I have reviewed a horde of gaming headsets over the years, and yet no matter how good they were, I clung dearly to my Sony WH-1000XM3 for seven years (yes, they launched all the way back in 2018). To say my expectations for the Sony WH-1000XM6 were high is a criminal understatement.

The jump in audio quality I experienced with the Sony WH-1000XM6 reminded me of putting on a new pair of glasses for the first time — I could see (hear) everything. The XM6’s soundstage is grand and epic, the earcups are snug, the dual Bluetooth-connectivity is so convenient, and the battery life is long.

However, as much as I love the Sony WH-1000XM6, they aren't without some problems. The earcups are snug, which may be uncomfortable for some folks. If you’re app-averse for some reason, you need to download the phone app to disable ANC. I wish the Ambient mode took in more sound at higher volumes, and I would have liked the microphone to sound better, although it’s not terrible.

Yet, like Sony's other mythically excellent creation, Kratos with his Leviathan axe, my ears wield the Sony WH-1000XM6 as their daily weapon. I imagine the XM6 will be my companion for quite a long time, at least until it's dethroned by the XM9. There's no question that the XM6s are one of the best headphones out there, but are they good enough to drop $450? Let’s jump into that Yggdrasil rift together.

Sony WH-1000XM6: Price and value

I reviewed the Black model of the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones, but you can also get them in Midnight Blue or Platinum Silver, all of which cost the same $449. I’m partial to the Midnight Blue colorway — they are the only ones with actual color. The XM6s also come with a neat magnetic carrying case, which is a dark gray color and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a very short USB Type-A to Type-C cable. You can get the Sony WH-1000XM6 directly from Sony’s website, Best Buy, or Amazon.

The real question is: Are they worth it? Well, that depends on you. What I can say is that the pricing is competitive, especially when compared to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones (also $449). And this is too much for you to spend on headphones, no matter how good they are; I completely understand. You can easily get the XM4 for $280 (at the time of writing).

If you really want the XM6 model and aren’t swimming in cash, I’d wait for a sale. But if you have the disposable income, they're worth it.

Sony WH-1000XM6: Design

The Sony WH-1000XM6 looks like an alien carved them out of a block of obsidian… and then blasted them with soft paint. Sony took the revamped design language of the XM5 headphones and threw a couple of curves in there. The design isn’t drastically different, but just enough to take a slightly basic design and add a more premium flair.

The cups feature an off-center circle that allows access to the touch controls, and they curve downward from there into an oblong shape. Around the edges of those cups are a slew of black microphone vents that blend in. The leatherette cups also feature a seamless transition, without the typical puffy protrusion on the outer layer.

My favorite part of the design is the hinges, where the cups meet the headband. It’s a diagonally carved cylinder with the classic gold Sony logo painted on it. Company logos are hit or miss, but Sony is iconic for its stylish logo on vintage and now future tech. And between the hinge and the headband is another thinly carved piece, which adds to the flair. The headband itself starts thin and then expands slightly.

On the left cup, you’ll find the power button, headphone jack, and the ANC button, while the right features the Type-C charging port.

Out of the previous XM-series headphones, the XM6 offer the most modern and sleek design, making them worthy of their premium price (in this regard, at least).

Sony WH-1000XM6: Comfort

Imagine a pillow with arms that could give you a little squeeze — that's the Sony WH-1000XM6. I like it, but they are pretty snug, so it might not be comfortable for some people.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 weigh 254 grams, which is unnoticeably heavier than their competitor, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (252 grams).

From dusk till dawn, I played Elden Ring Nightreign. I'm not ashamed — those Nightlords needed to die. But after a short adjustment period from my looser XM3 headphones, the XM6 felt like the familiar yet satisfying pillow you'd flip over in the middle of the night. The cushions are soft yet firm. I still felt them squeeze my head, which may bother some folks, but I liked it because it offers some passive noise cancelling.

I didn’t even notice the headband until I paid attention to it. It’s soft and doesn’t crush my head like the earcups do, so I count that as a win.

Sony WH-1000XM6: Audio

I jumped from the XM3 to the XM6, and the best way to describe the jump is like watching a flower finally bloom. The 30mm neodymium drivers delivered a wide, immersive soundstage that kept me engaged in all of the content I played.

I listened to all of Epic: The Musical on the Sony WH-1000XM6. In “Full Speed Ahead,” the XM6 captured the subtle rumbling drums that open the song, accompanied by solid bass, and it stood out among the following soft piano and warm strings.

I jumped to “Keep Your Friends Close,” which opens with a melodic string of wind instruments, and I noticed that there were many more distinct notes than usual, none of which detracted from the smooth vocals. Then I moved to the more sinister “Get in the Water,” and the XM6 did struggle a bit with the opening synths, but it captured the subtle horns and synths during the vocals, amplifying the suspense of the track.

