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10 Best Headphones 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Chilled Lilac - Limited Edition Color

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones are over-ear wireless headphones designed to deliver a premium listening experience, especially for blocking out distractions. Their active noise cancellation effectively reduces outside noise, making them ideal for travel, work, or noisy environments. An "Aware Mode" allows users to stay connected to their surroundings when desired. The sound quality is clear and balanced, with adjustable equalizer settings enabling customization of bass, mids, and treble.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,337
Comfort and Fit
Noise Cancellation
Sound Quality

Most important from
13868 reviews

Comfort and Fit
These headphones are impressively lightweight and comfortable, with plush cushions that prevent ear fatigue even during long use.
Noise Cancellation
The active noise cancellation is exceptional, effectively silencing background sounds like constant air conditioning without needing to play music.
Sound Quality
Sound quality delivers clear, balanced audio with deeper bass and crisp highs, requiring minimal equalizer adjustments to achieve optimal listening.
Microphone and Controls
Calls come through clearly with no popping or distortion, outperforming competitors in microphone reliability.
Battery Life
Battery life meets expectations with up to 24 hours per charge, complemented by quick charging that provides hours of playback in just minutes.
#2
9.4 score

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Pro-Level Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone - Purple

The Apple AirPods Max are premium wireless over-ear headphones designed to deliver high-quality sound with a custom dynamic driver and Apple's advanced audio processing. Their active noise cancellation is impressive, reportedly blocking out twice as much background noise compared to many others, making them great if you want to immerse yourself fully in music or calls. Transparency mode is handy too, letting you hear surroundings without removing the headphones. The personalized spatial audio feature adds a unique, immersive 3D sound experience tailored to your ears, especially when using Apple devices.

Rating
9.4
Sound Quality
Noise Cancellation
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
2358 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is phenomenal, delivering rich bass, crystal clear mids, and detailed highs that elevate music and movies to another level.
Noise Cancellation
Active noise cancellation is top-tier, blocking out distractions better than any other headphones experienced.
Durability and Build Quality
The premium build and materials create a luxurious feel, combining durability with comfort for long listening sessions without pressure or pinching.
Wireless vs. Wired
Seamless and fast connectivity with Apple devices makes setup effortless and switching between modes intuitive.
Battery Life
Battery life impresses with around 20 hours of use, rarely needing a charge even with frequent, extended wear.
Microphone and Controls
The Digital Crown and control options provide precise and easy volume and playback adjustments.
Comfort and Fit
The knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions offer a snug, secure fit, though some mention occasional moisture buildup in the ear pads.
#3
9.1 score

Beats Studio Pro - Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones - Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatibility, Up to 40 Hours Battery Life - Deep Brown

The Beats Studio Pro are over-ear wireless headphones designed for users seeking high-quality sound and effective noise cancellation. They use Beats' custom acoustic platform and dynamic drivers to deliver rich, immersive audio across a frequency range of 20-20,000 Hz, ensuring music and calls sound clear and detailed. One standout feature is the personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, offering a 360-degree listening experience that can make you feel like you're inside the music. The headphones provide two listening modes: active noise cancellation (ANC) to block outside noise, and Transparency mode so you can hear your surroundings when needed.

Rating
9.1
Noise Cancellation
Sound Quality
Battery Life

Most important from
23338 reviews

Noise Cancellation
Active noise cancellation is impressively effective, completely blocking outside conversations and creating an immersive listening environment.
Sound Quality
Sound quality delivers rich, detailed audio with a more neutral and lively profile, enhanced by personalized spatial audio and Dolby Atmos with head tracking.
Battery Life
Battery life and wireless connectivity are reliable with no dropouts, and quick charging adds valuable extra listening time.
Microphone and Controls
Controls are intuitive and user-friendly, featuring classic physical buttons that make playback and switching modes straightforward and accessible.
Durability and Build Quality
Build quality balances solid plastic with metal sliders, resulting in a lightweight yet durable feel, complemented by a thoughtfully designed carrying case with cable storage.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is generally good with plush cushioning, but the strong clamping force and fit can be less ideal for users with larger heads or ears.
Wireless vs. Wired
The inclusion of a USB-C port for wired lossless audio is a valuable feature not commonly found in competing models.

