Best headphones in 2025 including earbuds and over-ear headphones

If you’re searching for sonic satisfaction, our list of the best headphones will be a treat for your ears. From top-spec over-ear noise-cancelling headphones to excellent earbuds for exercise, we’ve listened to hundreds of cans over the years and know what makes the perfect pair of headphones.

Whether you’re shopping for in-ear or on-ear, wired or wireless, we’ve highlighted a wide selection of winning wireless headphones in this guide. So, if you’re unsure exactly what you’re after, then continue to read our guide to the best headphones below.

Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.

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Quick list: what are the best headphones?

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The best headphones you can buy today:

1. Sony WH-1000XM6

Sony WH-1000XM6 specs
Battery	30 hours (ANC)
Driver size	30mm
Weight	252g
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm, USB-C

The Sony WH-1000XM6 are the new gold standard for noise-cancelling headphones. Sony didn’t reinvent the wheel, but they’ve made meaningful changes that actually matter. The foldable design is back – great news for travellers – and noise cancellation has reached near-magical levels, thanks to 12 mics and a faster processor.

Sound quality? Outstanding. Everything from Tool to Agnes Obel sounds rich, detailed, and beautifully balanced. Sony’s custom EQ tools also let you tailor the experience to your taste, which we really appreciate.

Comfort’s top-tier too, though our ears still get a bit warm after a few hours – par for the course with over-ears. The revamped case and improved touch controls make them even easier to live with day-to-day.

They’re not cheap. But in a crowded premium market, the XM6 feel worth every penny. You can get decent cans for less, sure – but nothing at this price nails the blend of comfort, sound, and class-leading ANC like these. If you’re in the market for the best wireless headphones right now, we’d recommend the XM6 in a heartbeat.

• Read more: Sony WH-1000XM6 review

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8. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 specs
Battery	30 hours (ANC)
Driver size	40mm
Weight	300g
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C

We’ve spent a lot of time with the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3, and honestly, they’re a knockout. These over-ears offer incredible audio quality – rich, detailed and confident across all genres. They even give the pricier PX8s a run for their money. Noise cancellation is top-tier too, helped by a clever eight-mic array, though you’ll want to flip on transparency mode if you’re walking in a busy city.

They’ve had a bit of a redesign – sleeker, more compact, and with improved physical controls that feel much more intuitive. Build quality is top notch, and they look the part. No 3.5mm jack, but USB-C wired listening delivers brilliant clarity. Battery life is a solid 30 hours, though rivals are creeping past that now.

We’re not huge fans of the naming mess – S2e, S3, PX8 S2… it’s a lot. And the Bowers Music app is still fiddly. Spatial audio and Bluetooth LE are missing for now, but coming in updates.

The big catch? Stiff competition. And with the PX8 S2 looming, these might soon be outshone. But right now, the PX7 S3 are a brilliant all-rounder – classy, capable, and easy to love. We’d buy them without hesitation… unless you want to wait and see what’s next.

• Read more: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 review

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3. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless specs
Drivers	42mm
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.2
Battery life	60 hours
Weight	293 g

Their styling might be slightly anonymous, but there’s nothing forgettable about how these Sennheiser headphones sound. 42mm full-range dynamic drivers deliver a listen that’s bold, detailed and enjoyable, while eight mics are deployed for noise cancelling duties. We found you don’t get a blanket of silence, but ramp up the ANC and background noise is significantly reduced.

Battery life is simply epic at 60 hours, and it’s not the only element that can go the distance: thanks to a robust construction and high standard of finish, the Momentum 4 feel built to last. During testing, we found the cushioned headband is comfy, while the folding ear cups prove handy for packing. Add a comprehensive partner app into the equation, plus a competitive price tag, and their low profile isn’t so significant.

• Read more: Sennheiser Momentum 4 review

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4. Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5 specs
Drivers	8.4mm dynamic
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.3
Battery life	8 hours/16 hours (ANC on, buds/case)
Weight	5g (buds) 36g (case)

Not content with making the best on-ear wireless headphones, Sony also makes our favourite pair of true wireless earbuds. Follow-up to the brilliant WF-1000XM3 and WF-1000XM4 – both of which still represent excellent value – the upgraded WF-1000XM5 deliver a listening experience that’s equal parts punchy and detailed. With a balanced sound signature, we found them both accurate and enjoyable in testing.

Besides their sonic talents, these Sony ‘phones offer some of the best noise cancellation we’ve experienced in a set of wireless earbuds. Touch-sensitive controls are easy to use and can be usefully customised in the partner app, along with ANC and EQ settings. Some competitors do offer a bigger battery backup in the charging case, but the benefit is an updated design that’s now much more pocket-friendly than before.

