Bose's best-sounding in-ear headphone. The Bose SoundTrue is one of the most comfortable in-ear headphones available and also delivers clean, well-balanced sound. Read full review. Bottom Line: Now with Google Assistant, Bose's latest pair of QuietComfort headphones, the QC35 II, is the best pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones you can buy. Read Review Marshall Mid.
Who Makes the Best Headphones?
The truth is, the earbuds that come with iPhones and many new Android phones sound a lot better than they used to. Still, if you're serious about music, those plastic pods can only take you so far. The single best accessory upgrade you can buy for a new media player, smartphone, or tablet is a solid pair of headphones.
With so many choices, ranging from inexpensive cans you can pick up at the local Best Buy, to budget-busting, finely tuned masterpieces, finding the right pair of headphones can be tough. But if you spend the time to pick the right pair, and you take good care of them, your headphones can easily outlive the device that's delivering your music.
Headphones vs. Earphones
There's an endless selection when it comes to headphone design, but you're basically choosing between padded over-the-ear headphones or snug in-canal earphones. Both have their merits, but for this roundup we're focusing on the over-the-ear and around-the-ear design of traditional headphones.
See How We Test Headphones
Generally, headphones are able to reproduce richer low-end audio, since they have larger drivers than earphones and they don't rely on an in-ear seal to deliver sound. Some listeners also find headphones more comfortable to wear, and easier to put on and take off, than they do earphones. This naturally means that headphones are bulkier, and less suited to the gym.
If you prefer the in-ear design, we have separate lists for The Best Earphones and The Best Headphones for Running.
Do You Need Noise Cancellation?
You might try to dismiss the din of the outside world by cranking up the volume, but the best solution for saving your sanity--and your ears--is to invest in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, so you can enjoy your audio at much lower volumes.
Active noise-cancelling headphones use microphones on the earcups to measure outside noise and adjust the signal to cancel it out. It's an effective technology, but it depends on power for the noise cancellation circuitry to work.For more, have a look at our picks for The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones.
If you just want to block out sound without active noise cancellation, good over-ear headphones will naturally do that to some extent. This is called noise isolation, and it simply works from the earcups forming a good seal over your ears to prevent outside noise from getting in. It's not as effective, but it's less expensive than active noise cancellation and doesn't require power.
Types of Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones can be convenient in any situation where you don't want to deal with dangling cables—like the gym, for example. And now that many phone manufacturers are no longer including 3.5mm audio jacks, wireless headphones are also a good way to ensure you'll be able to connect with all the latest devices.
While the data signal containing Bluetooth audio is compressed, headphone and earphone manufacturers have found ways to enhance the signal to compensate for its deficiencies in a way that even audiophiles can appreciate. We've included some wireless options here, but if you're really keen on cutting the cord, check out The Best Wireless Headphones. And if you want to go completely wireless (with no cord at all connecting the two earpieces), check out The Best True Wireless Headphones—just keep in mind these are about as far from over-ear headphones as you can get.
No matter what type of headphones you want, you can't go wrong with any of the options here. That said, you don't need to spend top dollar for a quality pair of cans. If you're shopping on a budget, take a look at our picks for The Best Headphones Under $50. And once you've found the right pair, check out our 5 Easy Tips to Extend the Life of Your Headphones and 6 Ways You're Using Your Headphones Wrong.
Best Headphones Featured in This Roundup:
HiFiMan Ananda Review
MSRP: $999.00Pros: Phenomenal audio performance with superb sense of space, accurate bass, and lovely detail throughout frequency range. Comfortable over long listening sessions. Ships with two detachable cables.Cons: Open design leaks audio. Cables lack inline remote control or mic.Bottom Line: The HiFiMan Ananda headphones deliver stunning audio performance, providing a superb sense of space and detail.Read ReviewAudeze Mobius Review
MSRP: $399.00Pros: Excellent audio quality. Impressive head-tracking 3D effect. Comfortable fit. Bluetooth option.Cons: Very expensive. Requires wired USB connection for 5.1 and higher surround sound.Bottom Line: The Audeze Mobius is a gaming headset with remarkable head-tracking 3D sound technology and performance that will satisfy audiophiles.Read ReviewBose QuietComfort 35 II Review
MSRP: $349.95Pros: Powerful audio performance with deep bass response and sculpted highs. Best-in-class noise cancellation, with new on-ear controls to adjust settings. On-ear access to Google Assistant. Can be used in passive mode.Cons: Cable has no inline remote. Highly sculpted sound signature not for purists. DSP has major impact on audio at top volumes.Bottom Line: Now with Google Assistant, Bose's latest pair of QuietComfort headphones, the QC35 II, is the best pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones you can buy.Read ReviewMarshall Mid ANC Review