Top 10 Best Headphones 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Chilled Lilac - Limited Edition Color

Type (Over-ear, On-ear, In-ear): Over Ear
Sound Quality (Frequency Response, Drivers): 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz, Dynamic Driver
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation
Wireless vs. Wired: Wireless with wired option
Battery Life: 24 Hours
Comfort and Fit: Plush cushions, padded headband
Microphone and Controls: Built-in mic, intuitive controls
Durability and Build Quality: Leather, plastic, sturdy, lightweight

Chosen by 1337 this week

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Pro-Level Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone - Purple

Type (Over-ear, On-ear, In-ear): Over Ear
Sound Quality (Frequency Response, Drivers): Custom Apple driver, high dynamic amp
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation
Wireless vs. Wired: Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Battery Life: 20 Hours
Comfort and Fit: Knit-mesh canopy, memory foam cushions
Microphone and Controls: Dual beamforming mics, touch, Digital Crown
Durability and Build Quality: Not Water Resistant

Beats Studio Pro - Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones - Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatibility, Up to 40 Hours Battery Life - Deep Brown

Type (Over-ear, On-ear, In-ear): Over Ear
Sound Quality (Frequency Response, Drivers): 20-20000 Hz, Dynamic Driver
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation
Wireless vs. Wired: Wireless Bluetooth 5.3, Wired 3.5mm
Battery Life: 40h, 10-min charge = 4h play
Comfort and Fit: Over-ear, faux leather cushions
Microphone and Controls: Voice mics, touch & buttons, Siri
Durability and Build Quality: Foldable, fabric case, faux leather

Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 Microphones, Adaptive NC Optimizer, Mastered by Engineers, Studio-Quality, 30-Hour Battery, Black

Type: Over Ear
Sound Quality: High-resolution wireless audio
Noise Cancellation: Active noise cancellation, 12 microphones
Comfort and Fit: Lightweight, soft synthetic leather cushions
Wireless vs. Wired: Wireless Bluetooth and wired supported
Battery Life: Up to 30 hours, quick 3-min charge
Additional Features: Touch control, ambient mode, foldable

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones with Mic for Phone-Call and Alexa Voice Control, Silver WH1000XM4

Type (Over-ear, On-ear, In-ear): Over Ear
Sound Quality (Frequency Response, Drivers): Freq Response 40000 Hz, 40mm Drivers
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation
Wireless vs. Wired: Wireless Bluetooth 5.0, Wired 3.5mm
Battery Life: 30 Hours
Comfort and Fit: Reduces ear pressure long use
Microphone and Controls: Mic, Touch and Voice Controls
Durability and Build Quality: Plastic, durable, lightweight

Beats Solo 4 - Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones, Apple & Android Compatible, Up to 50 Hours of Battery Life - Black & Gold

Type (Over-ear, On-ear, In-ear): On-Ear
Sound Quality (Frequency Response, Drivers): Dynamic Driver
Noise Cancellation: Sound Isolation
Wireless vs. Wired: Wireless Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, 3.5mm
Battery Life: 50h, 10min charge = 5h playback
Comfort and Fit: Ultralight, flexible grips, plush cushions
Microphone and Controls: Mic, Button, Siri, Touch, Voice controls
Durability and Build Quality: Solid build, Not water resistant

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro AI True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Noise Cancelling, Sound Optimization, Redesigned Comfort Fit, Silver [US Version, Amazon Exclusive, 2Yr Warranty]

Type: True Wireless
Sound Quality: 20 Hz - 96 KHz
Noise Cancellation: Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation
Comfort and Fit: In Ear
Wireless vs. Wired: Wireless
Battery Life: 6 Hours (earbuds), 26 Hours (case)
Additional Features: Volume Control, Lightweight, Fast Charging

Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones, Auto NC Optimizer, 30-Hour Battery, Alexa Voice Control, Black

