The Best Headphones

TL;DR: A rich-sounding pair of wireless headphones that does well with noise canceling and offers plenty of audio customization.

Why We Recommend It

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones punch well above their weight in the wireless category with Bluetooth compatibility in the less lossy aptX codec.

These headphones also offer wired flexibility with auxiliary connectivity and a USB DAC that delivers decent audio too.

These headphones sounded punchy and powerful and well-rounded and rich in the low-to-mid spectrum, especially when listening to Top 40 music. But spoken word and podcasts sounded great too.

Other the other hand, noise canceling is adequate compared to Bose, Sony, or Apple headphones at a similar price.

However, this is an acceptable drawback when considering this headset’s adaptability, and balance between solid ANC and sound quality.

I also love the opulence of the signature two-tone premium cloth and various color options, the roomy ear cups, and the class-leading 60-hour battery life (which trended in the high 50s for me).

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 tops our list based primarily on sound quality, but there are numerous bonuses that add to its appeal.

• Who else recommends it? The Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones are well-liked, garnering high ratings on RTINGS, The Sound Guys, What Hi-Fi, TechRadar, and more.
• What do buyers think? This headset has nearly 9,000 Amazon customer reviews, averaging a global 4.1-star rating. Happy buyers praise the battery life and overall comfort.

TL;DR: If noise cancellation and rich, Bose-style sound are what you’re after, then the wireless QuietComfort Ultra is a solid pick.

Why We Recommend It

The QuietComfort Ultra headphones highlight the Bose brand’s strengths: nailing the fundamentals of class-leading noise cancellation and delivering consistent sound.

The noise cancellation is truly remarkable. The experience is quiet and isolating—whether competing with the dull roar of an aircraft or dealing with transient distractions in a coffee shop.

It’s nice to see Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec for less lossy transmission, but the QuietComfort Ultra was slightly less balanced than brands like Sony or the Sennheiser Momentum 4.

As for build and comfort, Bose returned to a collapsible design with a (slightly) more portable case than last generation’s 700 series. However, the package is still a bit bulkier than some other offerings.

While I liked the comfort of these headphones and the satisfying, click-free headband expander, the leather-type padding got hot during extended sessions.

On paper, the connectivity here is excellent. But I’ve experienced many Bose products occasionally struggling with Bluetooth interference in hectic environments with many other Bluetooth users (say, a busy train station).

Overall, these headphones offer quality, comfort, and solid sound. So if you want a great-sounding pair of headphones right out of the box, you can do way worse.

• Who else recommends it? SoundGuys, CNET, and RTINGS name the QC Ultra headphones as one of the top choices for wireless, over-ear cans. 
• What do buyers think? The Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra has over 8,200 Amazon customer reviews, an average 4.2-star rating, and a perfect 5-star verdict from 68 percent of shoppers.

TL;DR: The ATH-M50x wired headphones from Audio-Technica are a capable and classic pick for professional and casual use.

Why We Recommend It

Wireless headphones are popular, but wired headphones provide options for those with more specific needs.

The ATH-M50x from Audio-Technica is a pair of headphones that’s become famous in the DJ space but is now a go-to choice for anyone who wants lossless sound.

When plugged into an audio interface or a digital-to-analog converter, the ATH-M50x provides balanced, full-bodied sound beyond the human hearing spectrum.

I’ve used my M50x for years as my main studio monitors, but with the recent release of the Ice Blue colorway and the comfortable, rich sound, this product is also an excellent choice for daily use.

Though rugged and long-lasting, the build quality can feel utilitarian, leading to rigid joints, slightly harder clamping, and shallower earcups.

Because Audio-Technica has prioritized flat sound quality, there aren’t any bells or whistles, such as noise cancellation, wireless connectivity, and plush, luxurious materials.

But for the price and the performance, there’s a truly impressive balance of sound quality, style, and usability here. 

• Who else recommends it? PCMag, RTINGS, and Sound On Sound laud the ATH-M50x headphones for their flat response and studio-grade reliability.
• What do buyers think? The ATH-M50x has nearly 33,000 Amazon reviews and an average 4.6-star global rating. Customers like this headset’s sound quality and overall value.

TL;DR: These premium Sonos Ace headphones are sleek, unique, and offer enough quality to sway more discerning listeners.

Why We Recommend It

Sonos isn’t exactly known as a budget brand, so it’s no surprise that its first long-awaited foray into the headphone space is cracking the $400 mark.

Even though the build is primarily plastic, the headphones are really light, and have a premium feel.

The headband’s non-ratcheting stainless steel adjustment segment feels satisfying and precise when dialing in the correct size.

And the magnetic way the ear pads attach to the headphones means you can replace them quickly.

Then there’s the sound. If you like Sonos’ approach to satisfying, “consumer-friendly” audio, then you’ll love these.

There’s a healthy amount of bass on tap to add oomph to Top 40 mixes, and I found them particularly great for watching videos or playing games on my handheld gaming PC.

And that’s partially by design. The Sonos Ace headphones are made to be used, at least in part, as a pair of TV headphones for use with the updated, and user-friendlier Sonos app.

The simplified companion app offers easy hand off from a Sonos Arc or Sonos Beam to continue watching TV without disturbing those around you.

On the flip-side, Sonos has opted for simplicity, giving only limited customization EQ options and controls.

I was also hoping to see wireless connectivity to the Sonos system rather than the common Bluetooth protocol. No other flagship headphones connect through a true wireless system, but it’s worth noting.

I also found the headphones to be a little claustrophobic for my admittedly large ears, which will only be a problem for some.

But the build quality, sound response, and premium offerings are all excellent—if you can stomach the price.

• Who else recommends it? The Verge, CNET, TechRadar, and dozens more top tech and audio publications praise the Sonos Ace for its quality and listening experience. 
• What do buyers say? These headphones have an average 4.2-star rating on Amazon, and 66 percent of customers give this headset a perfect 5-star rating based on its premium quality.