Top Headphones of 2025: Best Models for Music, Gaming, and Work

Explore the finest headphones of 2025, perfect for music, gaming, and work, ensuring exceptional sound quality and comfort.

Overview of the Best Headphones of 2025

If you're on the hunt for headphones that offer an incredible sound experience, our list of the best headphones is here to surprise you. From over-ear headphones with noise cancellation to great earbuds for workouts, we've tested hundreds of models over the years and know what makes them ideal.

Whether you're looking for in-ear or over-ear, wired or wireless, this guide has a wide selection of the top wireless headphones.

Best Headphones of 2025: Quick Picks

• Best Overall: We believe the Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best overall headphones. With a comfortable fit, excellent sound quality, and top-notch noise cancellation, these are the best full-sized wireless headphones you can buy.
• Best Earbuds: The Sony WF-1000XM5 offers endlessly engaging and ergonomic features that make these truly wireless earbuds stand out.
• Best for Music: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 are crafted from high-quality materials, featuring 40mm drivers that provide even, balanced sound with customizable EQ settings via their app.
• Best Battery Life: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones offer great sound and battery life, making them worth the investment, despite their looks.
• Best Detail in Earbuds: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 has become more compact than ever. The third generation delivers stability, accuracy, and a multitude of features.
• Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 excel in noise cancellation, making them hard to beat (although others might sound better).
• Best Apple Headphones: Second-generation Apple AirPods Pro come loaded with even more features than before, confirming their status as some of the best wireless headphones.
• Best Budget Noise-Cancelling Earbuds: The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are cheaper than the Bose 700 but provide exemplary noise cancellation, quality sound, and a comfortable size.
• Best Fitness Headphones: The Beats Fit Pro are like AirPods in an active package. They score high on comfort, functionality, and sound quality.
• Best Custom-Fit Headphones: Ultimate Ears / Logitech Fits offer custom-made earbuds at a reduced price? Yes, please.
• Best Audiophile Headphones: Focal Bathys are full-sized headphones with exceptional sound that are sure to turn heads, although their noise cancellation isn't the best.
• Most Stylish Headphones: Apple AirPods Max are full-sized headphones with a price tag to match, rich sound, and excellent noise cancellation. They impress with their high quality.

In-Depth Look at the Best Headphones of 2025

Best Overall Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5

Verdict: The best full-sized headphones you can buy thanks to their excellent sound and high-end noise cancellation.

Pros:

• Superior sound quality
• Outstanding noise cancellation

Cons:

• Slightly less premium feel
• Not foldable

Specs:

• Drivers: 30mm
• Connection Options: 3.5mm, USB-C
• Battery Life: 30 hours with ANC on
• Weight: 250g

The Sony WH-1000XM4 were our favorites among noise-canceling headphones, and the WH-1000XM5 outshine them in many respects. During testing, we noted the improved clarity and superb accuracy from the new 30mm carbon fiber drivers.

Sony has also enhanced the noise cancellation feature. The Adaptive Sound Control automatically detects your environment and adjusts noise cancellation accordingly, easily suppressing background noise, especially at higher frequencies.

Unlike their predecessors, the XM5 lacks folding hinges, meaning that the wedge-shaped charging case is slightly larger. However, while some competitors look more premium, few are as comfortable for extended wear. Though they may cost more than before, the WH-1000XM5 are worth every cent.

Best Headphones for Music

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

Verdict: Premium enjoyment in a neat package: these B&W headphones impress with their excellent sound quality and impressive active noise cancellation.

Pros:

• Excellent premium feel
• ANC is simply outstanding

Cons:

• No 3.5mm port
• Right earcup button layout is terrible

Specs:

• Drivers: 40mm
• Connection Options: USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0
• Battery Life: 30 hours (7 hours from a 15-minute quick charge)
• Weight: 307g

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is another pair of excellent wireless headphones that replace the fantastic PX7. The design remains the same, and the physical structure has hardly changed. The headphones are still well-built with high-quality materials and feature a somewhat awkward array of physical controls on the right earcup.

At 57g heavier than the WH-1000XM5, extended listening may cause ear fatigue, but overall, the PX7 S2 is very comfortable. You will want to keep listening to their 40mm drivers, as they provide stable, well-balanced sound with customizable EQ through the app. While the active noise-cancellation feature isn't the strongest, it works well and does not impact sound quality.

Best Battery Life Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

Verdict: Besides standard design elements, these Sennheiser headphones have everything needed: build quality, sound, and battery life to compete with the best.