Type: Over Ear
Comfort and Fit: Lightweight, soft fit leather
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation
Wireless vs. Wired: Wireless
Battery Life: 30 Hours
Durability and Build Quality: Good, plastic carrying case
Additional Features: Hands-free calling, touch controls, quick charge

Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, USB-C Charging Case, H2 Chip, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone

Type: In Ear
Sound Quality: Custom Apple driver, Adaptive EQ
Comfort and Fit: Redesigned for better fit
Noise Cancellation: Sound Isolation
Wireless vs. Wired: Wireless
Battery Life: 5 hours, 30 hours with case
Durability and Build Quality: Dust, sweat, water resistant (IP54)
Additional Features: H2 chip, Dual microphones, Siri
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Buying Guide for the Best Headphones

Choosing the right headphones can greatly improve your listening experience, whether you're enjoying music, podcasts, gaming, or taking calls. With many different types and features available, it's helpful to understand what matters most for your intended use. Think about where you'll use your headphones the most—at home, commuting, working out, or in the office. This will help you prioritize the features and specs that are most important for your comfort and enjoyment.
Type (Over-ear, On-ear, In-ear)This refers to the design and how the headphones fit on or in your ears. Over-ear headphones have large ear cups that cover your ears entirely and often provide the best sound quality and noise isolation, making them great for home or studio use. On-ear headphones rest on top of your ears and can be more compact for travel, but may not block as much noise. In-ear headphones (earbuds) fit directly into your ear canal, are lightweight and highly portable—ideal for active use, like running or commuting. Choosing between these types depends on your preferences for comfort, portability, and where you'll use them most.
Sound Quality (Frequency Response, Drivers)Sound quality is what your headphones actually sound like and is influenced by technical details such as frequency response and driver size. Frequency response tells you the range of sounds the headphones can reproduce; a wider range means more detailed highs and deeper lows. Driver size can impact how much sound is produced, with larger drivers often providing better bass. For a casual listener, most modern headphones will sound good, but if you're an audiophile or enjoy high-fidelity music, look for headphones with a wide frequency range and quality drivers.
Noise CancellationThis feature reduces unwanted external sounds so you can focus on what you're listening to. Active noise cancellation (ANC) electronically cancels out background noise, while passive noise isolation relies on the headphone's physical design to block sound. ANC is great for travelers or noisy environments, while passive isolation can be sufficient for quieter places. Consider your typical listening environment when deciding how important noise cancellation is for your headphones.
Wireless vs. WiredWireless headphones connect to your devices via Bluetooth, offering the convenience of no cables, especially useful for commuting or exercising. Wired headphones rely on a physical cable and can provide better sound quality without worrying about battery life, which is ideal for desk work or high-quality audio needs. Choose based on how often you want to move around without restriction or prioritize the best audio consistency.
Battery LifeFor wireless headphones, battery life determines how long you can use them between charges. Headphones can range from a few hours to over a day of continuous use. If you plan long listening sessions or often forget to recharge, look for headphones with longer battery life or quick-charging features. If you use headphones only briefly or near a charger, shorter battery life may not be a problem.
Comfort and FitHow comfortable the headphones feel during long periods of use is important, especially if you wear them all day or during workouts. Features like adjustable headbands, padded ear cups, or customizable ear tips make a big difference. Try to pick headphones with comfort features that match your intended use: lightweight options for sports, padding for all-day wear, or sweat-resistant materials for exercise.
Microphone and ControlsIf you plan to use your headphones for calls or voice commands, having a quality built-in microphone and easily accessible controls is crucial. Some headphones have on-cable or on-device buttons to change volume, skip tracks, or answer calls. Make sure the controls and microphone quality match your needs, especially if you anticipate frequent calls or interactions without taking your device out.
Durability and Build QualityDurability refers to how well the headphones can withstand daily use, including drops, moisture, and general wear. Look for features like reinforced cables, water resistance, or sturdy materials if you plan to use your headphones in tough conditions. If you’re mostly using them at a desk or at home, this may be less of a priority, but for portable or gym use, build quality becomes much more important.

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