The 10 Best Headphone And Earbud Brands - Spring 2024: Reviews (2024)

Type Over-ear

Enclosure Closed-Back

Wireless Yes

Transducer Dynamic

Noise Cancelling Yes

Mic Yes

You've probably heard of Bose if you care about noise isolation. They'rewell-known for their powerful noise cancelling technology andmade their mark by producing the first commercial acoustic noise cancelling headset for pilots. Since then, they've updated and expanded their active noise cancelling (ANC) systems for consumer use.Most models fall under the QuietComfort line,and they've even widened their offerings to include home audio systems likesoundbarsandspeakers. Their headphones have powerful noise isolation performances with fairly neutral and balanced sound profiles. They've even produced a lineup of audio sunglasses with speakers built into the arms, so you can still listen to audio without blocking your ears.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra HeadphonesWirelessare thebest Bose headphoneswe've tested. These top-of-the-line over-ears have a powerful noise-filtering performance. Their ANC easily cuts down the low rumble of bus and plane engines, ambient chatter, and high-pitched sounds, like the whineof computer fans, so you can focus on your audio. With their ANC on, they last 29 hours continuously. They also support features like multi-device pairing, sound customization via their companion app, and aptX Adaptive codec, which dynamically adapts to your content to lower latency or improve audio quality.If you're looking for more portable headphones, try the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless. These earbuds have a similarly fantastic noise isolation performance but aren't quite as comfortable and don't support multi-device pairing.

Type Over-ear

Enclosure Closed-Back

Wireless Yes

Transducer Dynamic

Noise Cancelling Yes

Mic Yes

Sony is one of the largest electronics manufacturers in the world. Theymakeeverything fromcamerasandTVsto a broad line of headphones suited to diverse needs. Whether you're looking for noise cancelling over-ears to help cut down ambient sound during your commute,sports-oriented earbuds with great stability, or niche products like bassy headphones, Sonycanmeet your needs. Many Sony headphones are also compatible with the Sony | Headphones Connect app, which offers customization features like an EQ or button mapping. However, sorting through their large selection can be overwhelming, especially as there's a lot of overlap between models. Still, their high-end Bluetooth models are among the best we've tested, offering versatile performance for most users.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless are a solid choice if you prefer an over-ear fit. Although they're the previous generation of the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless, they offer a better overall noise isolation performance, thanks to their powerful ANC. They're also comfortable enough for long listening sessions and last over 37 hours continuously. With their companion app's graphic EQ and presets, you can tweak their bass-heavy sound to suit your tastes. If you prefer an in-ear fit, thebest Sony earbudswe've tested are the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless. These noise-cancelling Bluetooth in-ears are a great choice for on-the-go use, though they aren't quite as comfortable or as well-built as the over-ear alternative, and their battery life isn't as long-lasting.

Type In-ear

Enclosure Closed-Back

Wireless Truly Wireless

Transducer Dynamic

Noise Cancelling Yes

Mic Yes

Apple is an iconic American companyproducingconsumer electronics likespeakers, smartphones, and computers. Although their headphone lineup is much smaller than their competitors, their easily recognizable products have impacted the retail landscape. Their in-ears have a distinct, glossy white look that's been imitated by other manufacturers. They were also one of thebrands that pushed true wireless products into greater popularity when theyremoved the headphone jack from their iPhones. Apple is also the best earbuds brand if you're already integrated into the Apple ecosystem because theseproducts also boast a couple of extra features unique to iOS. Their wireless headphones have H1/H2 chips so that you can seamlessly pair them with iOS devices, and newer products support Spatial Audio on iOS/iPadOS 14 or later, which reorients sound as you move your head in a virtual surround sound. Althoughtheir companion interface lacks an EQ or presets, ifyou have an up-to-date iOS device, you can access sound customization features via the 'Accessibility' tab.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wirelessare thebest Apple headphoneswe've tested. These in-ears follow the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless and have an even better ANC system than the original. They can easily cut out noise from passing traffic and noisy coworkers. Their default sound profile is warm, with more bass than the original Pro and a balanced mix that's versatile enough for most genres of music. While their nearly six-hour continuous battery life is short, their carrying case holds four additional charges, and the buds go into standby mode when not in use. If you prefer over-ear headphones, you may want to consider the Apple AirPods Max Wireless, premium noise cancelling headphones with a sleek aluminum design. However, they're heavy and can be fatiguing for long listening sessions.

Type Over-ear

Enclosure Open-Back

Wireless No

Transducer Dynamic

Noise Cancelling No

Mic No

Sennheiser was originally established in Germany, and now with international hubs, their products arewell-reputed among musicians and audiophiles. They'rerenowned for theirlive music and music production equipment, like microphones and peripherals, but they also make a small selection of soundbars.The manufacturer's wide range of open-back headphones with good performance at various price points contributes to theirprestige. However,theyalso makeBluetooth models for more casual listening and dedicated TV headphones to enjoy your favorite shows wirelessly without sync issues. They make over- and in-ears but don't have many truly wireless models, although the ones they have tend to perform well. Also, like Sony, it can be hard to know which of their headphones provide the best value since they have so many overlapping models with only minor differences.They're a reliable brand with a good reputation for consistent products worth recommendation.

