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Need a new pair of headphones? Of course you do. They’re one of life’s essentials — like food to eat or a roof over your head. And the thing about life’s essentials is this: It’s always time for an upgrade. The good news is, there are hundreds of headphones and earbuds to consider. The bad news, however, is selecting the perfect pair isn’t easy.
A good way to start is by asking yourself some key questions. What do you actually need thd headphones for? Working out? Commuting? Listening at home? There are more questions: Do you need a super long battery life or quick and easy charging? What about noise cancellation, so you can drown out the world around you? All headphones fundamentally promise the same thing — to deliver great sound — but some pairs are better tailored to your specific lifestyle.
Sure, you could always visit Amazon and nab the cheapest pair, but that’s never a long term solution. You should always do your research before buying a pair of headphones. Let us get the ball rolling with some helpful headphone information and a selection of the best headphones and earbuds available right now.
Which is better — over-ear headphones or earbuds?
There’s no clear-cut winner. Ultimately, it comes down to personal choice. Some people prefer the old school-feel of over-ear headphones. Others like buds that drill tunes directly into their ears. There are benefits to both. Over-ear headphones tend to have higher-quality sound, and therefore audiophiles should focus largely on over-ear style headphones. Earbuds meanwhile are more compact, portable, and inconspicuous. Generally, earbuds will likely suit anyone who prioritises portability — whether that’s for commuting, air travel, or taking to the gym — and anyone who gets uncomfortable from long, sweaty sessions under padded headphones.
What is true wireless?
This is a term you’ll come across a lot when researching headphones. But wireless is wireless, right? Well, not exactly. Technically there are different types of wireless headphones — particularly when it comes to earbuds. Regular “wireless” means they are independent from the device or stereo — as in, not connected by a wire — but the buds are still wired to each other. “True wireless” means the buds are completely independent and connect via Bluetooth.
Wireless over-ear headphones often aren’t “true wireless” as they might have an optional cable that can be plugged into your device, which is handy for when you run out of juice. Even so, wireless is usually the preference.
What is noise cancellation?
This is another important feature that’s common in the latest headphones. It’s a built-in feature that keeps out or suppresses external noise, allowing you to fully immerse in the music without any distractions. There are two basic types of noise cancellation — passive and active noise cancelling. Passive noise cancellation is achieved by the design of the headphones, which may physically block out noise. Active noise cancellation — or ANC — uses a system of small microphones to pick up incoming sounds and create anti-noise sound waves that cancel them out.
There are other advanced modes, such as ANC that adapts to surroundings (known as adaptive noise cancellation), or a transparency mode that allows in certain ambient sounds. This is especially useful in you work in an office and need to tune into chats with colleagues, or for listening out for announcements on public transport.
What are the most important headphones features?
Some of the jargon around headphones can be confusing, so we’ve broken down some of the most important headphone features to help you pick a perfect pair:
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Bluetooth codecs — These are clever bits of software that encode and decode digital audio signals. The codecs decode at a specific bitrate, which determines whether the headphones have a high or low latency (AKA lag), measured in milliseconds. Look out for headphones with low latency that support Qaulcomm’s aptX codecs, which are usually rated as the best codecs for streaming video content or hooking up to a TV.
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Closed-back/open-back — Closed back headphones have completely sealed ear cups, which directs sound to your ears and keeps out ambient noise. Open-back headphones let air into the ear cup but can cause sound leakage that goes both ways — in and out. This is sometimes found on very expensive headphones for clearer, more natural sound. Closed-back are a go-to choice for commuting and loud environments.
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Drivers — These are little cone-shaped gadgets in the ear cups that are responsible for your tunes. They convert electrical signals into sounds. In over-ear headphones they usually measure between 20mm and 50mm in headphones. In earbuds, they measure between 8mm and 15mm.
Keep these features in mind when shopping around for your next pair.
What are the best headphones?
We’ve checked out just about every set of headphones and earbuds, and taken notes to help you decide. Regardless of your budget or requirements, there’s a perfect pair of headphones for your needs. Just pick the pair that, well, sounds best.
These are the best headphones in 2024.
When it comes to the best-of-the-best everyday headphone, there’s only one choice for us. It has to be the Sony WH-1000XM5, which are Sony’s most up-to-date premium ‘phones.
These stunning Bluetooth over-ear headphones deliver the full package of great sound, class-leading noise cancellation, and tons of features. They have Sony’s best ever active noise cancellation technology, combining a specially developed V1 processor with the HD noise cancelling QN1 chip. They also use multi-sensor technology, which utilises four microphones on each earcup to monitor ambient sound and help optimise the ANC depending on your environment
As you’d expect from Sony, the sound is up to scratch and then some. There’s a broad soundscape with plenty of power in the lows and fine detail in the mids and highs. Sound comes via specially designed 30mm drivers, backed up by 360 Reality Audio tech — which works with select streaming services to boost performance — and the LDAC Bluetooth codec for hi-res audio files.
