimes called sport fins — that lock the buds in your ears. Over-ear and on-ear headphones require different considerations: adjustable headbands, adequate padding, appropriate clamping force and ear cups that accommodate different head sizes and ear shapes. Test for comfort during extended sessions – over-ear models should distribute weight evenly without creating pressure points, while on-ear designs should balance secure fit with minimal pressure. Consider heat buildup for closed-back designs and whether you prefer velour or leather ear pad materials.
Return policy
It’s critical to buy your headphones at a retailer that has a good return policy, in case they break or aren’t a good match for you and your listening needs. Manufacturer warranties typically range from 1-2 years, with premium brands often offering better customer service and replacement options. Research how companies handle common issues like driver failure, cable problems or charging defects for wireless models. Retailer return policies supplement manufacturer warranties — major electronics retailers typically allow 14-30 day returns, while specialized audio retailers sometimes offer more extended evaluation periods. If you’re on the quest for the perfect headphones, be sure to get a longer trial period to assess their performance.
How we test headphones
I follow CNET’s unbiased evaluation process for all of my headphones testing. In the CNET sound lab, I compare similarly styled and priced models side-by-side based on six key criteria: design, sound quality, noise-canceling performance, extra features, voice-calling and value.
Design
I first assess how comfortable the headphones fit (their ergonomics), typically testing each model for several hours across multiple days. For wireless earbuds, I test all included ear tip sizes (typically S/M/L) and evaluate their stability during movement or other physical activity. For over-ear and on-ear headphones, I examine headband padding, ear cup comfort, clamping force, heat buildup and how well they accommodate different head sizes and shapes during extended listening sessions.
Build quality assessments include stress testing case hinges and folding mechanisms, examining material durability and verifying IPX ratings, or dust- and water-resistance through exposure to appropriate environmental conditions, though this primarily applies to earbuds and select sports-oriented over-ear models. For over-ear headphones, I also assess cable quality and detachability, headband adjustment range and retention and the durability of any active components like buttons, noise cancellation controls or touch interfaces.
Sound quality
I evaluate sound quality and music experience by listening to a set playlist of music tracks specifically selected to evaluate different frequency ranges and acoustic characteristics:
| Frequency Range | Test Track | Acoustic Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-bass extension (20-60Hz) | Spoon’s “Knock Knock Knock” | Features sustained low-frequency content that tests earbuds’ ability to reproduce the deepest bass frequencies without distortion. The opening drum pattern and bass line provide excellent evaluation of sub-bass presence. |
| Mid-bass articulation (60-200Hz) | Drake’s “Passionfruit” | The prominent bass line throughout this track offers a perfect test for punch, attack, and control in the mid-bass region. The rhythmic foundation reveals how well earbuds handle bass definition and separation. |
| Lower-midrange clarity (200-500Hz) | The Doors’ “Touch Me – Take 3” | The foundational instruments in this track occupy the crucial lower-midrange, testing how earbuds handle the warmth and body of instruments without muddiness. Ray Manzarek’s keyboard parts are especially revealing. |
| Upper-midrange presence (500Hz-2kHz) | Taylor Swift’s “Vigilante Shit” | Vocals predominantly live in this frequency range, and Swift’s intimate vocal delivery provides an excellent reference for midrange clarity, presence, and articulation. The track also tests earbuds’ ability to maintain vocal intelligibility. |
| Lower-treble detail (2-8kHz) | Athletes of God’s “Don’t Wanna Be Normal” | Contains complex instrumental textures with significant content in the lower treble region, revealing how earbuds handle detail retrieval and instrumental separation without sibilance or harshness. |
| Upper-treble extension (8-20kHz) | Jvke’s “Golden Hour” | The atmospheric production and layered high-frequency content test earbuds’ ability to reproduce air, space, and the highest overtones. The track reveals limitations in high-frequency extension and resolution. |
| Dynamic range and transient response | Orbital’s “Dirty Rat” | The electronic production features sharp transients and significant dynamic contrasts, testing earbuds’ ability to handle micro-dynamics and maintain clarity during complex passages with multiple simultaneous elements. |
This includes testing how well earbuds seal in the ear canal versus how over-ear models create their acoustic environment, and assessing soundstage differences between open-back and closed-back designs where applicable.
