Are you looking for the best your money can buy? Here are the absolute best headphones in 2023 from different categories. HeadphonesAddict is user supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more. Take a look at the quick round-up: Previous Next Rating Price Connection Type Noise cancelling More info Sony WH-1000XM5 Best overall 4.5 Under $400 Bluetooth & wired (3.5mm) Over-ear, closed-back checkmark Review Apple AirPods Max Best Apple 4.6 Under $480 Bluetooth & wired (proprietary cable) Over-ear, closed-back checkmark Review Sony WF-1000XM4 Best true wireless 4.3 Under $200 Bluetooth True wireless, closed-back checkmark Review Apple AirPods Pro 2 4.7 Under $200 Bluetooth True wireless, closed-back checkmark Review Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 4.3 Under $180 Bluetooth True wireless, closed-back checkmark Review Jabra Elite 7 Active Best for sports 4.2 Under $140 Bluetooth True wireless, closed-back checkmark Review Edifier WH950NB Best under $200 4.6 Under $180 Bluetooth & wired (3.5mm) Over-ear, closed-back checkmark Review Sennheiser HD 800 S Best audiophile 4.6 Under $1800 Wired (6.3mm) Over-ear, open-back cross Review SteelSeries Arctis 7 Best gaming 4.5 Under $170 WiFi & wired (3.5mm) Over-ear, closed-back cross Review Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Best under $100 4.5 Under $80 Bluetooth & wired (3.5mm) Over-ear, closed-back checkmark Review EarFun Air Pro 3 Best TWS under $100 4.5 Under $80 Bluetooth True wireless, closed-back checkmark Review SoundPEATS Sonic 4.2 Under $50 Bluetooth True wireless, closed-back cross Review CONTENTS (show more) Get the latest best headphones for your needs that will satisfy your every need. This is a list of headphones that are absolute winners in their category because of their latest technology, useful features, fantastic sound and comfort, and overall great performance. These are the best for different needs. Some people want high-end, some affordable, some mid-range and some cheap. We’re sure you can find something for you as well. And, since we have limited space on the list, we focused on the best headphone picks for most people. You can probably find better, higher-end models out there for more money. We tried staying under $300 and in most cases recommend more affordable headphones. So, if you want something more specific, you can find a way to get to the related guides from here, so you get exactly what you want. The Best Headphones for 2023 1. Sony WH-1000XM5 BEST HEADPHONES OVERALL Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best headphones you can buy in 2023. Sony WH-1000XM5/B Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones Sony WH-1000XM5/B Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headphones $229.99 $399.99 in stock Buy now eBay Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Headphones, Black Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Headphones, Black $348.00 $399.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Headphones with Auto Noise Canceling… Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Headphones with Auto Noise Canceling… $398.00 in stock 21 new from $398.00 32 used from $240.00 as of September 25, 2023 2:55 pm Buy now Amazon.com Sony WH-1000XM5 review Connection: Bluetooth 5.2 Driver size: 30mm dynamic Frequency range: 4-40.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Battery life: 40h (with ANC) | Wireless range: 65 feet (19.8 meters)(Connection priority) | Noise cancelling: Yes, adaptive | Charging: 3.5h – Quick charge – USB-C (PD) | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC | Water resistance: None | Features: App, Adaptive ANC, 360 Audio, Speak-to-chat Fun sound that can become natural after EQ Modern, comfortable & stable design Class-leading active noise cancellation performance Excellent battery life of more than 40 hours (with ANC) The best call quality in consumer BT headphones Not the most detailed sound Too much plastic for the price Hear the Sony WH-1000XM5 A/B Sound Test: Sony WH-1000XM5 Sound Quality Test – HeadphonesAddict Expect an enjoyable sound signature out of these, with a good bass slam and sparkly treble. The DSEE HX audio processing boosts the quality of lossy audio files. The soundstage is reasonably wide, so you can use them for watching movies or playing games. Sony WH-1000XM5 are the successor to Sony WH-1000XM4, already the best wireless headphones