Pros:

• Bold, detailed, and enjoyable sound
• Incredible battery life

Cons:

• Could be sharper with bass
• Touch controls are highly demanded

Specs:

• Drivers: 42mm
• Connection Options: Bluetooth 5.2
• Battery Life: 60 hours
• Weight: 293g

Their design may appear a bit bland, but in sound quality, there's nothing forgettable about these Sennheiser headphones. The 42mm full-range dynamic drivers produce rich, detailed sound, while eight microphones are used for noise cancellation. We found that while the noise cancellation doesn’t create absolute silence, it significantly reduces background noise.

With a remarkable 60-hour battery life, the Momentum 4 is built to last, thanks to its durable construction and high-quality finishing. During our testing, we found the soft headband comfortable, and the foldable ear cups are convenient for travel. Add a multifunctional partner app and a competitive price, and their smaller size becomes less significant.

Best Earbuds

Sony WF-1000XM5

Verdict: These top-tier Sony earbuds set a new standard for music listening.

Pros:

• Exceptional ANC capabilities
• Surprisingly comfortable fit

Cons:

• Companion app could be easier to navigate
• Some materials feel less luxurious than others

Specs:

• Drivers: 8.4mm dynamic
• Connection Options: Bluetooth 5.3
• Battery Life: 8 hours / 16 hours (with ANC on, earbuds/case)
• Weight: 5g (earbuds) 36g (case)

Sony not only produces the best wireless earbuds but also our favorite true wireless option. Following the incredible WF-1000XM3 and WF-1000XM4, which still represent excellent value, the updated WF-1000XM5 delivers rich, detailed sound. Thanks to a balanced sound profile, we found them to be accurate and enjoyable to use.

In addition to great sound, these Sony earbuds provide one of the best noise-canceling experiences we've encountered in true wireless earbuds. Touch controls are user-friendly and can be customized through the companion app, along with ANC and EQ settings. While some competitors offer longer battery life in the charging case, the advantage of these earbuds lies in the updated design, which is now far more pocket-friendly than before.

Best Detail in Earbuds

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3

Verdict: The third-generation wireless earbuds from Sennheiser have become even more compact while retaining the same impressive specifications and features.

Pros:

• Balanced, detailed, and true-to-life sound
• Good touch controls and excellent app support

Cons:

• Lacks multipoint connectivity
• Bass could be considered slightly lacking

Specs:

• Drivers: 7mm
• Connection Options: Bluetooth 5.2
• Battery Life: 7 hours / 28 hours (ANC on, earbuds/case)
• Weight: 5.8g (earbuds) 66.4g (case)

Thanks to some thoughtful improvements, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 occupies a worthy spot among the best wireless earbuds. Build quality remains as reliable as ever, and the significant reduction in size means they look and feel less bulky.

We tested the 7mm drivers and found that they offered balanced sound. Unlike the MTW3, which can overload on bass, the MTW3-A prefers balance and clarity, demonstrating excellent sound management. Detail is also impressive across a spacious tonal sound stage.

Each earbud's touch interface can be customized through the multifunctional app. Turn on ANC, and you'll notice the sound shifts slightly, but the earbuds maintain a pleasant balance, nearly entirely suppressing external sounds. Battery life is above average at seven hours.

Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Verdict: While other headphones may sound better, Bose is hard to beat when it comes to exceptional noise-cancellation.

Pros:

• Great new design
• Allows for simultaneous pairing with two devices

Cons:

• Not as comfortable as QC35 IIs
• Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones are cheaper and sound better

Specs:

• Drivers: Unknown
• Connection Options: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, 3.5mm jack
• Battery Life: 20 hours
• Weight: 250g

Bose's Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 may not be the newest on this list, but they remain the gold standard if call quality and noise cancellation are top priorities. As expected from a pioneer in noise-canceling headphones, they excel at this task with an 11-point scale. Six microphones assist with noise cancellation, while two enhance voice transmission quality for remarkable clarity during calls.

The headband, made from a solid piece of stainless steel, has no visible hinges. For portability, the ear cups can be folded. The foam material provides comfort, even if the headphones fit a bit tighter than the QC35 II.

While they may not match Sony’s sound quality, they are no slouch either. There’s range, refinement, and balance, plus plenty of playback power. The 20-hour battery life falls below average in 2023, but at their current price, they are worth their cost.

Best Apple Headphones

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen)

Verdict: More functional than before, this significant upgrade confirms that Apple's AirPods are among the best wireless headphones available.

Pros:

• Even better than the excellent originals
• Enhanced feature set

Cons:

• Swipe volume control isn’t our favorite
• Very Apple-centric

Specs:

• Drivers: Unknown
• Connection Options: Bluetooth 5.3, Apple H1
• Battery Life: 6 hours / 30 hours (earbuds/case, ANC on)
• Weight: 5.3g (earbuds), 51g (case)

The second-generation AirPods Pro is an impressive upgrade over Apple's excellent wireless earbuds. They deliver improved sound quality and an expanded feature set. The second-gen AirPods Pro are now the smartest earbuds for Apple users. They feature the H2 chip, enhancing noise cancellation effectiveness. The chip blocks background noise so effectively that we found ourselves using the improved transparency mode more often.

