Whether you’re an audiophile or a music enthusiast, a good pair of headphones can be invaluable. They can give you some respite from the pressures of daily life, a little pocket of space to retreat to. Whether you’re into music, podcasts, or audiobooks, the right headphones can be an absolute boon—helping you work, rest, and play your way.
Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X
What to Look for When Buying Headphones
Headphones come in all shapes and sizes, with different styles suitable for different purposes. Chances are, you own a pair (or more!). Maybe you have a pair for general everyday use, plus an extra pair for working out at the gym? Or perhaps you keep a pair of more specialized headphones handy when indulging yourself with premium audio to get the best out of your music?
Whatever the reason you’re looking for your next headphones, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so knowing how and what you intend to use them for is a good place to start. Naturally, if you’re looking for something to take the drag out of your daily commute, a pair of wireless headphones will fit the bill nicely, particularly one withactive noise cancellation (ANC).
If keeping fit and staying active is on the agenda, a pair of lightweight earbuds could be just the ticket. They allow full freedom of movement and can be easily slipped into a gym bag. Plus, many are somewhat water and sweat-resistant, meaning they can withstand the rigors of a strenuous workout.
On the other hand, if you’re creative and want a premium pair of headphones for critical listening, you may appreciate the benefits of a studio-quality pair ofopen-back headphonesto get the job done.
Whatever style of headphones you’re looking for, our list below represents our top picks across several categories, covering different features and functions to accommodate a variety of needs.
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Excellent sound quality
Battery life is OK - but not great
Premium price tag
Alexa built-in
If you’re looking to buy some premium wireless headphones that tick almost every box you’re able to think of, theSony WH-1000XM5is right on the money. Equipped with two processors that power eight microphones, they’re an excellent choice for noise cancellation. They come with Alexa built-in, provide Multipoint connection capabilities, and offer luxurious all-day comfort.
Handy features such as theSpeak to Chatfunction make the WH-1000XM5 ideal for voice calls. It automatically pauses music to let ambient sounds in without any need to fumble with the controls. Plus, adaptive sound control adjusts and optimizes your audio to suit your environment, and convenient touch controls on the ear cups let you easily navigate music tracks and take calls.
One minor gripe here is the battery life. you’re able to eke out 30 hours of playback from a single charge (with ANC engaged), which is decent but not great. However, on the plus side, these headphones are fast charging, and you can get three hours of juice from a three-minute charge, so you’ll never be waiting too long to claw some power back.
Additionally, there’s the price tag. At almost $400, the Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones don’t come cheap. However, considering the sheer quality on display here, that price point becomes more palatable. With world-class ANC, voice assistant compatibility, and superior audio playback, these are the best headphones overall for most people.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones deliver industry-leading noise cancellation powered by dual processors and eight microphones, along with Alexa integration and adaptive sound control for an exceptional listening experience. With luxurious all-day comfort, fast charging, and intuitive touch controls, they are a premium choice for audiophiles and everyday users alike.
Not wireless
Deliver crisp, clear audio
Not ideal for outdoor wear
Suitable for music production
Finding a decent pair of headphones at an affordable price can be tricky, and you’ll need to be prepared to sacrifice some of the more premium features to keep the cost down. However, with thesePHILIPS Over Ear Open Back Stereo Headphones, sound quality needn’t necessarily be one of those sacrifices.
This wired headset has 50mm drivers that deliver crisp, deep bass sounds, a balanced midrange, and crystal-clear high frequencies. The open-back design provides a nice, wide soundstage and plenty of air circulation for lasting comfort, making them a solid choice for mixing or music production.
In terms of their build quality, everything looks and feels pretty decent, if a little underwhelming. They’re lightweight and comfortable, though perhaps lacking a bit of the rigidity that other, more expensive options provide.
Bear in mind that, for $70, you shouldn’t expect premium-quality audio from this PHILIPS headset. Their wired and open-back design (which can cause some sound leakage) also means you’re unlikely to want to take these out and about with you. However, for the price, the sound quality is formidable. They provide an impressive bass response and are a great budget-friendly option for indoor listeners.
Philips Over Ear Open Back Stereo Headphones (SHP9600)
The PHILIPS Over Ear Open Back Stereo Headphones offer impressive sound quality at an affordable price, with 50mm drivers delivering deep bass, balanced mids, and clear highs. Ideal for indoor use, their open-back design creates a wide soundstage and lasting comfort, making them a budget-friendly choice for mixing, music production, or casual listening.
Best in class for ANC
Spatial audio
Battery life runs a little short
Great for voice calls
If immersion is your thing, chances are you’ll already have your sights set on a pair ofnoise-cancelling headphones. In that case, you’ll thank yourself for checking out theBose QuietComfort Ultraheadphones, which take noise-cancellation to the next level, provided you’re able to stomach the hefty asking price.
