Best Headphones – 7 Best Headphones Brands
Headphones are a type of personal audio equipment that are worn over the head to listen to music, podcasts, or other forms of audio. The history of headphones can be traced back to the late 19th century when telephone operators used them to listen to calls. These early headphones were large and heavy, and they were typically used by professionals rather than for personal use.
The first modern headphones were invented in the 1930s by Nathaniel Baldwin, a Utah-based engineer. Baldwin created a pair of headphones for the U.S. Navy, which were used in communication and radio operations. These early headphones were also used by amateur radio operators and were eventually adapted for use by music listeners.
In the 1950s, headphones became more widely available to the general public with the introduction of portable tape players and transistor radios. The popularity of headphones continued to grow in the following decades, with the introduction of stereo sound and improvements in audio technology.
Today, headphones come in a wide variety of styles and designs, including over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear models. They can be wired or wireless, and many feature advanced noise-canceling technology to block out ambient sound.
Headphones have become an essential accessory for music lovers, podcast listeners, and anyone who wants to enjoy audio in a private and immersive way. They are also used by professionals in various fields, including audio production, sound engineering, and broadcasting.
We all have our favorites, but the category is too large to be so easily broken down. What headphones are best for you is the real question. To answer this, you must take into account your preferences for sound, your desire for extra features, and, of course, your financial situation.
Best Headphones Brands
In light of this, we’ve compiled the best headphones (and earphones) we’ve ever tested here for a variety of users and price points. Find out more about how to find the ideal pair after reading about our top picks.
1. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Why We Picked It
With the second-generation AirPods Pro, Apple joins the true wireless noise-cancelling elite; in this regard, they are second only to Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II. Beyond this, they provide a superior compatibility with Apple devices, a rich audio experience, and a novel adaptive transparency mode.
Who It’s For
The best headphones for Apple fans are, first and foremost, the AirPods Pro. No third-party rival performs across iPhones, iPads, and Macs as smoothly.
PROS
- Rich, well-balanced audio performance
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Adaptive Transparency mode is genuinely impressive
- Charging case has a useful built-in speaker
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
CONS
- No hi-res codec support
- Offers only non-adjustable EQ presets
2. Bose QuietComfort 45
Why We Picked It
Despite the fact that the competition is catching up, every new model in the Bose QC line, including the QuietComfort 45 headphones, manages to outperform its predecessors. We also adore this model’s incredibly comfortable design and clear, bass-forward sound.
Who It’s For
These headphones pack away neatly into a suitcase or bag for storage, so you can wear them for long flights or other types of travel without discomfort. The Bose QC Earbuds II are a great option if you’d prefer something more portable as long as you don’t mind an in-ear design.
PROS
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- Sculpted audio with rich bass and crisp highs
- Exceptionally comfortable
CONS
- ANC can’t be adjusted
- Sound signature isn’t accurate for true audiophiles
3. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Why We Picked It
The QuietComfort Earbuds II from Bose are the best for active noise cancellation in their class. They reduce deep lows almost entirely and mids and highs more effectively than any other pair of earphones we’ve tried. They also deliver a clear, bass-forward sound that should appeal to most listeners.
Who It’s For
These Bose earbuds are unbeatable if active noise cancellation in a true wireless design is your top priority. Just remember that iPhone users will benefit more from the second-generation AirPods Pro.
PROS
- Engaging audio performance with deep lows and bright highs
- Fantastic low- and high-frequency noise cancellation
- Useful Active Aware mode
- Water-resistant build
CONS
- No way to turn off noise cancellation altogether
- Case doesn’t support wireless charging
4. Jabra Elite 45h
Why We Picked It
The on-ear Jabra Elite 45h headphones aren’t brand-new but remain useful in a market with few options. Highlights include a powerful sound signature with deep bass, an incredibly cozy design, and an EQ-equipped companion app with a wealth of features.
Who It’s For
There aren’t many new options if you prefer on-ear (or supra-aural) headphones. Fortunately, Jabra’s Elite 45h headphones are successful in each key area where we evaluate them. They are also reasonably priced.
PROS
- Powerful, bass-forward audio performance
- Useful app with adjustable EQ
- Comfortable on-ear fit
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Strong mic clarity
CONS
- Combined volume/track navigation controls make it easy to accidentally skip a track
5. Sony WH-1000XM5
Why We Picked It
The WH-1000XM5 headphones from Sony continue the lineup’s tradition of high quality. They provide among the best wireless audio quality, first-rate noise cancellation, a chic look, and a comfortable fit. Additionally, the outside capacitive touch panels on each earcup function naturally.
Who It’s For
These Sony headphones should be at the top of the list for any Android users who want to take advantage of the LDAC codec’s high-resolution capabilities. They don’t quite eliminate background noise as well as the Bose QC 45 headphones, but that’s a reasonable trade-off if sound quality is your top priority.
PROS
- 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
CONS
- Expensive
6. Anker Soundcore Space A40
Why We Picked It
The Soundcore Space A40 earphones from Anker show you don’t have to spend several hundred dollars to have a good time. Their excellent noise cancellation, secure fit, and detailed sound presentation particularly win our hearts. The companion app’s adjustable EQ makes it a further plus.
Who It’s For
The Soundcore Space A40 earphones offer a ton of features for less than $100 if you’re on a tight budget but don’t want to settle for poor audio quality or ineffective noise cancellation.
PROS
- Rich, detailed audio performance
- Quality active noise cancellation for the price
- App includes customizable EQ and controls
- Strong battery life
- Water-resistant build
CONS
- Light on sub-bass
- Noise cancellation mode slightly affects sound signature
7. Urbanista Los Angeles
Why We Picked It
Although they can’t quite compete with industry leaders in terms of audio quality or active noise cancellation, the Urbanista Los Angeles headphones stand out for their ability to be recharged using any light source. They represent a significant advancement in sustainability, and we anticipate that more products will incorporate this charging technology moving forward.
Who It’s For
Although charging your headphones doesn’t significantly increase your carbon footprint, you can still have a small impact with these headphones. Additionally, those who are not always close to an outlet will appreciate the convenience of never having to recharge their headphones (if you expose them to light every other day or so).
PROS
- Solar-powered charging
- Impressive audio performance with rich, deep bass and crisp highs
- Quality noise cancellation for the price
- Stylish design
CONS
- No in-app EQ
- Noise cancellation slightly impacts sound signature.
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