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We’ve updated this list to add the Beats Fit Pro as our new top pick for best wireless earbuds.
The best headphones for you not only sound great but also do everything else you need, whether that means fitting in your pocket, blocking out noise on your subway commute, or remaining secure in your ears during workouts. We’ve tested hundreds of headphones for a variety of uses and at a variety of prices. This article provides some shopping guidance, as well as an overview of all our top headphone and earbud picks, with links to the full guides.
Do you need an all-purpose pair of headphones that does everything well or a pair that excels at one thing, like vocal clarity or sweat resistance?
Though active noise cancellation can be very effective for sustained, lower-pitched sounds like airplane noise, it doesn’t work well for voices.
Headphones have to fit your body. Choose a style that makes you feel comfortable so that you’ll enjoy wearing them for the long term.
Wireless headphones can feel liberating, but they don’t connect to every computer. And they can cost more for the same sound quality as a wired pair.
With so many headphones options, the process of buying a pair can feel overwhelming. If you have no idea where to start, we recommend that you consider the following questions and make a list of the features that matter most to you. From there, you can compare your needs to the specifications of the headphones and decide how best to spend your money.
Earbuds or over-ear headphones? It’s vital to choose a pair that you can wear comfortably. Aspects to keep in mind: your hairstyle, earrings/piercings, whether you’ll be performing high-impact movements, and the climate in which you’ll be wearing the headphones. Though earbuds are lighter and more portable, they often have a shorter battery life and sound less immersive than similarly priced over-ear designs, and it can be trickier to find the perfect fit. Over-ear headphones fit more ear shapes easily, but some people may feel hot with their ears always covered, and many headbands aren’t compatible with fluffy hair.
How will you use your headphones? Are you looking for an all-purpose pair that you can take everywhere? Or do you have a specific use in mind, such as travel, workouts, TV watching, office use, or gaming? Some headphones do nearly everything well, while others excel at a certain task. Are you mostly listening to music, or do you need good microphone quality for phone calls and video chats? For office use and gaming, a headset with a boom mic or background-noise reduction might be the way to go. Do you need your earbuds to be waterproof or sweatproof for workouts? By narrowing down and prioritizing specific features, you can focus on spending your money where it counts and skip the unnecessary extras.
What devices will you be connecting to? Depending on what devices you use every day, you may want to choose a pair that works well with any operating system or one that is specifically designed to unlock specialized features on your phone or tablet. How important is voice control, and are you tied to a certain platform, such as Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant? If you want to connect to a tower PC that has no wireless connectivity, you may want a pair that connects with a wire or USB, depending on what type of outputs your computer has.
Do you need active noise cancellation? Active noise cancellation is great for reducing lower-frequency sounds like the hum of an airplane engine or an HVAC system, but it isn’t as effective with higher-frequency sounds like voices. How effective and adjustable do you need the ANC to be? Some headphones simply offer on/off, whereas others offer adjustable ANC, which makes it easier for you to find a performance and comfort level that works. If you don’t like how ANC affects your ears, or you’re a musician using your headphones for recording, an over-ear pair with excellent passive noise isolation may be a better choice.
Wired or wireless? Wired headphones recently had a resurgence in popularity. Among the reasons for the comeback is that, generally, wired has better audio performance for less money, since the cost goes mainly into tuning, drivers, and design, instead of features like Bluetooth. And with wired headphones, you don’t have to worry about charging a battery. Still, many people love the freedom and convenience that wireless headphones bring, especially now that headphone jacks are disappearing from smartphones. If both connection methods sound appealing, consider a pair that can work both wired and wirelessly, but be sure to check whether some features are disabled in wired mode. If you choose wireless, notice the battery life. How long do you plan on listening each day? Are you good about keeping your wireless devices charged, or do you need wireless headphones that can go for long stretches of time without being plugged in? Be honest with yourself on this one, or you’ll just be frustrated later.
What (and how intuitive) are the control options? When it comes to controlling power, volume, track skip, and the like, do you prefer physical buttons or touch-sensitive pads? We recommend that you try both kinds of controls before you buy, if possible. If dexterity concerns are a factor for you, consider over-ear designs, which often have larger surface areas for the controls compared with true wireless earbuds.
The Elite 85h over-ear headphones do nearly everything better than similarly priced competitors.
*At the time of publishing, the price was $216.
