The best headphones for 2024 (and why they made our list)
See our most-loved headphones from Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, Beats, plus more audiophile-approved picks.
Best deals on headphones this week
- Apple AirPods Max ANC Wireless Headphones — $529.99 (List Price $549)
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless ANC Over-Ear Headphones — $279.99 (List Price $379.95)
- Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (Black) — $299.99 (List Price $349.99)
- Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Wireless ANC Headphones — $439.99 (List Price $499)
- Skullcandy Hesh ANC Over-Ear Wireless Headphones (Black) — $109.99 (List Price $134.99)
There are hundreds of different headphones and earbuds in varying shapes, sizes, styles, and colors (not to mention prices). All have the same idea at heart: To deliver high-quality audio directly into your ears. But some achieve this result so much better — and in better style — than others.
While there are plenty of budget headphones that will get the job done, the best headphones require a bigger investment. That's why it's good to know if your audio needs actually justify paying a higher price.
How to choose the best headphones
If you've been on the hunt for a new pair of headphones, you've likely come across a few of the "best" brands already: Sony, Bose, and Apple. While these brands do make quality earbuds and headphones, they're far from your only options. Don't let the FYP fool you into thinking you need to drop $350+ in order to get halfway decent active noise cancellation.
In reality, the best pair of headphones largely comes down to personal preference. Here are some questions you might ask yourself when weighing your choice:
Are you planning on listening at home or on the go? If you want over-ear headphones, you might prefer ones that fold up easily in your bag and are comfortable to wear for long stretches of time.
If you'll be wearing your headphones on your commute or in the office, is strong active noise cancellation a requirement?
How long do you really need the battery to last? Will a six-hour battery life at a time get you through, or do you need the promise of true all-day battery?
Are you using these headphones for casual listening, for staying focused, or for working out? This might mean the difference between investing in an audio-first brand, a pair with top notch ANC, or a pair with wingtips that actually keep your headphones in your ears while you run.
What kind of music do you like to listen to with your headphones? Are you a fan of a nice and loud bass line, or do you prefer a more balanced tone?
Tired of lossless audio claims that don't pan out? Maybe you'd prefer to go for a pair of wired headphones that actually deliver.
These are just some of the questions you can use to guide your purchasing journey, but don't get overwhelmed. With each of our picks below, we've done the research and testing to answer them for you, all to help point you to your personal best pair of headphones or earbuds.
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