right now. They’re comfortable, lightweight, and can colapse to save space in your bag. With a top-tier active noise-cancellation, they’re an excellent pick for frequent commuters. You can also tweak the intensity of the ANC inside the app. Additionally, they boast impressive battery life and tons of features that can make your life easier. Like calling voice assistants for help. Since they share many similarities in features, you can check our Sony WH-1000XM4 review and how the latter compared to Sony WH-1000XM3. Sony WH-1000XM5 review Check price Related: Best noise cancelling headphones 2. Apple AirPods Max BEST HEADPHONES THAT APPLE MAKES The best headphones for Apple users, with excellent noise reduction capabilities. Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headset – Space Gray Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headset – Space Gray $300.00 in stock Buy now eBay Apple AirPods Max – Space Gray Apple AirPods Max – Space Gray $479.00 $549.00 in stock 2 new from $479.00 20 used from $430.70 as of September 25, 2023 8:04 pm Buy now Amazon.com Apple AirPods Max – Silver Apple AirPods Max – Silver $479.00 $549.00 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Apple AirPods Max review Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 Driver size: 40mm dynamic Frequency range: n/a Type: Over-ear | Battery life: 24h (ANC & Transparency mode ON) | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: Quick charge – Lightning | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: None | Features: ANC, Transparency mode, Adaptive EQ, Spatial Audio Excellent, smooth sound Excellent ANC and realistic Transparency mode performance Tons of features (for Apple users) Premium build with replacable earpads Exceptional Bluetooth range Good battery life (23h with ANC) Degraded user experience on Android devices Uneven clamping force (could cause discomfort) Included Smart case is useless Hear the Apple AirPods Max A/B Sound Test: Apple AirPods Max Sound Quality Test – HeadphonesAddict AirPods Max have a U-shaped sound signature, boosting the sub-bass and upper treble. That results in audio performance that works very well with modern music genres. Like other Apple audio products, the AirPods Max sport a unique design that is quickly recognizable. Aluminum ear cups scream luxury, with carefully engineered hinges for increased comfort. The best is stored under the hood. You can enjoy one of the best active noise cancellation performances out there, with exceptional Ambient Mode to go with it. Fabric earpads are quickly replaceable and come in various color options, so you can fully personalize your headphones. Of course, they have a built-in H1 chip for quick pairing with Apple devices. The voice assistant support can be quickly accessed by saying, “Hey, Siri”. Apple AirPods Max review Check price 3. Sony WF-1000XM4 BEST TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS ON THE MARKET Top-notch noise reduction and sound in Bluetooth earbuds from the renowned audio company. Sony WF-1000XM4 Noise Cancelling True Wireless Bluetooth Headphones-Fast Ship! Sony WF-1000XM4 Noise Cancelling True Wireless Bluetooth Headphones-Fast Ship! $99.98 in stock Buy now eBay Sony WF-1000XM4 Industry Leading Noise Canceling Truly Wireless Earbud Headphones with Alexa… Sony WF-1000XM4 Industry Leading Noise Canceling Truly Wireless Earbud Headphones with Alexa… $113.00 $279.99 in stock 16 used from $113.00 as of September 26, 2023 1:15 am Buy now Amazon.com Sony WF-1000XM4 Noise-Canceling True Wireless In-Ear Headphones (Black) Sony WF-1000XM4 Noise-Canceling True Wireless In-Ear Headphones (Black) $219.95 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Sony WF-1000XM4 review Connection: Bluetooth 5.2 Driver size: 6mm dynamic Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz (20-40.000Hz with LDAC) Type: True wireless | Battery life: 8h + 16h in case (with ANC) | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: 1.5h + quick charge – USB-C & Qi wireless charging | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC | Water resistance: IPX4 | Features: Ambient mode, 360 Audio, Speak-to-chat, EQ, DSEE Extreme Audiophile-grade sound quality Unique, sweatproof design Great battery life Excellent active noise cancellation and ambient mode Feature-rich app In-depth custom EQ Comfortable hybrid ear tips No official ear tip replacements Limited