Thebest Sennheiser headphoneswe've tested arethe Sennheiser HD 800 S. These reference-class over-ears have an open-back design, resulting in a spacious and immersive soundstage. Combined with an expertly tuned sound signature, they're a stellar choice forlistening to your favorite high-fidelity tracksin a quiet room. They're quite the investment, so audiophiles on a budget will want to consider the more affordable Sennheiser HD 560S, which don't sound as immersive but provide better value for the price. If you prefer the versatility of a wireless noise cancelling design, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have a bass-rich sound with a stylish, comfortable fit for everyday use. However, they offer a less immersive listening experience due to their closed-back design.

Type Over-ear

Enclosure Closed-Back

Wireless No

Transducer Dynamic

Noise Cancelling No

Mic No

Audio-Technica is a Japanese brand with a wide selectionof headphones, and other audio products like microphones and turntables. They'reperhaps best known for the M-Series headphones, closed-backstudio headphonesfor professional use. This lineup includes many options, and it's not always obvious which model provides the best value for the price, especially because the differences are small between each tier. However, theirbest products are go-to'sfor audiophiles and audio professionals, who laud them for their build and sound quality.In addition to the M-Series, theyproduceactive noise cancelling and Bluetooth models for when you're out and about, but we haven't tested as many of them.

Thebest Audio-Technica headphoneswe've tested are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. These closed-backheadphoneshave a wireddesign and a very well-balanced sound profile. There's abit of overemphasis in the bass range that adds extra punch and warmth to the audio,but they'restill suitable for various genres. If you're a DJ, they're a popular pick, andif you're just looking for studio headphones, these will be sure to please. They'rewell-built andhave a comfortable fit, although theirbig ear cups and wideheadband make thembulkier than other models from this manufacturer. For a similar sound with the option of Bluetooth, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 give you the flexibility of wired or wireless audio. If you're looking for a cheaper wired-only option, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x are worth considering in the budget range, although they aren't as sturdy, and their sound isn't as well-balanced as the M50x. For an open-back option, consider theAudio-Technica ATH-R70x. While they lack a lot of low-bass, they make up for it with a lightweight build and a wide passive soundstage.

Type In-ear

Enclosure Closed-Back

Wireless Truly Wireless

Transducer Dynamic

Noise Cancelling Yes

Mic Yes

JBL is an American manufacturer that offers various audio equipment like speakers and headphones. A subsidiary of Harman, most of their extensive lineup of headphones feature a neutraldefault sound profile, which will please most listeners. However, select modelshave excited bass- and treble-heavy, V-shaped frequency responses. Some of these headphones are compatible with the JBL Headphones app, offering a parametric EQ and presets to customize them. JBLalso produces a variety of headphones at different price points, and many of them come in a couple of fun colorways,so there's something for everyone from this brand.

The JBL Live Pro 2 TWS True Wireless are thebest JBL headphoneswe've tested. These well-built buds offer versatile performance and have a few handy features for day-to-day life. They have an ANC feature with a great overall performance, blocking everything from bus and plane engines to office chatter. With their ANC on, they also last over eight hours continuously, and their case holds an extra three charges if you need it. Their V-shaped sound is well-suited for genres like rock and pop, but if you prefer a different sound, their companion app has a parametric EQ and presets so you can fine-tune their sound. They can also be paired with up to two devices at a time, which is handy if you like to switch audio sources.

Type Over-ear

Enclosure Closed-Back

Wireless Yes

Transducer Dynamic

Noise Cancelling Yes

Mic Yes

Beats, or Beats By Dre, is an American audio company founded by rapper and record producer Dr. Dre. Their over-ear headphones are easy to spot in a crowd, thanks to their eye-catching colorways andiconic designs that prominently display the brand's logo. When they first emerged in the market, they were made by Monster (the brand famous for cables) andhad the reputation of producingoverly bass-heavy headphones. The chunky designs diverged drastically from conventional headphone stylesand became increasingly plasticky in build. However, since being acquired by Apple Inc. in 2014, Beats have made several strides to improve their products and build quality. Most of their headphones now have an H1 or W1 chip, making it easy to pair them with Apple devices seamlessly, and some offer spatial audio with head-tracking. While they're still Apple-oriented, select products have seen Android app compatibility as well. Newer headphones and true wireless earbuds have a more neutral sound profile, though some still lack sound customization features to help you adjust their sound to your tastes.

