For the last 15 years, I’ve been testing wired and wireless headphones for CNET, and the number of excellent new headphones released each year only keeps growing. Recent standouts include the Sonos Ace Ultra, Anker Soundcore Space 2 Pro and the Beats 360. If you’re looking for more value-priced models, check out our list of the best budget noise-canceling headphones. And if you’re just looking for earbuds (in-ear headphones), you can find my top picks on our best wireless earbuds list.

What are the best headphones overall?

With so many different great headphones, it’s hard to declare one model better than all the others. Sony’s premium 1000X The Collexion headphones currently sit at the top of this list because they’re my favorite headphones at the moment. However, they cost more than a lot of people want to spend, so I named Sony’s WH-1000XM6 the best overall. While I have a few wired headphones on this list, if sound quality is your biggest priority and you’re OK with a strictly corded headphone, check out more standout wired options on our list of best wired headphones for audiophiles. Our top wired picks include the Sony MDR-M1 and the Sennheiser HD 505.

What we updated: October 2026

We added the Sonos Ace Ultra, Anker Soundcore Space 2 Pro and Beats 360, and moved several older headphones and earbuds to the other products we tested section.

Best headphones of 2026

The headphones go into a sleep mode when you take them off your head. / David Carnoy/CNET

Most comfortable headphones with excellent noise canceling

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

• 
  
  
  Lightweight, comfortable design with dual hinges that fold both up and flat
• 
  
  
  Superb noise canceling that rivals Sony’s for ANC on the market
• 
  
  
  Slightly improved sound quality with new immersive-audio Cinema Mode
• 
  
  
  USB-C audio
• 
  
  
  Excellent voice-calling performance with minimal background noise
• 
  
  
  Intuitive mix of physical buttons and touch controls

• 
  
  
  Unclear what hardware changes Bose has made, and this model looks almost identical to the previous model
• 
  
  
  Pricey
• 
  
  
  Immersive audio mode hurts battery life (30 to 24 hours)

Why I like them

While the new-for-2025 Ultras look almost exactly the same as the original QuietComfort Ultra Headphones that were released in 2023 — and it’s unclear exactly what’s changed from a hardware standpoint — this second-gen model features several enhancements, including slightly better sound, improved noise cancellation, USB-C audio, a new immersive-audio Cinema Mode and improved battery life (it’s now rated for up to 30 hours instead of 24 hours and the headphones can now be charged during use via the USB-C port).

For noise canceling, these are neck-and-neck with Sony’s new WH-1000XM6 headphones as the two companies battle it out for ANC supremacy. Before this 2nd-gen model arrived, I had the Sony XM6s slightly ahead, but with the small but noticeably improvements Bose has made, it’s hard to say which headphone is better. It may come down to how they feel on your head — both are quite comfortable, though.

Reasons to buy

They’re a good choice for frequent travelers, commuters and professionals who want comfortable, well-designed headphones with impressive overall performance, including superb noise-muffling capabilities.

Reasons to skip/keep looking

Those who are on a tighter budget should obviously look toward more midrange and budget headphones options.

Weight

9.3 ounces (264 grams)

Battery Life

Up to 30 hours (ANC on)

Noise Canceling

Yes (ANC)

Bluetooth Multipoint

Yes

Water Resistant

No

Price

$$$$

Top wired over-ear headphones for the money

Sony MDR-M1

• 
  
  
  Exceptional sound quality with excellent clarity, accuracy and tight bass
• 
  
  
  Distortion-free performance even at higher volume levels
• 
  
  
  Easy to drive at 50 ohms without requiring dedicated amplification
• 
  
  
  Lightweight and comfortable with cushy ear pads that provide good passive noise isolation
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  One short (1.2 meter) and one longer (2.5 meter) cable included, as well as a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter for professional audio equipment

• 
  
  
  Not a foldable model, so no carrying case or pouch included
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  Ear pad depth may be too shallow for all ear sizes
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  No active noise cancellation, inline controls or microphone on included cables
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  Purely wired design with no wireless connectivity options (requires adapter for use with newer smartphones lacking headphone jacks)