touch control customization Poor microphone performance in loud places Too bulky to fit smaller ears Hear the Sony WF-1000XM4 A/B Sound Test: Sony WF-1000XM4 Sound Quality Test – HeadphonesAddict Excellent sounding Bluetooth earbuds with a refined frequency response that you can further tweak the audio in a companion app. Despite their “age”, they still offer the best sound quality among TWS earbuds. Earbuds themselves are rather bulky but sit comfortably in your ears for extended periods. You get 3 pairs of hybrid silicone/foam ear tips to find the best seal. Both noise cancellation and ambient sound mode work very well, especially with constant humming noises. Touch controls are intuitive to use and customizable. But you can’t customize them for each command, so you’ll still need to use your smartphone to raise volume or change songs. Eight hours of battery life per charge is more than enough for a long walk or exercise. They’re IPX4 protected so that you can use them in a gym, too. Sony WF-1000XM4 review Check price Find the best noise cancelling earbuds. 4. Apple AirPods Pro 2 Best wireless earbuds for the Apple ecosystem. Wireless Earbuds & Charging Case for Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation Wireless Earbuds & Charging Case for Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation $49.99 in stock Buy now eBay Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds, Up to 2X More Active Noise Cancelling,… Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds, Up to 2X More Active Noise Cancelling,… $199.00 $249.00 in stock 4 new from $199.00 10 used from $183.08 as of September 25, 2023 2:14 pm Buy now Amazon.com AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) $199.00 $249.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Connection: Bluetooth 5.3 Driver size: n/a Frequency range: n/a Type: True wireless | Battery life: 6h + 24h in case | Wireless range: 33 feet (10 m) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: Quick charge – Lightning | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IPX4 | Features: H2 chip, multipoint, Spatial Audio More balanced sound than original AirPods Pro, with greater detail Familiar comfy design with extra (4) pair of ear tips Outstanding ANC & Transparency mode performance Seamless connectivity with Apple devices Low battery life of around 6 hours per charge (ANC off) More expensive than first gen in some regions Wireless earbuds with well-balanced sound have a slight emphasis on treble, which makes the vocals cleaner. They’re great for all genres, rendering instruments naturally and with great details. Iconic Apple AirPods Pro are the most famous true wireless earbuds in the world, and the second-gen improves in pretty much every way. AirPods Pro 2 now support even stronger wireless connection with their H2 chip, which also handles better processing for Spatial Audio support. Not only that, but it ensures best-in-class active noise cancellation and an outstanding Transparency mode performance. Not to mention crystal clear call quality. Their form factor is small, with proprietary ear tips that barely go into ear canals—the latter results in a very comfortable fit. If you pair them with one of Apple devices, you can make them measure your hearing or use Dolby Atmos for more immersive listening sessions. Check price Want to check out more options? See the best Bluetooth headphones. 5. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Excellent noise cancellers from Bose. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II In Ear Wireless Headphones Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II In Ear Wireless Headphones $189.00 in stock Buy now eBay Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds – Bluetooth Wireless Earphones, Triple Black, the… Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds – Bluetooth Wireless Earphones, Triple Black, the… $229.94 in stock 3 used from $229.94 as of September 26, 2023 12:34 am Buy now Amazon.com Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, Noise Cancelling True Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Black Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, Noise Cancelling True Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Black $279.00 $299.00 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Connection: Bluetooth 5.1 Driver size: n/a Frequency range: n/a Type: True wireless | Battery