One of the issues I’ve had with Epic: The Musical is that when the creator, Jorge Rivera-Herrans, discusses how he developed the motifs for each character, I never really noticed it because the vocals often overpower the instruments. However, with the XM6, I got to experience everything he talked about, and it made me appreciate the sound design that much more. My heart actually broke when listening to “Love in Paradise.” I never heard Polites’ voice during Odysseus’ final scream to Athena, where he says, “We can light up the world, here’s how to start.” (I’m not crying, you’re crying.)

Of course, I simply had to game with the XM6, so I decided to get bodied in Elden Ring Nightreign. I had previously played with the XM3, so the soundstage changed completely once again. It expanded noticeably. Similar to my issue with Epic, some boss music filters through my ears because they could not match the level of intensity you’ve got to lock in to win.

However, when facing off against The Shape of Night, the strings were empowering. Every slash and spell still sounded sharp and impactful against the weight of the strings, making for a truly epic fight (pun intended). I don't think I’ve ever been as locked into a boss fight’s sound design before, and I’m honestly sad that I haven’t played so many of my favorite games with the XM6. For Duchess' sake, I could even hear this boss’ sword grinding through the sand in the opening shot.

There’s an equalizer on the Sound Connect app. I enjoyed the default sound the most at first, but one of the coolest features is the Find Your Equalizer setting. This is something that more audio apps need. It asks you to play some content, and then, similar to when you’re at the eye doctor, you get to choose between a set of numbers to see (hear) which sounds better. I’ll admit, the implementation isn’t the best. I’d prefer it if it offered a repetitive example with only two choices at a time, but I think this feature is pretty vital for non-audiophiles.

I also tried different listening modes, like Background Music and Cinema. The former is what you’d expect, which is fine if that’s what you want. Meanwhile, Cinema captured a more 360-degree soundstage to increase immersion, but I didn’t really vibe with it. This more so stretched out the soundstage, which made everything sound a little messy and distant. I’ll say that it does kind of give off a movie-theater experience, but maybe not the one you’d want.

Sony WH-1000XM6: ANC

The Sony WH-1000XM6 are outfitted with Sony’s latest HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3, which introduces 12 microphones to deliver improved noise canceling over the previous generation (with a measly 8 microphones — kidding).

With ANC enabled, my office got eerily quiet. The rumbling from the fan and the bass of my keyboard completely drowned out, but I could still hear the sharper sounds that they made — it doesn’t completely make your surroundings quiet. ANC is excellent for use during commutes. Traveling from New Jersey to NYC, I’m cursed with the annoyingly expensive NJ Transit, which features the loudest trains. However, with ANC on, I could fully focus on watching my favorite shows. I can still hear the train, but the sound is dramatically reduced and filters out to ambient background noise, equivalent to the fan in my room.

Ambient mode allows for external sounds to pass through. This is great for when you're walking through a bustling city and trying to avoid an expedition to the beyond by car. However, at home, I found myself just removing one ear cup from my head instead of using Ambient mode. When listening to music or playing a game at 50%, I could not hear my child asking me to open her applesauce pouch until she yelled at me. I tinkered with the app a little bit, and there's no way to increase the ambient sound filtered in (because it was already at a max of 20 out of 20). You can enable voice passthrough to focus voices, which helps a little bit. There’s also an Auto Ambient Sound setting, which adjusts the sensitivity based on your surroundings, but that operates within the slider that you can already manually use. It could be useful, but not in this context for me.

Despite that, there's a feature called Speak-to-Chat, which can detect when you're speaking and dramatically reduces the volume of the content you're listening to, remaining active until it stops detecting your voice. However, this doesn't trigger when people are speaking to you. I tested this with my daughter, and it registered her voice only when I was a foot or two away from her. This is also available for any mode, which is a nice feature.

The biggest issue with the Sony WH-1000XM6’s ANC is that I couldn't turn it off. There are two modes enabled out of the box: ANC and Ambient mode. There's no way to disable it. That's when I had to download the app, and sure enough, you can add a disable setting to that same ANC button. You don't just turn it off via the app; the headphones already have that setting programmed into the ANC button, but for some reason, you need to download the app just to enable the disable button.

Sony WH-1000XM6: Microphone

Despite the absurd number of microphones packed into the Sony WH-1000XM6 (there are 12), the microphone quality is a certified “meh.”

The quality of my voice sounded slightly better than how I'd normally speak through my phone, and that's the nicest way I can paraphrase what my friends said when I joined a group Discord call. In other words, my voice sounded muffled but audible.

However, overall quality is not necessarily the point of the XM6’s microphone. Headphone mics aren't going to sound as good as a $550 Shure SM7dB. What the XM6 delivers on is noise-cancelling. Similar to ANC, this doesn’t completely cut out all the sounds around you, but it does significantly drown it out. While on said terrible train, I got on a call, and my friends could hear me clearly. I tested this at my desk too, and the microphone could still pick up me knocking on the desk, but again, it sounded muted.

