1. The list in brief
2. Best headphones overall
3. Best for sound
4. Best ANC headphones
5. Best mid-price headphones
6. Best iOS headphones
7. Best earbuds for sound
8. Best iOS earbuds
9. Specs compared
10. How to choose
11. How we test
If you're looking to find the best headphones (or earbuds), then you've come to the right place. Whether you seek the best headphones overall, audiophile sound for home listening, world-class noise canceling, or neatest pair of wireless earbuds that fit in a pocket but still deliver high-end sound, we’ve got you covered.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 continue to hold the top spot with outstanding active noise cancellation (ANC) that can be adjusted to your hearing, plus unrivaled sound and a plethora of special features not available on most competitors. Our favorite budget headphones are the Sennheiser Accentum, a mid-range option that carry a dynamic soundstage and up to 50 hours of playtime for half the price of most luxury headphones.
All the entries we have listed are accompanied by review links that breakdown our full analysis of each model. We’re talking pros, cons, and even secondary recommendations, should you be curious about similar-performing models. On top of that, we provide reasons for why you’d want to purchase or skip these headphones.
Keep scrolling to discover our pick of the top over-ear wireless headphones and wireless earbuds for your needs and pocket.
The quick list
Already know what type of headphone you’re looking for? Here’s a quick list of our over-ear and in-ear winners, so you can save time and jump right into the reviews. Still not sure? Just scroll on to see all our full recommendations.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 improve upon their predecessors with upgraded active noise cancelation, better call quality, intuitive controls and enhanced connectivity. The category-leading sound, strong app integration and useful 30-hour battery life make them Sony's most versatile over-ear headphone ever.
The 'evolved' version of the popular Px7 S2 are beautifully constructed, have active noise-cancelation, and benefits from a step up in sound thanks to 24-bit DSP developed for the B&W Px8 flagship. If it's great sound quality you desire without much in the way of extended features, these are the best wireless headphones under $400.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the best noise-canceling headphones ever. They have intuitive tech features come with Immersive Audio for a 3D-like sound experience with all media. Sound quality is high and we love the touch slider volume control, but we're less excited by the bland look at the high price.
Bowers & Wilkins' most advanced noise-canceling headphones to date, are a confident addition to the luxury market. Despite the sound quality gains these new flagship brings, the higher price compared to their fellow Px7 S2 means they rank slight lower in terms of overall value.
Sennheiser's mid-priced ANC headphones borrow a lot from the company's fourth generation Momentum Wireless model with strong signature sound up to 50-hour battery life with ANC. These are the mid-price model to beat.
The Focal Bathys are a superb, high-performance headphone that's perfectly suited to critical audiophile listening at home, while also practical and conveniently wireless to enable owners to enjoy them on the go. The onboard DAC is awesome for 24-bit sound.
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The AirPods Max are more expensive than their noise-canceling rivals, but the plush design and comfortable fit present an immediate feeling of luxury which only grows once you start playing music, making it hard to take them off.
Sony's latest wireless earbuds are incredibly versatile with high-quality sound, particularly when connected to LDAC devices, and some of the strongest ANC performance from any pair of in-ears. The design is smaller and lighter than their predecessor and they deliver one of best user experiences around.
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 bring significant upgrades to the popular original to take performance to the next level. Noise cancelation is double what the last pair of AirPods Pro offered, and it is among the best we’ve yet to see, period.
The flagship QuietComfort Ultra Earbud manage to improve on class-leading ANC and introduce universal spatial audio that works with all stereo content. Audio is also enhanced, thanks to aptX Adaptive for hi-res playback on compatible devices.
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About the author
Hi, I'm Lee and I cover all things audio for Tom's Guide, including maintaining our buying guides on the best headphones, best wireless earbuds, best audiophile headphones, and best noise-canceling headphones. One of my earliest Hi-Fi memories was listening to a pair of headphones, and I loved the personal sound experience it introduced me to. That was more than 30 years ago now, and today most of us listen to music this way. I spend several hours a day listening on headphones, and regularly carry a pair of over-ear headphones and several wireless earbuds in my work and travel bags so that I've always got great sound wherever I go. I am passionate about sound quality, and have spent hundred of hours listening to the best headphones in the world to help you find the best-sounding models whatever your style or budget.
The best headphones you can buy right now
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Best headphones overall
✅ You want the best sound: Balanced and smooth sound from the bottom of the frequency range to the very top, with good rhythmic expression to liberate the music.
✅ You want effective ANC: There's no trace of the ANC circuitry working away and banishes pretty much all external sound to allow your music to do its thing.
