The 12 best headphones of 2025

A good pair of headphones can be your best friend, but choosing the right pair is highly dependent on your needs. Whether you want over-ear, noise-canceling headphones or open-ear earbuds that can go with you from the office to your evening run, we've tested all the latest headphones from Apple, Sony, Bose, Beats, and more to help you find the best ones for you.be

What are the best headphones right now?

After extensively testing all of the top headphones available today, the best everyday headphones are the new Sony WH-1000XM6 for their impressive sound profile. Additionally, they overtook the Bose QuietComfort Ultra for the best noise-canceling headphones on the market. Still, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra have noise-canceling, cloud-like comfort, and a sporty and casual design. 

Fortunately, many of the best headphones and earbuds are often on sale for budget-conscious listeners. The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer Android users a premium earbud experience and are frequently discounted for $180. The Beats Studio Pro offer great sound and a fresh design, and are often on sale for $180. Apple's AirPods Pro 2 are often discounted for as low as $170, and you can find Sony's Ult Wear on sale for $150. If you're looking for headphones for more specific use cases, keep reading and check out my top suggestions.

The best headphones of 2025

Why we like them: Sony reclaimed the noise-canceling throne with the XM6, delivering the best noise cancellation on the market. The XM6 debuted with an even more practical design, more advanced software features, and support for the LC3 Bluetooth codec, which is compatible with newer Samsung and Google Pixel phones.

Review: Sony WH-1000XM6

Sony's signature sound profile consists of few peaks in higher frequencies and a slight emphasis on the bass, delivering an enjoyable listening experience. The XM6 also feature Sony's 360 Spatial Sound technology, the company's take on spatial audio. Previously, Sony reserved this feature for select music streaming services, but now users can enable it freely.

Who these are for: The XM6 are ideal for people who value sound and noise cancellation over style. Sony's headphones are wonderfully practical for commuting, traveling, and effectively blocking external noise. If you're looking for everyday headphones that sound great, offer intuitive features, and provide the best noise cancellation, the XM6 are for you.

Who should look elsewhere: The XM6 are all about practicality, favoring sound, software features, and noise cancellation over style. Although the XM6 have a nondescript and uniform design, they lack any flash accents or elevated style points. If you prefer headphones that make more of a fashion statement, consider the AirPods Max or Sonos Ace. 

Sony WH-1000XM6 tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 40 hours (ANC off) | Driver size: 30mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack

• Best-in-class ANC
• Great for voice calls
• Impressive sound

• Expensive
• Tight clamping force

Why we like them: Sony reclaimed the noise-canceling throne with the XM6, delivering the best noise cancellation on the market. The XM6 debuted with an even more practical design, more advanced software features, and support for the LC3 Bluetooth codec, which is compatible with newer Samsung and Google Pixel phones.

Review: Sony WH-1000XM6

Sony's signature sound profile consists of few peaks in higher frequencies and a slight emphasis on the bass, delivering an enjoyable listening experience. The XM6 also feature Sony's 360 Spatial Sound technology, the company's take on spatial audio. Previously, Sony reserved this feature for select music streaming services, but now users can enable it freely.

Who these are for: The XM6 are ideal for people who value sound and noise cancellation over style. Sony's headphones are wonderfully practical for commuting, traveling, and effectively blocking external noise. If you're looking for everyday headphones that sound great, offer intuitive features, and provide the best noise cancellation, the XM6 are for you.

Who should look elsewhere: The XM6 are all about practicality, favoring sound, software features, and noise cancellation over style. Although the XM6 have a nondescript and uniform design, they lack any flash accents or elevated style points. If you prefer headphones that make more of a fashion statement, consider the AirPods Max or Sonos Ace. 

Sony WH-1000XM6 tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 40 hours (ANC off) | Driver size: 30mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack

• Great ANC
• Comfortable fit
• Customizable EQ

• Battery life could be longer
• Carrying case is restrictive

Why we like them: The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 proved to be the most versatile, feature-packed, and practical premium earbuds for Android users. So much so, we awarded them with a ZDNET Editors' Choice award for providing premium features to a host of Android devices and major improvements to comfort, fit, and design compared to their predecessors.

Review: Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

Most Android users can download the Google Pixel Buds app to access features like Gemini integration, Find My Earbuds, translation services, hearing health assistance, and adaptive noise cancellation. The Pixel Buds Pro 2's compatibility transcends device brand, allowing Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, Nothing Phone users, and more to use the earbuds' best qualities.

Who these are for: Android users in search of premium earbuds for everyday use will find these buds most useful. They are an auditory companion to your Android smartphone, perfect for hands-free calling, scheduling events on Google Calendar, and step-by-step Google Maps directions, and versatile enough to accompany you everywhere.