Sony WH-1000XM6: Battery life

I played Elden Ring Nightreign for several hours straight and the Sony WH-1000XM6 told me they had a 90% charge. Even if it was closer to 80%, that’s still pretty impressive. Sony claims that the XM6 can get up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off, and I’m inclined to believe that. (When communicating, you’ll get 24 hours with ANC on and 28 hours with ANC off.)

You can go at least a couple of days before you need to charge the Sony WH-1000XM6. And according to Sony, you can charge the headphones for 3 minutes and get 3 hours of playback (with an optional USB-PD compatible AC adapter). That’s pretty convenient for someone who constantly forgets to charge their headphones (it’s me, I’m the problem).

Sony WH-1000XM6: App and features

Keep in mind that if you get the Sony WH-1000XM6, you’re practically forced to use the app, at least if you want any of the valuable functions (you know, like turning off ANC). Sony’s Sound Connect app features the aforementioned settings for the equalizer, listening mode, and ANC and Ambient modes. If you care about spatial sound, head tracking, and 360 reality audio, there are settings to set those up as well. You can also enable DSEE Extreme, which improves the sound of compressed audio files.

One of my favorite features is the dual Bluetooth connectivity, so I can connect to my PC to play games while also connected to my phone to take phone calls. The coolest part is that I can tinker with audio settings on my phone and get immediate changes to the content I’m listening to on my PC. (Do you realize how much of a pain it is to jump from a phone app back to your PC and be able to tell the difference between audio settings?). If you’re having some connectivity issues, you can prioritize your Bluetooth connection over the sound quality.

In the System settings, you can enable voice assistants, add the Off setting to the ANC/AMB button, and assign shortcuts to the same button to pull up said voice assistants. There’s also a setting to enable head gestures, which I don’t think anyone is using (listen, my knees already ache, I’m not pulling a muscle to decline a call). You can also enable a microphone mute shortcut, which, again, why isn’t that enabled by default? Another cool feature is that the headphones will turn off after a certain amount of time if you’re not wearing them (I forget to turn my headphones off all the time).

Then there’s the touch controls, which I rarely use, but they’re convenient if you don’t have quick access to your device. If you’ve ever used a headphone with touch controls, the XM6 works generally the same. Tap twice to play/pause, swipe forward to skip, swipe backward to rewind, swipe up or down to raise or lower the volume, respectively. You can also swipe up or down and hold to continuously raise or lower the volume, which is great because I’d rather not have to swipe my headset over and over.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 comes with a one-year limited warranty.

Bottom line

I’m quite critical about tech, especially when it costs an absurd amount of money. However, I couldn’t help but be wowed by the XM6’s incredible range, sleek design, comfortable fit, and long battery life.

No, they aren't perfect. The Ambient mode and microphone could be better. It’ll certainly deter folks who don’t like snug headphones. And I hate anything that forces you to download an app for the most basic functions. Not to mention, they cost over $400, which is enough to make most people carefully consider the purchase.

Yet, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 might cost a whopping $450, it offers an unbeatable immersion for my favorite content. There’s a reason why it’s a premium headphone, just like there’s a reason why Kratos prefers his Leviathan axe — it’s just better.

Looking for the best tech and accessories for remote workers? You're in the right place.

I've been working 100% remotely since 2018, and one of my favorite perks (aside from the option to work in my PJs) is the ability to pick out my own tech. I do not miss the PCs at my old office that took 30 minutes to boot. No, I'm not exaggerating.

Performance is important, so the best tech you can get yourself as a remote worker is one of the best laptops. Options include the Apple M4 MacBook Air, now just $1,099 at Amazon, or the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5, just $680 at Amazon.

As much as my own home is quieter than my old office, it gets noisy if my neighbors randomly decide to drill for 10 hours a day. (Again, not exaggerating.) Noise-cancelling headphones are a must, and my Bose QuietComforts are true lifesavers. You can pick them up for $349 at Amazon.

Don't forget to invest in a good standing desk to keep your spine happy. The Flexispot Comhar electric standing desk has drawers and ports, which is a win in my book, and it's now just $253 (down from $300) at Amazon.

You'll also love having a portable monitor if you work in a hybrid environment or travel for work sometimes. The Acer AOPEN is a 15.6-inch option that weighs under 3 pounds, making it easy to carry if you commute. It's now down to $89 at Best Buy.

The above is just a little sample of all the best tech and accessories for remote workers I'm about to show you. Check out my favorites below; trust me, they will make your work life more enjoyable.