• Read more: Sony WF-1000XM5 review

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5. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 specs
Drivers	7mm
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.2
Battery life	7 hours / 28 hours (ANC on, buds/case)
Weight	5.8g (buds) 66.4g (case)

With some sensible tweaks, Sennheiser’s third-gen Momentum True Wireless earbuds secure their place among the best wireless headphones. Build quality is every bit as robust as before, while a meaningful reduction in dimensions means they look and feel less chunky.

Put the 7mm drivers to work and we found you can enjoy a poised recital. Rather than overwhelming with bass, the MTW3 prefer balance and fidelity, demonstrating remarkable sonic control. Detail is also engrossing across the entirety of the spacious, tonal soundstage.

Each earbud’s touch interface can be customised in the feature-filled app. Enable ANC and you’ll find the sonic attitude shifts a little, but they still retain that likeable balance while cancelling external sounds almost entirely. Battery life is above average at seven hours, too.

• Read more: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 review

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6. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 specs
Drivers	Unknown
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, 3.5mm jack
Battery life	20 hours
Weight	250 g

Not the newest cans in this list, Bose’s Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 remain the benchmark if call quality and ANC are high on your list. As you’d expect from the pioneer of noise-cancelling cans, their muting abilities are remarkable when dialled up to 11. Six mics assist with ANC, while two more enhance vocal pick-up for amazing call clarity.

Forged from a single piece of stainless steel, there are no visible hinges on the headband. Helpfully, the earcups can rotate to flat for carrying. Foam in all the right places keeps things comfy, even if they squeeze more than the QC35 II.

While they won’t knock Sony off its perch, they’re no sonic slouches. There’s range, subtlety and balance here, with just enough punch to the playback. 20-hour battery life is below average in 2023, but there’s plenty of value here at their current price.

• Read more: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 review

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7. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) specs
Drivers	Unknown
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.3, Apple H1
Battery life	6 hours / 30 hours (buds/case, ANC on)
Weight	5.3g (buds), 51g (case)

A compelling upgrade to Apple’s excellent wireless earphones, the second-gen AirPods Pro deliver a leap in sound quality and features. Already the smartest earbuds for Apple users, the second edition harnesses an H2 chip to enhance ANC performance. This is so effective at blocking background noise that we found ourselves using the improved Transparency mode more often.

Overall audio is beefier than before, while a software update means Spatial Audio can be personalised through analysis of your ears. Swipe volume controls on the stem aren’t the most accurate way to make adjustments, but the addition of a speaker to the charging case means you get sonic assistance when searching for it with FindMy. Battery life has also been boosted, although the increase isn’t immediately noticeable.

• Read more: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) review

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8. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II specs
Drivers	9.3mm
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.3
Battery life	6 hours (buds, ANC ON) 18 hours (case)
Weight	6.2g (buds) 59.8g (case)

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9. Beats Fit Pro

Beats Fit Pro specs
Drivers	Unknown
Connectivity	Bluetooth, Apple H1
Battery life	7 hours (buds), 23 hours (case)
Weight	5.5g (buds), 54g (case)

Pairing the intelligence of AirPods with a sporty shell, the Beats Fit Pro are the best fitness earphones you can buy. During our review, we found the flexible wingtip setup creates a secure and comfortable fit, which stays put throughout a workout. There’s no off button, but wear-detect sensors stop PB playlists getting away from you. Battery life won’t set any records, but it’s good enough at six hours.

With Apple’s H1 chip sending signals to 9.5mm drivers, sound quality is fantastic. You get the same ANC and Transparency modes as the first-gen AirPods Pro, as well as an adaptive EQ which adjusts the sound profile to your environment. Competitors can go louder, but the Fit Pro benefit from punchy bass and crisp detail. There’s support for spatial audio, too.

• Read more: Beats Fit Pro review

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10. Ultimate Ears / Logitech Fits

Ultimate Ears / Logitech Fits specs
Drivers	Unknown
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0
Battery life	8 hours (buds), 20 hours (case)
Weight	Unknown

Struggle to find earphones that fit your lugholes perfectly? Custom moulded ear tips is one option, but can be mighty pricey. Ultimate Ears’ Fits true wireless buds are a more affordable alternative that shape themselves for the best possible comfort and passive noise isolation. They use proprietary tech to heat up silicone-filled ear tips, fitting the contours of your ear canals better than any rival that uses off-the-shelf tips.

They lack active noise cancellation, but the near-perfect fit (which we found only takes a minute to set up and only leaves your ears moderately warm during the process) goes a long way to making up for it. Expect an enthusiastic, though well-controlled listen, comprehensive EQ presets and respectable battery life, too.