life: 6h + 12h in case | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: Quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IPX4 | Features: ANC, Ambient mode, ear fin, mobile app, auto pause/play Fun, energetic sound Controlled bass Excellent comfort and stability Limited custumization in the app Similar to the Sport Earbuds, these are also very fun-sounding earbuds with excellent control in the bass. The soundstage is also quite big, albeit at the expense of slightly worse imaging. Don’t let the size fool you; these are very comfortable. Big StayHear Max ear tips rest in front of the ear canal, which prevents annoying pressure. Also, larger ear fins latch to your ears, preventing earbuds from moving too much. You can easily work out with them without worrying about stability. Of course, these are excellent for removing ambient noise. Active noise cancellation performance is one of the best in true wireless category. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II exist and offer superb active noise canceling performance, but they’re somehow worse in other areas like audio quality. Check price 6. Jabra Elite 7 Active BEST HEADPHONES FOR SPORTS A reliable pair of headphones for fitness fanatics who want durability and protection. Jabra Elite 7 Active – Black Certified Refurbished Jabra Elite 7 Active – Black Certified Refurbished $72.99 $179.99 in stock Buy now eBay Jabra Elite 7 Active in-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds, Noise Cancelling, Mint Jabra Elite 7 Active in-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds, Noise Cancelling, Mint $107.99 $179.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Jabra Elite 7 Active in-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds – True Wireless Sports Ear Buds with Jabra… Jabra Elite 7 Active in-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds – True Wireless Sports Ear Buds with Jabra… $171.38 $179.99 in stock 4 new from $171.36 11 used from $60.24 as of September 25, 2023 5:04 pm Buy now Amazon.com Connection: Bluetooth 5.2 Driver size: 6mm dynamic Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz Type: True wireless | Battery life: 8h + 22h in case | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: 2.5h + quick charge – USB-C + Qi wireless charging | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: IP57 | Features: SAATI Acoustex mesh, PeakStop, app Natural sound that sound good for all music genres Comfortable fit you can wear for hours Decent ANC that removes background noise Feature-rich app with EQ, control customization and more Wind hurts the ANC Not the most secure fit out there Unlike many sports earbuds, Elite 7 Active display a somewhat balanced sound signature without sibilance. You can add more bass in the app’s EQ, ensuring a more fun response for workouts. Earbuds have an ergonomic design that makes them comfortable and stable at the same time. That’s why they don’t require ear fins or hooks to grab your ears securely. The Active model boasts a higher water resistance rating, protecting from both dust and water (IP57). With a companion app, you can customize controls, play with EQ, and find your lost earbuds. They offer respectable battery life, with up to 8 hours per charge and additional 22 hours in the case. You can check our review of the almost identical Jabra Elite 7 Pro. Check price Check the best workout headphones 7. Edifier WH950NB BEST HEADPHONES FOR UNDER $200 A compelling pick for day-to-day use if you value comfort and quality of features. Edifier WH950NB Wireless Headphones – Active Noise Cancelling Headsets – Bluetooth 5.3 – Hi-Res… Edifier WH950NB Wireless Headphones – Active Noise Cancelling Headsets – Bluetooth 5.3 – Hi-Res… $143.99 $179.99 in stock as of September 25, 2023 4:16 pm Buy now Amazon.com EDIFIER WH950NB Wireless Headphones, ANC, Ultra Noise Canceling 2.0, LDA EDIFIER WH950NB Wireless Headphones, ANC, Ultra Noise Canceling 2.0, LDA out of stock Buy now eBay Edifier WH950NB review Connection: Bluetooth 5.3 Driver size: 40mm dynamic Frequency range: 20-40.