Best tech and accessories for remote workers - Quick links

• Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 5: $680 at Amazon
• Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4: was $1,199, now $1,099 at Amazon
• Logitech Blue Yeti Nano USB nicrophone: was $119, now $99 at Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth headphones: $349 at Amazon
• Logitech Brio 101 Full HD webcam: was $39, now $35 at Amazon
• Havit HV-F2056 Laptop cooling pad: was $39, now $27 at Amazon
• HP X3000 G3 wireless mouse: was $18, now $17 at Amazon
• Logitech Wave Keys wireless ergonomic keyboard: $69 at Amazon
• Acer AOPEN 15.6-inch LED portable nonitor: was $129, now $89 at Best Buy
• SAMSUNG ViewFinity S5 34-inch ultrawide monitor: was $329, now $229 at Amazon
• Flexispot Comhar electric standing desk w/ ports: was $300, now $253 at Amazon

Best tech for remote workers — Laptops

Best tech for remote workers — Headphones & microphones

Best tech for remote workers — Webcams

Best tech for remote workers — Laptop accessories

Best tech for remote workers — Mice & keyboards

Best tech for remote workers — Monitors

Best tech for remote workers — Desks & chairs

It's the final day of Amazon's Big Spring Sale and we found these 5 deals for tech gear priced under $100. This potpourri collection of gear covers a range of categories, including earbuds and headphones, tablets, and fitness trackers.

Let's start with treats for your ears. The Beats Studio Buds are now $99, a $50 price drop from the usual $149 price. This is a good savings on these capable earbuds that work well with both Apple and Android devices.

If you prefer over-ear headphones, you can get the Sennheiser Accentum for $99 (50% off)— its lowest-ever price at Amazon. These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature hybrid active noise cancelling, a comfortable fit and up to 50 hours of battery life for all-day use. .

Spring is in the air and Amazon drops the price of the Fitbit Inspire 3 to $69 ($30 off) to help you reach your fitness goals. This health and fitness tracker matches its best price ever at Amazon. It has a slim, rectangular design that feels comfortable on your wrist, and its up to 10-day battery life means you don't need to worry about recharging it daily. I've been using this device for the past six months, and it's the first wearable I can tolerate wearing overnight.

Our final sub-$100 tech picks are a pair of Amazon tablets. The first is the Amazon Fire HD 7 at $45 ($15 off). This 7-inch Fire tablet is great for general use, gaming, and streaming entertainment. Meanwhile, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet (in grape colorway) drops to $85 ($55 off). This may not be its lowest-ever price (last seen during the past Black Friday shopping season), however, it's a solid deal if you want a kid-friendly tablet that carries Amazon's worry-free 2-year replacement guarantee.

Amazon Big Spring Sale ends at midnight, so grab these deals while you still can.

Best last-chance Amazon Big Spring Sale deals under $100

Amazon just launched its Big Spring Sale and we found these 5 deals for tech gear priced under $100. This potpourri collection of gear covers a range of categories, including earbuds and headphones, tablets, and fitness trackers.

Let's start with treats for your ears. The Beats Studio Buds are now $99, a $50 price drop from the usual $149 price. This is a good savings on these capable earbuds that work well with both Apple and Android devices.

If you prefer over-ear headphones, the Sony WH-CH720N fall to $88, hitting their lowest-ever price at Amazon. This 41% off sale price applies to the black colorway only; white costs an additional $10. These Bluetooth headphones have a lightweight design conducive for all-day use and it has integrated Alexa voice controls. Plus, it uses Sony's Integrated Processor V1 to facilitate active noise cancellation as well as its Adjustable Ambient Sound and Adaptive Noise modes.

As we spring into spring, Amazon drops the price of the Fitbit Inspire 3 to $69, down from $99. This health and fitness tracker matches its best price ever at Amazon. It has a slim, rectangular design that feels comfortable on your wrist, and its up to 10-day battery life means you don't need to worry about recharging it daily. I've been using this device for the past six months, and it's the first wearable I can tolerate wearing overnight.

Our final sub-$100 tech picks are a pair of Amazon tablets. The first is the Amazon Fire HD 10.1 at $94 from $139. A continuation of the sale that began last week, this 10.1-inch Fire tablet is great for general use, gaming, and streaming entertainment. Meanwhile, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet (in grape colorway) drops to $84 from its usual $139 price. This model wasn't on sale last week with other Fire tablets, and it's not at its lowest ever price (last seen during the past Black Friday shopping season). But this remains a solid deal if you want a recently-release kid-friendly tablet that carries Amazon's "worry-free" 2-year replacement guarantee.

The Amazon Big Spring Sale runs through March 31, but there's no guarantee these deals will remain live for the duration of the sale so grab these deals while you can.

Today's best tech gear under $100 at Amazon

Sony's line of noise-cancelling over-ear headphones are known to offer fantastic sound quality and customizable controls. Plus, during the winter, over-ear style headphones do double duty as ear muffs.

If your ear can are due for a new year refresh yet you're strapped for cash, Sony headphone deals await you.

Currently, Amazon takes $65 off the Sony WH-CH720N model, dropping it to an all-time low prie of $84. Hands-down, this is one of the best headphones deals I've seen outside of Black Friday.

Browse: Sony headphone deals from $6 at Amazon

Although we didn't test them, I own the previous-gen Sony WH-C700N in my headphones collection and they sound great and are comfortable to wear.

The Sony WH-CH720N improves upon its predecessor with high-quality sound, Sony's Integrated Processor V1, multipoint connection for up to two devices, and up to 35 hours of battery life between charges.