Noise-canceling performance
I evaluate noise-canceling performance by wearing the headphones in the same spot indoors near a noisy HVAC unit to see how well they muffle lower frequencies (about 65dB of broadband noise). I then head out to the busy streets of New York City to use the headphones in a real-world environment, testing their performance in:
- Public transit environments, like buses, trains and subway platforms (85-90dB of variable noise)
- Busy street intersections for traffic and construction noise (45-70dB of line source noise)
- Areas with ambient chatter and voices (70-75dB of speech-dominated noise)
Each environment is tested several times. For over-ear headphones, I also evaluate passive noise isolation provided by the ear cup seal, while for earbuds I assess how different ear tip sizes affect noise blocking performance.
Extra features
Some great-sounding headphones aren’t loaded with features, but I do take into account what extra features are on board and test them accordingly. Modern features include everything from quick-access awareness to transparency modes (your music pauses and the headphones open up to the outside world so you can have a conversation). I test special sound modes like EQ customization, bass modes and spatial audio features, as well as the efficiency of ear-detection sensors that automatically pause your music when you take the headphones off of your ears. For over-ear models, I also evaluate features like quick-charge capabilities, wired/wireless flexibility and comfort-focused elements like auto-pause when lifting an ear cup. Bluetooth connectivity is tested by subjecting the headphones to a wireless range test or repeated device-switching if Bluetooth multipoint is included. I also take a look at the companion app for the headphones (if there is one) and test its user-friendliness across both mobile and desktop platforms where available..
Voice-calling performance
When I test voice-calling performance, I make calls in the noisy streets of New York and evaluate how well the headphones reduce background noise and how clearly callers can hear your voice. I assess their reaction to traffic noise and windy conditions for microphone performance. I assess microphone performance in response to traffic noise and windy conditions, testing both built-in microphones on wireless models and detachable boom mics on gaming-focused headphones where applicable. We also move between quiet and noisy environments to test their response, then collect feedback from call recipients about voice clarity and background noise reduction.
Value
Finally, I determine value after evaluating the strength of the headphones against all these criteria and what they’re able to deliver compared to other models in their price class. Great sounding, feature-packed headphones that offer a great bang for your buck earn top marks in this category.
Other headphones we tested
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: Bose has released its improved QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen), which means you’ll be able to find discounts on the original QC Ultra Earbuds. They feature excellent sound and previously best-in-class noise-canceling performance.
Bowers & Wilkins PX8: The swanky Bowers & Wilkins PX8 headphones feature 40mm Carbon Cone drive units that are “inspired” by the Carbon Dome drive units used in the company’s iconic 700 Series loudspeaker line. They look great and feature excellent sound. However, B&W has said to expect a next-gen “S2” version of the PX8 to arrive later this year that will likely offer significant improvements, particularly to noise-canceling and voice-calling performance give what we’ve seen the with the new-for-2025 PX7 S3.
Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: The AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation are simply special, but I still preferred the AirPods Pro 2, which are included on this list. They’re the first open buds I’ve tried to have active noise canceling that actually works, and they’re perfect for people who want ANC without having ear tips jammed in their ears. Want to check them out? Learn more about the model in my full AirPods 4 review.
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2: Once included on this list, Jabra has discontinued the 2024 Elite 8 Active Gen 2 after announcing it decided to gradually wind down the Jabra Elite product line. Still, we liked their incredible durability (they survived several drops without a scratch) and enhanced spatial sound powered by Dolby Audio. They make for great sport earbuds if you can get your hands on them. I have a full Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review if you’re still interested in the discontinued buds.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds have one of the most unusual designs of any earbuds I’ve tested over the last several years. They literally clip onto the side of your ears, kind of like earrings, and their open design has micro speakers that fire sound into your ears while still being able to hear what’s happening around you. While great, I found they had relatively niche use cases, which kept them off this list. Learn more about the novel model in my full Bose Ultra Open Earbuds review.
Anker Soundcore Space One: The Soundcore Space One by Anker are a good value for around $100, offering a strong feature set along with good sound quality and performance; still, they can’t compete sound-wise with many of the premium models on this list. They lack a bit of that natural, refined quality you look for in a great set of cans, so we kept them off.
Beats Solo 4: The $200 Beats Solo 4 are a great pair of on-ear headphones with a strong battery life, USB-C audio, and improved sound and voice-calling performance. Would I pay $200 for them? No, I wouldn’t. So they’re off this list for now, but keep an eye out for great deals that come around events and holidays. Read more about them in my full Beats Solo 4 review and see if they’re right for you.