MSRP: $269.00Pros: Bass-boosted, crisp audio. Solid noise cancellation. Marshall amp-inspired design is thoughtfully executed with attention to detail. Comfortable fit. Solid array of accessories. Excellent on-ear controls.Cons: Marshall amp look isn't for everyone. Audio is very sculpted and not for purists.Bottom Line: You won't find better noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones under $300 than the Marshall Mid ANC.Read ReviewSony MDR-Z7 Review
MSRP: $699.99Pros: Exceptional audio performance with rich, accurate lows, and detailed, clear highs. Exceedingly comfortable over long listening sessions.Cons: No extra cable with inline remote control. No carrying case or pouch.Bottom Line: The Sony MDR-Z7 headphones deliver gorgeous, detailed audio, with lifelike bass depth and crystal-clear highs.Read ReviewSony WH-1000XM3 Review
MSRP: $349.99Pros: Excellent audio performance with superb bass depth and high-frequency clarity. High-quality noise cancellation. App includes adjustable EQ and ANC controls. Plush, comfortable fit.Cons: Expensive. ANC affects sound signature slightly. Cable lacks inline remote.Bottom Line: Sony's WH-1000XM3 headphones feature some of the best audio performance we've heard paired from a pair that also boasts excellent noise cancellation.Read ReviewBeyerdynamic DT 240 Pro Review
MSRP: $99.00Pros: Affordable. Detailed audio performance with clear highs and solid bass depth. Comfortable over-ear design. Detachable cable.Cons: Cable lacks inline remote. Not for those seeking heavily boosted bass response.Bottom Line: The studio-friendly Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro headphones deliver accurate, crisp audio for a refreshingly affordable price.Read ReviewJBL JR300BT Review
MSRP: $49.95Pros: Rich bass and crisp highs for a nicely balanced mix. Effective volume limiting. Comfortable fit.Cons: Distortion on some deep bass tracks. Most controls are clustered on one button.Bottom Line: JBL's JR300BT wireless headphones effectively limit volume levels while sounding better than most of the kid-friendly options out there.Read ReviewBrainwavz HM5 Review
MSRP: $129.50Pros: Accurate frequency response with detailed high-mids and highs. Extra pair of earpads and two detachable cables of different lengths included. Comfortable, closed design.Cons: No inline remotes on either of the cables. Slightly pricier than some comparable models.Bottom Line: The Brainwavz HM5 are solid flat response-style over-ear studio monitor headphones with a focus on clarity in the highs.Read ReviewJBL Under Armour Sport Wireless Train Review
MSRP: $200.00Pros: Powerful, bass-forward audio performance. Secure-fitting, sweat-resistant design. Includes detachable cable with remote control for passive listening.Cons: IP rating isn't as high as many exercise-focused audio products.Bottom Line: The JBL Under Armour Sport Wireless Train headphones deliver bass-forward audio in a secure-fitting, exercise-focused on-ear design.Read Review
Earphones vs. Earbuds
If you're a music lover, chances are you're not happy with your phone or media player's bundled earphones. Most of the time, they sound pretty dismal. Some devices don't come with any earphones at all, but even the models that do include them tend not to offer a high-quality listening experience. Your music and video can definitely benefit from an upgrade.
Technically speaking, earbuds are not earphones, as they don't enter your ear canal. Instead they sit just outside of it, where it's easy to become loose and cause problems when it comes to accurate stereo imaging (in which both ears get the same amount of audio) and bass response. Earphones, meanwhile, fit in the ear canal and form a seal inside your ear, blocking outside noise while piping sound directly into your ears. They're much smaller and lighter than headphones, since they don't need to fit on or over your ears and don't require any outside support (though some have stiff wire sections or flexible fins to keep them in place without getting in the way). Plus they won't mess up your hair.
That said, the term earbuds has become synonymous with earphones and in-ear headphones, so the difference is ultimately academic. Whatever you call them and whatever they say on the box, you should look for earphones that form a good seal inside your ear with silicone or foam eartips. They'll sound much better than plastic-covered drivers cupped against your ear canal.
Wired, Wireless, or Wire-Free?
Earphones can connect to your smartphone through a 3.5mm cable or wirelessly over Bluetooth, depending on the model. Wired earphones are generally less expensive, and you don't need to worry about keeping them charged. Bluetooth earphones are more convenient because you don't have to physically connect them to your smartphone, but they need battery power to work. For the most part, you won't find a 3.5mm port and removable cable on Bluetooth earphones; when they're out of power, they're out of commission until you charge them again.
There's also true wireless earbuds, which we also call wire-free. These are essentially Bluetooth earphones, but with no cable connecting the individual earpieces. It took a solid year for the bugs to get shaken out of this category, with issues like short battery life and awkward design plaguing early devices.
We're starting to see some very compelling wire-free earphones now, with companies like Bose and JLab offering sets with the power, longevity, and intuitive controls necessary for us to recommend them. Typically wire-free earphones are more expensive than conventional wireless earphones, but if that wire running between the earpieces is a constant nuisance for you, it could be a worthy purchase.
