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The Absolutely Best Headphones in 2023

Last updated: 2 mins ago
11 min read

Are you looking for the best your money can buy? Here are the absolute best headphones in 2023 from different categories.

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Take a look at the quick round-up:

Rating Price Connection Type Noise cancelling More info
Sony WH-1000XM5 Best overall
Sony WH-1000XM5 small image
4.5
Under $400
Bluetooth & wired (3.5mm)
Over-ear, closed-back
checkmarkcheckmark
Apple AirPods Max Best Apple
Apple AirPods Max
4.6
Under $480
Bluetooth & wired (proprietary cable)
Over-ear, closed-back
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Sony WF-1000XM4 Best true wireless
Sony WF-1000XM4
4.3
Under $200
Bluetooth
True wireless, closed-back
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4.7
Under $200
Bluetooth
True wireless, closed-back
checkmarkcheckmark
4.3
Under $180
Bluetooth
True wireless, closed-back
checkmarkcheckmark
Jabra Elite 7 Active Best for sports
Jabra Elite 7 Active
4.2
Under $140
Bluetooth
True wireless, closed-back
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Edifier WH950NB Best under $200
Edifier WH950NB
4.6
Under $180
Bluetooth & wired (3.5mm)
Over-ear, closed-back
checkmarkcheckmark
Sennheiser HD 800 S Best audiophile
Sennheiser HD 800 S
4.6
Under $1800
Wired (6.3mm)
Over-ear, open-back
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SteelSeries Arctis 7 Best gaming
SteelSeries Arctis 7
4.5
Under $170
WiFi & wired (3.5mm)
Over-ear, closed-back
crosscross
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Best under $100
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 noise cancelling headphones
4.5
Under $80
Bluetooth & wired (3.5mm)
Over-ear, closed-back
checkmarkcheckmark
EarFun Air Pro 3 Best TWS under $100
EarFun Air Pro 3 small image
4.5
Under $80
Bluetooth
True wireless, closed-back
checkmarkcheckmark
4.2
Under $50
Bluetooth
True wireless, closed-back
crosscross
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

    1st-place BEST HEADPHONES OVERALL
    Sony WH-1000XM5 in a table

    Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best headphones you can buy in 2023.

    Sony WH-1000XM5 review

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.2
    Driver size icon Driver size: 30mm dynamic
    Frequency range icon 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.

    Related: Best noise cancelling headphones

    2. Apple AirPods Max

    trophy BEST HEADPHONES THAT APPLE MAKES
    Apple AirPods Max transparency mode

    The best headphones for Apple users, with excellent noise reduction capabilities.

    $479.00
    $549.00
    in stock
    2 new from $479.00
    20 used from $430.70
    as of September 25, 2023 8:04 pm
    Amazon.com
    $479.00
    $549.00
    in stock
    Walmart.com

    Apple AirPods Max review

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
    Driver size icon Driver size: 40mm dynamic
    Frequency range icon 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”.

    3. Sony WF-1000XM4

    true-wireless BEST TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS ON THE MARKET
    Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds with case

    Top-notch noise reduction and sound in Bluetooth earbuds from the renowned audio company.

    Sony WF-1000XM4 review

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.2
    Driver size icon Driver size: 6mm dynamic
    Frequency range icon 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.

    Find the best noise cancelling earbuds.

    4. Apple AirPods Pro 2

    Apple AirPods Pro white earbuds

    Best wireless earbuds for the Apple ecosystem.

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.3
    Driver size icon Driver size: n/a
    Frequency range icon 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.

    Want to check out more options? See the best Bluetooth headphones.

    5. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

    Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

    Excellent noise cancellers from Bose.

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.1
    Driver size icon Driver size: n/a
    Frequency range icon 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.

    6. Jabra Elite 7 Active

    weights BEST HEADPHONES FOR SPORTS
    Jabra Elite 7 Active

    A reliable pair of headphones for fitness fanatics who want durability and protection.

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.2
    Driver size icon Driver size: 6mm dynamic
    Frequency range icon 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 the best workout headphones

    7. Edifier WH950NB

    trophy BEST HEADPHONES FOR UNDER $200
    Edifier WH950NB headphones with a laptop

    A compelling pick for day-to-day use if you value comfort and quality of features.

    Edifier WH950NB review

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.3
    Driver size icon Driver size: 40mm dynamic
    Frequency range icon 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.

    Compare with best bass earbuds and best bass headphones.

    8. Sennheiser HD 800 S

    wired BEST AUDIOPHILE HEADPHONES
    Sennheiser HD 800 S

    Audiophile sound performance that comes at a high price tag.

    Connection icon Connection: Wired – 3.5mm, 6.3mm, & 4.4mm balanced
    Driver size icon Driver size: 56mm
    Frequency range icon 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.

    More: Best audiophile headphones

    9. SteelSeries Arctis 7

    trophy BEST GAMING HEADPHONES
    SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless gaming headset

    Great all-rounders for gaming.

    Connection icon Connection: Wireless 2.4GHz
    Driver size icon Driver size: 40mm
    Frequency range icon 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.

    Choose from the best gaming headphones.

    More: Best wireless gaming headsets.

    10. Anker Soundcore Life Q30

    dollar BEST HEADPHONES UNDER $100
    Anker Soundcore Life Q30 in a bush

    Impressive all-around performers for under $100.

    Anker Soundcore Life Q30 review

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.0
    Driver size icon Driver size: 40mm
    Frequency range icon 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).

    Check more best headphones under $100.

    Find the best Bluetooth headphones under $100.

    11. EarFun Air Pro 3

    dollar BEST TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS UNDER $100
    EarFun Air Pro 3 earbuds

    Wireless earbuds so packed with value you will want to have a pair.

    EarFun Air Pro 3 review

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.3
    Driver size icon Driver size: 11mm wool composite dynamic
    Frequency range icon 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.

    More: Best wireless earbuds under $100

    12. SoundPEATS Sonic

    dollar BEST HEADPHONES UNDER $50
    SoundPEATS Sonic earbuds

    Reliable Bluetooth in-ear headphones for under $50.

    SoundPEATS Sonic review

    Connection icon Connection: Bluetooth 5.2
    Driver size icon Driver size: n/a
    Frequency range icon 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.

    Best Bluetooth earbuds under $50

    Honorable Mentions

    Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

    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

    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

    Jaybird Vista 2 on the ground

    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

    Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Bluetooth headphones

    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

    EarFun Free Pro 2 buds and case

    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

    CCA LYRA earbuds

    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

    Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro wireless earbuds

    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)

    Shokz OpenRun bone conduction headphones

    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 travel
    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.

    RHA T20 Gen. 2 wired IEMs
    IEM’s can sound cleaner but also harsher and more damaging at higher volumes.
    1 Comment
    1. This list belongs to the year 2017.
      Audio Technica ADX5000 appeared in 2018 and pretty much shoved Sennheiser HD800S into retirement

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