Headphones: Buying Advice, Tips, and News
Buying the right pair of headphones means balancing comfort, features, sound quality, and price. PCMag's experts have spent more than 30 years rigorously testing both headphones and earphones in real-world conditions to separate the standouts from the hype. From audio fidelity and noise cancellation to features and value, our trusted recommendations will help you buy with confidence.
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The Best Headphones We've TestedWhether you're looking for a big over-ear set of cans or sleek in-ear buds, these are the top headphones and earphones we've tested, along with everything you need to know about active noise cancellation, Bluetooth codecs, driver types, and more.
By Tim Gideon
Our Current Top Tested Picks
Apple AirPods Pro 3
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The AirPods Pro 3 refine an already impressive formula, making the popular wireless earbuds better than ever with leading noise cancellation, first-rate audio, and a list of compelling features the competition simply can't match.
Full Apple AirPods Pro 3 ReviewPros
- Outstanding noise cancellation
- Superb sound quality
- Long battery life
- Built-in heart rate monitor
- Useful Live Translation capabilities
- Comfortable, secure fit
- Waterproof
Cons
- No user-adjustable EQ
Pros
- Outstanding noise cancellation
- Superb sound quality
- Long battery life
- Built-in heart rate monitor
- Useful Live Translation capabilities
- Comfortable, secure fit
- Waterproof
Cons
- No user-adjustable EQ
Etymotic ER4 XR
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The stunning Etymotic ER4 XR earphones deliver the sonic accuracy sound professionals need, and add some subtle depth in the lows to complement modern mixes.
Full Etymotic ER4 XR ReviewPros
- Exceptionally accurate mids and highs coupled with rich, full bass response.
- Detachable, high-quality cable.
- Plethora of eartip options in various sizes and styles.
- Ships with several accessories, including zip-up case.
Cons
- No inline remote control or mic.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate mids and highs coupled with rich, full bass response.
- Detachable, high-quality cable.
- Plethora of eartip options in various sizes and styles.
- Ships with several accessories, including zip-up case.
Cons
- No inline remote control or mic.
Apple AirPods Max 2
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The AirPods Max 2 pair class-leading noise cancellation and excellent sound quality with a gorgeous design and unmatched Apple ecosystem integration, making them the best premium headphones for Apple users.
Full Apple AirPods Max 2 ReviewPros
- Class-leading noise cancellation
- Unbeatable transparency modes
- Excellent audio performance
- Deep ecosystem integration
- Useful advanced features like Live Translation
Cons
- Expensive
- No user-adjustable EQ
- Only average battery life
Pros
- Class-leading noise cancellation
- Unbeatable transparency modes
- Excellent audio performance
- Deep ecosystem integration
- Useful advanced features like Live Translation
Cons
- Expensive
- No user-adjustable EQ
- Only average battery life
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The second-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds produce warm and bright audio, charge wirelessly, and are unmatched in their ability to silence your surroundings, making them easy to recommend.
Full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) ReviewPros
- Incredibly effective noise cancellation
- Outstanding audio with rich bass and bright highs
- High-quality codec support
- Good transparency modes
- Wireless charging
Cons
- Large buds with finicky controls
- EQ options could be better
Pros
- Incredibly effective noise cancellation
- Outstanding audio with rich bass and bright highs
- High-quality codec support
- Good transparency modes
- Wireless charging
Cons
- Large buds with finicky controls
- EQ options could be better
Sony WH-1000XM6
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Sony's high-end WH-1000XM6 headphones feature foldable earcups, new driver tuning, and noise cancellation that rivals the best from Bose.
Full Sony WH-1000XM6 ReviewPros
- Outstanding noise cancellation
- Exceptional audio response
- Advanced Bluetooth codec support
- Comfortable fit
- Foldable design
Cons
- Expensive
- Average battery life
Pros
- Outstanding noise cancellation
- Exceptional audio response
- Advanced Bluetooth codec support
- Comfortable fit
- Foldable design
Cons
- Expensive
- Average battery life
EarFun Air Pro 4+
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The EarFun Air Pro 4+ budget wireless earphones are among the best if you don’t want to miss out on high-quality audio, powerful ANC, and fancy features.