Good for Workouts
Earphones might not be as eye-catching as headphones, but they can be much more convenient. Besides their size and weight, earphones are often more resilient than headphones when dealing with moisture. This is important if you want to listen to music at the gym. Earpads can get soaked and worn with a solid sweat, and they aren't built to withstand the regular, constant friction that comes with working out. Earphones can be built to be water- and sweat-resistant, and hold up much better to activity.
Besides the rugged factor, earphones are also much better for staying on your head while you're in motion. A good set of headphones will feel comfortable when you're sitting or walking around, but when you start running or biking they can easily shake free of your ears. Fitness-oriented earphones often have stabilizing fins built in to them to ensure that they'll stay in place no matter what you do at the gym. For the best options, check out our list of The Best Headphones for Running.
Not all earphones are workout-friendly, though; don't assume your earphones will handle what you throw at them unless they're fitness-oriented earphones, or at least are explicitly listed as water- and sweat-resistant. Really pricey earphones can be as fragile as really pricey headphones, and you don't want to accidentally ruin a $200 pair with ear sweat.
Caring for Your Earphones
Whichever model you choose, make sure to use the included pouch or carrying case as often as possible in order to preserve the longevity of your earphones. Balling them up, shoving them into a pocket, and then untangling them each time you want to listen does more to wear them out prematurely than just about anything else. For more details, check out 5 Easy Tips to Extend the Life of Your Headphones.
If you don't want to get tripped up on wires, check out the Best Wireless Headphones. If you place a priority on blocking out external sounds so that you can enjoy your favorite music in peace and quiet, read the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones. And if you're shopping on a budget, scan our picks for The Best Headphones Under $50.
Best Earbuds (In-Ear Headphones) Featured in This Roundup:
Etymotic ER4 XR Review
MSRP: $349.00Pros: 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.Bottom Line: 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.Read ReviewEtymotic ER3 XR Review
MSRP: $179.00Pros: Accurate audio with deep, but clean, bass response. Detachable cable. Lightweight, secure in-ear fit with multiple eartip options.Cons: Not for those seeking big bass sound. No inline remote.Bottom Line: The Etymotic ER3 XR earphones offer a near-perfect blend of accuracy and slightly extended bass response.Read ReviewRHA MA390 Universal Review
MSRP: $29.95Pros: Affordable. Handsome design with quality materials and a decent array of included accessories. Clear mic intelligibility.Cons: Remote control has single button. Mids are scooped out a bit.Bottom Line: The $30 RHA MA390 Universal earphones outperform more expensive options in both design and audio performance.Read ReviewShure SE215 Wireless Review
MSRP: $149.00Pros: Excellent audio performance. Super-secure in-ear fit, with some passive noise reduction. Removable/replaceable audio cable.Cons: No extra cable included. Mediocre mic quality.Bottom Line: The Shure SE215 Wireless earphones offers some of the best in-ear Bluetooth audio performance available under $200.Read ReviewBose SoundSport Free Review
MSRP: $249.95Pros: Powerful audio performance with boosted bass response. Exceptionally secure fit. Water-resistant design. Simple, easy-to-use on-ear controls. App simplifies pairing process.Cons: Expensive. Very sculpted sound signature.Bottom Line: The bass-forward Bose SoundSport Free earphones are expensive, but nail the design and operational details right better than any other pair in the growing wire-free category.Read ReviewJBL Reflect Fit Review
MSRP: $149.95Pros: Powerful bass response matched with sculpted, bright highs. Easy to use heart rate monitor gives live results, can also sync with popular fitness apps. Sweatproof design.Cons: Audio performance not for those seeking accurate mix. Extra secure fit might feel a tad uncomfortable/invasive for some users.Bottom Line: The JBL Reflect Fit delivers Bluetooth audio with intense bass depth and bright highs-along with a built-in heart rate monitor.Read ReviewJLab Epic Air Review
MSRP: $149.99Pros: Powerful bass response. Nice charging case. best battery life in category.Cons: Bass-forward sound signature not for purists.Bottom Line: The JLab Epic Air headphones deliver strong bass response, a gym-friendly build, and the best battery life we've seen in a truly wireless design.Read ReviewSkullcandy Jib Wireless Review
MSRP: $34.99Pros: Very affordable. Powerful bass response matched with sculpted highs.Cons: Not for purists seeking accurate frequency response. No inline volume controls.Bottom Line: Bluetooth earphones don't get much more affordable than the Skullcandy Jib Wireless, which packs a strong bass punch for the price.Read ReviewRHA MA650 Wireless Review
MSRP: $99.95Pros: Strong audio performance with rich bass depth and bright highs. Solid mic clarity. Water-resistant design. Ships with generous array of eartips.Cons: Cable slack can get in the way. Not the strongest design for exercise.Bottom Line: The RHA MA650 Wireless earphones deliver rich bass and bright, sculpted highs with a solid balance between the two.Read Review