The Sony Headphones Connect app allows you to customise the ANC and ambient noise levels. Set noise cancellation levels for different places — home, work, the park — and adaptive sound control tech will do the rest, automatically adjusting the ANC as and when you arrive in that location.
There are other big features, including an auto-pause that kicks in whenever you remove the headphones, and Speak to Chat, which stops the music whenever you start a conversation. There’s also voice assistant and multipoint pairing, meaning they can pair with two Bluetooth devices at once.
The battery offers up to 30 hours but don’t expect to take this on a long run. These are not really built for the rough and tumble of fitness.
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Apple products are pricey but Apple users know why. Apple’s ever-evolving tech sets the standard, from laptops to earbuds. It’s little wonder then that the Apple AirPods Pro 2 make it to the upper tier of this list. As far as earbuds go these are close to unbeaten. And for Apple users they’re almost a lifestyle choice. You’ll realise just how smart they are straight out of the box.
Apple’s audio tech range has come a long way since those little wired buds that came free with your iPhone and leaked sound to the whole train carriage. Powered by Apple’s H2 chip, the AirPods Pro offer a more elegant sound than ever before and solid noise cancellation.
Their first port of call is to scan your ears and tell you whether the tips you’re using (they come with three size options) fit properly. The tips have an internal taper, which conforms to the shape of your ear, securing them with tight seal. But they’re so lightweight, you’ll barely notice them in your ears.
Already blocking out external sounds with their tightly-sealed design, the AirPods Pro add active noise cancellation, which uses both inward and outward facing microphones to keep you fully immersed. There’s a transparency mode too. The ANC even adapts to the geometry of your ear. The sound quality is similarly designed — Adaptive EQ automatically tunes and tweaks the music to suit the shape of your ear.
They’re brilliantly simple to use, too. Just give the stems a little squeeze for playback and to activate noise cancellation features. Other features include Siri, Audio Sharing — which allows two sets of AirPods to connect to the same audio — and a charging case for 24 hours’ worth of juice.
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The German-built Sennheiser brand has been perfecting the art (and it very much is art) of masterful audio technology for generations. The family-owned manufacturer is well known for highly durable craftsmanship. Their headphones are built both to last and excel in performance. It’s no coincidence than Sennheiser is a go-to brand for serious audiophiles.
We’ve already hailed previous models from their Momentum series as some of the best headphones around. With this upgrade, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, the company has outdone itself once again — a five-star set of headphones that are as good as anything you’ll find from any of the top brands.
And upgrade is certainly the word. These headphones outstrip their predecessor with a 60-hour battery life, which is the best you’ll find on this list by a significant margin. That’s double Sony’s best effort.
They’re feature packed, too, with nice touches that include adaptive noise cancellation — which you increase or lower by swiping your fingers over the ear cups — plus the ability to set EQ and noise cancellation levels for specific location, which kick in whenever you enter said location. Everything’s adjustable from with the easy-to-use Sennheiser Smart Control app.
Most important for an audiophile pair such as these is the sound quality. And sound doesn’t get much better than you’ll get with these: Big, nuanced, and full of character. They pick out details within a rich, full-bodied soundscape. The audio is further bolstered by high-end codecs and the souped-up ANC.
As with other Sennheiser models, headphones like this are not made for fitness, so if exercise is part of your listening routine these aren’t for you.
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The Beats PowerBeats Pro combine two things with unmatched quality in the wireless headphone sphere — the booming audio smarts of Beats by Dr Dre and the technology of Apple. They also mark Beats’ first (and still unbeaten) attempt at purpose-built running earbuds. Reviewers have rated them as not just the best running buds, but maybe the best true wireless buds overall.
The design is a little different from the buds that you’re probably used to wearing. They have silicone nozzles (three size options included) that push into and sit in the ear canal, over-ear hooks that hold on tight. The sensation of wearing them might take a bit of getting used to at first but they won’t budge — run as fast and hard as you like. This design also helps block out noise, though there’s no active noise cancellation. There’s an added level of comfort, with barometric venting holes that help relieve in-ear pressure.
The tech is powered by Apple’s H1 chip. Other Apple standards include hands-free Siri and a highly intuitive design. The volume can be controlled from either bud — a surprisingly ingenious addition that allows you to pump the sounds up or down via a small button — and playback is controlled by touch controls on the buds’ B-emblazoned surface.
They have an impressive battery life — nine hours is about the best you get from earbuds— and a charging case that’s good for two full charges.
There are a couple of drawbacks that might make some listeners think twice — the sound isn’t as adjustable as other models and they’re not fully waterproof. If price is an issue, you can try cheaper (but not true wireless) Beats Flex.
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The Brooklyn-based Grado might not have the world-famous rep of Sony or Apple, but audio tech nerds know them very well. The Grado SR80x are part of Grado’s Prestige X series and descendants of the brand’s first-ever headphones (which were built on the table of a Brooklyn family kitchen 30 years ago).
The open-backed, wired design seems quite old school by modern Bluetooth standards but these features are often the first clue that you’re in the company of audiophile-friendly headphones.