If have room in your budget to splurge, you can get the Editor's Choice Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise-Cancelling Headphones for $328 ($71 off). These are one of the best headphones we've tested from Sony and recommend them to anyone looking for premium ear cans.

In our Sony WH-1000XM5 review, we rated them 4.5 out of 5-stars for their balanced, spacious sound, excellent adaptive ANC and superb call quality.

Last but definitely not least, Sony's 2020 release WH-1000XM4 flagship headphones just dipped to $279 ($70 off) at Amazon. We normally don't recommend products more than 2 years old, but these are an exception.

In our Sony WH-1000XM4 review, we rated them 4.5 out of 5 stars for their excellent sound quality, powerful noise-cancelling performance, and light, comfortable frame.

Just about the only key differences between the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sony WH-1000XM5 are design and battery life. The latter has punchier sound so if that's important to you, choose wisely.

It's worth noting that you can always customize your sound using the equalizer in the Sony Headphones or JetAudio apps — both free for iOS and Android.

Amazon didn't put an expiration on these Sony headphone deals, so be sure to snag them while they're still live.

Today's best 3 Sony headphone deals

You can never go wrong gifting a pair of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. And right now, you can buy the Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian collection — as well as the standard colorways — for $199 at Amazon.

This discount marks a savings of $150 over the Beats Studio Pro's usual $349 price, making it a good headphone deal. That translates to 43% off the list price, a healthy savings even if it is not the lowest price ever.

Also referred to as the Kim Special Edition, Beats' Kim Kardashian collaboration embraces Kardashian's favored neutral color palette, with three colorway options representing light, medium, and dark hues. While the deepest brown colorway (Earth) is unavailable, both the Moon and Dune colorways are available at this sale price, and both ship in time for Christmas. The Kim Kardashian headphone colorways came out in August 2024. The headphones are identical in every other way to the regular, otherwise outstanding Beats Studio Pro headphones.

In our review, we gave the Beats Studio Pro headphones 4.5 out of 5 stars. We felt the Beats Studio Pro headphones produced better sound than Apple's own AirPods Max, which retail at $549.

Considering that Beats Studio Pro headphones are integrated fully into Apple's ecosystem, this is a solid deal for one of AirPods Max's biggest competitors, and it's a terrific deal for these Apple-friendly headphones.

Today's best Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian deal

Grab a pair of premium ear cans at a not-so-premium price from Amazon today, where a trio of great deals on Sennheiser headphones are still going strong. The online retailer continues to offer the Sennheiser Momentum 4 for just $249 — a savings of $130 off the MSRP. 

We’re huge fans of these over-ear headphones, as you can tell from our Sennheiser Momentum 4 review. We loved the outstanding sound quality, excellent active noise-cancelling performance, and long battery life. They’re not the most comfortable pair of headphones on the market and the touch controls can be a bit… well touchy, but these are still some of the best noise-cancelling headphones out there, especially at this price.

True audiophiles can also snag a deal on a pair of Sennheiser HD 599 for $149, down $50 from their usual price. These open-back, wired cans won’t suit everyday, outdoor use but if you’re seeking audio greatness to pair up with your PC or laptop, they’re tough to beat.

Finally, the cheapest of these three deals is the Sennheiser HD 450BT for $95. With a $84 (47%) discount, this is one of the cheapest ways to jump onto the high-quality audio train. They offer great sound quality, ANC, and long battery life — what more could you need? We have seen these headphones cheaper before — they were $4 cheaper on Cyber Monday — but outside of a major sales event like that, this is a great offer.

3 Best Sennheiser headphones deals at Amazon

With Prime Day nearly over, the headphone deals keep coming. If you're looking for over-ear headphones that pack punchy bass, the Sony ULT Wear headphones are worth a look. They deliver impressive bass and noise cancellation that competes with pricier models. And they're on sale now at Amazon for $158, a $41 savings. 

The Sony ULT Wear headphones were just released in April 2024 as part of Sony's new ULT Power Sound series of speakers and headphones designed to maximize bass performance. And the Sony ULT Wear does just that, in our experience: When we got a chance to review them, the Sony ULT Wear headphones stood out for their beefy, thumping bass, which made us feel like we were right there, in the moment. 

That said, we never felt bowled over by these headphones' powerful sound, though our sister site TechRadar noted in its review that the Sony ULT Wear's bass is at times overwhelming. In fact, we were pleased to see it had solid noise cancellation.  These headphones use the same Sony Integrated Processor V1 as the pricier Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, which cost nearly twice the price of the Sony ULT Wear, even accounting for their respective sales at Amazon. 

The Sony ULT Wear also features Sony's 360 Reality Audio8 and dual-sensor noise cancellation. A simple button push allows users to switch between deep, low-frequency bass and powerful bass. 

If you want customizable EQ, good noise cancellation, and full-bodied bass, these foldable, lightweight headphones could fit the bill without breaking your budget. 