Why I Like Them

We’ve always been fans of Sony’s MDR-7506 wired studio monitor headphones, which have long been favorite headphones of recording engineers and other sound professionals. The 2024 MDR-M1 are essentially a premium version of the 7506, delivering sound that’s hard to match for the price. These are the wired headphones that will make you realize what you’re missing after listening to wireless headphones for so long. They have big, open sound with excellent clarity, accuracy and tight bass. Not only is their sound a noticeable step up from the 7506s, but these get high marks for their comfort level (they weigh a svelte 216 grams). No, there isn’t any noise canceling, but the soft, cushy ear pads offer good passive noise isolation.

Though they play louder with a headphone amp, they’re easy to drive (50 ohms), so you can plug them directly into a computer’s headphone port or a smartphone (likely with a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter). They come with 1.2m and 2.5m straight detachable cables and a 3.5mm to 6.3mm screw-in plug adapter, but no carrying pouch or case is included. The only downside I see is that the ear pads aren’t all that deep, so it’s possible those with large ears that stick out a bit might have some issue with the M1’s fit — your ears might press up against the drivers, which are notable for serving up distortion-free audio, even at higher volume levels. That said, they look and feel like an upgraded version of the 7506, so if those worked for you, these should too.

Reasons to buy

You can get more expensive audiophile wired headphones, but the MDR-M1 deliver very good bang for your buck thanks to their relatively affordable price point. They both sound great are a comfortable to wear.

Reasons to skip/keep looking

Those seeking the convenience of wireless connectivity should obviously look elsewhere, as these are purely wired headphones. Also, while these are clearly an upgrade over the MDR-7506, some people may find that the price bump from that model doesn’t quite meet the bump in performance the MDR-M1 offers. In other words, you may be just fine with the MDR-7506, which costs less than half the price.

Headphone type

Wired closed-back over-ear

Weight

7.62 ounces (216 grams)

Frequency response

5 to 80,000 Hz

Impedence

50 ohms

Sensitivity

102 dB

Detachable cable

Yes (1.2-meter and 2.5-meter lengths)

Carrying case

None included

Factors to consider when choosing headphones

Budget and performance

Before anything else, you’ll want to figure out how much you’re willing to spend on new headphones. A quick tip — consider the price-to-performance ratio rather than just the lowest price. Entry level models ($30-$80) typically offer decent sound but fewer premium features. Mid-range options ($80-$150) balance sound quality with features like basic ANC, a better build and water- and dust- resistance (IP ratings) for portable models. Premium headphones ($150-$300+) deliver superior sound engineering, advanced noise cancellation, extended battery life for wireless models and other specialized features like planar magnetic drivers or high-resolution audio support. Determine which features matter most for your specific use cases — commuting, exercise, professional calls, audiophile listening or gaming — and invest accordingly rather than paying for features you may not use.

Noise cancellation

Active noise cancellation technology uses microphones and special processors to generate anti-noise that neutralizes any ambient sound. Adaptive ANC automatically adjusts to your environment, while adjustable systems let you control noise cancellation levels manually. Some premium models offer specialized noise cancellation for different environments (airplanes, traffic noise, ambient chatter). Keep in mind that active noise cancellation can limit both battery life and may have a small impact on sound quality.

Battery life

If you’re eyeing some wireless headphones and expect to be using them for long stretches of time, be sure to consider the battery life. True wireless earbuds typically offer 5-12 hours on a single charge, while over-ear wireless headphones can provide 20-60+ hours. Both models’ battery life depends largely on feature usage, with ANC reducing battery life by about 20-30%. If you’re crunched for time, look for fast-charging capabilities that offer at least 1 hour of playback from 5-10 minutes of charging. Also consider battery degradation — like any battery-powered device, expect maximum battery capacity to drop around 80% from its original specifications after several charge cycles. Make sure the typical length of your listening sessions is in line with the battery life of the model you choose. 

