Headphones and earphones come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, offering a range of features and sound signatures. Finding the right pair for you is not just a challenge; it's a personal science that requires weighing your preferred style, desired features, chosen listening environment, and budget. PCMag has been reviewing headphones and earphones for over three decades and can tell you authoritatively that our recommendations are among the best available on the market. If you're looking for the top wireless audiophile headphones, consider the Sony WH-1000XM6. For most Apple users, meanwhile, we recommend the AirPods Pro 3. Whatever your preference, our headphone and earphone reviews provide all the details you need to make an informed decision. Be sure to read beyond our top picks for a comprehensive guide to understanding all the jargon when researching your choice.
Overview
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Best Earphones for iPhone UsersApple AirPods Pro 3
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Best for Apple UsersApple AirPods Max 2
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Best Cross-Platform Noise CancellationBose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
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Best Noise-Cancelling HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6
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Best Noise-Cancelling Under $100EarFun Air Pro 4+
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Best Headphones for KidsiClever BTH20
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Best Noise-Cancelling With an Open DesignApple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation
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Best Budget Earbuds for Android UsersGoogle Pixel Buds 2a
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Best Bose Noise-Cancelling HeadphonesBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
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Best Sony EarbudsSony WF-1000XM6
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Best for ExerciseBeats Powerbeats Pro 2
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Credit: Eric Zeman
Best Earphones for iPhone UsersApple AirPods Pro 3
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The third-generation AirPods Pro deliver top-quality noise cancellation, wiping out deep, low-frequency rumble and more complex, higher-frequency sounds. Beyond the improved ANC, Apple's Adaptive Audio mode gives you a more natural way to monitor your surroundings without letting loud noises harm your hearing. The re-tuned audio is still rich but more balanced than before, providing a first-class listening experience. In addition, they include advanced features such as live language translation, heart rate monitoring, workout tracking, and a range of hearing health tools—all for the same price as the previous model.
Who It’s For
iPhone owners: The AirPods Pro 3 are ideal if you're invested in the Apple ecosystem and use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Fitness fiends: They're also for those who want top-class noise cancellation, excellent sound, and long battery life paired with advanced features like heart rate monitoring and fitness tracking.
Frequent travelers: The new live translation feature is surprisingly effective and a boon for regular travelers.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Battery Life Up to 8 hours for earbuds, and 24 hours with case Charging Support Lightning, MagSafe, Qi Wireless, USB-C Chip H3 headphone chip; U2 chip for case Connection Type Bluetooth Hands-Free Siri In-Canal Seal On-Ear Controls Volume swipes; press and press-and-hold gestures (ANC/Transparency selection, calls, playback, Siri, track navigation) Spatial Audio Personalized Spatial audio with Head tracking Transparency Mode Standard and Apdative Transparency True Wireless Type In-Canal Water Resistance IP57 Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review -
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Best for Apple UsersApple AirPods Max 2
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Apple's large over-the-ear headphones are a natural fit for those invested in the Apple ecosystem. They work seamlessly across Apple devices and also happen to produce excellent audio, cancel noise effectively, and feature one of the best volume controls we've ever used (the Digital Crown).
Who It's For
Apple users: The AirPods Max 2 work best when paired with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
The style-conscious: The Max 2 headphones have a more elegant and grand design aesthetic than most other over-ear headphones on the market, owing to their metal enclosure. Plus, they come in a handful of modern and edgy hues.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C Type Circumaural (over-ear) Wireless Learn More Apple AirPods Max 2 Review -
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Best Cross-Platform Noise CancellationBose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The second-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds produce impressive results through a combination of calibration tests and subtle adaptive noise-cancelling tweaks. They're even more effective against low and high frequencies than the first generation, representing some of the best ANC you can get from earbuds, along with the AirPods Pro 3. The Bose earbuds have an Active Aware mode that tamps down louder environmental noises while still allowing you to hear your surroundings. Support for the AptX Adaptive codec adds value, as does the new charging case, which can now recharge wirelessly.
Who It’s For
Frequent fliers: If you want the most effective noise cancellation and use non-Apple devices, consider the second-generation QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
Hands-off listeners: Although the Bose earbuds don't have the most customizable audio, they include automatic calibration tests that optimize the sound for any environment, with minimal interaction from the wearer.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless -
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Best Noise-Cancelling HeadphonesSony WH-1000XM6
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Sony's WH-1000XM6 headphones continue the lineup's streak of excellence. They offer top-notch noise cancellation, a sophisticated design, a comfortable fit, and some of the best audio quality in the wireless realm. The capacitive touch panels on the outside of each earcup work intuitively, as well.
Who It’s For
Daily commuters: Sony's noise cancellation is outstanding and especially well-suited for use on buses, planes, and trains. Their impressive battery life means you shouldn't have to charge them every day.