Prime Day is rife with headphone deals, with many models getting steep or unusually good discounts in honor of Amazon's mid-summer sale. If you need noise- cancelling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are an excellent choice. They're on sale now at Amazon for $298, a whopping $100 off the regular price and the lowest we've ever seen this model.  

Originally released in May 2022, these over-ear headphones continue to provide impressive performance. They have two processors inside: Sony's Integrated Processor V1 and its HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1. These processors work with Sony's Digital Sound Enhancement Engine Extreme, a carbon-fiber 30mm driver, and eight microphones to provide exceptional audio playback, noise cancellation, and call handling. 

The Sony WH-1000XM5 supports 360-degree spatial audio for a wide soundstage and Sony's LDAC for delivering lossless Hi-Resolution Audio. In our review, we found they produced music with distinct sound separation, making for lively, smooth audio reproduction on our review tracks.  

We were also impressed with the headphones' lengthy battery life, rated at 30 hours with ANC enabled or 40 hours without. We also liked how we could further tweak the sound and features through the Sony app. 

The Sony WM-1000X5 continue to stack up well against the competition. They currently rank third among our best wireless headphones. Score these headphones for their lowest-ever price while you can during Amazon's Prime Day sale.

With summer now in full swing, for many of us, travel is on the agenda. Whether you're getting to your destination by plane, train, bus, or car, the right headphones can make your commute more pleasant.

The best travel headphones should have great sound, noise-cancellation options, reliability, and portability. This means you can peacefully listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks while traveling from point A to B. 

Best Buy is one of the best stores to find the best headphones for travel. They're known to offer a range of headphone models and styles from top-rated brands like Bose, Marshall, and Sony. 

One of the best travel headphones we recommend is the Marshall Major IV for $99 ($50 off) at Best Buy. For just under $100, these retro-style headphones provide best-in-class battery life and near-professional studio sound. 

As you'll see in our Marshall Major IV review, we praised their studio-quality sound, nostalgic design, and 80-hour battery life. We gave them a solid rating of 4 out of 5 stars and co-signed it with our Editor's Choice Awards. To quote our reviewer, "The Marshall Major IV delivers terrific sound and battery life in a retro package."

That's just one of the headphones we recommend as a travel companion. Browse more options below. 

Best Buy headphones for summer travel

Amazon Big Spring Sale deals are now live through March 25 and discounts on select Bose products are afoot. As part of the sale, you can get the top-rated new Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds with Spatial Audio for $249 . Typically $399, that's $50 off and the lowest price we've seen to date on these Bose earbuds and we doubt they'll be any cheaper this week. If you prefer over-ear style 'phones, you can snap up the latest Bose QuietComfort Headphone for $249 ($100 off). Or, immerse yourself in spatial audio with the luxurious new Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones for $379 ($50 off). 

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is on through March 25 so be sure to visit our Amazon Big Spring Sale deals hub for huge savings. Shop today's best Amazon deals on headphones for more options. 

Today's best Bose QuietComfort Ultra deal

You no longer have to spend a fortune to own noise-cancelling earbuds. You do, however, have to live with a compromise or two. Some budget earbuds offer poor mics, some sound shallow, and others lack high-end perks like multi-point connectivity. For a little over $100, Belkin’s latest SoundForm Pulse somehow seems to have it all. 

The Belkin SoundForm Pulse features most of what you’d want from a pair of earbuds, including active noise cancellation, wireless charging, multi-point connectivity, and up to 36 hours of battery backup. At $120, it undercuts most of its competition as well, including the Nothing Ear 2, and the Beats Studio Buds. Is it too good to be true? After spending weeks with the Belkin SoundForm Pulse, here’s what we found out. 

Belkin SoundForm Pulse: Design and build

At first glance, the Belkin SoundForm Pulse don’t look like much, and if it weren’t for the logo etched in the charging case, you’d almost mistake them for a cheap knockoff. The plasticky case appears to be one of the areas where Belkin has cut costs. Its hinge tends to creak sometimes and doesn’t inspire confidence over whether it can last a couple of years. The black colour especially attracts stains and fingerprints a bit too easily. 

Belkin also oddly chose to omit a reset button on the charging case and the only way you can put it in the pairing mode is by long-tapping the earbuds. It’s not a dealbreaker but I did have to dig into the manual to figure out how to do it. A dedicated button would have gone a long way for less tech-savvy users. 

Flip the case open and you’ll find two run-in-the-mill AirPods-style earbuds in their magnetic slots. While the true-wireless buds won’t turn any heads like the Nothing Ear 2, they are well-built and feel comfortable even when I use them for six hours straight on a flight. Because of their slightly elongated stems, though, they are a hair heavier than the competition but you’ll barely notice it. Belkin bundles the standard three bud sizes in the box and I doubt anyone will struggle with the fit. 

Despite the design, Belkin has opted for touch controls for the SoundForm Pulse instead of the more trendy stem controls found on the likes of the Nothing Ear 2 and the AirPods Pro. The back of the SoundForm Pulse’s bud is touch-sensitive and you can access a host of playback options with a combination of taps. A single tap pauses music, a two-second tap-and-hold tweaks the noise cancellation, and so on. 

