Best headphones: Top picks tested by experts

All the best over-ear headphones and wireless earbuds tested and rated by audio experts. Finding the right pair of headphones can often feel overwhelming, with a myriad of technical terms, acronyms, and conflicting reviews. To make the process simpler, our dedicated team of audio reviewers has rigorously tested and rated the top headphones on the market, categorized by specific use cases and listener personas.

Headphone Jargon Buster

Before diving into our expert picks, let's break down some of the most common technical terms you will encounter when shopping for headphones:

• ANC (Active Noise Cancellation): Uses advanced audio science—combining white noise and specific frequencies—to dynamically counteract and block out external environmental sounds.
• EQ (Equalization): Refers to adjusting the balance of different frequency components in your audio, allowing you to customize the sound signature to your preference.
• Frequencies: The building blocks of your music. Lows handle heavy bass and kick drums; mids encompass vocals and guitars; highs cover crisp elements like drum cymbals.

Top Expert Picks by Use Case

1. Best for Public Transport: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3

For commuters who spend hours on buses and trains, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 offers an exceptional blend of comfort, robust build quality, and rich, well-rounded sound. Featuring plush earcups, a secure clamping force, and a protective hard case, these headphones ensure a comfortable commute. While their ANC may not quite match Sony or Bose market leaders, it handles everyday transit noise admirably.

2. Best on a Budget: CMF Headphone Pro

If you want premium features without breaking the bank, the CMF Headphone Pro delivers incredible value. Thanks to Dirac tuning integration, these budget-friendly cans punch well above their weight class, providing dynamic sound, bright highs, and robust low-end impact alongside impressive battery life (up to 100 hours with ANC off).

3. Best for Flying: Apple AirPods Max 2

Frequent flyers looking for luxury and top-tier noise cancellation will find the Apple AirPods Max 2 hard to beat. Featuring gorgeous anodized aluminum earcups, stunning Spatial Audio for movies, and upgraded ANC that effortlessly silences airplane engines, they offer an immersive listening experience despite a heavier frame.

4. Best Battery Life: Marshall Monitor III

For listeners who want to avoid the power outlet as much as possible, the Marshall Monitor III is a tour de force. With a retro guitar-amp inspired design and a phenomenal 100 hours of battery life with ANC off (and 70 hours with ANC active), they deliver robust sound and long-lasting endurance.

5. Best for Wireless Sound: Sennheiser HDB 630

Bridging the gap between wireless convenience and audiophile-grade fidelity, the Sennheiser HDB 630 utilizes a dedicated USB-C wireless dongle to elevate Bluetooth audio quality to stunning heights, paired with granular EQ customization options.

6. Best Wired Sound: Meze 99 Classics (2nd Gen)

For purists who prefer a wired connection, the Meze 99 Classics offer gorgeous wooden walnut earcups, exceptional instrument separation, a wide soundstage, and a velvety smooth, detailed sonic presentation.

7. Best for Mixing: Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro

An industry staple for at-home musicians and creators, the Beyerdynamic DT 270 Pro delivers a flat, neutral frequency response essential for accurate audio mixing and monitoring, all wrapped in a comfortable, lightweight design.

How We Test Headphones

Our expert reviewers spend countless hours evaluating headphones across critical metrics:

• Sound Quality: Critical listening sessions using standardized high-resolution test playlists on Qobuz to analyze frequency response and separation.
• ANC: Real-world testing across commutes, flights, and noisy environments to measure noise attenuation and transparency mode clarity.
• Battery Life: Measuring endurance with mid-level volume and active ANC to verify manufacturer claims.
• Call Quality: Testing built-in microphones across various environments for vocal clarity and background noise rejection.