Who this is for: The Jabra Elite 85h has an intuitive design with a comfortable fit and great battery life, making it an excellent choice when you want a convenient and long-lasting wireless listening experience.
Why we like it: The Jabra Elite 85h Bluetooth headphones sound fantastic out of the box, and you can use the free Jabra Sound+ app to adjust the EQ to your personal taste. The battery life is 36 hours (with active noise cancellation engaged), and the headphones charge quickly, providing 5 hours of use after only 15 minutes of plug-in time. The 85h works with the Apple, Google, and Amazon digital assistants, and the microphone quality is super clear for phone calls. Whereas other Bluetooth headphones can have confusing and fiddly buttons that often cause you to trigger the wrong task, the 85h has straightforward controls and a painless pairing process across all device platforms. The active noise cancellation is mild, dimming low-frequency noises but not completely eliminating them. However, if you find intense ANC to be uncomfortable (we call this phenomenon “eardrum suck”), you might see this milder ANC as a good thing.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: As mentioned earlier, the active noise cancellation does reduce some lower frequencies a tad, but it isn’t as nearly as effective as what you get from the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. This fact kept the 85h from being our noise-cancelling pick. But not everyone prioritizes active noise cancellation (or even enjoys it), and we liked every other aspect of the Jabra Elite 85h so much that we were able to let this flaw slide.
Battery life: 36 hours Warranty: two years Protected against: light rain and dust
For more info, see our full review of the best Bluetooth wireless headphones.
The Beats Fit Pro earbuds sound great, fit securely, and have a variety of convenient features that make them a great all-purpose choice.
*At the time of publishing, the price was $180.
Who this is for: These true wireless earbuds have zero wires to get in your way, so they’re right for you if you demand maximum portability without any sacrifices in sound or call quality.
Why we like it: The Beats Fit Pro earbuds sound great with no need to fine-tune the sound in an app, and the built-in microphones do a good job reducing wind and background noise. The active noise cancellation (ANC) succeeds in bringing down the loudness of airplane/train engines, vacuum cleaners, and air conditioners. These earbuds have a high-enough water-resistance rating (IPX4) to provide protection for most activities, and our test panel found the flexible, stabilizing wings on the earbuds to be comfortable and liked the extra security they provided. You can use either earbud individually, and the six hours of listening time (with ANC on) is typical of completely wireless earbuds. Apple fans will be pleased to know that, just like Apple’s AirPods Pro earbuds, these offer easy pairing and connection swapping to iCloud-connected Apple devices, as well as features like head tracking and touch-free “Hey Siri” control.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The main downside with these earbuds is the inability to pair them with two devices simultaneously (such as a phone and laptop)—but based on our own experience and the feedback we’ve received from readers, that feature often proves more frustrating than beneficial. Also, the charging case is larger than we’d prefer, and people who are sensitive to pressure in the ear might dislike the way the stabilizing wings feel.
Battery life: six hours Warranty: one year Protected against: water and dust (IPX4)
For more info, see our full review of the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds.
The Bose 700 over-ear headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.
*At the time of publishing, the price was $329.
Who this is for: This set is great for anyone who needs noise-cancelling headphones and wants the convenience of wireless without giving up anything in terms of sound quality.
Why we like it: The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is the best pair of headphones that Bose has ever released. These headphones are expensive, but we think they’re worth the cost if you put a high premium on performance and comfort. They offer the superior noise cancellation that Bose is known for, plus more adjustability than on any noise-cancelling headphones we’ve tested. You can adjust the active noise cancellation (ANC) level on a scale from 0 to 10, so if you find that you are experiencing the uncomfortable “eardrum suck” issue—or if you just want a little more sense of your surroundings—you have more flexibility to find a level that works for you. These headphones also have a lightweight design that is comfortable to wear for hours, and they feature an easy-to-use combination of touch controls and physical buttons that you can access without looking.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The sound quality is good but not as crisp as on the best over-ear headphones we’ve tested, and the app can be vexing. The battery life isn’t industry-leading, but at 20 hours it’s more than sufficient.
Battery life: 20 hours Warranty: one year
For more info, see our full review of the best noise-cancelling headphones.
The ideal travel companion, this pair of earbuds offered the best noise reduction in our tests and allows you to listen via Bluetooth or an included cable.
*At the time of publishing, the price was $150.
