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
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
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
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
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 5
- 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 5 are a solid step up from their predecessor and introduce more advanced features, such as Live Translation, better noise cancellation, and access to Siri AI for less money, making them easy to recommend if you have an iPhone.
Full Apple AirPods 5 ReviewPros
- Excellent noise-cancellation for the price
- Pleasant, well-tuned audio
- Advanced features like Live Translation
- Hands-free access to Siri AI
- User-adjustable EQ (finally!)
Cons
- Short battery life at just 5 hours
- Limited Bluetooth codec support
Pros
- Excellent noise-cancellation for the price
- Pleasant, well-tuned audio
- Advanced features like Live Translation
- Hands-free access to Siri AI
- User-adjustable EQ (finally!)
Cons
- Short battery life at just 5 hours
- Limited Bluetooth codec support
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
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