These earbuds provide enough noise cancellation for daily commutes, strong durability for sweaty after-work workouts, and 30 hours of total listening time to stick by you all week. If you have a Pixel phone, Chromebook, Galaxy Tab, or a tech arsenal full of Android and Chrome devices, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are for you.

Who should look elsewhere: Like AirPods, which are strictly compatible with Apple devices, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are designed for Android users. The Pixel Buds app is the hub for accessing all of the earbuds' features, and the app is not available on iOS. Apple users searching for premium earbuds made for iOS should consider the AirPods Pro 2.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 tech specs: Form factor: In-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.4) | Battery life: 8 hours and an additional 30 hours with charging case (ANC on) | IP rating: IP54 (sweatproof) | Driver size: 11mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Charging option(s): USB-C, wireless

• Comfortable
• Great sound
• Strong noise cancellation

• Gemini integration is hit or miss

• Long battery life
• Rich sound profile
• Comfortable design

• ANC could be better for the high price

Why we like them: Shokz's latest true wireless open earbuds offer an exceptional open-ear listening experience, defined by great sound, an elevated design, and a lengthy battery life. These earbuds debuted with new features like a multifunction button, four more hours of playtime than the previous generation, upgraded water resistance, and enhanced audio technology.

Review: Shokz OpenFit 2

These earbuds are highly comfortable, as their soft coating doesn't pressure the bony part behind your ears; it's easy to put them on and forget you're wearing them. The updated design also makes them more stylish, phasing out previous generations' highly sporty look. The OpenFit 2 have an IP55 rating, making them durable enough for sweaty workouts and runs in light rain. Also, their improved Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity ensures stable connections and efficient power consumption.

Who they're for: Although the OpenFit 2 excel in active scenarios like running or hiking, their design is elevated enough to act as casual open-ear earbuds. I recommend them most to people with active lifestyles searching for a casual open-ear earbud they can take from the office to their evening jog.

Who should look elsewhere: You shouldn't expect the OpenFit 2 to perform in noisy environments like a crowded gym, a busy train, or a grocery store. You'll hear too much of your surroundings and not enough of your music. If you want earbuds that can handle sweaty workouts but have noise cancellation and transparency mode options, consider the AirPods pro 2 for iOS or the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 for Android.

Shokz OpenFit 2 tech specs: Form factor: Open-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.4) | Battery life: 11 hours and an additional 37 hours with charging case | IP rating: IP55 (sweatproof) | Charging option(s): USB-C

• Lengthy battery
• Great sound
• No app needed

• Not comfortable for glasses wearers

Why we like them: Shokz's latest true wireless open earbuds offer an exceptional open-ear listening experience, defined by great sound, an elevated design, and a lengthy battery life. These earbuds debuted with new features like a multifunction button, four more hours of playtime than the previous generation, upgraded water resistance, and enhanced audio technology.

Review: Shokz OpenFit 2

These earbuds are highly comfortable, as their soft coating doesn't pressure the bony part behind your ears; it's easy to put them on and forget you're wearing them. The updated design also makes them more stylish, phasing out previous generations' highly sporty look. The OpenFit 2 have an IP55 rating, making them durable enough for sweaty workouts and runs in light rain. Also, their improved Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity ensures stable connections and efficient power consumption.

Who they're for: Although the OpenFit 2 excel in active scenarios like running or hiking, their design is elevated enough to act as casual open-ear earbuds. I recommend them most to people with active lifestyles searching for a casual open-ear earbud they can take from the office to their evening jog.

Who should look elsewhere: You shouldn't expect the OpenFit 2 to perform in noisy environments like a crowded gym, a busy train, or a grocery store. You'll hear too much of your surroundings and not enough of your music. If you want earbuds that can handle sweaty workouts but have noise cancellation and transparency mode options, consider the AirPods pro 2 for iOS or the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 for Android.

Shokz OpenFit 2 tech specs: Form factor: Open-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.4) | Battery life: 11 hours and an additional 37 hours with charging case | IP rating: IP55 (sweatproof) | Charging option(s): USB-C

Why we like them: The AirPods Pro 2 are Apple's most advanced earbuds, offering users advanced noise cancellation, hearing health features, integration with Siri, and compatibility with all your Apple devices. These earbuds sound great and get the job done, making them a wonderful auditory companion for iOS users on the go.

Also: I've used my AirPods Pro 2 since they first launched. Here's my buying advice for 2025

Who these are for: The AirPods Pro 2 are best suited for Apple users, especially those with iPhones. They're great earbuds for iOS users who want a small, pocketable pair of earbuds to take while traveling, commuting, and living everyday life. 