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Battery life: 34h (with ANC) | Wireless range: 45 feet (13.7 meters) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: 1.5h – quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC | Water resistance: None | Features: Multipoint, ANC, app, custom EQ, Google Pair Hear the Edifier WH950NB A/B Sound Test: Edifier WH950NB Sound Quality Test – HeadphonesAddict Sound quality-wise, the Edifier WH950NB have a relatively balanced sound signature, although audiophiles will still find them a bit uneven in the mids. Nonetheless, their clear and controlled presentation works well with all music genres, from metal to hip-hop. Headphones are built from quality plastic and use metal hinges and an aluminum headband to provide extended longevity. You can even replace worn-out earpads. The latter are exquisitely plush, packed with memory foam, and dressed in soft pleather. Even the headband is well-padded. Lastly, WH950NB are the best Bluetooth headphones with microphone for making phone calls and can effectively reduce outside noise with 2 active noise cancellation modes. Edifier WH950NB review Check price Compare with best bass earbuds and best bass headphones. 8. Sennheiser HD 800 S BEST AUDIOPHILE HEADPHONES Audiophile sound performance that comes at a high price tag. Sennheiser HD800 Dynamic Open Air Headphones Impedance Wired Used F/S JPN Sennheiser HD800 Dynamic Open Air Headphones Impedance Wired Used F/S JPN $726.00 $899.00 in stock Buy now eBay Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones – Ring Radiator Drivers With… Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones – Ring Radiator Drivers With… $1,499.00 $1,699.95 in stock 10 new from $1,499.00 8 used from $1,187.96 as of September 25, 2023 5:18 pm Buy now Amazon.com Connection: Wired – 3.5mm, 6.3mm, & 4.4mm balanced Driver size: 56mm Frequency range: 4-51.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Back desgn: Open-back | Noise cancelling: No | Mic & Controls: No | Impedance: 300 Ohm | Weight: 330g | Cable length: 3m | Features: / Outstanding audio quality Big soundstage with good imaging Robust construction Expensive These massive audiophile headphones are a staple of excellent sound quality. They have overall balanced sound, with great resolution and clarity. Surprisingly, they sport both big soundstage and accurate imaging. Their sound can truly lift music lovers into audio heaven. Despite their chunky build, they’re fairly lightweight. HD 800 S are made of a mixture of plastic and aluminum. Ear pads are uniquely shaped to contour human ears. The gentle fabric feels soft on your skin, and you can wear them for hours on end. You can replace an analog cable if you want to try out a balanced connection. They’re overall very durable, lasting for many years. Note that due to the open-back design with sound leakage, they’re better for home use in a quiet listening room. Check price More: Best audiophile headphones 9. SteelSeries Arctis 7 BEST GAMING HEADPHONES Great all-rounders for gaming. SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Plus Wireless Gaming Headset PlayStation PC very goood SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Plus Wireless Gaming Headset PlayStation PC very goood $74.99 in stock Buy now eBay SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless Gaming Headset – PS5, PS4, PC, Mac, Android, PlayStation &… SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless Gaming Headset – PS5, PS4, PC, Mac, Android, PlayStation &… $139.00 in stock Buy now Walmart.com SteelSeries Arctis 7 – Lossless Wireless Gaming Headset with DTS Headphone: X v2.0 Surround – for… SteelSeries Arctis 7 – Lossless Wireless Gaming Headset with DTS Headphone: X v2.0 Surround – for… $239.99 in stock 4 new from $239.99 as of September 26, 2023 2:34 am Buy now Amazon.com Connection: Wireless 2.4GHz Driver size: 40mm Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Battery life: 24h | Wireless range: n/a | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: n/a | Microphone: Bidirection, retractable | Controls: Yes | Surround sound: DTS Headphone:X 2.0 Compatibility with all platforms Good sound quality Immersive virtual surround Some features require an app These well-balanced gaming headsets are great for both music playback and gaming. Although, the latter does sound the best. It can boost up the soundstage with DTS Headphone:X to better immerse into action. Headsets carry the same design as other Arctis headphones. However, they’re made of more premium materials, like more plush foam earpads and a steel alloy frame. Speaking of pads, they use special AirWeave fabric that ensures comfort and breathability. And you don’t want to sweat during intense gameplay. A retractable microphone does a good job for voice calls. Your teammates will have no problem understanding your orders. Twenty-four hours of battery life is long enough for a lengthy gaming session. Otherwise, you can plug them via a 3.5mm headphone jack. Check price Choose from the best gaming headphones. More: Best wireless gaming headsets. 