Who this is for: This pair of earbuds is perfect for commuters who want excellent noise cancellation in a small, convenient package.
Why we like it: The 1More Dual Driver ANC Pro collar-style Bluetooth noise-cancelling earbuds are a fantastic choice for frequent travelers. Not only are they the most effective noise-cancelling headphones we’ve ever measured, but they’re affordable, too. They can connect to your device wirelessly or via an included cable, and the noise cancellation works through both methods, which is not always the case among the competition. Plus, they’re lightweight, they coil up for easy storage in a shoulder bag or carry-on, the fit is comfortable, and the controls are simple to use by feel.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: These aren’t the snazziest-looking earbuds, they aren’t completely wireless, and the sound quality is boosted a bit in the high frequencies. The mic is located on the collar, so scarves and jackets could rub against it. And the carrying case is made of cheap material.
Battery life: 20 hours Warranty: one year Protected against: water (IPX5)
For more info, see our full review of the best noise-cancelling headphones.
This headset offers the best sound quality, comfort for long gaming sessions, and a choice of earpads, as well as better build quality and durability.
Who this is for: If you’re a PC-gaming enthusiast, you need headphones that sound good, fit comfortably for long game sessions, and have a clear microphone for chatting with teammates or opponents.
Why we like it: The HyperX Cloud Alpha offers the best mix of audio performance and comfort for the money. It’s beautifully built and impressively comfortable—you can wear it for hours on end without cranial distress. The sound quality holds up against some of the best dedicated headphones in its price range. It also has great bass that doesn’t drown out the other sounds while playing games.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The microphone is mediocre and it can sometimes make your voice sound nasally. It’s also quite bulky, but that’s not unexpected for a gaming headset.
Compatibility: PC, Xbox One (adapter, sold separately, required for Xbox One controllers with no 3.5 mm port), Xbox One S, PlayStation 4, PS4 Pro, Mac, mobile (compatible with devices with CTIA standard connectors), and VR (compatible with virtual reality systems with a 3.5 mm port)
For more info, see our full review of the best gaming headsets.
The NS-HAWHP2 over-ear headphones are comfortable, with solid sound and no audio lag. The transmitter doubles as a charging base for the headphones, but the system supports only a single pair of headphones.
*At the time of publishing, the price was $120.
Who this is for: This wireless headphone system is for someone who wants to watch TV or play video games without disturbing others in their household, or someone who needs to listen at a higher volume to hear dialogue properly.
Why we like it: The Insignia NS-HAWHP2 system is easy to use, sounds good, and delivers a comfortable fit so you can enjoy marathon binge-watching and gaming sessions. The package includes a single pair of headphones and a wireless transmitter that doubles as a docking station for storing and charging the headphones when they aren’t in use. Insignia promises 10 hours of battery life, but we got more than 11 hours on a charge, so you could easily binge an entire eight-episode season of Stranger Things in one sitting. The NS-HAWHP2 uses radio frequency (RF) wireless transmission, and in our tests we didn’t notice significant lag between the audio and video, which can be a problem for Bluetooth-based systems. These headphones delivered the most consistent, balanced sound in our recent tests, and they were also lighter and more comfortable than many competitors.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The main downside is that the Insignia system comes with only one pair of headphones, and you can’t add more. If you need multiple pairs of headphones, consider our also-great pick, the Power Acoustik HP-902RFT.
Battery life: 11 hours Wireless connection type: RF
For more info, see our full review of the best wireless TV headphones.
Completely wireless with a comfortable and secure fit, the water-resistant Elite Active 75t wireless earbuds offer good sound and a long battery life.
*At the time of publishing, the price was $180.
Who this is for: If you use your headphones regularly at the gym, you need workout headphones specifically designed to stay in place through a variety of high-impact moves.
Why we like it: The completely wireless Jabra Elite Active 75t earbuds excel at the gym and beyond thanks to their great sound, durable build, secure fit, and easy-to-use controls. Compared with our former top pick, the Elite Active 65t, the new version has a smaller, more comfortable design, a longer battery life, and better sweat and dust resistance. Jabra has also simplified the controls on the 75t to a single multifunction button on each earbud for adjusting volume, skipping tracks, activating your digital assistant, and more.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The sound out of the box is pretty bass-heavy and a little sibilant (or hissy). But since we were able to get a sonic profile that we preferred via the app, and that adjustment needs to be made only once, we were willing to let this nuisance slide.
