If you’re serious about music, a quality pair of headphones can make a huge difference in your listening experience. But with so many choices, finding the right model can be tough. PCMag is here to help since we’ve been reviewing headphones for over two decades. Several products currently deserve our Editors’ Choice award, from the high-end HiFiMan Ananda planars to the studio-friendly Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X LE to the noise-cancelling Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. But your needs may be different and one of our other recommendations may be a better fit, so be sure to click through to our in-depth reviews for all the details. Don’t forget to scroll down past the list for some category buying advice and important clarifications about different headphone types and technologies.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Best Planar Magnetic Headphones
HiFiMan Ananda
Pros & Cons
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.
Open design leaks audio.
Cables lack inline remote control or mic.
Why We Picked It
The wired HiFiMan Ananda headphones are a powerhouse and a rare five-star product—their planar magnetic drivers deliver a detailed, spectacular audio experience that conjures a real sense of soundstage. An open design only heightens this sensation, while detachable cables extend their longevity.
Who It’s For
If you are an audiophile who wants superb sound, these headphones are worth the small fortune they command. They do leak audio, however, so make sure to run this purchase by any housemates.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Stereo 3.5mm
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
HiFiMan Ananda Review
Best for Home Studios
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X
Pros & Cons
Accurate, rich, detailed, and balanced audio
Closed design ideal for studio recording and mixing
Comfortable fit
Cables lack mics
Not for those seeking overwhelming bass depth
Why We Picked It
The DT 700 Pro X headphones look great and are a joy to wear. Furthermore, their accurate-leaning response makes them ideal for checking mixes, as well as for enjoying music outside of the studio. We’re also fans of their massive, gray, velour earcups that effectively enclose each ear. A detachable mini-XLR cable adds value to the sturdy build.
Who It’s For
First and foremost, you should pick up these headphones if you need to check mixes in your home studio. Beyond that, they simply present music and movies with wonderful authenticity.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Stereo 3.5mm
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X Review
Best Studio Monitors
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X LE
Pros & Cons
Wonderful low-frequency response
Bright, detailed highs
Exceptionally comfortable
Replaceable earpads and headband cover
Detachable cable
Why We Picked It
A staple in the recording studio, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X LE headphones produce detailed, transparent sound and are extremely comfortable. This version gets a few important upgrades over the older DT 770, including the company’s latest Stellar.45mm dynamic drivers and a removable cable. Finally, both the earpads and headband are user-replaceable.
Who It’s For
If you are in the market for a pair of studio monitors, you can’t do much better than the DT 770 Pro X LE, regardless of price. They are dependable and reproduce all kinds of audio with high accuracy. Non-professionals should also find them enjoyable for home listening.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Stereo 1/4-inch, Stereo 3.5mm
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X LE Review
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Overall
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Pros & Cons
Class-leading active noise cancellation
Crisp audio with rich bass
Adjustable EQ
Immersive audio modes with spatial effects
Expensive
Adaptive noise cancellation might cause ear pressure
Why We Picked It
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones deliver the best active noise cancellation of any over-ear model we’ve tested. In the audio department, they output a pleasing balance of rich lows and crisp highs. Meanwhile, AptX Adaptive support and new immersive audio modes make them more competitive feature-wise with the best from Apple and Sony.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for the best overall active noise cancellation, the Bose QiuetComfort Ultra Headphones are your top over-ear choice.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Review
Best Open-Back Headphones
Grado SR325x
Pros & Cons
Wonderfully wide stereo image
Rich bass response, accurate mids, and detailed highs
Iconic design
Hardwired cable
Few accessories
Leaks audio (by design)
Why We Picked It
Grado’s SR325x open-back headphones produce exceptionally spacious and detailed sound throughout their frequency range. We’re also big fans of how their metallic accents and woven (though irreplaceable) cable combine for a retro look. Note that Grado headphones tend to fit differently than most others, so they might require a bit of adjustment initially.
Who It’s For
If you want expansive sound from wired headphones with throwback style, these should be at the top of your list. They’re an excellent entry into the world of high-end open-back audio.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Supra-aural (on-ear)
Connection Type
Stereo 3.5mm
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Grado SR325x Review
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Audiophiles
Sony WH-1000XM5
Pros & Cons
Excellent audio performance with robust bass depth and crisp highs
Top-notch active noise cancellation
Intuitive on-ear controls
App offers an adjustable EQ and other customization settings
Comfortable, stylish design
Why We Picked It
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones might be the most well-rounded wireless model we’ve tested: They offer top-tier active noise cancellation and the best possible Bluetooth streaming quality via LDAC. We also like their intuitive controls and full-featured companion app.