Sound quality has become richer than before, and software updates allow for personalized spatial audio by analyzing your ears. The swipe volume control mechanism is less precise, but adding a speaker to the charging case means you’ll have audio assistance when tracking it with FindMy. Battery life has also increased, although it's not immediately noticeable.

Best Budget Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Verdict: The second-generation Bose earbuds offer top-notch noise cancellation, pleasant sound, and a compact design for an attractive package.

Pros:

• Exemplary noise cancellation
• Powerful, detailed, and pleasing sound

Cons:

• Standard battery life
• Lacks an overt dynamic range

Specs:

• Drivers: 9.3mm
• Connection Options: Bluetooth 5.3
• Battery Life: 6 hours (earbuds, ANC on) 18 hours (case)
• Weight: 6.2g (earbuds) 59.8g (case)

The second-generation QuietComfort Earbuds, which have already received five-star ratings, make great moments even better. The QCE II are smaller and lighter, providing a more comfortable fit for your eyes and ears, with replaceable tips and stabilizing wings that we found offer a good and secure fit. On each compact stem, there's a touch surface that responds to taps and can be customized.

The earbuds' 9.3mm full-range drivers create a spacious yet richly detailed soundstage with powerful, controlled bass. Other headphones may handle dynamic variations better, but Bose doesn’t lag in nuance. They also excel in active noise cancellation. Eight microphones help them effectively manage ambient noise without discomfort. You'll find longer battery life in other devices, but these are undoubtedly the best Bose earbuds to date.

Best Fitness Headphones

Beats Fit Pro

Verdict: Beats Fit Pro combine AirPods technology in an active package, characterized by comfort, functionality, and sound quality.

Pros:

• Good battery life and fast charging
• Excellent fit

Cons:

• Bulky case
• Lacks customization

Specs:

• Drivers: Unknown
• Connection Options: Bluetooth, Apple H1
• Battery Life: 7 hours (earbuds), 23 hours (case)
• Weight: 5.5g (earbuds), 54g (case)

Combining intelligent AirPods features and a sporty design, Beats Fit Pro are the best headphones for workouts you can buy. During our testing, we found that the flexible wing design provides a secure and comfortable fit throughout any training. There’s no power button, but wear detection sensors ensure that your playlists don’t escape you.

Thanks to the Apple H1 chip transmitting signals to the 9.5mm drivers, sound quality is fantastic. You get the same ANC and transparency modes as the first-gen AirPods Pro, plus an adaptive equalizer that adjusts the sound profile to your environment. Competitors may produce louder sound, but the Fit Pro stand out with rich bass and clear details. They also support spatial audio.

Best Custom-Fit Headphones

Ultimate Ears / Logitech Fits

Verdict: Custom-made earbuds at a wholesale price? Yes, please.

Pros:

• Accurate, perfect fit
• Punchy, detailed, and energetic sound

Cons:

• Could sound more dynamic
• No multipoint pairing

Specs:

• Drivers: Unknown
• Connection Options: Bluetooth 5.0
• Battery Life: 8 hours (earbuds), 20 hours (case)
• Weight: Not specified

Can't find headphones that fit perfectly in your ears? Custom earbuds are one option, but they can be very expensive. Ultimate Ears' True Wireless earbuds provide a more affordable alternative that offers maximum comfort and passive noise isolation. They use patented heating technology that molds the silicone-filled ear tips to fit your ear canals better than any competitor using generic tips.

They lack active noise cancellation, but the near-perfect fit—which takes just a minute to achieve, while only slightly warming your ears—more than compensates for this shortfall. You can expect an engaging yet well-controlled listening experience, extensive EQ settings, and decent battery life.

Best Audiophile Headphones

Focal Bathys

Verdict: Exceptional-sounding headphones that are sure to catch attention, although they don't have the best noise cancellation.

Pros:

• Simply amazing sound
• Quality construction justifies the asking price

Cons:

• ANC is just okay for the price
• High price point

Specs:

• Drivers: 40mm
• Connection Options: Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C, 3.5mm
• Battery Life: 30 hours (ANC on), 35 hours (3.5mm), 42 hours (USB DAC)
• Weight: 350g

Focal's first pair of wireless headphones with noise cancellation will cost more than any other model on this list. This is undoubtedly a luxury purchase, but they feature a stylish design and phenomenal sound quality. The dynamic M-Dome drivers from the French company are fully utilized, delivering outstanding sound when listened to via aptX Adaptive Bluetooth or wired USB-C connections for tracks with 24-bit/192kHz resolution.

