How do you pick the best headphones out of all the options? Here are the top picks, which include both full-size models and tiny wireless earbuds.
Because there are so many excellent options, selecting the best headphones can be difficult. However, we are unable to review all of the models on the market. Nonetheless, I’m going to give it a shot. In terms of wireless headphones, particularly true wireless, Apple’s AirPods have become extremely popular in recent years. In addition to on-ear and over-ear models, we have selected some low-cost budget headphones for those looking for good sound and comfort without spending a lot of money.
The headphones listed below are our top picks for the title of “best headphones” (including ratings for in-ear models with waterproof). Many of these new models were included in our roundup of the best headphones from CES 2021. As new models are tested, we will add them to this list.
The best wireless headphones with the best sound
Sony WF-1000XM4
Of course, no headset is flawless. Not everyone will appreciate the Sony WF-1000XM4 earphones’ fit, and not everyone will be able to afford their high price. These gems exceed all expectations in terms of sound quality, noise cancellation, and dependable voice calls. Our Sony WF-1000XM4 review can be found here.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Bowers & Wilkins has finally answered the call for truly wireless earbuds with the release of their PI7 ($ 400) and PI5 ($ 250) models. Both have active noise cancellation as well as a transparency mode.
The flagship PI7 has a bit more bass energy and detail, and it sounds slightly more detailed. The Sony WF-1000XM4 and the Phillips PI7 are both excellent sounding earphones, but the Philips PI7 outperforms the Sony WF-1000XM4 by a narrow margin. (They outperform Sennheiser’s Master & Dynamic MW08 and Momentum True Wireless II.
Sony’s noise cancellation outperforms the PI7’s, which is already quite good. Also, I found Sony to be easier to use for voice calls (it has better noise reduction than HTC) and to last longer.
A Bluetooth transceiver can be connected to the PI7’s housing and used for aptX streaming or in-flight entertainment. Sony has this feature (the PI5 does not), but Sony is less expensive. If sound quality is important to you, the PI7 may be worth considering if you can afford it. They should become more affordable over time.
The PI5 buds, in addition to sounding great, are also a little lighter than the PI7s. Its $ 250 pricing puts it in direct competition with the $ 280 Sony 1000XM4. If you want to use in-ear headphones, make sure to test them out to determine if they suit your ears. Some Bluetooth headsets, such as those from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony, suit your ears better than others. Check out our initial thoughts on the Bowers & Wilkins PI7.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony provided a lot in an earlier version of this device. There was only one flaw, and that was the voice calls, which were especially annoying in noisy surroundings. The WH-1000XM4 model also includes additional features such as multipoint Bluetooth pairing, which allows you to talk to two devices at the same time, such as your phone and PC. So, if you’re using headphones while working on your computer and a call comes in, the audio on your phone will alter when you respond.
For voice calls, the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 are likely to have a little advantage. The 1000XM4 headphones also include some minor upgrades in terms of noise reduction and quality, making it a terrific all-around model. This model is also frequently discounted. The Sony WH-1000XM4 has been thoroughly tested.
Apple AirPods Pro
While it may not appear as magical as you might anticipate for $249, Apple’s AirPods Pro nevertheless provides excellent noise reduction and wireless capability. These wireless headphones are known for their award-winning design and fit, increased bass, and noise-canceling features, and have now been updated to include spatial audio, a simulated sound option for movies and TV shows (only works with Apple devices iOS 14).
You can use these headphones to make a phone conversation or listen to music while working out. The good news is that they are reasonably priced, ranging from $200 to $220. While they are costly at $ 250, they tend to sell in this price range. Apple AirPods Pro was evaluated by us.
Bose QuietComfort earphones
True wireless earbuds are one of the best forms of transportation, and the $ 279 Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are superb for music and noise cancellation. They are quite likely the greatest earbuds on the market now.
Apple’s best-selling AirPods Pro True Wireless Noise Canceling Earphones are clearly outperformed by the AirPods Pro True Wireless Noise Canceling Earphones. Because of Bose’s IPX water-resistant and splash-proof design, it’s difficult to declare the AirPods Pro the winner (both are splash-proof). Finally, what you choose will be determined by the priorities you set. You can read our review of the Bose QuietComfort earphones here.
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 has a price tag connected to it. True wireless earbuds outperform its predecessors in every way, with higher audio quality, noise cancellation, longer battery life (up to seven hours against four hours for the originals), and noise reduction during calls. If you don’t like the black version of these ANC earphones, a white variant will be released later this year. However, the Momentum True Wireless 2 outperforms the AirPods Pro in terms of sound quality, at least for fully wireless earbuds.
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 supports AAC and aptX codecs through Bluetooth 5.1. In our review, we go through the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2.