Android audiophiles: For Android owners seeking to leverage the best Bluetooth codecs, this Sony pair should be at the top of their list. They support LDAC and L3C for high-resolution audio on the go.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Type Circumaural (over-ear) Wireless Learn More Sony WH-1000XM6 Review -
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Credit: EarFun
Best Noise-Cancelling Under $100EarFun Air Pro 4+
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Despite their diminutive price, the EarFun Air Pro 4+ buds include a range of features typically found on far more expensive earbuds, including active noise cancellation, impressive transparency, LDAC codec support, and a simple design. They're not the best earbuds at any one thing, but the sum of their parts gives them unrivaled value.
Who It’s For
Balance seekers: No other pair of earbuds at this price point delivers such a rich set of features, including active noise cancellation, LDAC support, and a metallic finish.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Ear Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More EarFun Air Pro 4+ Review -
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Best Headphones for KidsiClever BTH20
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The iClever BTH20 headphones tick off most of the right boxes to make for a winning pair of headphones for kids. By adding active noise cancellation, they allow for listening at lower volumes and limit the maximum volume to 80dB, both of which help them accomplish the primary job of kids' headphones: protecting their hearing. They also last for up to 35 hours with noise cancellation turned on and are designed to withstand rough handling.
Who It’s For
Young children: These headphones fit comfortably, which is essential for keeping children from taking them off their heads. At the same time, the combination of passive and active noise cancellation enables lower-volume listening, making them ideal for young listeners.
Budget-conscious parents: Priced at $54.99, the headphones are affordable (even if they're not the cheapest in their category), and they're also rugged enough to last for years of use.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Connection Type USB-C Type Circumaural (over-ear) Wireless Learn More iClever BTH20 Review -
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Credit: Tim Gideon
Best Noise-Cancelling With an Open DesignApple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Apple AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) are among the first open earbuds we've seen with ANC. Even though these buds don't seal off your ear canal, they're still able to cancel outside noise impressively. Additionally, they deliver rich sound, advanced adaptive audio features, and tight iPhone integration, making them one of the best open earbuds we've tested.
Who's It For
Open-ear design fans: The AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation are for anyone who prefers an open-ear design but wants all of the high-end features of their in-ear counterparts.
Apple users on a budget: These earbuds offer the same seamless integration with Apple products as other AirPods, but cost $70 less than the AirPods Pro 3.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Battery Life Up to 4 hours with ANC Charging Support USB-C, MagSafe, Qi Wireless Chip H2 headphone chip Connection Type Bluetooth Hands-Free Siri On-Ear Controls Volume swipes; press and press-and-hold gestures (ANC/Transparency selection, calls, playback, Siri, track navigation) Spatial Audio Personalized Spatial audio with Head tracking Transparency Mode Standard and Apdative Transparency True Wireless Type Open-style earbuds Water Resistance IP54 for both earbuds and case Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless -
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Best Budget Earbuds for Android UsersGoogle Pixel Buds 2a
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Google Pixel Buds 2a wireless earphones add active noise cancellation, Google's Gemini assistant, and work even more seamlessly with your Pixel phone than prior models, making them a natural and affordable choice for Pixel users.
Who It’s For
Pixel phone and Gemini AI users: The Pixel Buds 2a offer deep integration with Pixel devices and Gemini, making them the obvious choice if you are embedded in Google's ecosystem and want a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds.
Price-conscious Android users: These earbuds are packed with features for their price, most of which work with any Android device. They're comfortable to wear, easy to control, produce excellent sound, have an adjustable EQ, and are effective at suppressing most noise.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Google Pixel Buds 2a Review -
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Credit: Christian de Looper
Best Bose Noise-Cancelling HeadphonesBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The competition might be slowly catching up, but every new iteration in the Bose lineup, including the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), manages to leap ahead of the crowd. We're big fans of this model's crisp, bass-forward sound, highly comfortable design, and AptX Adaptive support.
Who It’s For
Noise cancellation purists: Although Sony's noise cancellation is our favorite, Bose isn't far behind and was the class leader for years. It's still some of the best noise cancellation available in headphones.
Frequent travelers: They're also comfortable to wear for long flights or other travel excursions since they feature plush vegan leather, and they pack away neatly into a suitcase or bag for storage.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Connection Type USB-C Type Circumaural (over-ear) Wireless -
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Credit: Christian de Looper
Best Sony EarbudsSony WF-1000XM6
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Sony's WF-1000XM6 earbuds sound excellent and cancel distracting noise just as well as top-tier competitors from Apple and Bose. Other highlights include a high-quality mic array, premium hybrid eartips that improve noise isolation, and a comprehensive companion app with an adjustable EQ. Support for the AAC, LC3, and LDAC codecs also makes them a versatile choice for cross-platform use.
