The best headphones these days has to compete on many levels: Sound quality, comfort, portability, pricing, design, smart features— and so on. But whether you’re an audiophile looking for chunky ANC headphones that really makes your music sing, or a gym bunny looking for the ideal pair of true wireless earbuds, our round-up list below has you covered.
Start the new year by investing in a model that best suits your playlist!
Best All-Round: Sony WH-1000XM4
Key specs:
Noise canceling: Yes
Battery life: 30hrs
Charging: USB-C
Built-in mic and controls: Yes
Voice control: Yes (Alexa and Google Assistant)
Price: $348
What we like:
- Class-leading Active Noise-Canceling
- Specific EQ and Presets for music
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Impressive battery life
What we don’t like:
- Average microphone quality
- Only audio mode in wired mode
- Lacks aptX support
- Not water-resistant
Best Noise Canceling: Philips L3
Key specs:
Type: open-back, over-ear
Noise canceling: Yes
Battery life: 38hrs
Bluetooth version: 5.1
Voice control: Yes (Built-in Google Assistant)
App control: Philips Headphones
price: $349
What we like:
- Natural, balanced sound
- Excellent battery life
- Multipoint Bluetooth connection
- Distinctive looks
What we don’t like:
- Not water-resistant
Best Wired: Beyerdynamic Amiron Home
Key specs:
Type: Open, over-ear
Principle: Dynamic
Microphone / remote control: No / no
Noise canceling: No
Battery life: 30hrs
Price: $449
What we like:
- Extreme comfort
- neutral, clear, dynamic sound
- Premium feel and build
- AptX HD and aptX-LL support
What we don’t like:
- Earcups tough to remove
- The large size makes it hard to carry around
Best Budget-Priced: Panasonic RZ-S500W
Key specs:
Type: true wireless
Noise-canceling: yes
Bluetooth version: 5.0
Battery life 6.5 hours (earbuds), 13 hours ( with case)
Water Resistance: IPX4
Driver size: 8mm
Price: $150
What we like:
- Reasonable price
- Solid Bluetooth connection
- Delicate treble
- Multiple noise-cancelling and sound modes
What we don’t like:
- AAC/SBC only, no aptX
- Flimsy charging case
- Over-sensitive touch controls
Best True Wireless: Sony WF-1000XM4
Key specs:
Type: Wireless earbud
Wireless: Yes
Drivers: 6mm
Noise-canceling: Yes
Battery life: 8 hours (earbuds), 24 hours (with case)
Voice control: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
Price: $280
What we like:
- Excellent noise cancelation
- Smaller case
- Clear, detailed bass performance
What we don’t like:
- Not waterproof
- No aptX support
Best Luxury: Focal Stellia
Key specs:
Acoustic design: Closed-back, over-ear
Connectivity: Wired
Weight: 435g
Frequency response: 5Hz – 40kHz
Drivers: 40mm
Battery life: N/A
Price: $2990
What we like:
- Exceptional sound quality
- Exquisite design
- Super-comfortable for extended periods
- High-quality cognac and mocha faux-leather case
What we don’t like:
- Hefty price tag
Best Workout: Philips A7306
Key specs:
Type: True wireless sports earbuds
Battery life: 6 hours (18 hours extra with charging case)
Water resistance: IPX7
Bluetooth version: 5.0
Driver size: 9mm
Price: $179.99
What we like:
- Self-cleaning hygienic earbuds with UV charging case
- Built-in heart-rate monitor
- IPX7 waterproof
- Secure ear hooks
What we don’t like:
- Touch controls are a little complicated
Best Comfort: Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Key specs:
Type: Closed-Back
Connectivity: Wireless
Noise canceling: yes
Padding: Synthetic Protein Leather
Adjustability: Headband height adjustment, and slightly rotatable ear cup
Price: $329
What we like:
- Outstanding comfort
- Excellent battery life
What we don’t like:
- No ANC adjustment
- Quite expensive
- Lacking smart features
Best Gaming Headset: A0C GH401
Key specs:
Connectivity: wireless
Noise canceling: no
Driver type: 50mm dynamic
Battery life: 17hrs
Weight: 345g
Microphone type: noise canceling boom mic
Plug and play: yes
Price: $79.99
What we like:
- Reasonably priced
- 2.4GHz high speed connection
- Ergonomic and comfortable
- Compatible with nearly all platforms
What we don’t like:
- Noise canceling performance could be better