10. Anker Soundcore Life Q30 BEST HEADPHONES UNDER $100 Impressive all-around performers for under $100. Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones with Multiple Modes, Hi-Res… Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones with Multiple Modes, Hi-Res… $79.99 in stock 1 used from $79.19 as of September 25, 2023 7:53 pm Buy now Amazon.com Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones with Multiple Modes, Hi-Res… Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones with Multiple Modes, Hi-Res… $79.99 in stock Buy now Walmart.com Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless Over Ear Headphone Bluetooth ANC Headset w/APP Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless Over Ear Headphone Bluetooth ANC Headset w/APP $84.99 in stock Buy now eBay Anker Soundcore Life Q30 review Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 Driver size: 40mm Frequency range: 16-40.000Hz Type: Over-ear | Battery life: 60h (40h with ANC) | Wireless range: 65ft (20m) | Noise cancelling: Yes, hybrid | Charging: 2h + Quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC | Water resistance: No | Features: ANC, ambient mode, multipoint, mobile app with EQ, NFC Excellent sound quality (after EQ) Great ANC with 3 modes Comfortable fit Companion app with EQ Outstanding battery life The bass isn't very fast Looks bulky on your head Hear the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 A/B Sound Test: Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Sound Quality Test – HeadphonesAddict The bass can be a bit too edgy out of the box. Thankfully, you can play with the EQ inside the app to bring them to almost neutral levels. Soundcore Life Q30 are a bit big, which doesn’t hurt overall comfort. Thick memory foam earpads sit comfortably on your head without creating too strong of a clamp. The headphone’s best feature is active noise cancellation. It’s genuinely excellent, competing in some areas with the big boys such as WH-1000XM5 and AirPods Max. While you can’t tweak the intensity, the app lets you choose between 3 modes: Outdoor, Indoor, and Transport. The massive battery keeps them alive for 60 hours (40 hours if you enable noise cancelation). Anker Soundcore Life Q30 review Check price Check more best headphones under $100. Find the best Bluetooth headphones under $100. 11. EarFun Air Pro 3 BEST TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS UNDER $100 Wireless earbuds so packed with value you will want to have a pair. EarFun Air Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive Sound, 6 Mics CVC… EarFun Air Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive Sound, 6 Mics CVC… $55.99 $82.98 in stock 2 new from $55.99 1 used from $55.43 as of September 26, 2023 5:05 am Buy now Amazon.com EarFun Air Pro 3 review Connection: Bluetooth 5.3 Driver size: 11mm wool composite dynamic Frequency range: n/a Type: True wireless | Battery life: 8h + 36h in case | Wireless range: 40 feet (12.2 meters) | Noise cancelling: Yes | Charging: 1h – quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, LC3 | Water resistance: IPX5 | Features: App, multipoint Natural sound (after EQ) Comfortable & lightweight design Customization via companion app Bluetooth 5.3, LC3 codec, & multipoint Excellent battery life of over 8 hours per charge Effective active noise cancellation & ambient sound mode Not stable enough for sports activities Background hiss when in ANC mode Hear the EarFun Air Pro 3 A/B Sound Test: EarFun Air Pro 3 Sound Quality Test – HeadphonesAddict The sound of these earbuds is relatively bassy but not that far off from sounding natural. With a few EQ tweaks, they start sounding much cleaner and more controlled. Earbuds support a ton of useful features. Starting with active noise cancellation, it even outperforms the more expensive Sony WF-1000XM4 is bass frequencies while still doing great in higher frequencies. Furthermore, they support Bluetooth 5.3 and even the latest LC3 Bluetooth codec, promising less bandwidth and better audio quality. They’re also comfortable to