Who It’s For
Fans of high-resolution audio: The XM6 buds' support for advanced Bluetooth codecs gives them a competitive edge for high-quality listening.
Tinkerers: Sony's 10-band adjustable EQ lets you adjust the audio profile of these earbuds to match your content or listening preferences.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Ear Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Sony WF-1000XM6 Review -
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Best for ExerciseBeats Powerbeats Pro 2
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earphones are designed for fitness enthusiasts, offering a well-rounded set of features that include noise cancellation, wireless charging, and heart rate monitoring. They can withstand sweaty workouts and deliver punchy bass to keep you motivated. Moreover, their over-ear hooks keep them stable whether you're jogging or cycling. Other highlights include up to 10 hours of battery life and native integration with Apple's iPhone.
Who It's For
Workout warriors: Runners and others who exercise should feel safe using these earbuds without worry. They also sound good enough that you won't mind using them for more casual listening.
Over-the-ear fans: In-canal earbuds may not be the right choice for everyone. If you prefer an over-the-ear design, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, featuring a silicone ear hook, are an excellent option.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review -
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4.5 Outstanding |
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4.0 Excellent |
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Best For | Best Earphones for iPhone Users | Best for Apple Users | Best Cross-Platform Noise Cancellation | Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones | Best Noise-Cancelling Under $100 | Best Headphones for Kids | Best Noise-Cancelling With an Open Design | Best Budget Earbuds for Android Users | Best Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones | Best Sony Earbuds | Best Earphones for iPhone Users | Best for Apple Users | Best Cross-Platform Noise Cancellation |
Type | In-Canal | Circumaural (over-ear) | In-Canal | Circumaural (over-ear) | In-Ear | Circumaural (over-ear) | Open-style earbuds | In-Canal | Circumaural (over-ear) | In-Ear | In-Canal | Circumaural (over-ear) | In-Canal |
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Connection Type | Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, USB-C, Stereo 3.5mm | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm, USB-C | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C | Bluetooth |
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Active Noise Cancellation |
Buying Guide: The Best Headphones for 2026
Should You Pick Earphones or Headphones?
Earbuds do not seal off the ear canal and typically offer the worst audio performance. Earphones seal off the ear canal, offering better bass response, a more balanced stereo mix, and a more secure fit.
On-ear headphones (also called supra-aural headphones) typically have smaller earcups that rest directly on your ears. Over-ear headphones (or circumaural headphones) have larger earcups that rest around your ears.
Over-ear headphones typically provide a more immersive experience than on-ear headphones, but this isn't a rule—plenty of on-ear models sound amazing and can even offer some passive noise isolation with the use of well-cushioned earpads. The main reasons to consider one over the other are comfort (this varies from person to person) and portability (on-ear models are often smaller and more travel-friendly).
Are Wired or Wireless Headphones Better?
Ever since Apple eliminated the headphone jack on the iPhone, wired headphones and earphones have been replaced by Bluetooth models that require no cable at all. And true wireless headphones don't even have a wire connecting the two earpieces.
Audiophiles probably still prefer a cable, particularly for home listening (small cable adapters are available for Android and iOS devices with no headphone jack). If you prefer wired headphones, there are still numerous options available. However, it's also worth noting that many wireless headphones come with a cable that allows you to use them in passive mode. That use case doesn't drain the battery and gives you the best of both worlds.
The sonic advantage of wired headphones remains quite significant, even as Bluetooth audio has improved dramatically in recent years. No matter how much better Bluetooth has gotten, it is still based on a lossy codec stream, making it inherently inferior to a wired audio connection. If sound quality is important to you and you want to go wireless, ensure your headphones support the right high-end Bluetooth codecs that work with your phone, such as AAC and LDAC, rather than relying on the lower-quality SBC codec. Our guide to Bluetooth codecs explains everything you need to know.
(Photo: Tim Gideon)What Are the Different Types of Headphone Drivers?
Headphones typically have dynamic drivers, whereas earphones may have either dynamic drivers or balanced armature drivers. Especially in headphones, dynamic drivers are the most common because a larger dynamic driver—which the ear enclosure of a pair of headphones can accommodate—can produce louder sound and greater bass depth than alternatives. In earphones, the dynamic drivers must be significantly smaller, which can often impact bass response.
Many manufacturers, especially those specializing in custom-molded in-ear monitors for musicians and engineers, opt for balanced armature drivers instead. Balanced armatures have the advantage of being tiny, which allows the earpieces to be smaller. Or, in the case of the aforementioned custom in-ear monitors, the earpieces can be quite large, freeing up internal space for several balanced armatures per ear, with each driver handling a specific frequency range. Generally speaking, it's possible to obtain excellent (or poor) audio from both dynamic and balanced armature drivers, although each style has its dedicated fan base.