The SoundForm Pulse’s customizable controls worked as I expected and typically responded instantly. That said, I’d much rather prefer them on the stems instead as I often ended up accidentally triggering these gestures when I tried to readjust the fit. 

Belkin SoundForm Pulse: Hardware and connectivity

The Belkin SoundForm Pulse offer better water and dust resistance than most of their peers, including AirPods Pro, and the Nothing Ear 2. They are IPX5-rated, which means they can survive sweat and the occasional spills and rain but you certainly can’t swim with or submerge them in water.  

Another highlight is support for multi-point connectivity. You can simultaneously connect to two devices and switch between them. If I’m listening to music on my computer and get a call on my phone, for example, I can pick it up, and the earbuds will automatically switch to it. 

One of the pet peeves I had with the SoundForm Pulse is that there are no in-ear detection sensors and they won’t automatically hit pause when you take them off or resume when you put them on. Of course, it only takes a second to use the touch gesture, but at times when, say, someone speaks to me while I’m wearing, and I take a bud out to respond, it’s far more convenient for them to do that on their own. Because of how handy this is, it has quickly become standard across most price segments and is available even on more affordable options such as the $99 Anker Soundcore Liberty. 

Belkin SoundForm Pulse: Software

The Belkin SoundForm Pulse’s software experience was a bit of a letdown. Its minimal companion app not only lacks a couple of key features but also can be buggy at times. 

Like most earbuds, the SoundForm Pulse’s app allows you to customize the touch controls, tweak its equalizer or pick from a bunch of presets, and update its firmware. In addition, you can switch between noise cancellation, and the “Hear-Thru” mode, with which you can decide how much external noise you want to let in. On Android phones, it also supports Google’s Fast Pair service so that you don’t have to fuss with the Bluetooth settings to pair them. 

My biggest complaint with its software is there’s no way for you to check how much battery is precisely left. At the top, there are two battery rings that give you a decent estimate for the earbuds, but if you’d like to know the same for the charging case, you’ll have to rely on its status light’s color, which again won’t tell you the exact level. White indicates a full charge, orange means at least 50%, and red is for less than 50%. 

More importantly, both its iOS and Android versions often refuse to detect the earbuds at all, and when they do, will get stuck at the “Connecting” stage until I restart the app or reset the earbuds. Hopefully, Belkin can address many of these concerns via updates. 

Belkin SoundForm Pulse: Audio and noise cancellation

Listening to music on the SoundForm Pulse is a joy. Out of the box, its 12mm drivers are tuned to a balanced EQ and it emits a rich and clear sound that’s deep enough to separate any track’s highs and lows. It can come off as a bit low on the bass but you can fix that from the companion app. 

I was also pleasantly surprised at how wide the soundstage was. This means that when you listen to complex tunes like classical music or live concert versions, you’ll be comfortably able to make out the numerous, overlapping instruments and concurrent undertones, including the crowd noise, without it becoming a mushy mess. Even on relatively simpler tracks like Neil Young’s Heart of Gold, I can enjoy the smooth harmonica, without losing sight of the drumbeat in the backdrop building up to the verse.  However, it does struggle a bit to keep the EQ consistent at high volumes, resulting in a flatter output than what you’d experience at mid-levels.  

The Belkin SoundForm Pulse’s active noise-cancellation was excellent too. It can block out most day-to-day noises or at least curtail them enough so that they don’t bother you anymore. For instance, during a subway ride, it suppressed the chitter-chatter and the rail’s clickity-clack enough so that I could enjoy a podcast without raising the volume to the max. At a co-working space, similarly, it manages to mute the buzzing air conditioner and my colleagues’ keyboards. You’ll find it less effective in more challenging conditions like peak hour traffic. 

Belkin SoundForm Pulse: Battery life

The Belkin SoundForm Pulse is amongst the longest-lasting earbuds I’ve tested in this price segment. On a single charge, the earbuds can go on for 5-6 hours with ANC enabled, and the case can top them up for about 25 hours of additional playback time. I typically only had to charge them once a week (~3 hours daily). 

When you do have to plug them in, a 10-minute charge gets you an hour of endurance. You can charge them wirelessly using a standard Qi pad or through the USB-C port on the back of the case. 

Belkin SoundForm Pulse: Mic performance

There are a total of six microphones on the Belkin SoundForm Pulse -- three on each earpiece and together they deliver one of the best mic performances I’ve experienced in this price range. It does a good job of isolating and boosting my voice to produce a crisp and loud output. 

Even in scenarios with a lot of disturbances, the SoundForm Pulse’s algorithms don’t turn your voice into a muffled and robotic mess, unlike many of their peers. That could be because as opposed to artificially cutting off the ambient noise altogether, the SoundForm Pulse instead chooses to lower their frequencies. While on a call with a running tap in the background, for example, the person on the other end could hear me well, albeit against a backdrop of a faint water sound. 