These wireless headphones incorporate three levels of active noise cancellation (Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, and Immersion Mode). With these modes, you can choose between full noise cancellation, transparency, or a combination of full noise cancellation and Bose Immersive Audio - which uses spacial audio, creating the sensation of the sound coming from outside the headphones for a more lifelike experience.
Thanks to the built-in microphones, which do a sterling job of filtering out external noise, you can enjoy crystal-clear voice calls. Bose’s CustomTune technology provides personalized sound by analyzing your ears and adapting the sound to suit their shape. The build quality is excellent, as expected from Bose, so lack of comfort is simply not an issue here.
This headset works with Bluetooth 5.3 and provides up to 24 hours of audio or up to 18 hours with Immersive Audio engaged. This might not sound like much compared to the competition, but when you consider the level of immersion and noise-cancellation on offer here, it’s a forgivable flaw. Fast charging is a saving grace here ,though, as you can get up to 2.5 hours of play from a quick 15-minute charge, so it’s not the end of the world.
Intuitive touch controls on the earcups allow you to easily switch modes, skip tracks, or answer calls quickly. You’ll also find numerous quality-of-life features (such as SimpleSync, which allows you to sync your headphones with a Bose smart soundbar) to whet your audiophile’s appetite.
Bose QuietComfort 45
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones deliver industry-leading noise cancellation with three customizable modes—Quiet, Aware, and Immersion—offering unparalleled sound control and lifelike spatial audio. With CustomTune technology for personalized sound, crystal-clear calls, and fast-charging convenience, these premium headphones combine exceptional comfort and cutting-edge features for an immersive listening experience.
Up to 100 hours of battery life
A little on the heavy side
Good ANC
Multipoint connection
If you’re looking for wireless, noise-canceling headphones but can’t quite stretch to Sony’s WH-1000XM5 or the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, you might want to consider theCambridge Audio Melomania P100 headphonesinstead. Armed with two closed-back 40mm dynamic Mylar drivers, you can enjoy rich, full-bodied Class AB amplification for up to 100 hours.
Six built-in microphones provide an impressive hybrid ANC system, which features a transparency mode, along with high, medium, and low settings for regular ANC. Switching between connected devices is easy, using the Bluetooth 5.3 Multipoint connection, and the Melomania P100 is also compatible with aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless, so you can enjoy pristine CD-quality audio.
There’s also a dedicated Gaming Mode on offer, and the headset is compatible with Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair, giving you a wealth of connectable devices to choose from. Clear Voice Capture Echo Cancelling ensures impeccable clarity for voice calls, and an IPX4 rating provides splashproof protection for outdoor use.
Overall, the Cambridge Audio Melomani P100 headphones provide plenty of bang for your buck. They combine sumptuous comfort courtesy of the high-quality vegan leather finish, impressive ANC capabilities, and an excellent audio profile. Plus, they have one humdinger of a battery life, which trounces the competition, making them an ideal choice for heavy-duty use.
Cambridge Audio Melomania P100
The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 headphones offer rich, full-bodied sound with 40mm Mylar drivers and Class AB amplification, boasting an industry-leading 100-hour battery life. Featuring hybrid ANC with multiple modes, aptX Adaptive support, and Bluetooth 5.3 Multipoint connectivity, these headphones deliver exceptional audio quality, comfort, and versatility at a budget-friendly price.
Excellent for critical listening
Not suitable for outdoor use
The extended sub-bass sounds great
Long-lasting comfort
Priced at a shade under $600, theSennheiser Consumer Audio HD 660S2headphones are not (by any means) a cheap option, particularly for a set of wired headphones. However, these are high-end, studio-quality headphones that emphasize comfort and sound quality and represent an enticing prospect for audiophiles.
The HD 660S2 improves over its predecessor, theSennheiser HD 660S, by introducing a beefed-up bass response. The HD 660S2’s extended sub-bass tuning adds incredible depth, giving you rich low frequencies that don’t distort, allowing you to explore every detail.
The open-back design optimizes airflow, and a powerful vented magnet system acts to reduce distortion, leaving you with an enhanced audio performance. The soft velour earpads provide plenty of comfort for all-day listening, and the adjustable and cushioned headband ensures a tension-free custom fit.
For top-tier audio quality and comfort, the HD 660S2s are hard to beat. They’re ideal for critical listening and mixing and are bound to delight the discerning listener who values sound output above all else.
Sennheiser Consumer Audio HD 660S2
The Sennheiser HD 660S2 headphones offer premium studio-quality sound with an enhanced bass response and extended sub-bass tuning, delivering rich, distortion-free low frequencies. Featuring an open-back design, velour earpads, and an adjustable headband, these headphones provide exceptional comfort and audio performance, making them ideal for audiophiles and critical listening.