✅ You want good battery life: They're good for 30 hours between charges with ANC switched on, and that will rise to as much as 40 hours if you turn it off. Recharges take around 3.5 hours via the USB-C input on the right earcup.
❌ You want foldability: The revamped styling has done away with the popular foldable design of it's predecessor, and is slightly less practical as a result.
❌ You like big and bold styling: Branding is understated on the XM5 with just a little ‘Sony’ logo on each hinge, and the earcups and headband are virtually featureless and entirely anonymous.
❌ You don't like the price increase: Sony has added $50 to the price of its latest XM series headphones. This seems steep given that Sony's exceedingly capable WH-1000XM4 predecessor is readily available, and can even be found discounted for considerably less.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 noise-canceling headphones demonstrate across-the-board expertise with great-sound, exceptional ANC performance and eco credentials.
What you need to know
The Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless active noise-canceling, over-ear headphones pick up where the popular Sony WH-1000XM4 left off. You get excellent sound quality in every respect, improved noise-cancellation and a very credible eco proposition that means they can be recycled at the end of their life. These cans are just as compelling as the model they replace.
Design: Sony has had a bit of a re-think where the XM5 design is concerned. They're a more streamlined shape than their predecessor, with an aero dynamic design that improves the flow of air across the headphone frame to reduce wind noise. Branding is minimal, and are available in black or ecru (for which read ‘uninspiring beige’). The XM5 are a touch lighter than the model they replace, and are supplied with a usefully compact and collapsible carry-case.
Performance: In every respect, the XM5s are a confident, convincing and enjoyable listen. Throughout our review, tonality was neutral and natural, with only the slightest suggestion of the highs being rolled off. Low frequencies were muscular but agile, loaded with detail and texture, and delivered an ordered foundation without over shadowing the presentation further up the frequency range. And when it comes to ANC, the XM5 banish pretty much all external sound and deliver exceptional call quality, too.
Battery life: You'll get 30 hours between charges if you keep active noise-cancelation switched on, and that will rise to as much as 40 hours if you turn it off. It takes a leisurely 3.5 hours to go from ‘flat’ to full when charging via the USB-C input on the right earcup, but can retain an hour’s-worth of power after 10 minutes or so, or you can get three hours of power after just three minutes via USB-PD (Power Delivery).
- Read the full Sony WH-1000XM5 review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $50 more than WH-1000XM4 | ★★★★☆ |
| Design | Anonymous aesthetic but impressive eco credentials | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Articulate and engaging sound | ★★★★★ |
| Battery life | Long battery life but not the market leader | ★★★★☆ |
The best headphones for sound
✅ You want the very best wireless sound quality: The Px7 S2e headphones are designed to deliver the best wireless sound this sort of money can buy, and they do.
✅ You're looking for understated styling: They feel good, are beautifully constructed and make price rivals look bland by comparison.
✅ You like luxury sensibilities: Impeccably put together from a combination of textured fabric, memory-foam filled leather, the Px7 S2e are sophisticated headphones that exude a feeling of luxury.
❌ You want the very best ANC: The active noise-cancelation proves ‘good’ rather than 'great’ — that’s to say, it will be perfectly acceptable to anyone who doesn’t insist on absolute silence.
❌ You like stacks of features: The Bowers & Wilkins Music control app may feel underpowered compared to some. It’s pretty useful as far as it goes, but just doesn’t go as far as some tour de force control apps.
❌ You want touch controls: No tapping an earcup to pause your music here. Instead, there's a selection of physical ‘push/push’ control buttons.
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e are designed to deliver the best wireless sound money can buy, and they do. The entire frequency range hangs together well, with nothing overstated and nothing struggling for representation. Just don't expect tons of features.
What you need to know
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e over-ear headphones are priced the same as the Sony WH-1000XM5. They feel good, are beautifully constructed and have active noise-cancelation and a control app — but ‘extended functionality’ is not their thing.
Design: Impeccably put together from a combination of textured fabric, memory-foam filled leather, flex-free plastic, with a discreetly logo-d section on the earcups, the Px7 S2e are understated and sophisticated lookers.
Performance: This 'evolved' version improves bass energy with detail levels that are sky-high, while treble sounds are bright but not coarse. In our review, vocals had complete expression, are thoroughly engrossing and easy to understand. The soundstage the Bowers & Wilkins generate is sizable, and superbly defined. ANC deals with external sounds effectively but it's not the pool of silence some models manage to achieve. There's never any suggestion of the ANC at work though, and it doesn’t alter the sonic characteristics of the headphones either.