Full EarFun Air Pro 4+ ReviewPros
- Friendly price
- Excellent sound with powerful bass
- Strong ANC
- Broad codec supports
- Feature-rich
Cons
- Touch controls can be finicky
- Some minor app and LE audio issues
Pros
- Friendly price
- Excellent sound with powerful bass
- Strong ANC
- Broad codec supports
- Feature-rich
Cons
- Touch controls can be finicky
- Some minor app and LE audio issues
iClever BTH20
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The iClever BTH20 headphones fit comfortably and blend passive and active noise cancellation to reduce unwanted sound, which allows for lower-volume listening and makes them ideal for young listeners.
Full iClever BTH20 ReviewPros
- Comfortable, flexible fit
- Long battery life
- Active noise cancellation
- AAC codec support
Cons
- Pricier than the competition
- Mids can be hollow
Pros
- Comfortable, flexible fit
- Long battery life
- Active noise cancellation
- AAC codec support
Cons
- Pricier than the competition
- Mids can be hollow
Razer Barracuda X
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The 2022 Razer Barracuda X is one of the best wireless gaming headsets you can buy for $100, with strong performance, a comfortable fit, and lots of connectivity options, including Bluetooth.
Full Razer Barracuda X ReviewPros
- Strong audio performance
- Clear mic quality
- Comfortable fit
- Plenty of connectivity options with Bluetooth, USB-C transmitter, and 3.5mm
Cons
- 7.1-channel simulated surround sound isn't the most accurate
- Doesn't come with a carrying bag or case
Pros
- Strong audio performance
- Clear mic quality
- Comfortable fit
- Plenty of connectivity options with Bluetooth, USB-C transmitter, and 3.5mm
Cons
- 7.1-channel simulated surround sound isn't the most accurate
- Doesn't come with a carrying bag or case
Sony MDR-M1
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Sony MDR-M1 studio headphones offer superb audio response and stunning comfort that will appeal to sound engineers and audiophiles alike.
Full Sony MDR-M1 ReviewPros
- Neutral sound for studio work
- High-resolution support
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Removable cables
Cons
- No carrying case or bag
Pros
- Neutral sound for studio work
- High-resolution support
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Removable cables
Cons
- No carrying case or bag
Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Apple AirPods 4 deliver strong sound quality and the best active noise cancellation we've experienced in an open-ear design.
Full Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation ReviewPros
- Full-bodied bass and clear highs
- Impressive active noise cancellation
- Hands-free Siri with gesture-based interactions
- H2 chip enables multiple adaptive audio features
Cons
- Open design can cause inconsistent ear-to-ear fit
- So-so battery life
- No user-adjustable EQ
Pros
- Full-bodied bass and clear highs
- Impressive active noise cancellation
- Hands-free Siri with gesture-based interactions
- H2 chip enables multiple adaptive audio features
Cons
- Open design can cause inconsistent ear-to-ear fit
- So-so battery life
- No user-adjustable EQ
Google Pixel Buds 2a
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Google Pixel Buds 2a wireless earphones add active noise cancellation, Google's Gemini assistant, and work even more seamlessly with your Pixel phone than prior models, making them a natural and affordable choice for Pixel users.
Full Google Pixel Buds 2a ReviewPros
- Good noise cancellation for the price
- Clear, natural audio
- Comfortable fit
- Voice access to Gemini
- Long battery life
- Affordable
Cons
- No wireless charging
Pros
- Good noise cancellation for the price
- Clear, natural audio
- Comfortable fit
- Voice access to Gemini
- Long battery life
- Affordable
Cons
- No wireless charging
Jabra Evolve2 75
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Though pricey, Jabra's Evolve2 75 Bluetooth headset is comfortable, sounds excellent for calls, and doubles as a capable pair of noise-cancelling headphones.