Battery life: seven and a half hours Warranty: two years Protected against: dust, sweat, and water (IP57)
For more info, see our full review of the best workout headphones.
Who this is for: The person who loves to run—whether it’s inside on a treadmill or out on a trail—and relies on music, podcasts, or audiobooks for motivation or distraction.
Why we like it: Our conversations with runners have revealed that different runners value different headphone features, so we recommend a variety of earbuds to suit assorted needs—including the Cleer Goal and Bose Sport Open Earbuds (for runners who prefer to hear external sounds), the Beats Fit Pro (for runners who need a secure fit or want to block out noise completely), and the Aukey EP-T32 (for budget-conscious runners).
Check out our complete guide to the best running headphones to learn more about all of our running recommendations.
Who this is for: Yes, kids headphones are sized for smaller heads (roughly, ages 2 to 12), but they also include a volume-limiting feature made for the hearing safety of kiddos who listen via headphones frequently.
Why we like it: We recently expanded our coverage to offer a variety of recommendations for different uses. We like the Puro BT2200 pair for everyday music and video listening, the PuroQuiet set for travel (thanks to its good active noise cancellation), the JLab JBuddies Play headphones for online schooling and gaming (with a built-in, extendable boom mic), and for value the Onanoff BuddyPhones Explore+ (for toddlers) and JLab JBuddies Studio Wireless (for kindergartners to tweens).
For more info, see our full review of the best kids headphones.
The Sony MDR-7506, a longtime favorite of audio professionals, offers more reliability, more comfort, and better sound than many headphones twice its price.
Who this is for: Budding audio fans, musicians who need headphones for recording, and podcasters alike will find these headphones, and their price, the most attractive. They're affordable and dependable, and they sound great.
Why we like it: The Sony MDR-7506 has been a studio and live-audio staple since its release in 1991. Not only does it provide accurate-sounding bass, mids, and treble, but it also gives you a better sense of the depth and dynamics of your music than many models twice the price. Durable, comfortable, and reliable, this pair usually costs under $100.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although the long, coiled cable is practical, being able to swap it out for a shorter cord with a remote and a mic for mobile-device usage or to replace a damaged cord would be nice. Also, the looks are professional but in no way stylish.
Driver: 40 mm dynamic neodymium Frequency response (claimed): 10–20,000 Hz Cable style: 9.8 feet coiled with 3.5 mm and removable ¼-inch adapter
For more info, see our full review of the best audiophile headphones for everyday use.
These earbuds may not sound completely neutral, but they’re generally well balanced and fun to listen to. The cable is replaceable but has neither a remote nor a mic.
Who this is for: Wired earbuds are for anyone who values sound quality over wireless capability or noise cancelling but wants something they can easily pack in a pocket or small bag.
Why we like it: The Final E4000 earbuds have a fun, bass-forward sound that works for many different types of music. Unlike most bass-heavy earbuds, the E4000 set is tuned so that the bass doesn’t swallow up male vocals or guitars. Male vocals still come across clearly, acoustic guitars still sound rich, and higher frequencies are not piercing. Final includes optional over-ear hooks and plenty of tips, so the E4000 set should fit most ears comfortably and securely. These earbuds have a replaceable cable but no remote or mic (though you can buy third-party options separately), and Final protects them with a two-year warranty.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The E4000’s cable lacks a remote and microphone, so you’ll have to control your audio playback through your phone or other source device. If you’re willing to spend a little more, you could purchase a third-party cable or try the FiiO UTWS1, a true wireless Bluetooth converter that will adapt almost any in-ear monitor with an MMCX connection (such as this Final pair) into true wireless earbuds. With the UTWS1 converter set, the resulting earpieces are not exactly subtle in your ears, but they give you full volume, track, and call controls, plus a little cordless freedom when you need it.
The silicone case included with the E4000 isn’t our favorite design. It can easily pop open in a bag, it isn’t the best at keeping out dust, and it feels as if Final’s designers were trying to reinvent the wheel when a simple zippered case would have worked just fine.
Warranty: two years Remote: none
For more info, see our full review of the best earbuds.
This on-ear pair sounds, fits, and functions like it costs more than $100. There’s no option to use these with a cord, but the ultra-long battery life means you won’t need to charge frequently.