If you want the latest and greatest AirPods, you may want to wait for the AirPods Pro 3 since these earbuds are due for a refresh within the next year. However, the AirPods Pro 2 have plenty of useful features, and you can often find them as low as $189 during seasonal sales.

Who should look elsewhere: Like all of Apple's headphones, the Pro 2 are not suitable for Android users. If you pair these earbuds with a non-Apple device, you'll miss out on key features like spatial audio, adaptive noise cancellation, conversation awareness, and a hearing aid feature, all of which are reserved for iOS. So, if you're an Android user and want premium earbuds, consider the Pixel Buds Pro 2 instead.

AirPods Pro 2 tech specs: Form factor: In-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 6 hours and an additional 30 hours with charging case | IP rating: IP54 (sweatproof) | Driver size: 11mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Charging option(s): USB-C, wireless

• Effective ANC
• Hearing health features
• Great mic quality

• iOS-restrictive
• Shorter battery life than competitors

Why we like them: The AirPods Pro 2 are Apple's most advanced earbuds, offering users advanced noise cancellation, hearing health features, integration with Siri, and compatibility with all your Apple devices. These earbuds sound great and get the job done, making them a wonderful auditory companion for iOS users on the go.

Also: I've used my AirPods Pro 2 since they first launched. Here's my buying advice for 2025

Who these are for: The AirPods Pro 2 are best suited for Apple users, especially those with iPhones. They're great earbuds for iOS users who want a small, pocketable pair of earbuds to take while traveling, commuting, and living everyday life. 

If you want the latest and greatest AirPods, you may want to wait for the AirPods Pro 3 since these earbuds are due for a refresh within the next year. However, the AirPods Pro 2 have plenty of useful features, and you can often find them as low as $189 during seasonal sales.

Who should look elsewhere: Like all of Apple's headphones, the Pro 2 are not suitable for Android users. If you pair these earbuds with a non-Apple device, you'll miss out on key features like spatial audio, adaptive noise cancellation, conversation awareness, and a hearing aid feature, all of which are reserved for iOS. So, if you're an Android user and want premium earbuds, consider the Pixel Buds Pro 2 instead.

AirPods Pro 2 tech specs: Form factor: In-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 6 hours and an additional 30 hours with charging case | IP rating: IP54 (sweatproof) | Driver size: 11mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Charging option(s): USB-C, wireless

Why we like them: Focal's Azurys are the company's entry-level headphones, offering consumers a more affordable price point to enjoy the high-end brand's acclaimed audio technology. These headphones are beautifully made, incorporating high-quality materials and audio components like memory foam, genuine leather, and aluminum and magnesium drivers.

Review: Focal Azurys

The Azurys have a 26-ohm impedance, meaning your smartphone or laptop has enough power for these headphones, making them incredibly easy to drive. They sound, feel, and look wonderful, and are a great option for hi-fi beginners.

Who these are for: The Azurys are Focal's entry-level hi-fi headphones, characterized by a closed-back design and low impedance. Their closed-back design decreases sound leakage, and their lower impedance makes them easier to use with portable devices. If you want to dip your toes into the high-end headphones pool, the Azurys are a great place to start.

Who should look elsewhere: If you want headphones that look, sound, and feel expensive, the Azurys are it. However, these headphones are wired-only, lack any software features, and are not highly portable. Focal's Bathys are a high-end option for folks desiring wireless, noise-canceling headphones.

Focal Azurys tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: N/A | Battery life: N/A| Driver size: 40mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: N/A | Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack

• Stylish
• Comfortable

• Impractical

Why we like them: Focal's Azurys are the company's entry-level headphones, offering consumers a more affordable price point to enjoy the high-end brand's acclaimed audio technology. These headphones are beautifully made, incorporating high-quality materials and audio components like memory foam, genuine leather, and aluminum and magnesium drivers.

Review: Focal Azurys

The Azurys have a 26-ohm impedance, meaning your smartphone or laptop has enough power for these headphones, making them incredibly easy to drive. They sound, feel, and look wonderful, and are a great option for hi-fi beginners.

Who these are for: The Azurys are Focal's entry-level hi-fi headphones, characterized by a closed-back design and low impedance. Their closed-back design decreases sound leakage, and their lower impedance makes them easier to use with portable devices. If you want to dip your toes into the high-end headphones pool, the Azurys are a great place to start.

Who should look elsewhere: If you want headphones that look, sound, and feel expensive, the Azurys are it. However, these headphones are wired-only, lack any software features, and are not highly portable. Focal's Bathys are a high-end option for folks desiring wireless, noise-canceling headphones.