Battery life: Best-case battery life runs to 30 hours — which is about average these days. Charging time runs from ‘flat’ to full’ in just 2 hours, which is better than the 3 hours the old model needed. A 15-minute charge is good for 7 hours of playback. Charging is via the USB port on the right earcup.
- Read the full Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Worthwhile price for out-and-out sound quality | ★★★★☆ |
| Design | Understated and sophisticated | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Top-notch wireless audio | ★★★★★ |
| Battery life | Good but not the best | ★★★★☆ |
The best ANC headphones overall
✅ You want the very best noise canceling: The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have unrivaled ANC performance with adjustable ANC that work equally well to neutralize noise across different frequencies.
✅ You want to experience 3D audio: Bose's Immersive Audio gives a universal spatialized audio experience whatever music source or streaming platform you use. While not always entirely natural, it mostly sounds spectacular as your favorite music wraps around your head.
✅ You want a practical design for travel: The collapsible earcups allows the earcups to fold in towards the headband for practical stowage. They come with a rigid carry case, too.
❌ You want top-end call quality: Unfortunately, call quality didn't live up to the standards set by the Bose 700 predecessor. While they eliminated background noise on video and voice calls, some high-frequency sounds and wind did enter conversations.
❌ You need better than 24-hours battery life: At just 24-hours of battery life, and an estimated 18 hours with Immersive Audio, the Bose QC Ultra Headphones are lagging behind the latest generations of ANC models like the Sony WH-1000XM5s.
❌ You listen for longer periods: During our testing, the earpads had a tendency to get a bit hot sticky when placed on the head for longer periods. You may wish to consider a design that uses a breathable material on the earpads.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the noise canceling champion. Sound quality is strong and Bose's Immersive Audio brings a 3D experience to most music. While audio features and functionality have been improved over their predecessor, this all-new model costs significantly more than many ANC rivals out there.
What you need to know
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the best noise-canceling headphones on ANC performance. They introduce a new design over the Bose 700 predecessor, but look a lot closer to the QC45 and new QuietComfort Headphones. They have a nicely balanced sound with Immersive Audio for a 3D-like experience with all kinds of media, and 24 hours of battery life.
Design: The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are a collapsible design available in black, smoke or sandstone. Sturdy aluminum makes up most of the headphones’ composition and premium leather wraps around the headband and earcups. Weight is evenly distributed and results in a very comfortable fit.
Performance: As Bose's best-ever noise canceling headphone sound quality hasn't been overlooked. The QC Ultra have CustomTune technology to fine-tune audio based on the unique properties of your ear. On top of that, they support aptX Adaptive for Bluetooth playback. Bose's signature sound balance has a richness and warmth to it that's very pleasant, and there are plenty of adjustable sound options to tune them to personal tastes.
Battery life: Playback runs to 24 hours with ANC, which isn't as great as the latest models but should be enough for a week or so of playback between top-ups. Immersive Audio sees battery life drop to an estimated 18 hours. Charging is via USB-C and delivers an estimated 3.5 hours of charge in 15 minutes.
- Read the full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Worthwhile for the best noise cancelling | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Neat styling and controls | ★★★★☆ |
| Performance | Most flexible ANC out there | ★★★★★ |
| Battery life | Lags behind latest rivals | ★★★★☆ |
The best luxury headphones
✅ You want specialist know-how: The Px8 are Bowers & Wilkins' most advanced noise-canceling headphones to date, and are a confident addition to the luxury headphone market and use high quality material for the best sound.
✅ You want versatile connectivity: Wireless audio is via Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive codec support when connected to compatible playback devices, and cables are supplied for wired headphone jack connections too.
✅ You enjoy hi-fi sound: A new driver material means bass is fast and agile, but it's the mid frequencies where these flagship headphones excel, delivering an abundance of natural detail and midrange clarity to make every voice syllable sound convincingly realistic.
❌ You want adjustable ANC: Noise-canceling runs to 'on'/'off'/'pass through' modes, but that's as far as it goes.
❌ You want touch controls on the earcups: The Px8 use a selection of physical control buttons to navigate playback and pairing instead of touch controls.
❌ You want EQ customization: There's no multi-band EQ adjustment for personal customization, but there are bass and treble controls available.
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones balance design with audiophile credentials to impressive effect. ANC performance is satisfactory although not the market leader, but in terms of sound quality these are some of the most agile and engaging wireless headphones we’ve heard.
What you need to know
With bespoke 40mm Carbon Cone drive units for an even more detailed sound across all parts of the frequency range, and sumptuous materials to further aid comfort, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 flagship go up against the top noise-canceling headphones from the likes of Sennheiser and Sony.
