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10 Best Headphones 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 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 - Midnight

Apple's AirPods Max are high-end over-ear headphones designed for a premium listening experience. They feature top-notch sound quality thanks to Apple-designed dynamic drivers and sophisticated computational audio powered by the H1 chip. This means you get rich, high-fidelity audio tailored to your unique ear shape, which can make your music, movies, and calls sound fantastic. The Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation is very effective, ideal for blocking out background noise, while the Transparency mode allows you to stay aware of your surroundings when needed.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,241
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Noise Cancellation

Most important from
2672 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality surpassed expectations, delivering crisp and clear audio for both music and shows.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort improves significantly over time, making them almost unnoticeable during extended wear.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is highly effective, though extreme noise might still be slightly audible.
Durability and Build Quality
Durability is impressive, withstanding daily use without needing an extra case.
#2
9.7 score

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

The Sony WH-1000XM6 are over-ear wireless headphones known for their top-tier noise cancellation, thanks to an advanced processor and 12 microphones that actively block outside sounds very effectively. This makes them great for noisy environments like planes or busy streets. Sound quality is excellent, with clear, balanced audio designed with expert input, supporting high-resolution wireless audio for a rich listening experience.

Rating
9.7
Noise Cancellation
Comfort and Fit
Sound Quality

Most important from
1456 reviews

Noise Cancellation
The noise cancellation has been elevated to a new level, completely eliminating previous buzzing tones and creating a truly immersive listening experience.
Comfort and Fit
These headphones strike a perfect balance between comfort and secure fit, with a flexible headband and snug clamping force that doesn’t cause discomfort even during long use.
Sound Quality
Sound quality reveals every musical detail effortlessly, delivering a clear, balanced audio profile that respects the artist’s original intent right out of the box.
Battery Life
Battery life impresses with extended playback and quick charging, ensuring they rarely run out of power even during heavy daily use.
Additional Features
The inclusion of advanced features like multi-device pairing and adaptive noise cancellation matches or surpasses premium alternatives at a more accessible price point.
Wireless vs. Wired
The headphones’ versatility shines with support for both high-resolution wireless audio and wired connections, catering to different listening needs including PC use with some configuration.
#3
9.7 score

Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Twilight Blue - Limited Edition Color

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones in Twilight Blue offer a comfortable over-ear design that’s great for long listening sessions, thanks to soft cushions and a padded headband. They use dynamic drivers to deliver clear, balanced sound across the full 20 Hz to 20 kHz range, with an adjustable EQ to customize bass, mid, and treble to your liking. Noise cancellation is a standout feature, effectively blocking out distractions with both active and passive methods, and you can switch between full noise cancellation or a mode that lets in surrounding sounds for safety or awareness.

Rating
9.7
Comfort and Fit
Noise Cancellation
Sound Quality

Most important from
15134 reviews

Comfort and Fit
The headphones are incredibly comfortable with soft cushions and a padded headband, making them ideal for long listening sessions without causing pressure headaches.
Noise Cancellation
The noise cancellation is exceptional, effectively silencing background sounds like air conditioning and even loud environments, allowing for a truly immersive experience.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is clear, balanced, and customizable via an adjustable equalizer, delivering deep bass and rich layers that satisfy both casual listeners and audiophiles.
Wireless vs. Wired
Bluetooth connectivity is stable and seamless across multiple devices, with no annoying dropouts when switching between phone and computer.
Battery Life
Battery life impresses with up to 24 hours on a single charge and fast USB-C charging that quickly adds hours of playback.
Durability and Build Quality
The build quality feels durable yet sleek, with a nice carrying case and foldable design that makes them travel-friendly.

Top 10 Best Headphones 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  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 - Midnight

Type: Over Ear
Sound Quality: Dynamic driver, H1 chip, Adaptive EQ
Comfort and Fit: Knit-mesh canopy, memory foam cushions
Noise Cancellation: Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation
Wireless vs. Wired: Wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C
Battery Life: 20 hours
Durability and Build Quality: Robust build, 13.6 ounces
Additional Features: Transparency mode, Spatial Audio, Siri

Chosen by 1241 this week

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

Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Twilight Blue - Limited Edition Color

Type (Over-ear, On-ear, In-ear): Over Ear
Sound Quality (Frequency Response, Drivers): 20 Hz-20 kHz, Dynamic Driver
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation
Wireless vs. Wired: Wired, Wireless
Battery Life: 24 Hours
Comfort and Fit: Soft cushions, padded headband
Microphone and Controls: Built-in mic, Touch controls
Durability and Build Quality: Plastic, leather-like materials

Beats Studio Pro - Premium Wireless Over-Ear Headphones- Up to 40-Hour Battery Life, Active Noise Cancelling, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatible - 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-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

Beats Solo 4 - Wireless On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones, Up to 50-Hour Battery Life, Ultra-Lightweight Comfort, Powerful and Balanced Sound, Apple & Android Compatible - Matte Black

Type: On-Ear
Sound Quality: Custom acoustic architecture, updated drivers
Comfort and Fit: Ultralight ergonomic design, adjustable ear cups
Noise Cancellation: Sound Isolation
Wireless vs. Wired: Wireless Bluetooth, USB-C, 3.5 mm
Battery Life: Up to 50 hours, Fast Fuel
Durability and Build Quality: Robust build quality
Additional Features: Built-in microphone, voice assistants, carrying case

JBL Tune 520BT - Wireless On-Ear Headphones, Up to 57H Battery Life and Speed Charge, Lightweight, Comfortable and Foldable Design, Hands-Free Calls with Voice Aware (Purple)

Type (Over-ear, On-ear, In-ear): On Ear
Sound Quality (Frequency Response, Drivers): Freq Response 20000 Hz, Dynamic Driver
Noise Cancellation: None
Wireless vs. Wired: Wireless
Battery Life: 57 Hours
Comfort and Fit: Lightweight, foldable, on-ear, may feel tight
Microphone and Controls: Touch, Voice Control
Durability and Build Quality: Decent build, Not Water Resistant

Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen), Wireless Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over Ear Noise Cancelling with Mic, Up to 30 Hours of Play time, Desert Gold - Limited Edition Color

Type (Over-ear, On-ear, In-ear): Over Ear
Sound Quality (Frequency Response, Drivers): Dynamic drivers
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation
Wireless vs. Wired: Wireless Bluetooth 5.4, Wired USB-C, 3.5mm
Battery Life: 30 Hours
Comfort and Fit: Plush cushions, balanced metal headband
Microphone and Controls: Built-in mics, noise-rejecting, buttons, app
Durability and Build Quality: Plastic body, metal headband

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Live Translation, Heart Rate Sensing, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, USB-C Charging

Type (Over-ear, On-ear, In-ear): In Ear
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation
Wireless vs. Wired: Wireless
Battery Life: 8h ANC, 10h transparency mode
Comfort and Fit: Five silicone ear tip sizes
Microphone and Controls: Mic, touch, voice controls, Siri
Durability and Build Quality: Sweat, water-resistant, premium build

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless Headphones - Bluetooth Headset for Crystal-Clear Calls with Adaptive Noise Cancellation, 60h Battery Life, Lightweight Folding Design, Black

Type (Over-ear, On-ear, In-ear): Over Ear
Sound Quality (Frequency Response, Drivers): 22 KHz frequency, 42mm dynamic driver
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation
Wireless vs. Wired: Wireless
Battery Life: 60 Hours
Comfort and Fit: Cushioned pads, lightweight, foldable design
Microphone and Controls: Four mics, touch and voice controls
Durability and Build Quality: Plastic material
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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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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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