wear, support multipoint for connecting them to 2 devices simultaneously, and are fully customizable inside the EarFun app. You can use them for a light workout, with an IPX5 IP rating protecting their internals from water damage. Just keep in mind their stability isn’t rock steady. EarFun Air Pro 3 review Check price More: Best wireless earbuds under $100 12. SoundPEATS Sonic BEST HEADPHONES UNDER $50 Reliable Bluetooth in-ear headphones for under $50. SoundPEATS Sonic Wireless Earbuds QCC3040 APTX-adaptive CVC 8.0 TWS Mirroring Earphones with Immers SoundPEATS Sonic Wireless Earbuds QCC3040 APTX-adaptive CVC 8.0 TWS Mirroring Earphones with Immers $41.99 $91.98 in stock Buy now Walmart.com SOUNDPEATS Sonic Bluetooth 5.2 Wireless Earphones QCC3040 Aptx-Adaptive CVC 8.0 SOUNDPEATS Sonic Bluetooth 5.2 Wireless Earphones QCC3040 Aptx-Adaptive CVC 8.0 $59.75 in stock Buy now eBay SoundPEATS Sonic Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.2 Headphones in-Ear Stereo Wireless Earphones with… SoundPEATS Sonic Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.2 Headphones in-Ear Stereo Wireless Earphones with… out of stock as of September 25, 2023 5:04 pm Buy now Amazon.com SoundPEATS Sonic review Connection: Bluetooth 5.2 Driver size: n/a Frequency range: n/a Type: True wireless | Battery life: 15h, 20h in case | Wireless range: 33ft (10m) | Noise cancelling: No | Charging: 1.5h + quick charge – USB-C | Mic & Controls: Yes | Bluetooth codecs: SBC, aptX, aptX Adaptive | Water resistance: IPX5 | Features: Mono mode, Game mode Great sound quality Amazing battery life (14h/charge) Comfortable fit Reliable Bluetooth 5.2 connection Support for aptX Adaptive Overly boosted sub-bass Cheap-feeling construction Hear the SoundPEATS Sonic A/B Sound Test: SoundPEATS Sonic Sound Quality Test – HeadphonesAddict SoundPEATS Sonic are loud true wireless earbuds with a reasonably balanced audio performance. They’re a bit more powerful in the sub-bass, which creates a pleasant rumble when the song asks for it. Earbuds feel cheap but should survive everyday use. They’re made of hard plastic that doesn’t scratch that easily. They’re water but not dust-resistant, offering an IPX5 rating. They fit quite well inside your ears, offering good enough stability for light workouts. Comfort is also a non-issue, even when pressing the physical controls. Passive noise isolation is as good as in any earbuds. With a bit of music, you shouldn’t be bothered by ambient sound. The biggest highlight is the playback time, with SoundPEATS Sonic lasting up to 14 hours and more on a single charge. SoundPEATS Sonic review Check price Best Bluetooth earbuds under $50 Honorable Mentions Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 Bose is known for making excellent active noise-canceling headphones, that are loved by many. Their flagship (still) sports a modern design, with comfy pads that provide comfort for hours. Headphones produce a very mature sound that goes well with all kinds of music genres. Check Bose 700 price Sennheiser HD 600 An audiophile standard since the day they came out, the HD 600 are appreciated for their true-to-life sound. They’re very accurate and neutral throughout all frequency ranges, equipped with thick velour pads so that you can listen to them for hours. Check HD 600 price Jaybird Vista 2 Vista 2 have a robust, military-grade housing that fits perfectly inside your ears. You can run with them or perform an intense workout session; these are not falling out. They also come with an intuitive app that lets you tweak the already great audio performance. Jaybird Vista 2 review Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Px7 S2 frame is made of carbon fiber material that ensures these headphones can survive years of abuse. They’re very stylish, with huge, cushy pads that provide amazing comfort. Even though the bass is slightly boosted to appeal general public, the overall sound experience is crystal clear. Check PX7 price EarFun Free Pro 2 Great-sounding true wireless earbuds that come at an affordable price point. They’re small and comfortable, with ear fins to keep them in place. Earbuds do a great job at noise canceling and ambient mode, as well as low latency mode for improved audio lag during mobile gameplay. EarFun Free Pro 2 review CCA LYRA Beautifully designed housing that fits perfectly in your ears. CCA’s sub-$20 earbuds offer great value, with a detachable