General features

Today’s headphones are often jam-packed with features that can make a huge difference in your listening habits. If you want the best sound possible, advanced codec support impacts audio quality substantially. Look for AAC compatibility for Apple devices, or aptX Adaptive or LDAC for Android. Many headphones offer on-model controls for those looking for easy ways to switch songs, adjust volume or answer calls. Control interfaces vary from touch-sensitive panels to physical buttons, rotary dials and voice commands. Microphone arrays with beamforming technology and AI noise suppression dramatically improve call quality, with over-ear models often featuring detachable boom mics for gaming. Companion apps offer customizable EQ settings, firmware updates and additional features like spatial audio or gaming modes to keep your headphones’ features in one spot. Consider how you plan to use your headphones and choose the features best suited to your needs.

Durability

You want headphones that hold up well over time, so look for models that I note have sturdy build quality. Construction materials can impact longevity — premium models use reinforced plastics, aluminum or even carbon fiber components to keep them safe from scratches and dents. For portable models, consider foldable designs with reinforced hinges and quality carrying cases. Water resistance is especially relevant for earbuds and sports-oriented headphones, with ratings from IPX4 (splash-resistant) to IP68 (fully dust- and waterproof). Over-ear headphones should have durable headband padding, sturdy adjustment mechanisms and hinges and replaceable ear pads for long-term comfort. If you’re looking for a pair with wired connectivity, be sure to look for detachable cables with reinforced connectors. Also consider your portability needs: frequent travel or long commutes calls for compact, folding designs, while larger, less portable models can work for home or otherwise stationary use.

Form factor and design

The physical design of your headphones can have a major impact on your listening experience. Earbuds or in-ear models offer the best portability and are usually best for exercise and commuting and can provide excellent noise isolation when properly fitted. Still, their portability means they are most susceptible to loss and damage, and the in-ear design may cause ear fatigue during long listening sessions. On-ear headphones sit on your ears and balance portability with sound quality — they’re more comfortable than earbuds for longer sessions while remaining relatively compact, though they may not seal as well and can create pressure points on your head and ears over time. Over-ear headphones surround your ears completely, typically delivering the best sound quality and comfort. They excel at noise cancellation and often house larger drivers for superior bass response and a larger sound stage, but they’re bulkier and less portable. 

Connection type can make a big difference, too. Wired headphones offer consistent, superior audio quality without battery concerns, lower latency for gaming and often better value at each price point, though they limit mobility and cables can wear over time. Wireless models provide freedom of movement and convenience, with many offering both connection options for flexibility. True wireless earbuds eliminate cables entirely; however, they have the shortest battery life and are easiest to misplace without a cable or headband connecting the buds together. Consider your primary use cases — portable convenience, home listening or professional use — to determine the best form factor and connectivity for your needs. 

Fit and comfort

Proper fit is critical for sound quality and long-term comfort. For earbuds, look for models with different ear tip sizes (typically S/M/L) in different materials (silicone for durability, memory foam for comfort and isolation) to help achieve the proper fit. If you plan on running or otherwise heavy movement in your earbuds, look for wingtips — sometimes called sport fins — that lock the buds in your ears. Over-ear and on-ear headphones require different considerations: adjustable headbands, adequate padding, appropriate clamping force and ear cups that accommodate different head sizes and ear shapes. Test for comfort during extended sessions, over-ear models should distribute weight evenly without creating pressure points, while on-ear designs should balance secure fit with minimal pressure. Consider heat buildup for closed-back designs and whether you prefer velour or leather ear pad materials. 

Return policy

It’s critical to buy your headphones at a retailer that has a good return policy, in case they break or aren’t a good match for you and your listening needs. Manufacturer warranties typically range from 1-2 years, with premium brands often offering better customer service and replacement options. Research how companies handle common issues like driver failure, cable problems or charging defects for wireless models. Retailer return policies supplement manufacturer warranties — major electronics retailers typically allow 14-30 day returns, while specialized audio retailers sometimes offer more extended evaluation periods. If you’re on the quest for the perfect headphones, be sure to get a longer trial period to assess their performance.