Full Jabra Evolve2 75 ReviewPros
- Excellent clarity from retractable boom mic
- Quality audio performance with rich bass and bright highs
- Good active noise cancellation
- Exceptionally comfortable
- App includes EQ and customization options
Cons
- Expensive
- Default audio sculpting won't appeal to purists
Pros
- Excellent clarity from retractable boom mic
- Quality audio performance with rich bass and bright highs
- Good active noise cancellation
- Exceptionally comfortable
- App includes EQ and customization options
Cons
- Expensive
- Default audio sculpting won't appeal to purists
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones produce enjoyable audio, effectively cancel noise, and last longer than the previous model, but fall just short of beating the competition.
Full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) ReviewPros
- Crisp, detailed sound with deep bass
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Lossless audio via USB-C
- Good battery life
- Comfortable to wear
- Quick to power on and connect
Cons
- High price
- Basic app with limited EQ
Pros
- Crisp, detailed sound with deep bass
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Lossless audio via USB-C
- Good battery life
- Comfortable to wear
- Quick to power on and connect
Cons
- High price
- Basic app with limited EQ
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The fitness-focused Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 up the ante with noise cancellation, wireless charging, and heart rate monitoring, for bass-forward earbuds that excel at the gym.
Full Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 ReviewPros
- Bass-forward audio
- Secure and comfortable fit
- Seamless iOS integration
- Accurate heart rate monitoring
- Solid battery life
Cons
- Pricey
Pros
- Bass-forward audio
- Secure and comfortable fit
- Seamless iOS integration
- Accurate heart rate monitoring
- Solid battery life
Cons
- Pricey
Latest Headphone Stories
Whether you're heading back to campus or upgrading your everyday carry, these early BTS deals let you save up to 50% on premium audio gear from brands you love.
Listen up because we've found the lowest prices on top-rated headphones and earbuds from all the other leading brands. If it sounds good in or on your ear, you'll find it for cheap here.
The Soundcore AeroClip earbuds clip right onto your ear for any comfortable, all-day jam sesh. And right now, they're the cheapest they've ever been on Amazon.
Prefer buds that sit in your ears to the bulk that often comes with over-ear headphones? Us too. Start and end your search here with the top earbuds we've tested.
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Affordable ANC isn't a pipe dream. The Soundcore Q20i headphones rock Hi-Res audio, deliver 60 hours of battery life, and block 90% of ambient noise for under $40.
If you want over-ear headphones that don't compromise on comfort, sound, or style, these Bose QuietComfort Headphones bring home the bass for $130 off right now!
The Baseus Inspire XC1 earbuds are powered by Bose's well-known audio genius, giving you top-quality audio at a great price. Now you can get them for $30 off!
These true wireless earbuds deliver premium JBL features like ANC, Smart Ambient mode, and multi-device connectivity for 53% off, thanks to this open-box deal!
With ANC that punches way above these wireless buds' weight, the Anker Space A40's rich sound, comfortable fit, and low profile make this $25 discount sound even better than it looks.
Audiophiles, studio musicians, DJs, and pretty much anyone looking for the absolute best audio quality, whether for serious home listening or pro-level tracking, should opt for wired headphones. These are the best we've tested.
With up to 48 hours of listening and an ultra-comfortable clip-on design, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are as stylish as they sound. And right now, they're 33% off!
The Shokz OpenRun open-ear headphones let you listen to your audio while simultaneously keeping aware of your surroundings, and now, they're $300 less with today from Amazon.
This budget gaming headset uses a reliable 2.4GHz band, has ultra-wide compatibility, and 100 hours of battery life. And with this special code, it's going for pennies right now!
Are you a fan of high-quality audio but don't want to put anything in your ears? These are our favorite on-ear and over-ear headphones.
With super Spatial Audio, 30 hours of battery life, and a water-resistant design, the AirPods 4 are Apple's most versatile earbuds. And right now, they're $31 off at Walmart!
These Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE earbuds will have you singing their praises when using them. They're now $40 less in today's Amazon Deal of the Day.
Apple sells four types of AirPods, including three sets of earbuds and one pair of headphones. We compare them all to help you determine which is right for you.
The Skullcandy Crusher Evo cans offer reliable sound quality and can be yours for $110 less thanks to Amazon's Deal of the Day.
The Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless headphones provide clear, rich audio, offer extensive battery life, are comfortable to wear, and are less expensive than the competition.