cable and sound quality that goes way beyond their list price. They are slightly V-shaped, having just a touch more bass and high-end sparkle. CCA LYRA review Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro The improved true wireless Galaxy Buds2 Pro have a more ergonomic design and much improved ANC. Because of their lightweight housing, these are one of the most comfortable earbuds out there. Dual drivers are responsible for making an enjoyable, balanced sound that even audiophiles can appreciate. Check Galaxy Buds2 Pro price Shokz OpenRun (rebranded AfterShokz Aeropex) Since they transmit audio by vibrating your bones, they’re great for listening to music and being completely aware of your surroundings. They’re not the most bassy out there, but if you’re looking for this type of headphone, the Aeropex are the best. AfterShokz Aeropex review How We Pick the Best Headphones? It’s true “best headphones” is a very general term, and you might want to dig deeper to find exactly what you’re looking for. Now, what we did is pick the best headphones we think are suitable for most people. This is a general guide (but you can find links to more specific headphones), so if you already know what kind of headphones you need, you can see the related guides here. Sony WH-1000XM4 are a perfect travel companion. We took into account: The price What are the most popular types of headphones What kind of technology do they have Obviously, we also considered their sound quality, durability, comfort, and other features. Take a good look, and you will find something that suits your needs and wants. Are expensive headphones worth it? In many cases, buying more expensive headphones is a good idea. Especially since it means better comfort and build, which increases the longevity of the product. We all strive to get the best deal at the lowest price tag possible. However, almost every cheap product uses cheaper materials for its construction. If budget headphones are handled with care they easily break or simply stop working. Comfort is also something that usually suffers in cheap headphones. To cut the cost down, manufacturers pick lower grade material list stiff plastic to make earpads from. In the end, you have to calculate the cost. Either you constantly buy new cheap headphones and see them breaking after a few months, or save a little bit more and buy a better-made pair that will last you many years. Buy the best headphones you can get in your budget. We can help you find the best pair with our headphone guides. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) How much should you spend on headphones? You should spend at least around $100 on headphones if you want something compelling and more than $200 if you want top-of-the-line sound and features. If you later find that you want more from your headphones, go ahead and check the high-end market above $500. Can active noise cancellation protect your hearing? Noise cancellation can protect your hearing since you don’t have to crank up the volume to mask the ambient noise around you. Consequently, by listening at lower volumes, your hearing will deteriorate much slower. Do IEMs sound better than headphones? Due to the design, IEMs don’t sound as “room speakers-like” as over-ear headphones. While in-ear headphones can sound outstanding, especially when it comes to detail and imaging, they bypass pinna, which is important for soundstage perception. Are headphones safer than IEMs? When it comes to hearing protection, over-ear headphones are safer than in-ear headphones. Both types of headphones can get loud, but IEMs are sit closer to your ear drum. Consequently, some frequencies can get amplified in your ear canal, which can later damage your hearing. What are the best headphones in 2023? Sony WH-1000XM5 are offering the best bang for a buck. They produce an enjoyable sound, can successfully eliminate annoying surrounding sounds with noise cancellation, and come packed with extra features inside the Sony app. IEM’s can sound cleaner but also harsher and more damaging at higher volumes. Matija FerjanEnthusiastically writing about headphones and audio technology since 2015. Tested and tried hundreds of headphones. A true nitpicker, always looking for the “best-value-for-money” headphones. Today, he’s mostly dealing with back-end content production and technical issues.
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