Their active noise cancellation capabilities don’t measure up to Bose or Sony standards, and their metal construction makes them somewhat heavy, but we found them comfortable for extended wear due to the soft ear cushions and headband. Battery life also competes well with more popular rivals. These stylish headphones are sure to impress audiophiles.

Most Stylish Headphones

Apple AirPods Max

Verdict: Full-sized headphones with a corresponding price tag, rich sound, and excellent noise cancellation—AirPods Max impress with their high quality.

Pros:

• Rich and detailed sound
• Spatial audio enhances TV and movie quality

Cons:

• Uncomfortable for long periods
• Average battery life

Specs:

• Drivers: Dynamic driver developed by Apple
• Connection Options: Bluetooth 5.0, Apple H1
• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours
• Weight: 384.8g

The AirPods Max feature anodized aluminum ear cups, a stainless steel headband, and a mesh covering, showcasing all the distinct design traits of Apple. The downside is that they are noticeably heavier than plastic counterparts, leading to pressure on the temples after prolonged sessions. Still, their performance matches premium standards.

Combined with 40mm drivers, Apple's H1 chip ensures an adaptive equalizer adjusts sound based on the situation. This results in a rich, spacious, and immersive soundstage. They possess ample detail, plus deliver powerful bass without sacrificing clarity. They also suppress noise just like any other headphones. While there are models with a better price-quality ratio on this list, Apple fans willing to endure their weight will not be disappointed.

Which Type of Headphones is Best? Over-Ear, Full-Size, or In-Ear?

If you want to start enjoying music on the go but aren’t sure what you need, the first thing you need to decide is what type of headphones you want: over-ear, in-ear, or earbud-style.

The choice among these three headphone types depends on your specific needs, preferences, and usage scenarios.

Full-size headphones typically deliver better sound quality, as they have more room for larger drivers, more space for acoustic engineering, and provide better passive noise isolation.

Larger ear cups with soft padding are also more comfortable and distribute pressure evenly across your ears.

However, full-size headphones are generally bulkier and less portable compared to other options.

In-ear headphones are more compact, making them easier to carry in a bag or backpack, but due to their small ear cups, they may not be as comfortable as full-size models.

Comfort can also vary as the pressure is directly on your ears. Choose models with well-padded ear cups and adjustable headbands for a more comfortable fit.

Lastly, earbuds are the most convenient for on-the-go use (especially the best wireless options)—they're compact, lightweight, and easy to carry in your pocket.

Of course, this convenience comes at the cost of sound quality and noise isolation. That doesn’t mean in-ear headphones can’t sound decent, but they can’t match the power of over-ear models.

Ultimately, the choice is entirely up to your needs and how you plan to use your headphones. Below, we’ve outlined all types of designs.

How to Choose the Best Headphones?

So, you’ve decided between over-ear, in-ear, and earbuds. Here are a few more points to consider when purchasing the best headphones.

Arguably the most critical factor when buying headphones is sound quality. We recommend headphones that deliver detailed, balanced, and accurate sound—you won’t be disappointed with any of the models on this list.

Second only to sound quality is comfort. A comfortable pair of headphones is essential if you plan to wear them for extended periods. You'll want ear cups with good cushioning, an adjustable headband, and a lightweight design.

If you’re trying to drown out noise from a chatty coworker or road noise, you'll need headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC). They use microphones to cancel ambient noise, providing a more complete isolation experience. This buying guide reviews several options with ANC.

You will also need to decide whether you prefer wired or wireless headphones. Generally, wired headphones provide better sound quality, but they aren't as portable as wireless options, which allow for free movement.

If you opt for wireless headphones, battery life becomes an important factor. Look for a balance between battery life and the size/weight of the headphones.

Finally, some headphones offer additional features like touch controls, voice assistants (Siri or Google Assistant), customizable sound profiles, and companion apps.

While these features are nice to have, we find they rarely become essential, so don't let these attractive extras sway your decisions too heavily.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the best headphones for music? The best headphones for music often provide a balanced sound profile, comfort for extended listening, and good noise isolation. Models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 are popular choices.
• Are wireless headphones better than wired? Wireless headphones offer convenience and portability, allowing for free movement. However, wired options often provide better sound quality. The choice depends on your personal preference and usage scenario.
• How important is battery life in wireless headphones? Battery life is crucial for wireless headphones, especially if you plan to use them for long periods. Look for models that offer a solid compromise between battery life and other features.
• What features should I look for in noise-cancelling headphones? Look for effective active noise cancellation (ANC), a comfortable fit, and sound quality. Features like customizable sound profiles and companion apps can also enhance your experience.
• Which brand offers the best headphones? Brands like Sony, Bose, Sennheiser, and Bowers & Wilkins are well-regarded for their quality and performance. The best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.

Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store to complete your audio experience! Check it out here: Architect-Prints.