Design: The frame looks similar to the company's Px7 S2 headphones, but earcups, memory-foam cushions and headband are all trimmed in Nappa leather to assert the Px8 as a premium product. The overall weight of the Px8 is a few ounces more than the Px7 S2, but it's evenly distributed and lighter than some wireless rivals.
Performance: Bass sounds natural and rich without feeling overly emphasized. They have an agile performance and it's easy to follow individual elements within the music and pick out different strands of the mix with ease. Mid frequencies deliver an abundance of natural detail and midrange clarity to make every syllable sound convincingly realistic.
Battery life: The Px8 runs to 30 hours of battery life and matches the Px7 S2, as well as its closest rival the Sony WH-1000XM5, but has some way to go to beat the 60-hour playback with ANC capabilities of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless. A 15-minute quick recharge is sufficient for up to 7 hours listening time.
- Read the full Bowers & Wilkins Px8 review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Expensive compared to rivals | ★★★★☆ |
| Design | Luxury build and finish | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Agile and insightful sound | ★★★★★ |
| Battery life | Good but not the best | ★★★★☆ |
Best mid-price headphones
✅ You want the best ANC battery life: The 50-hour battery life is a real crowd pleaser and make these mid-price ANC headphones the one to beat when it comes to longer listening times with ANC enabled.
✅ You like Sennheiser's sound: Based on Sennheiser's Momentum 4 Wireless but with slightly smaller drivers, the signature house sound handles a wide range of music content, from pounding beats to more mellow tunes with aplomb.
✅ You seek great value: These Sennheisers undercut close ANC rivals from Sony and Bose, scoring high in terms of overall value.
❌ You prefer classic styling: Based on the restyled Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, the Accentum look much like any other ANC headphone. We preferred the classic stainless steel headband that integrated as a slider for adjusting the earcups, and the vintage cool that made the over-ear Momentum 3 Wireless so recognizable and appealing.
❌ Want touch controls: There are no touch controls. Instead you get 4 physical buttons to control volume up/down, playback/call, and power/pairing modes. These are all on the right earcup.
❌ You want auto wear detection: There's an auto standby mode that can be activated in the Sennheiser Smart control app to shut down the headphones after a preset time, but no on-ear detection mode.
The Sennheiser Accentum have 50-hour battery life, which majorly ups the standards for the mid-price sector and is the one to beat. Add in the easy-going Sennheiser sound and effective noise canceling, and these are one of most practical wireless headphones we've seen at the price.
What you need to know
The Sennheiser Accentum headphones offer much of what made the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless so successful with strong sound and ANC performance, and sets the battery life standard for mid-price wireless headphone makers everywhere to aim for.
Design: They look similar to the Momentum 4 Wireless but without some of the niceties like touch controls or on-ear wear detection. Build quality is still high but the anonymous look won't excite as much as the company's classic headphone designs.
Performance: Sennheiser's sonic signature is geared towards a balanced sound across the entire frequency range, but that doesn't mean that it can't deliver big bass beats when it needs to. ANC is effective and doesn't affect the overall sound quality or frequency balance so listeners stay utterly absorbed in whatever music they're listening to.
Battery life: The headline feature is the 50 hour battery life with ANC fully enabled. Although not quite as high as the 60 hours offered by the Momentum 4 Wireless, this is remarkable high by comparison to other mid-priced headphone designs and outperforms the Sony WH-1000XM5 by some 20 hours.
- Read the full Sennheiser Accentum review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Perfectly pitched mid price | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Feels a bit anonymous | ★★★★☆ |
| Performance | Smooth sound and effective ANC | ★★★★☆ |
| Battery life | Best-ever ANC battery life | ★★★★★ |
Best high-end headphones
✅ You're serious about sound quality: The Focal Bathys walk the line between critical audiophile listening at home, while also practical and conveniently wireless to enable owners to enjoy them on the go.
✅ You want premium build: The Focal Bathys use the same high-quality construction as the company's flagship models but are 25% smaller and more lightweight.
✅ You want 24-bit/192kHz support: The onboard DAC is awesome for uncompromised 24-bit sound. Fidelity is increased and there’s a greater degree of tightness in the delivery.
❌ You want the best noise canceling: Rather than compete with heavyweights like Bose and Sony, Focal says it spent three years working on the technology to ensure the right balance of noise cancellation and sound.
❌ You want slick digital assistant support: Google Assistant was buggy, making us wait several seconds before the mics can register inquiries. Siri performance was even worse and didn't register any of our words.