Who It’s For
If you want the highest streaming quality over a Bluetooth connection and have an Android phone, these headphones are sure to impress. You can use them just as confidently with an iPhone, though the pricier AirPods Max offer deeper system integrations that you might find more worthwhile.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Sony WH-1000XM5 Review
Best for Battery Life
Urbanista Los Angeles
Pros & Cons
Solar-powered charging
Impressive audio performance with rich, deep bass and crisp highs
Quality noise cancellation for the price
Stylish design
No in-app EQ
Noise cancellation slightly impacts sound signature
Why We Picked It
The Urbanista Los Angeles headphones make this list because of their innovative ability to charge via solar power—or really, any light source. Otherwise, they offer solid audio and noise cancellation for the price.
Who It’s For
If you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint, these headphones can help (even if just a little bit). They might also appeal if you want to get rid of all the extra charging cables around your home.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Urbanista Los Angeles Review
Best Headphones for iPhone Users
Apple AirPods Max
Pros & Cons
Excellent audio performance with rich lows and crisp, detailed highs
High-quality active noise cancellation, especially for low-frequency rumble
Stunning, unique design
Adaptive EQ and Spatial audio
Hands-free Siri access
Expensive
Sound signature and Adaptive EQ/spatial audio aren’t for purists
No user-adjustable EQ
Button placement makes it easy to misfire when adjusting fit
Smart Case does little to protect the headphones
Why We Picked It
Despite some obvious sculpting, the AirPods Max still sound quite good, with robust lows and detailed highs. Spatial audio remains a bit gimmicky, but their noise cancellation mode often delivers excellent results that match those of top-end Bose and Sony models.
Who It’s For
If you’re an Apple loyalist who wants a seamless headphone experience with iOS devices, nothing comes close to the AirPods Max. And let’s not forget they’re a bit of a status symbol—if you want to stand out in a crowd, these certainly don’t look like many other headphones out there.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Apple AirPods Max Review
Best for Accurate Audio on a Budget
Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
Pros & Cons
Affordable
Excellent accuracy, especially in sub-bass range
Comfortable fit
Strong battery life
A bit light on features
No AptX support
Why We Picked It
The name Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but these headphones deliver accurate audio with a realistic sense of sub-bass. That excellent sound quality makes up for a lack of extra features.
Who It’s For
If you simply want to hear your music the way the artist or engineer intended, these headphones offer that experience at an affordable price.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT Review
Best for Noise Cancellation on a Budget
Anker Soundcore Space One
Pros & Cons
Powerful, bass-forward audio
Decent noise cancellation for the price
App includes adjustable EQ
Supports LDAC codec
Included cable enables wired listening
Ineffective button layout
Why We Picked It
The Anker Soundcore Space One headphones offer respectable noise cancellation for under $100 and support hi-res Bluetooth streaming via the LDAC codec. We’re also fans of the bundled companion app, which has an effective EQ and all the customization features you could want. The included cloth carrying case and audio cable for wired listening are nice bonuses, too.
Who It’s For
If you don’t want to spend more than $100 on noise-cancelling headphones, these are for you. They noticeably cut back most environmental sounds, deliver excellent sound, and feel quite premium for the price.
Specs & Configurations
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Active Noise Cancellation
Learn More
Anker Soundcore Space One Review
Buying Guide: The Best On-Ear/Over-Ear Headphones for 2024
What’s the Difference Between Headphones and Earphones?There’s an endless selection regarding headphone design, but you’re essentially choosing between padded over-the-ear headphones and snug in-canal earphones. Although both have merits, this roundup focuses on the over-the-ear and around-the-ear designs of traditional headphones.Generally, headphones can reproduce richer low-end audio because they have larger drivers than earphones and don’t rely on an in-ear seal to deliver sound. Some listeners also find headphones more comfortable to wear than earphones. This naturally means that headphones are bulkier and less suitable for the gym.If you prefer the in-ear design, we have separate lists for the best earphones and the best true wireless models for running.
4 ways you’re using your headphones totally wrong — Clarification Please
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 hearing—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 technique but requires a fair bit of power. For more, check out our picks for the best noise-cancelling headphones and see how we test noise cancellation.If you just want to block out sound without active noise cancellation, all over-ear headphones naturally do that to some extent through a process called noise isolation. Essentially, outside noise can’t get in if the earcups form a good seal over your ears. It’s not as effective as the active method, but it’s inherent to the design (meaning you don’t have to pay extra for it) and doesn’t require power.
Anker Soundcore Space One (Credit: Tim Gideon)
What Are the Different Types of Wireless Headphones?Wireless headphones can be convenient for any situation in which you don’t want to deal with dangling cables—like the gym, for example. And now that many phone manufacturers no longer include 3.5mm audio jacks, wireless connectivity ensures you can connect with all the latest devices.
Recommended by Our Editors
While most Bluetooth codecs are not yet lossless, 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 earbuds—just keep in mind these are about as far from over-ear headphones as you can get.If you’re shopping on a budget, take a look at our picks for the best headphones under $50. Once you’ve found the right pair, check out our five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and eight ways you’re using your headphones wrong.