Dolby Audio spatial sound
Expensive for earbuds
Limited battery life with ANC engaged
water, sweat, and dust-resistant
While you can wear over-ear headphones for a workout, they would be cumbersome and likely to slip off—so you’ll want to opt for earbuds, instead. They’re small, lightweight, and offer freedom of movement during vigorous exercise. TheJabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2earbuds are some of the best that money can buy. They’re IP68-rated, meaning they’re sweatproof, waterproof, and dustproof, and they offer Military-grade durability.
Equipped with Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, they come in very handy for blocking out unwanted background noise at the gym, meaning you can enjoy your workout free from distractions. Alternatively, you can stay alert in your surroundings by engaging the Natural HearThrough mode, which allows background noise to filter through.
Bluetooth Multipoint allows you to switch between multiple devices on the go, and the low-energy (LE) charging case can also be paired with gym equipment (such as treadmills) to stream audio straight to your earbuds. The earbuds themselves provide up to 56 hours of use (including the charging case) without ANC or up to 32 hours using ANC.
Jabra ShakeGrip technology means that these tough little earbuds stay firmly rooted in your ear, no matter what you’re doing, so you’re able to focus on the task and go full pelt. Plus, if you have to take an unexpected call mid-workout, the Jabra Elite’s six built-in microphones (which use noise reduction algorithms) ensure superior call quality for voice calls in any environment.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 wireless earbuds feature elevated spatial sound as the icing on the cake. They are a premium choice, retailing for around $230. However, if you’re serious about your workouts and want earbuds that can take some punishment while supplying superb audio playback, there’s plenty here to recommend them.
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 wireless earbuds offer military-grade durability with an IP68 rating, making them sweatproof, waterproof, and dustproof, perfect for intense workouts. Equipped with Adaptive Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, up to 56 hours of battery life, and Jabra ShakeGrip technology for a secure fit, these earbuds deliver premium audio quality and exceptional call clarity, making them an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts.
Incredible audio
Can cause some clamping initially
Premium comfort
Replaceable components
As a more affordable alternative to premium studio-quality headphones, thebeyerdynamic DT 900 PRO XOpen-Back Studio Headphonesdeliver exceptional sound quality and versatility. Featuring Beyerdynamic’s STELLAR.45 drivers, they provide precise and balanced audio and stand out as a top choice for critical listening, mixing, and mastering.
This open-back, wired headset features a durable spring steel bracket, memory foam headband, and soft velour earpads designed to provide lasting comfort for the wearer. Together, they give the DT 900 PRO a sleek, minimalist style that looks both professional and understated. The cable is detachable, as are the earpads and headbands, meaning individual components can be replaced over time, as needed.
Naturally, the open-back design limits this headset for outdoor use, and it will struggle to filter out external noise in a more public space. However, in a studio-based environment, it really does come into its own, providing an incredible level of detail retrieval across all frequency ranges, even at high-pressure sound levels.
The beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X open-back studio headphones feature STELLAR.45 drivers for precise, balanced audio, making them a top choice for critical listening, mixing, and mastering. With a durable design, memory foam headband, and velour earpads for comfort, these headphones offer exceptional sound quality and lasting durability, ideal for studio environments.
FAQ
What is Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)?
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is a feature of many modern-day headphones that reduces or cancels out any outside noise interference (such as traffic noise, roadworks, adverse weather, etc.) that might otherwise impact your listening experience. ANC uses two microphones that read and analyze the sounds around you, and emit opposite signals to one another, canceling out any external noise.
How do I clean my headphones?
Cleaning the outer surfaces of your headphones with a damp, lint-free cloth or a mild soap solution is generally a good option. Choosing a microfiber cloth is a good way to avoid scratching any surfaces. If you have any stubborn dirt in hard-to-reach areas, you can use a dampened toothbrush to gently scrub it away.
However, if you’re unsure of the best way to clean your headphones (and to avoid causing any damage) you should consult the user’s manual supplied with your headphones for more specific cleaning advice.
How do I pair my headphones to my phone?
In most cases, you may pair your headphones with your phone by turning on the Bluetooth function on your phone, setting your headphones to pairing mode, and then selecting your headphones from the Bluetooth section of the settings on your phone. ONce you have selected your headphones from the menu, you should see an option to pair or connect them with your phone. Tap this, and you should be good to go.
Are Bluetooth headphones safe?
Bluetooth headphones are generally safe to use. Research suggests that the low-level non-ionizing radiation that Bluetooth headphones emit is thought to be non-harmful, falling within safe exposure limits and carrying a very low risk of causing cancer. The general consensus among experts is therefore that Bluetooth headphones are relatively safe for everyday use.