❌ You don't like the high price: These are some of Focal’s most affordable headphones to date. By comparison, they cost at least twice as much as noise-canceling market leaders from Sony and Bose, and are even more expensive than the AirPods Max.
The Focal Bathys are a superb, high-performance headphone perfectly suited to audiophile listening at home, while also practical and conveniently wireless to enable owners to enjoy them on the go. The price may be high, but when you weigh up the top-tier audio performance, $799 is something of a bargain.
What you need to know
With Focal's all-new Bathys, the French audio specialist not only makes the leap into the wireless audio space, but also active noise cancelation (ANC), and are their most ambitious headphone release to date.
Design: The Bathys wireless design share many of the same qualities as Focal’s wired siblings. We’re talking everything from elegant craftsmanship to audiophile-grade sound using proprietary ‘M’-shape aluminum/magnesium drivers, but these latest headphones also come equipped with adjustable EQ, aptX Adaptive codec support over Bluetooth, and elite sound features that includes a built-on DAC/amp.
Performance: The combination of Focal’s M-dome speaker drivers and support for Hi-Res Audio ensures the Bathys sound spectacular. ANC mode doesn’t compromise sound quality. Soft mode scales down the bass a bit, but Silent raises it to give music a punchier delivery. The onboard DAC is awesome for uncompromised 24-bit sound. Fidelity is increased and there’s a greater degree of tightness in the performance.
Battery life: ANC playtime is standard at 30 hours. There is no option for disabling the feature. You can extend playtime up to 35 hours when in audio jack mode and up to 42 hours in DAC mode. All three ratings were accurate during testing, resulting in a week and a half of moderate use (3 hours daily).
- Read the full Focal Bathys review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Top-tier performance costs | ★★★★☆ |
| Design | Versatile | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Top-notch audio quality | ★★★★★ |
| Battery life | Battery life matches rivals | ★★★★☆ |
Best Apple AirPods headphones
✅ You're into Apple's eco system: These headphones round out Apple’s ecosystem with great features including spatial audio to work seamlessly with iOS devices.
✅ You want great ANC: There may only be one ANC mode, but it's very effective at drowning out the sound of your surroundings. Conversely the AirPods Max offer only one level of transparency.
✅ You want balanced sound: Adaptive EQ delivers tailored listening that adjusts sound on the fly, for a high-quality listening experience.
❌ You want dedicated power on/off buttons: There's isn’t a power button, which is odd no matter how you frame it. They kick into low-power mode when they’re stationary for several minutes or in the magnetic smart case, though.
❌ You want a secure and protective carry case: The AirPods Max Smart Case has been ridiculed as it doesn’t provide any sense of protection, so you may need to factor in one of the best AirPods Max cases.
❌ You don't like the high price: The AirPods Max are cheaper than true audiophile headphones like the Focal Bathys, but they'll still more costly than Sony or Bose ANC rivals.
The AirPods Max are the best Apple headphones, so it’s a shame they’re not in a more palatable price range. But these headphones round out Apple’s ecosystem, and the combination of cushy comfort, pristine audio quality and killer features like spatial audio is hard to beat.
What you need to know
At $549 the AirPods Max are certainly no impulse buy, but they look great, sound great, and they have enough bonus features to make it worth the premium.
Design: The AirPods Max come in a fun color range that lends itself well to a retro aesthetic. The pivoting ear cups are covered by oval pillows of memory foam that create a spongy, secure seal around the ears and are connected to a stainless steel frame with slim, telescoping arms that expand at the top for a mesh headband.
Performance: There's something to appreciate about the AirPods Max’s soundstage across all kinds of musical genres, but our favorite aspect came from spatial audio. This game-changing listening feature worked is basically surround sound but for a headset, and uses built-in head tracking to make sound relative to what you’re seeing on screen while watching video on your iPhone or iPad. Lastly, although there’s only one level of noise cancellation, it’s excellent.
Battery life: We found the AirPods Max lived up to the 20 hours of battery life claim, which is one third of time Sennheiser's Momentum 4 Wireless runs for, while Sony gives 10 hours more than the AirPods Max.
- Read the full Apple AirPods Max review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | High price compared to ANC rivals | ★★★★☆ |
| Design | Perfect partner for iOS devices | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Best for spatial audio content | ★★★★★ |
| Battery life | Battery life is bettered elsewhere | ★★★☆☆ |
Best earbuds for sound
✅ You want unbeatable sound and LDAC support: Sony has enhanced performance to give listeners a high-quality listening experience in a smaller and lighter design. Sound quality with LDAC-enabled devices is the best we've heard from a pair of wireless earbuds.