Open-backed headphones seem old school for a reason. In this modern, action-packed world — when much of our listening is done on packed commute, at the gym, or in a busy office — they’re not always fit for purpose. Open-backed headphones leak sound both in and out. But the sound, as proved by the Grado SR80x, is more natural and spacious — closer to the sound of live music.
These won’t block out external noise and people around you will be able to hear what sounds you’re rocking along to. But that’s why the Grado SR80x are a top-tier pick for listening at home — perfect for plugging into the stereo system and doing some serious me-time listening. The same goes for plugging in for movie watching on the home cinema set-up — pure cinematic epic-ness.
The sound comes in via fourth-generation 44mm drivers — an upgraded design that delivers a classic (but also upgraded) sound. They’re also lightweight, with a slider for adjusting to the perfect size and foam ear pads that hold cosily on the ears. A braided cable keeps you from getting damaging tangles and kinks. The plastic built might not feel like much, but the real quality is in the sound.
If you want the Grado open-backed experience but prefer the freedom of using Bluetooth, you can try the Grado GW100x.
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The British-made Bower & Wilkins are continuously breaking ground and upping the quality of high-end, crystal-clear headphones. Even if you’re used to the very best names in audio tech, you’ll find the specs of the Bower & Wilkins PI7 to be very competitive.
The sound is exceptional — in fact, Bower & Wilkins rival the likes of Sennheiser for audio quality. The Bowers & Wilkins P17 have Dual Hybrid Drive units with individual amplifiers. These are designed by the same technicians who produced Bowers & Wilkins’ high-performance Diamond Series speakers (as used in the iconic Abbey Road Studios).
They’re also packed with six microphones for perfect sound and call quality — plus, adaptive noise cancelling, which uses these tiny microphones to react in real time to stop external noise from ever reaching your ears. Be warned, however: If top-of-the-range noise cancellation is a deal breaker, there are better performing noise cancellation headphones out there.
The Bower & Wilkins PI7 are especially good if you’re a fan of watching Netflix and other streaming apps on your phone. They support aptX Adaptive, one of the best, most up-to-date codecs around. The aptX Adaptive codec has an always-adjusting bitrate, which means the best possible sound at an impressively low latency. The codec keeps everything in sync and ensures your movies and shows are both lag and glitch-free.
There’s another nice feature for watching. The charging case acts as a unique retransmission system, which can be plugged directly into an audio source and will retransmit the sound to your earbuds. For instance, if you’re on a flight, the case plugs straight into the in-flight system. The sound just flies.
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You simply cannot talk about the best headphones without giving at least an appreciative nod in the direction of JBL — it has emerged as one of the most popular headphone brands, enjoying the kind of popularity that ranks it alongside more expensive names. JBL caters for different price points, but where it really pulls ahead is in the mid-level range. Its more affordable options really strike that balance of price and performance.
The JBL Tune 660NC are wireless Bluetooth headphones that look the part, with premium style and hard-wearing plastic. Large, over-ear cups create a comfortable seal that blocks out external sound — that’s before you’ve switched on active noise cancellation. The cups swivel and fold inwards for storage and portability. The padding can handle plenty of listening action. They can last literally years before you notice any wear and tear.
The crucial part is performance. The sound is solid and packed with bass. Some reviewers have argued too much bass — good if bass is your thing, but not so much if you’re precious about picking out nuances in the mids and highs.
The ANC is as good as it gets at this price. Just one push of the button and the ANC activates — you’ll immediately hear the difference. Add to that Ambient Aware technology for transparent mode, plus a TalkThru feature that lowers the music while amplifying voices.
The buttons on JBL headphones can be slightly fiddly — they’re not quite as intuitive as some headsets — but you’ll soon feel your way around them. Plus, they have a handy multi-point pairing feature, which means these can hook up with two devices at once.
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If you want the brilliance of Sony headphones but without paying a premium price, look no further than the Sony Ult Wear, a new mid-range offering from the brand. The big selling point is what Sony calls the Ult power experience — a combination of clarity, noise cancellation, and thunderous bass. The bass has two modes — Deep Bass and Attack Bass, both of which are activated with the push of a button. In fact, the bass might be overpowering for some when it’s activated — these headphones are best for listeners who are all about bass.
Bass aside, they’re a solid pair of headphones with a selection of advanced features. All of which makes them well worth the mid-level price point. You can adjust the EQ and noise cancellation (including the amount of ambient noise you want to let in) via the Sony app.
Elsewhere you’ll find support for the latest Bluetooth and codec technologies. Add to that multipoint pairing and clear call quality — achieved by the use of beam forming microphones and voice pickup technology.
As well as all that, the Sony Ult Wear look great — a classic Sony design to go with the brand’s trademark sound. Indeed, these might be missing the more advanced features of Sony’s more premium models, but the sound is more than reliable — not to mention malleable if you don’t mind playing around the EQ levels to get it absolutely right.
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Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming services, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.
Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashable’s sister site, AskMen.
Matt Ford is a freelance contributor to Mashable.
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