Focal Azurys tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: N/A | Battery life: N/A| Driver size: 40mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: N/A | Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack

Why we like them: Bose's midrange earbuds debuted with a new, rounded form factor, great sound, strong noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. Bose released these midrange earbuds with a new app made specifically for Bose earbuds, offering users more control and personalization. Like most of Bose's personal audio products, the noise-canceling is the best feature.

Review: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

The QuietComfort Earbuds offer Bose's best-in-class noise cancellation, adjustable EQ settings, voice assistant features, Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, and eight hours of continuous listening time. If you want earbuds that aren't confined to a specific operating system, these are a great option.

Who these are for: The QuietComfort Earbuds excel for people who want strong noise cancellation and don't like traditional bud-and-stem earbuds. These earbuds work well with all of your Bluetooth-enabled devices and feature an easily pocketable design for portability, making them well-suited for people on the go. 

Who should look elsewhere: If you want more advanced earbuds, the QuietComfort Earbuds may be too simple for you. They lack spatial audio, audio calibration for enhanced acoustics, and adjustable noise cancellation. If you have more premium Bose earbuds in mind, consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. 

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds tech specs: Form factor: In-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 8 hours and an additional 30 hours with charging case | IP rating: IPX4 (sweatproof) | Noise cancellation: Yes | Charging option(s): USB-C, wireless

• Superb ANC
• Comfortable fit
• Great battery life

• Voice controls are finicky

Why we like them: Bose's midrange earbuds debuted with a new, rounded form factor, great sound, strong noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. Bose released these midrange earbuds with a new app made specifically for Bose earbuds, offering users more control and personalization. Like most of Bose's personal audio products, the noise-canceling is the best feature.

Review: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

The QuietComfort Earbuds offer Bose's best-in-class noise cancellation, adjustable EQ settings, voice assistant features, Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, and eight hours of continuous listening time. If you want earbuds that aren't confined to a specific operating system, these are a great option.

Who these are for: The QuietComfort Earbuds excel for people who want strong noise cancellation and don't like traditional bud-and-stem earbuds. These earbuds work well with all of your Bluetooth-enabled devices and feature an easily pocketable design for portability, making them well-suited for people on the go. 

Who should look elsewhere: If you want more advanced earbuds, the QuietComfort Earbuds may be too simple for you. They lack spatial audio, audio calibration for enhanced acoustics, and adjustable noise cancellation. If you have more premium Bose earbuds in mind, consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds. 

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds tech specs: Form factor: In-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 8 hours and an additional 30 hours with charging case | IP rating: IPX4 (sweatproof) | Noise cancellation: Yes | Charging option(s): USB-C, wireless

Why we like them: Sony's Ult Wear are the company's best take on midrange headphones. They debuted with new Ult Power Sound bass technology, a sleeker design, and improved noise cancellation. The Ult Power feature boosts your bass at the press of a button, delivering. significant bump without greatly degrading your audio.

Review: Sony Ult Wear

The Ult Wear promise 30 hours of playtime, feature Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, and sport a light fit for comfortable long-term wear.

Who these are for: The Ult Wear are a solid option for people who want Sony headphones but want a pair less expensive than the XM6 and more capable than the more affordable WH-CH720N. The Ult Wear are squarely in the middle of Sony's headphones lineup -- a true pair of midrange cans. 

Who should look elsewhere: If you want the best of what Sony has to offer, the Ult Wear aren't it. Their noise-canceling capabilities aren't as strong as the XM5 or XM6, and their audio technology and software features aren't as advanced. 

Sony Ult Wear tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.2) | Battery life: 40 hours (ANC off) | Driver size: 40mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C

• Light and comfortable fit
• Highly customizable

• All plastic build

Why we like them: Sony's Ult Wear are the company's best take on midrange headphones. They debuted with new Ult Power Sound bass technology, a sleeker design, and improved noise cancellation. The Ult Power feature boosts your bass at the press of a button, delivering. significant bump without greatly degrading your audio.

Review: Sony Ult Wear

The Ult Wear promise 30 hours of playtime, feature Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, and sport a light fit for comfortable long-term wear.

Who these are for: The Ult Wear are a solid option for people who want Sony headphones but want a pair less expensive than the XM6 and more capable than the more affordable WH-CH720N. The Ult Wear are squarely in the middle of Sony's headphones lineup -- a true pair of midrange cans. 

Who should look elsewhere: If you want the best of what Sony has to offer, the Ult Wear aren't it. Their noise-canceling capabilities aren't as strong as the XM5 or XM6, and their audio technology and software features aren't as advanced. 