✅ You seek strong call quality: Call quality is greatly improved over the Sony WF-1000XM4, thanks to a new noise reduction engine with AI that's able to make voices clear even in noisy surroundings. Wind noise is kept to a minimum too, thanks to the mesh on the feed forward microphone helping to reduce its influence during calls.
✅ You want strong ANC: Sony says it has improved its active noise canceling by 20% by using a more powerful V2 chipset and HD Noise Canceling processor, which results in one of the best noise-canceling earbuds out there.
❌ You want an easy fit: Sony says that the WF-1000XM5 are 20% lighter and 25% smaller than the WF-1000XM4. The smaller size made them difficult to get the right fit during my review, but they do come with additional SS size eartips for smaller ears.
❌ You need the longest battery life: Battery life remains the same at 8 hours per charge, which is the same as the WF-1000XM4.
❌ You want to wear them for running: Durability is rated at IPX4, which is the same water protection as Apple's AirPods Pro 2. Unlike the Pro 2, which rank as one of the best headphones for running and supress the sound of a runner's steps, the Sonys have a microphonic effect which amplifies the sound of footsteps.
The Sony WF-1000XM5 are a remarkable follow-up that delivers better sound, great call quality and strong ANC. They the best for features and include 360 Reality Audio with headtracking, voice assistant support, adaptive sound control, Speak-to-Chat, multipoint connect, Google Fast Pair and Swift Pair. Ultimately, these are the best wireless earbuds around.
What you need to know
The next-gen Sony WF-1000XM5 build on traditional Sony hallmarks and phase out the popular WF-1000XM4 with a smaller and lighter design. They're perfect for users with smaller ears and come with XS eartips as well as S, M and L sizes, and come with a long list of adaptive features to ensure that you're getting the very best sound every time you listen. Battery life hasn't changed from the original but that doesn't hold them back, and these are are the best wireless earbuds around.
Design: Sony says that its has reduced the size of the WF-1000XM5 by 25% compared to the WF-1000XM4, and they're 20% lighter too. The buds drop the distinctive copper ring detail of the XM4 for a smaller copper vent beneath which lies an ANC mic, and use a mix of gloss and matte finishes. The small copper Sony logo on the side is a nice touch, too.
Performance: Sony automatically calibrates ANC and the sound profile to the unique properties of your ear and delivers one of the best listening experiences I've heard from a pair of wireless earbuds, particularly when streaming via LDAC devices. Noise cancelation gets close to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, and the awesome Headphones Connect app gives you all the control you need and is a joy to use.
Battery life: Battery life remains the same as the original at 8 hours per charge. The charging case gives 24 hours when fully charged. It's Qi-compatible and you can even keep it wirelessly topped up via compatible Xperia devices.
- Read the full Sony WF-1000XM5 review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | More costly than original and near rivals | ★★★★☆ |
| Design | 25% smaller | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Best sound quality | ★★★★★ |
| Battery life | Same playback time as XM4 | ★★★★☆ |
Best Apple AirPods 'buds overall
✅ You want great ANC: With music playing at a medium volume, the noise cancelation can overcome what we feel is 95% of household and office noise. You won’t be able to hear a person sitting next to you, even if you’re looking at them, and the dull hum of the office will fade into nothing.
✅ You want volume controls on the stem: The improved touch controls support swiping up and down on the stems to raise or lower the volume, which is very handy and means you won't need to fumble with the level controls on your playback device.
✅ You're into Apple's ecosystem: These AirPods Pro 2 round out Apple’s ecosystem with great features including spatial audio that works seamlessly with iOS devices.
❌ Call quality is important: Calls via the AirPods Pro 2 sounded muffled compared to a call on speakerphone, and meant people still preferred us using the phone’s built-in speaker rather than the AirPods.
❌ You want clear charging indication: We found the charging case would only glow amber when charging for about 15 seconds, then shut off. A permanent indication of charging status would be welcomed.
❌ You don't like white: The AirPods Pro 2 are only available in white. Other color options would surely widen appeal for many.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are absolutely worth it for first-time buyers and folks in need of a replacement. They amp up many of the features we loved about the original, and while they’re not perfect, they offer some of the best noise cancellation and spatial audio of any pair of earbuds available.
What you need to know
The Apple AirPods Pro 2, officially called the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) take everything we loved about the Apple's first noise-canceling earbuds to the next level. The AirPods Pro 2 promise 2x the noise canceling performance, and they deliver. In fact, it's among the best we’ve yet to test, period.