The Beats Studio Pro Wirelessare thebest Beats headphoneswe've tested. These over-ears have a quite neutral sound profile compared to previous Beats headphones. They also stand out from the manufacturer's other products thanks to theirbuilt-in DAC (digital-to-analog), whichallows you to stream lossless content via wired USB-C. This connection also offers a couple of EQ presets soyou can adjust their sound. They're also compatible with Apple's Spatial Audio feature, so the headphones can track your head movements while listening to audio and create a more immersive audio experience. If that's not enough, they have an ANC system. While it struggles to block out the low rumble of bus engines, it does a better job of reducing passive chit-chat. However, they don't have an H1/W1 chip for seamless pairing with iOS devices. For athletes and gym-goers, the Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless are unique in-ears with over-ear hooks with the H1 chip. They last a long time—11 hours to a single charge. Their sound is well-balanced, with a good amount of punch in the bass to motivate your workout. However, they don't isolate particularly well compared to ANC headphones.

Type In-ear

Enclosure Semi-Open

Wireless Truly Wireless

Transducer Dynamic

Noise Cancelling Yes

Mic Yes

Jabra has been producing call center and office-oriented headphones for a long time. Over the last few years, they've also diversified their lineup to include more casual and sports-oriented truly wireless headphones, many of whichhave solid microphone performances, which is good if you take a lot of calls throughout the day, and a fewer number of over-ear headphones. Most of their products are also compatible with the Jabra Sound+ app, which offers customization features like EQ presets to help you adjust their sound. Like Sony, it can be difficult to tell the subtle differences between their products, but generally, the Elite lineis more for casual use, and the Elite Active rangeaims to cover sports and fitness, but they'reoften rather alike to use. However, Jabra's noise cancelling technology isn't theirstrong suit, and the ANC tends to offer only a marginal improvement over passive noise isolation.

The Jabra Elite 10 True Wirelessare thebest Jabra headphoneswe've tested. These premium headphones have a lot of extra features that make them a versatile choice for everyday use. They have afairly neutral sound that can be tweaked to your liking using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. Their ANC also does a good job of blocking out background noise across the range, although they have some trouble reducing bass range sounds like bus engine rumbles, and they last 7.5 hours continuously. Their carrying case supplies an additional three charges.Unlike the popular Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless, they support Spatial Sound,which is a feature that simulates a wider and more dimensionalsoundstage.

Type In-ear

Enclosure Closed-Back

Wireless Truly Wireless

Transducer Dynamic

Noise Cancelling Yes

Mic Yes

Anker is a Chinese company known for their affordable electronic accessories like power banks and charging cables. This brand also makes audio products like speakers and headphones under the 'Soundcore' and 'Space' labels. Overall, their headphones offer a good price-to-performance ratio and come in many styles. Some headphones are also compatible with the Soundcore app, which has a graphic EQ and presets to help you customize their sound. Others have an ANC system that, at times, can nearly rival that of other big brands like Bose and Sony.

The Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless are thebest Anker earbudswe've tested. These buds have many features, including an adaptive ANC feature that does an outstanding job of blocking sounds like car traffic and ambient chatter. They also support multi-device pairing, meaning you can stay connected to your PC and smartphone simultaneously. You can even fine-tune their warm sound profile via their app's graphic EQ and presets. They last just over eight hours continuously, and their carrying case holds an extra four charges if needed. If you're looking for similar earbuds with the more stable fit of a stem-and-bud design, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Truly Wireless are a good alternative. Fans of an over-ear fit can also check out the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless. Their ANC performs similarly to their in-ear counterpart, but their V-shaped sound profile isn't as well-balanced.

Type In-ear

Enclosure Closed-Back

Wireless Truly Wireless

Transducer Dynamic

Noise Cancelling No

Mic Yes

Do you like colorful headphones? Then Skullcandy may be the brand for you. Skullcandy isan American electronic company focusing mostly on low- to mid-range headphones in several colors and limited edition prints. Their sound also tends to be bass-heavy and boomy, which is great if you're an EDM or hip-hop fan.Unfortunately, many of their affordable products feel plasticky and lack durability over time. These same products tend to be quite simple in design, but luckily, the brand also produces a few higher-end models with features like ANC and app support.

The Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless are thebest Skullcandy headphoneswe've tested. These wallet-friendly in-ears arestable enough to wear during workouts or jogs in the park, with an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance to protect against the elements. They have a slightly bass-heavysound profile that adds a touch of warmth to your audio but doesn't overwhelm vocals and lead instruments. If you want to adjust their sound, the companion app features a graphic EQ and presets for optimal personalization. They also last 9.5 hours continuously, meaning they'll only need a recharge at the end of the day. However, these budget buds don't have ANC, so you'll only get slight passive noise isolation of higher frequencies, like noisy roommates or buzzing appliances. If you want something cheaper, consider the Skullcandy Dime 3True Wireless. Although they're very simple in design, they offer a decent cost-to-performance ratio thanks to their bass-rich sound and good build.