How we test headphones

I follow CNET’s unbiased evaluation process for all of my headphone testing. In the CNET sound lab, I compare similarly styled and priced models side-by-side based on six key criteria: design, sound quality, noise-canceling performance, extra features, voice-calling and value.

Design

I first assess how comfortable the headphones fit (their ergonomics), typically testing each model for several hours across multiple days. For wireless earbuds, I test all included ear tip sizes (typically S/M/L) and evaluate their stability during movement or other physical activity. For over-ear and on-ear headphones, I examine headband padding, ear cup comfort, clamping force, heat buildup and how well they accommodate different head sizes and shapes during extended listening sessions. 

Build quality assessments include stress testing case hinges and folding mechanisms, examining material durability and verifying IPX ratings, or dust- and water-resistance through exposure to appropriate environmental conditions, though this primarily applies to earbuds and select sports-oriented over-ear models. For over-ear headphones, I also assess cable quality and detachability, headband adjustment range and retention and the durability of any active components like buttons, noise cancellation controls or touch interfaces.

Sound quality

This includes testing how well earbuds seal in the ear canal versus how over-ear models create their acoustic environment, as well as assessing soundstage differences between open-back and closed-back designs where applicable. 

Noise-canceling performance

I evaluate noise-canceling performance by wearing the headphones in the same spot indoors near a noisy HVAC unit to see how well they muffle lower frequencies (about 65dB of broadband noise). I then head out to the busy streets of New York City to use the headphones in a real-world environment, testing their performance in:

• Public transit environments, like buses, trains and subway platforms (85-90dB of variable noise)
• Busy street intersections for traffic and construction noise (45-70dB of line source noise)
• Areas with ambient chatter and voices (70-75dB of speech-dominated noise)

Each environment is tested several times. For over-ear headphones, I also evaluate passive noise isolation provided by the ear cup seal, while for earbuds I assess how different ear tip sizes affect noise blocking performance. 

Extra features

Some great-sounding headphones aren’t loaded with features, but I do take into account what extra features are on board and test them accordingly. Modern features include everything from quick-access awareness to transparency modes (your music pauses and the headphones open up to the outside world so you can have a conversation). I test special sound modes like EQ customization, bass modes and spatial audio features, as well as the efficiency of ear-detection sensors that automatically pause your music when you take the headphones off of your ears. For over-ear models, I also evaluate features like quick-charge capabilities, wired/wireless flexibility and comfort-focused elements like auto-pause when lifting an ear cup. Bluetooth connectivity is tested by subjecting the headphones to a wireless range test or repeated device-switching if Bluetooth multipoint is included. I also take a look at the companion app for the headphones (if there is one) and test its user-friendliness across both mobile and desktop platforms where available.

Voice-calling performance

When I test voice-calling performance, I make calls in the noisy streets of New York and evaluate how well the headphones reduce background noise and how clearly callers can hear your voice. I assess microphone performance in response to traffic noise and windy conditions, testing both built-in microphones on wireless models and detachable boom mics on gaming-focused headphones where applicable. We also move between quiet and noisy environments to test their response, then collect feedback from call recipients about voice clarity and background noise reduction.

Value

Finally, I determine value after evaluating the strength of the headphones against all these criteria and what they’re able to deliver compared to other models in their price class. Great sounding, feature-packed headphones that offer a great bang for your buck earn top marks in this category.

Other headphones we tested

Beats Studio Pro: Love ’em or hate ’em, Beats Studio headphones are among the most popular headphones of all time, launching as a wired headphone back in 2008. This is the fourth generation of them, and they carry the same list price as their predecessor and look very similar on the outside but have some big changes on the inside that make them significantly better headphones. I’m tempted to describe them as more affordable plastic versions of the AirPods Max. However, that’s not quite accurate due to a choice in chipsets and one notable missing feature. But read my full review to find out what makes this a very good headphone with some small caveats.

Sonos Ace: Now that the newer Sonos Ace Ultra ($450) are out, you can get some deals on the original, which is still a very good headphone, although the Ace Ultra offers some legitimate upgrades and is clearly superior. Read my Sonos Ace review.