Planar magnetic drivers continue to slowly gain ground in headphones and earphones. Headphones with these drivers are typically (much) more expensive. However, the advantage of planar magnetic drivers is that they ostensibly produce a more precise sound due to the flat, larger-than-a-dynamic-driver film that vibrates between two magnets to create sound.
Electrostatic speakers and headphones are similar to planar magnetic models in that they use a large, thin surface area to deliver the audio. However, we see far fewer electrostatic headphones than any other type—they are typically extremely expensive and best suited for home use.
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) tech is also starting to appear in the form of silicon-based, solid-state drivers. These can produce faster transients and are very precise. Additionally, manufacturers can ensure a more consistent driver-to-driver build since they don’t rely on multiple moving parts.
What Is Active Noise Cancellation?
Noise cancellation used to be one of the most expensive features you could find in headphones, but it's now mainstream in both the headphone and earphone realms. Not only that, but the shift from wired to wireless headphones has made most of the active noise cancellation (ANC) headphones we see wireless.
That's excellent for convenience, but never assume that all ANC is the same. Bose still leads this category, although numerous other manufacturers, such as Apple and Sony, also offer top-notch options. Discover how we test noise cancellation to understand its functionality.
When ANC goes wrong, there are three main ways to tell. One, it's just not very effective—it doesn't tamp down low-frequency rumble as it should, or the overall reduction in surrounding noise isn't profound enough to make it compelling. Two, the ANC circuitry creates a faint hiss—not necessarily unpleasant, but certainly audible (similar to white noise or tape hiss). This is often used to mask the fact that the ANC circuitry can't effectively remove some higher-frequency sounds. Third, lower-quality wireless headphones often have ANC modes that affect the sound signature.
When we describe headphones as having excellent noise cancellation, it's essentially the opposite. They squash low frequencies effectively, tamp down surrounding chatter and common environmental noise, and don't produce much high-frequency hiss (if any). The sound signature also shouldn't sound wildly different when this mode is active. Beyond that, a growing number of manufacturers, such as Apple, Bose, and Sony, offer apps that let you adjust the intensity of the noise-cancellation mode.
An increasing number of noise-cancelling headphones now include mics that power ambient listening modes. The point is to allow you to hear your surroundings as if you weren't wearing headphones, so you can talk to others without removing them. This feature has become popular enough that many non-ANC models now offer it as well. Apple's Adaptive Audio mode is one of the best implementations of this feature. That said, open-style earbuds are still much better at letting you hear your music and the environment simultaneously.
For more, see the best noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds and the best headphones for your home office.
What Are the Best Headphones for Exercise?
Aside from occasionally offering ambient microphones for hearing your surroundings, exercise-focused headphones and earphones typically feature water-resistant builds and additional accessories for a secure fit.
The most important feature of any exercise-focused headphones remains the IP rating. IP stands for ingress protection, and you often see ratings such as IPX7 or IP65. The first number represents protection against solids, such as dust (X acts as a placeholder, typically because the manufacturer didn't officially test against dust or solids), while the second number describes protection against fluids, including water and sweat. For more, see our guide to IP ratings.
As mentioned, another consideration is in-ear fit. We all have different ears, and some earphones fit better than others. If you've had trouble getting in-ears to stay in place in the past, consider a pair that comes with multiple eartips or earfins that sit against the ear to help keep them in place. It's also worth considering foam eartips (which sometimes ship with earphones but are less common than silicone) because they expand in the canal to create a stronger seal, much like earplugs. They also often enhance bass response.
For more, see our picks for the best true wireless earbuds for running.
Do Headphones Work With Voice Assistants?
Most wireless headphones now include a button or action that summons your phone's built-in voice assistant. However, some, such as smart speakers, are always listening. Of course, you don't have to use either option.
How Much Should You Spend on Headphones?
Quality and performance can certainly cost money, though that isn't always the case, and they aren't the only factors that dictate the price of headphones. Currently, certain technologies—active noise cancellation and spatial audio are the two most obvious examples—tend to drive up the price. That doesn't mean you can't find affordable true wireless earphones, but the higher-quality options tend to start around $150, while most excellent noise-cancelling headphones begin at around $300. Iconic branding—think Apple, Beats, and Bose, among others—also influences pricing.
In short, you can pay as little as $50 for good earphones or headphones and several hundred dollars for audiophile models. Generally speaking, most quality options fall between $100 and $400; however, numerous strong in-ear, over-ear, and on-ear models are available in the $100 to $200 price range.
Once you find the pair that's right for you, take good care of them with our five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones. We also have an article on the eight ways you're using your headphones wrong.
Ben Moore contributed to this report.