*At the time of publishing, the price was $100.
Who these are for: If you’re looking for traditional over-ear wireless Bluetooth headphones and want good sound for the least amount of money.
Why we like it: The Jabra Elite 45h headphones pack incredible performance into an affordable package. This on-ear pair sounds fantastic, is lightweight and comfortable to wear for hours, and has controls that are easy to learn and use. The microphones deliver stellar clarity for phone calls and video chats, and you get over 50 hours of listening time per full charge. One of our expert panelists remarked that the 45h’s audio quality rivaled that of $250 pairs he’d tried, and I agree. For folks who wear glasses, the 45h’s on-ear design may fit more comfortably than over-ear headphones.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: This set lacks active noise cancellation and the ability to connect via a cord when the battery runs out, and the on-ear design won’t appeal to everyone.
Battery life: 50 hours Protected against: light rain and dust Warranty: two years against light water and dust damage, one year manufacturing defects
For more info, see our full review of the best Bluetooth wireless headphones.
The Piston Fit BT wireless earbuds are water-resistant and comfortable to wear—and they sound more expensive than they are.
Who this is for: Whether you are prone to losing your headphones or sticking to a budget, sometimes you just need a pair of inexpensive Bluetooth earbuds that get the job done.
Why we like it: The 1More Piston Fit BT is rare as far as inexpensive Bluetooth earbuds are concerned because this pair sounds great and works well. The neckband-style design is lightweight and comfortable, and the controls are straightforward and easily accessible with one hand. Additionally, the microphone sounds clear over phone calls, the Bluetooth connection is stable, and the eight-hour battery life is long enough to get you through your workday.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: A longer battery life and fast charging would be great, but if we have to cede these minor requests to get headphones that function, feel, and sound like they cost three times their sticker price, we’ll do so.
Battery life: eight hours Protected against: splashes of water (IPX4)
For more info, see our full review of the best earbuds under $50.
The RP-TCM125 ErgoFit wired earbuds sound quite good for their super-affordable price, and they come with an optional single-button remote and microphone.
Who this is for: Anyone looking for wired earbuds that are super affordable.
Why we like it: The Panasonic RP-TCM125 ErgoFit has a pleasant, balanced sound, and unlike other competitors in this price range, it sounds good playing a variety of music styles. These wired earbuds also have a single-button universal remote and mic built in, something that’s becoming harder to find in decent cheap earbuds these days. And they come in a variety of colors.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The sound quality is on the mellow side, and you’ll find less emphasis on high sounds like cymbals crashing and hard “s” sounds. Although these earbuds come with three sizes of silicone tips, people with larger ear canals might find that it takes some fiddling to get a proper seal.
For more info, see our full review of the best earbuds under $50.
These comfortable, exciting-sounding planar-magnetic headphones are difficult to beat, especially at this price.
Who these are for: This type of headphone is for music connoisseurs who want better performance than standard cans, but not something so expensive or delicate that you’re afraid to take them with you to work or school.
Why we like it: The Monolith by Monoprice M565C headphones have an exciting, detailed sound, beating out pairs that cost hundreds more. Suitable for any genre of music, the planar-magnetic drivers are housed in isolating closed-back earcups, so that you can block out distractions and focus on enjoying your playlist. They have a sturdy, comfortable build and replaceable cable, and Monoprice’s five-year warranty is about the longest of any headphones we’ve seen.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: For people who prefer to keep a lower profile when listening, these headphones may not be ideal (their look clearly says “not now, I’m busy”). Because they don’t fold up, and their hard-sided storage case is one of the largest we tested, they are far from being easily portable. As for sound, the M565C model doesn’t deliver quite as much presence in the mids as we’d like in the ideal headphones, and some of our panelists would have preferred a little extra sparkle on the highs. Plus, the cable is a bit noisy if you move around a lot or wear a scratchy sweater. Lastly, unlike some other headphones in this category, the M565C set doesn’t come with a cable that has a remote and mic option for mobile use.
Weight: 13.7 ounces Warranty: five years
For more info, see our full review of the best audiophile headphones for everyday use.
Lauren Dragan is a senior staff writer and has tested over 1,000 headphones for Wirecutter. She has a BA from Ithaca College in music performance and audio production. She’s been featured in Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, The New York Times, and more. Additionally, she’s a voice actor whose work includes projects for Disney and Mattel.
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