• Read more: Ultimate Ears Fits review

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11. Focal Bathys

Focal Bathys specs
Drivers	40mm
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C, 3.5mm
Battery life	30 hours (ANC on), 35 hours (3.5mm), 42 hours (USB DAC mo
Weight	350 g

Focal’s first pair of noise-cancelling wireless headphones will set you back more than any other model on this list. They’re a luxury purchase, to be sure, but have the slick styling and phenomenal sound quality to back it up. The French firm’s M-Dome dynamic drivers are used to full effect, delivering superb audio whether listening via aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, or over a USB-C wired connection for 24bit/192kHz tracks.

The ANC abilities aren’t quite up to the same standards as either Bose or Sony, and the mostly-metal construction makes them rather heavy, but the well-padded ear cups and headband still mean we found them comfortable to wear for long periods. Battery life is easily on par with the more mainstream competition, too. They’re statement headphones that are sure to impress audiophiles.

• Read more: Focal Bathys review

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12. Apple AirPods Max

Apple AirPods Max specs
Drivers	Apple-designed dynamic driver
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.0, Apple H1
Battery life	Up to 20 hours
Weight	384.8 g

With anodised aluminium earcups, a stainless steel headband and a knit mesh canopy, the AirPods Max bear all the hallmarks of Apple design. The trade-off is that they’re noticeably heavier than plastic rivals, which can cause them to pinch the temples after lengthy sessions. Still, their performance credentials match the premium build.

Combined with 40mm drivers, Apple’s H1 chip powers an adaptive EQ which automatically adjusts audio based on the fit. The result is a rich, spacious and enveloping soundstage. There’s detail to spare, plus they offer low-end oomph without sacrificing clarity. They also cancel noise as well as anything out there. There’s better value to be found higher in this list, but for Apple fans who can handle the heft, the Max don’t disappoint.

• Read more: Apple AirPods Max review

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What type of headphones is the best? Over-Ear, on-ear or in-ear headphones explained

If you want to start listening to music on the go, but aren’t sure exactly what you want, then the first thing you’ll have to decide is whether you want over-ear, on-ear, or in-ear headphones.

The choice between these three types of headphones depends on your specific needs, preferences, and usage scenarios.

Over-ear headphones generally provide better sound quality, as there’s more room to house larger drivers, they have more space for acoustic engineering, and they provide better passive noise insulation.

The large padded ear cups also tend to be more comfortable – distributing pressure more evenly on your ears.

Over-ear headphones do, however, tend to be bulkier and less portable compared to other options.

On-Ear headphones are more compact, which makes them easier to carry in a bag or backpack, however, the smaller cups may not be as immersive as over-ear models.

Comfort can also be a bit hit-and-miss, as the pressure is applied directly to your ears. Look for models with well-padded ear cups and an adjustable headband for a better fit.

Finally, in-ear earbuds are the most convenient for use on-the-go (especially the best wireless earbuds) – they are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry in your pocket.

Of course, this convenience comes at the cost of sound quality and noise isolation. That’s not to say there aren’t decent-sounding in-ear headphones, but they can’t match over and on-ear headphones for oomph.

Ultimately, the choice depends completely on your needs and how you plan to use your headphones. We’ve recommended all types of design below.

How to choose the best headphones for you

Okay, so you’ve decided between over-ear, on-ear and in-ear, now here are some more things to consider when buying the best headphones.

Arguably the most important factor when buying headphones is sound quality. We’ve recommended headphones that deliver a detailed, balanced and accurate sound – you won’t be disappointed by the performance of any models on this list.

Coming in a close second to sound quality is comfort. A comfortable pair of cans is vital if you plan on wearing the headphones for extended periods. You’ll want well-padded ear cups, an adjustable headband, and a lightweight design.

If you’re trying to block out a loud co-worker or commute, then you’ll want a pair of headphones with active noise cancelling (ANC) tech. These use microphones to counteract ambient noise, providing a more isolating experience. We’ve got some ANC options in this buying guide.

You’ll also need to decide whether you prefer wired or wireless headphones, with wired options generally offering better sound quality but limited portability, whereas wireless headphones offer greater convenience and freedom of movement. For more wired recommendations check out Stuff’s guide to the best wired headphones.

If you opt for wireless then battery life becomes an important consideration. Look for a balance between the battery duration and the size/weight of the headphones.

Finally, some headphones offer extra features such as touch controls, voice assistants (Siri or Google Assistant), customizable sound profiles, and companion apps.

While these features are nice to have, we’ve found they’re rarely a necessity, so don’t let these shiny features sway your decision too much.