Design: If you like the drop-stem styling of the original AirPods Pro, then you'll enjoy the new version. Overall, while the design isn’t a major departure from the original AirPods Pro ― there are a number of subtle exterior and substantive interior improvements that set the two apart. We like the now volume controls built into the stems. But they're still only available in white.
Performance: As one of the best noise-canceling earbuds, the AirPods Pro 2 have great sound and deliver some really nice details that you wouldn’t be able to hear as clearly with other earbuds. ANC is very effective, and we have to hand it to Apple on the way the new earbuds convey Dolby Atmos spatial audio, too. Compared to the competition, the AirPods are miles ahead with spatial audio technology and music simply transforms into a three-dimensional experience with these earbuds in.
Battery life: Instead of 24 hours of charge in the case with the original, you’re looking at 30 hours, and the earbuds last 6 hours on a single charge instead of 4. In our testing, we were able to verify those numbers — though we landed a little closer to 5 hours per charge and 26 hours with the case.
- Read the full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Same price as original | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Instantly recognizable | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Apple's best-performing earbuds | ★★★★★ |
| Battery life | Better than original but still beaten by rivals | ★★★★☆ |
BEST EARBUDS FOR NOISE CANCELLATION
✅ You desire the absolute best true wireless noise cancellation: Purchase the QC Ultra Earbuds if you want excellent ambient noise listening to increase situational awareness and up to 90% of noise neutralization.
✅ You want great 3D audio with no limitations: Having the option to enjoy Immersive Mode with any content is a luxury that every pair of wireless earbuds with spatial audio should offer.
✅ You’re an Android user that values hi-res sound: The beauty of having a current Android device is that they’re all compatible with Qualcomm’s newest wireless audio codecs. With the QC Ultra carrying aptX Adaptive, you’re getting dynamically scaled sound at a faster bit rate to enjoy more detail and nuance from recordings.
❌ You’re not trying to pay extra for wireless charging: As previously stated, wireless charging comes at an additional cost, but is a feature offered for free on nearly 90% of rivals.
❌ You expect to own Bose’s best true wireless calling headset: It is discouraging that Bose’s call quality has dropped with every new series entry. The original QC Earbuds produced the brand’s best results, yet somehow the QC Earbuds 2 experienced a decline that is somehow steeper on the QC Ultra Earbuds.
❌ Exercising is a priority: Sweat and water resistance is fine for when you’re caught in minor drizzle or having a light jog around the neighborhood. We wouldn’t recommend damaging these beauties by putting them through more serious weather or workout conditions.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: A more upscaled version of their previous flagship buds, the QC Ultra Earbuds stun with exceptional ANC that silences the loudest critics and disruptions around you. Wireless extras like Bluetooth multipoint for pairing two devices simultaneously and Google Fast Pair add to their value. Other notables include their striking sound with phenomenal spatial audio that everyone can enjoy, no matter the content or music streaming service.
What you need to know
The Bose QC Ultra Earbuds carried over everything that made the QC Earbuds 2 a Tom's Guide Awards winner and expanded on their sonic capabilities by incorporating Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive support and a universal spatial audio mode that works with all stereo content. In other words, you can enjoy a satisfying surround sound experience whether you’re listening to lo-fi tracks on Spotify or streaming NFL games on your Apple TV. ANC continues to improve, with these buds offering the best noise neutralization of any true wireless model. They also retain the chic look and responsive touch controls of the previous entry.
Design: Two aesthetic changes differentiate the QC Ultra Earbuds from the QC Earbuds 2: a metallic sheen on the touch panels and new grooves on the top for easier installation of the silicone stabilizer wings. The buds rest comfortably on your ears, while the wings form a tight seal around the ear for a secure fit. IPX4 certification keeps them sweat- and water-resistant. Bose’s charging case is compact and travel friendly.
Performance: Bose earbuds are best known for their ANC and the QC Ultra Earbuds are at the top of their class. Up to 95% of incidental sounds are eliminated across the frequency spectrum. Sound quality is just as impressive, thanks to aptX Adaptive codec support that works in unison with proprietary technologies (ActiveSense, CustomTune) to deliver full, crisp sound over Bluetooth.
Battery life: Bose left playtime untouched: 6 hours per charge and 24 hours with the charging case. No, you still can’t disable ANC to preserve battery life. A 5-minute quick charge nets you 1 hour of listening time. Wireless charging is available, though it requires spending an extra $50 on Bose’s Qi-enabled silicone case cover.
- Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | More expensive than the previous version | ★★★★☆ |
| Design | Same exact look at the QC2 Earbuds | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Bose's best wireless earbuds overall | ★★★★★ |
| Battery life | Substandard playtime | ★★★☆ |
The best headphones: Specs compared
| Header Cell - Column 0 | ANC | Connectivity | Weight | Battery life claims |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Yes | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, LDAC | 8.8 ounces | 30 hours (ANC on); 40 hours (ANC off) |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e | Yes | Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive and aptX HD | 10.8 ounces | 30 hours |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Yes | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | 8.9 ounces | 24 hours |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 | Yes | Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | 11.2 ounces | 30 hours |
| Sennheiser Accentum | Yes | Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, aptX HD | 7.8 ounces | 50 hours (ANC on) |
| Focal Bathys | Yes | Bluetooth 5.1 with SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive | 12.3 ounces | 30 hours; 35 hours (audio jack mode); 42 hours (DAC mode) |
| Apple AirPods Max | Yes | Bluetooth 5.0 with SBC, AAC | 13.6 ounces | 20 hours (ANC on) |
| Sony WF-1000XM5 | Yes | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, LDAC | Not specified | 8 hours (ANC on), 24 hours (with charging case) |
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 | Yes | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC | 0.19 ounces (per bud) | 6 hours; 30 hours (charging case) |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds | Yes | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | 0.27 ounces (per bud); 2.1 ounces (charging case) | 6 hours; 24 hours (charging case) |
Also consider
We've tested a lot of headphones at Tom's Guide, and unfortunately, while many are great, not everything makes it into our buying guides. Whether that's down to better performance or stronger features from rival models in a particular category, some miss ranking in this list by the slightest of margins. With that in mind, these models are strong contenders and great alternative considerations.
5 things to consider before selecting the best headphones for you
Many factors come into play when shopping for the best headphones, but your decision should always come down to intended use. That being said, you’ll want to take the following categories into account before settling on any pair.
1. Design: Are you looking for in-ear, on-ear or over-ear headphones? Wired or wireless? Luxury or sporty? Since these are headphones that will be used for multiple occasions, you want something that suits your lifestyle. Whatever type you choose, make sure the headphones are well built, easy to carry, and comfy to wear for about 1 to 2 hours daily.
2. Sound quality: Different models offer different sound, and since you’re buying a pair to enjoy music individually, it’s important to find headphones that match your sound preference, be it heavy bass or distinctively clear to where you can hear the littlest nuances in recordings. Some models offer personalized sound via companion app, which allows the user to create their own profiles and tweak EQ levels to their hearing.
3. Battery life: Sennheiser's 60-hour battery life is a real crowd pleaser, but most wireless over-ear headphones typically manage around half that. Wireless earbuds can last about 5 to 10 hours and offer extended playtime with their bundled charging cases — always make sure one is included.
4. Accessories: It's disappointing spending money on a new pair of headphones only to find that you need to buy the accessories separately. For wired models, the manufacturer must include the aux cable, and any headphones that come with a carrying case, charging cable, user guide, and extra ear cups or tips are solid purchases.
5. Pricing considerations: Obviously, price is a big consideration when looking for the best headphones. Although there are always exceptions, big-name brands will typically command a bit extra, but generally speaking, the less you spend on a pair of headphones the greater the chance that sound and features will be compromised. Going for a budget option isn't always the best choice, as any money you save on your purchase won't do you much good if you're constantly needing to recharge your audio gear, or the sound quality is poor.
As the saying goes: timing is everything. Bookmark our best headphone deals pages to keep track of the latest bargains.
How we test the best headphones
From the design and comfort to the sound quality and overall value, we evaluate several areas when picking the best headphones. In addition, Tom’s Guide employs a rigorous review process that compares products with similar fit, features, and pricing.
Each pair of headphones and earbuds is worn over the course of a week for 2 hours at a time. During this time, reviewers evaluate comfort and fit, ease of use, and audio. We test sound by listening to tracks across different music genres, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical, and pop. Volume, clarity, and fullness of sound are taken into consideration in our ratings. Movies, podcasts, and video games are considered, when necessary.
Find out what we listen for during our testing process and how to get the best headphone sound for you.
When it comes to features, we test the effectiveness of active noise cancelling, Bluetooth range, and battery life for wireless and wired headphones. Additional features are also tested for app-enabled headphones, along with ease of setup. Build quality, controls, and fit are taken into consideration for all headphone types. Fitness-focused headphones go through vigorous workouts, as we analyze fit while exercising and how well they handle ambient sound in loud environments.
Once testing is complete, we rate headphones based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). If a product is truly exemplary, it's awarded an Editor's Choice.
Contributions from: Alex Bracetti, Simon Lucas
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