Sony Ult Wear tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.2) | Battery life: 40 hours (ANC off) | Driver size: 40mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Wired option(s): 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C

Why we like them: Beats' releases in the last two years are defined by less flashy branding and loud colorways, native compatibility with both iOS and Android, and a generally more elevated user experience. The Studio Pro are stylish, functional, and comfortable. They debuted with a list of upgrades, like USB-C charging and audio, spatial audio, and Find My compatibility. Additionally, their new audio tuning means less emphasis on the bass (still more than other headphones), allowing for a more neutral and enjoyable listening experience.

Review: Beats Studio Pro

Both iOS and Android users can enjoy native compatibility with the Studio Pro, and Beats fitted these headphones with USB-C audio compatibility. If you plug into the Studio Pro, you can unlock lossless audio playback and Entertainment and Conversation audio modes.

Who these are for: The Studio Pro are Beats' premium headphones, making them a solid option for Beats fans whose Studio 3 headphones need an upgrade. Also, the Studio Pro's compatibility with both iOS and Android makes them well-suited for people with a mixed device ecosystem.

Their 40 hours of promised playback are an attractive metric for commuting, traveling, and desk-working.

Who should look elsewhere: If you want headphones that look and sound great, the Studio Pro are a great choice. However, their noise-canceling abilities aren't the best, and if that's at the top of your list, consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony XM6.

Beats Studio Pro tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (Beats Class 1 wireless) | Battery life: 40 hours (ANC off) | Driver size: 40mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Wired option(s): USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack

• Equally compatible with iOS and Android
• Sleek, simple design
• Great sound

• Slightly tight fit
• Only worth the money during steep sales

Why we like them: Beats' releases in the last two years are defined by less flashy branding and loud colorways, native compatibility with both iOS and Android, and a generally more elevated user experience. The Studio Pro are stylish, functional, and comfortable. They debuted with a list of upgrades, like USB-C charging and audio, spatial audio, and Find My compatibility. Additionally, their new audio tuning means less emphasis on the bass (still more than other headphones), allowing for a more neutral and enjoyable listening experience.

Review: Beats Studio Pro

Both iOS and Android users can enjoy native compatibility with the Studio Pro, and Beats fitted these headphones with USB-C audio compatibility. If you plug into the Studio Pro, you can unlock lossless audio playback and Entertainment and Conversation audio modes.

Who these are for: The Studio Pro are Beats' premium headphones, making them a solid option for Beats fans whose Studio 3 headphones need an upgrade. Also, the Studio Pro's compatibility with both iOS and Android makes them well-suited for people with a mixed device ecosystem.

Their 40 hours of promised playback are an attractive metric for commuting, traveling, and desk-working.

Who should look elsewhere: If you want headphones that look and sound great, the Studio Pro are a great choice. However, their noise-canceling abilities aren't the best, and if that's at the top of your list, consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony XM6.

Beats Studio Pro tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (Beats Class 1 wireless) | Battery life: 40 hours (ANC off) | Driver size: 40mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Wired option(s): USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack

Why we like them: Samsung's latest premium earbuds debuted with a new bud-and-stem form factor, a host of AI-powered software features, Find My support, Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, and adaptive noise cancellation. The Galaxy Buds Pro 3 have a dynamic and exciting sound profile, showing Samsung prioritized sound as much as software features.

Review: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

Samsung ditched the rounded bud design from previous generations, and, traditionally, bud-and-stem designs allow for more real estate for microphone placement. As a result, the Buds 3 Pro have amazing call clarity, harnessing AI to quieten external noises and amplify the caller's voice.

Who these are for: The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro's highlighted features, including a live translation feature, are powered by Galaxy AI. The most impressive AI features are only compatible with select Galaxy devices, but Android users can toggle audio features via the Galaxy Wearable app.

If your tech arsenal consists mostly of Galaxy devices, like the Galaxy S25, Tab S10, or Book5 Pro, the Buds 3 Pro are the perfect premium earbuds to complement your devices. These earbuds offer more compatibility with other Android devices, too, but Galaxy devices will work the best.

Who should look elsewhere: If your device ecosystem mostly belongs to Apple, you shouldn't purchase the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. You'll miss out on exclusive features that make these earbuds great. If you have Android devices but don't foresee much use for the premium features, consider the Galaxy Buds FE.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro tech specs: Form factor: In-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.4) | Battery life: 7 hours and an additional 30 hours with charging case | IP rating: IP57 (water and sweat-resistant) | Noise cancellation: Yes | Charging option(s): USB-C, wireless