Sony CH-720N: Sony’s previous generation entry-level noise canceling headphones, the CH-720Ns, have a bit of a plasticky, budget vibe, but they’re lightweight (only 192 grams) and comfortable. Part of me was expecting them to sound pretty mediocre, but I was pleasantly surprised, as these headphones offer good overall tonal balance with punchy bass, decent clarity and a fairly wide soundstage. (The headphones are suitable for a variety of music genres.) They also offer decent noise canceling and good voice-calling performance. With the newer WH-CH730N ($180 list) arriving, the CH-720N is being discounted in certain colors and remains a decent value. The more expensive WH-CH730 ($180) has a new foldable design, along with improved performance all around, including better battery life (up to 50 hours with noise canceling on).

Baseus Inspire XH1: Featuring Sound by Bose, the Baseus Inspire XH1 have impressive sound for their price (around $100), a more premium design than most “value” headphones and good performance overall. The XH1 are not only fairly lightweight (275 grams) and comfortable to wear, but they have decent build quality, respectable noise canceling and voice-calling performance, as well as very good battery life. I also liked how they not only fold up but also fold flat, and I like that they come with a carrying case and a 3.5mm cable for wired listening. Their controls for playback are also good, though I had to dig into the instructions to figure out that you hold down the volume buttons to advance tracks forward and back. Read my review.

Focal Bathys: French audio company Focal is known for its high-end speakers and headphones. You might call it the Bowers & Wilkins of France. Back in 2022, it finally did what a lot of high-end audio companies have had to do in this age of on-the-go wireless music listening: They made active noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones. Easily one of the best-sounding wireless headphones, the pricey Bathys (now down to $600 from their list price of $850) feature not only wireless connectivity but also a built-in digital-to-analog converter for USB wired listening with any computer, smartphone or tablet with USB-C. Read the full review.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3: The PX7 S3 may not be the company’s flagship headphones (the new PX8 S2 are), but they’re arguably the better value as the PX8 S2 cost a whopping $799. While that step-up model does have a little swankier finish, as well as upgraded drivers that make the headphones sound better (the PX8 S2 do sound superb), the two headphones are quite similar looking. Like the PX8 S2, the PX7 S3 offer improved sound quality and superior noise canceling in a trimmer design (300 grams) that fit my head more comfortably. As I said, the drivers aren’t the same as the PX8 S2’s carbon cone drivers, but the redesigned 40mm biocellulose drive units have an improved chassis, voice coil, suspension and magnet that, according to B&W, deliver “lower coloration and distortion, improved resolution and superior dynamics.” Read my first take.

CMF Headphone Pro: Nothing started out with a few different wireless earbuds but has now branched into the over-ear headphones market with its eye-catching Nothing Headphone (1) and the budget-oriented CMF Headphone Pro, which also have a pretty unique look and feature interchangeable ear pads in a few different color options. I wasn’t expecting all that much from these headphones, but after using them for a week, they check a lot of boxes for a top value headphone, including a comfortable fit (they pretty lightweight at 283 grams), decent build quality and good sound quality that’s highlighted by powerful bass that can be dialed up or down with a slider control on the left ear cup (you can also tweak the sound in the companion app). The Skullcandy Crusher 2 headphones have a similar slider, but the CMF’s bass doesn’t get to head-rattling levels (the Crusher 2’s bass literally makes the headphones vibrate).

Sennheiser HDB 630: Well-balanced and tuned for audiophiles (the driver design and sound tuning are inspired by the company’s highly regarded HD600 series), the HDB 630 are articulate headphones that deliver clean, detailed sound with powerful, controlled bass. While their noise canceling isn’t up to the level of what you get from Sony, Bose and Apple flagship headphones and earbuds, it’s still decent, and so is the voice-calling performance. While the HDB 630 is pricier than the Momentum Wireless 5, the upgrade in sound quality is noticeable and that USB-C wireless dongle is a nice addition.

Shokz OpenFit Pro: Shokz wanted to equip its new flagship OpenFit Pro open earbuds with active noise cancellation, but that’s not easy with open earbuds. Instead, it ended up dialing back expectations and calling the tech inside these new ear-hook style buds, “OpenEar Noise Reduction.” It’s a good thing it did because, during time testing the OpenFit Pro, they didn’t reduce ambient sound nearly as well as the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. But they sound impressive for open earbuds, are comfortable to wear and have the premium build quality you’d expect from a set of earbuds that cost $250. Read my Shokz OpenFit Pro review.

Earfun Wave Pro: Earfun has made some very solid budget earbuds, and now it’s entered the full-size ANC headphone space with a few different over-ear models, including the Wave Pro (add the code EWPROCNET at checkout on Amazon to receive an additional 10% off). While they may not sound as good as premium noise-canceling headphones from Bose or Sony, they’re comfortable to wear, feature decent sound with punchy bass (they’re a bit lacking in clarity and bass definition compared to more expensive models), and they offer respectable noise canceling (you can toggle between two levels of ANC) and voice-calling performance. The headphones do come with a cable for wired listening — you can plug into an inflight entertainment system — but the noise canceling cuts off when you’re in wired mode, which is unfortunate.

Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC: We reviewed Skullcandy’s wired Aviator Roc Nation headphones all the way back in 2011. Now Skullcandy’s brought the Aviator design back in a wireless noise-canceling model called the Aviator 900 ANC headphones. They kind of surprised me because Skullcandy is better known for its Crusher headphones, which deliver bone-rattling bass but not so-called premium-sounding headphones. However, the Aviator 900, developed in partnership with THX, deliver surprisingly impressive sound. They’re not so great out of the box, but after you make some tweaks to the EQ in the app and turn on the THX spatial audio, the sound improves dramatically and is arguably more exciting than the new Nothing Headphone (1)’s sound and more fun to listen to.

Edifier W830NB: The Edifier W830NB remain a good value noise-canceling headphone pick. They look slightly more premium than their predecessor, W820NB Plus, and are fairly lightweight (265 grams) and comfortable, with cushy memory foam ear pads. They also sound very good for their price, offering decent clarity and fairly well-defined bass with an amply wide sound stage (they lack the refinement and depth of higher-end headphones, but you can’t expect the world from sub-$80 headphones). You can tweak the sound profile in Edifier’s companion app for iOS and Android.

QCY H3 Pro: QCY is another Chinese brand like Tribit, Earfun and plenty of others that make budget-priced headphones that sound better than you’d think they would for their relatively low price (the company says the Q stands for quality, C stands for creative and Y stands for youth). Its new-for-2024 H3 Pro headphones are similar to models in this price range from 1More, Tribit and Edifier, but they arguably sound a touch better and I found them relatively comfortable to wear, as they feature a lightweight design and memory foam ear pads

Nothing Headphone (1): If you can’t afford the AirPods Max or Sony WH-1000XM6 and want a pair of unique-looking, sturdy headphones that also offer strong performance, the Nothing Headphone (1) is an intriguing alternative. Read my Nothing Headphone (1) review.

Noble Fokus Apollo: Noble is an audiophile brand known more for its in-ear monitor headphones, but it’s released a wireless noise-canceling headphone called the Fokus Apollo that sounds terrific and features a special dual-driver design that combines a 40mm dynamic driver with a 14.5mm planar-magnetic driver. The result is rich, open sound, with tight bass and excellent treble detail and clarity, especially for a wireless headphone (it sounds a tad better in wired mode but it’s not a huge difference). It’s more dynamic than many monitor headphones that have a flatter, more neutral sound profile, but it still leans toward being an accurate, well-balanced headphone.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: When they’re in your ears, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 look a lot like the original Pixel Buds Pro and retain the stabilizer fins that help lock the buds in your ears. But they’re smaller than their predecessor and Google equipped them with its new Tensor A1 chip, which offers more processing power and boosts their performance across the board. How you ultimately feel about them will largely depend on how well they fit your ears. That’s the case for most noise-canceling earbuds, but with the Pixel Buds Pro 2, if you don’t get a tight seal from the included ear tips, there’s a massive dip in both sound quality and noise-canceling performance. If you do get a tight seal, these buds deliver excellent sound, strong noise-muffling capabilities and a robust feature set, particularly for Android and Google Pixel phone users. Read my Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones: When Bose released its new flagship QuietComfort Ultra Headphones in late 2023, it also replaced the QuietComfort 45s with a slightly updated model simply called the QuietComfort Headphones. Like the QC 45s, this model carries on the comfortable tried-and-true legacy QuietComfort design that’s been around for a few generations that a lot of people continue to love. The QC Ultra Headphones add Bose’s new Immersive Audio feature and have a more refined design with some metal parts (they also have Bluetooth 5.3 instead of Bluetooth 5.1). But the QuietComfort Headphones still have good sound (the Ultras offer a small step up in sound quality), excellent noise canceling and strong voice-calling performance.

Sennheiser Accentum Plus: If you can’t afford Sennheiser’s flagship Momentum 4 Wireless and other premium models from Bose, Sony and Apple, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus is a good midrange alternative that doesn’t quite offer the same performance as those higher-end models but offers better build quality and sound than most budget noise canceling headphones.

Sony WH-1000XM5: Sony has released its new-for-2025 WH-1000XM6 headphones, but its former flagship model, the XM5 is still an excellent headphone that’s often on sale for closer to $300. Their noise-canceling, voice-calling and sound isn’t quite as good as what the XM6 offers (the XM6 sounds a little more detailed with improved bass performance) and the XM6 has a dual-hinge design that allows them to fold up, not just fold flat. As a result, the XM6’s case is a little smaller. Additionally, the XM6 is powered by a new QN3 chip that Sony says delivers seven times the performance of the QN1 chip found in the XM5s. All that said, while the jump in performance from the XM5 to the XM6 is certainly noticeable, it isn’t huge; the XM5 still offers good sound, noise-canceling and voice-calling performance that should satisfy most people. Read my Sony WH-1000XM5 review.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: Bose has released its improved QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd gen), which means you’ll be able to find discounts on the original QC Ultra Earbuds. They feature excellent sound and previously best-in-class noise-canceling performance.

Bowers & Wilkins PX8: The swanky Bowers & Wilkins PX8 headphones feature 40mm Carbon Cone drive units that are “inspired” by the Carbon Dome drive units used in the company’s iconic 700 Series loudspeaker line. They look great and feature excellent sound. However, B&W has released a next-gen “S2” version of the PX8 that offers some significant improvements, including a slimmer design and even better sound and improved noise-canceling. Alas, it does cost more, carrying a list price of $799.

Apple AirPods 4 with ANC: The AirPods 4 With Active Noise Cancellation are simply special, but I still preferred the AirPods Pro 2, which are included on this list. They’re the first open buds I’ve tried to have active noise canceling that actually works, and they’re perfect for people who want ANC without having ear tips jammed in their ears. Want to check them out? Learn more about the model in my full AirPods 4 review.

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds have one of the most unusual designs of any earbuds I’ve tested over the last several years. They literally clip onto the side of your ears, kind of like earrings, and their open design has micro speakers that fire sound into your ears while still being able to hear what’s happening around you. While great, I found they had relatively niche use cases, which kept them off this list. Learn more about the novel model in my full Bose Ultra Open Earbuds review.

Anker Soundcore Space One: The Soundcore Space One by Anker are a good value for around $100, offering a strong feature set along with good sound quality and performance; still, they can’t compete sound-wise with many of the premium models on this list. They lack a bit of that natural, refined quality you look for in a great set of cans, so we kept them off.

Beats Solo 4: The $200 Beats Solo 4 are a great pair of on-ear headphones with a strong battery life, USB-C audio, and improved sound and voice-calling performance. Would I pay $200 for them? No, I wouldn’t. So they’re off this list for now, but keep an eye out for great deals that come around events and holidays. Read more about them in my full Beats Solo 4 review and see if they’re right for you.

Headphones FAQ

David Carnoy

Executive Editor / Reviews

Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET’s Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He’s also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Kobo e-books and audiobooks.

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