Bottom line

For anyone looking for a high-end ANC experience for about $100, the Belkin SoundForm Pulse is a no-brainer. They offer incredible value for their price and apart from the underwhelming software as well as the lack of in-ear detection, they are nearly fault-free. 

Surprisingly, Belkin also gets right many of the concerns I typically have with lower-end true wireless earbuds like lacklustre microphones. Unless you can grab any higher-end earbuds at a discount (The Pixel Buds Pro were available for $129 at the time of writing), I’d recommend picking up the Belkin SoundForm Pulse. 

Black Friday deals are still dishing it out, and we are savoring these savings. Among the oodles of deals, Bose headphones are seeing some tasty savings.

Bose produces some of the best headphones offering the highest sound quality out there. Whether you're looking for earbuds to jam out at the gym with, or over-ear headphones to experience the true, rich, studio-quality audio, Bose has you covered. Even their latest line of earbuds and headphones, QuietComfort Ultra, is seeing some goated discounts.

Check out some of the best Black Friday headphone deals still happening below.

Black Friday Bose deals 2023 — Quick links

• Bose QuietComfort Ultra: $429 $379 @Amazon
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: $299 $249 @ Target
• Bose 700 headphones: $379 $259 @ Best Buy
• Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: $299 $199 @ Amazon
• Bose Frames Tempo: $249 $124 @ Bose

Best Bose Black Friday deals 2023

It's mid-November and early Black Friday deals at Amazon are ramping up. Right now, you can get the Sony WH-1000XM5 bundle for $328 from Focus Camera via Amazon. This bundle includes: The Editor's Choice Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, a metal alloy headphone stand, and Knox Gear 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub. 

Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones alone cost $399, so you're saving $70 with this value pack. This marks the lowest price ever for these headphones at Amazon. It's one of the best early Black Friday headphone deals we've seen so far.

Today's best Sony WH-1000XM5 deal

Black Friday is on Friday, Nov. 24 and we're bringing you the best deals on today's must-have tech. Visit our Black Friday deals hub for early discounts. 

If you plan to shop on Cyber Monday, for the best headphone deals, get ready for amazing discounts. Expect to see deep discounts on brands like Apple, AKG, Audio-Technica, Bang and Olufsen, Beats, Bose, Jabra, Sennheiser, and Sony. 

Cyber Monday is the first Monday after Black Friday here and we expect to see tons of deals on today's best mobile tech. Be sure to check out our Cyber Monday 2023 deals hub to stay up-to-date on this year's best holiday discounts. 

Here are the best early holiday headphone deals you get right now.

Shop Cyber Monday headphone deals 

• Amazon: save on AirPods, Beats, Bose, Sony & more
• Best Buy: save on AirPods Beats, Jabra, JBL Sony, and more
• Target: save on Bose, JBL, Skullcandy, Sony and more
• Samsung: save up to $40 on Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
• Walmart: save on AirPods. Beats, Skullcandy, Sony & more

Cyber Monday headphone deals 2023

When is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is on Monday, Nov. 27 and we typically see similar online deals that we saw on Black Friday. Retailers typically offer deals the weekend before Cyber Monday, for example, Best Buy's Cyber Monday sale runs from Nov. 26-27. 

Before and on Cyber Monday, expect to see deep discounts on mobile tech including laptops, tablets, smartphones, headphones, wearables, and handheld consoles. You'll also see excellent Cyber Monday deals on home entertainment including game consoles, video games, gaming accessories, TVs and streaming devices.

Prime Day 2023 is upon us and Sony headphones are heavily discounted right now. During the big sale, you can get Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones for $248. Typically $349, that's $101 off and just $20 shy of their all-time low Black Friday price. 

I've been tracking deals for over 4 years and this is one of the Prime Day headphone deals you can get. Walmartoffers this same deal. 

The Sony WH-1000XM4 are among the best noise cancelling headphones around.  Great for casual listening and video conferencing, they have a comfortable, over-ear design, powerful 40mm drivers, terrific ANC, and up to 30 hours of battery life. 

In our Sony WH-1000XM4 review, we found its excellent sound quality complementary for all media formats, including music, movies, ebooks, podcasts, and video games. Proprietary technologies like 360 Reality Audio bring immersive 3D audio to select tracks, while Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) Extreme upscales fidelity on lo-fi recordings and LDAC codec support delivers hi-res streaming with minimal quality loss. 

In terms of design, we prefer the WH-1000XM4’s more premium appearance than the Sony WH-1000XM5’s eco-friendly look. The WH-1000XM4’s dynamic soundstage combined with Sony’s signature bass profile and lots of customization options via the Sony Headphones Connect app give it an edge over rival Bose headphones.

Prime Day 2023 is in full swing and we're tracking the best deals at Amazon and other retailers. Take a look at our Prime Day 2023 hub for the best discounts on today's must-have tech.   

Bose 700 noise-cancelling headphones deliver accurate sound and impressive noise blocking. Despite their age, they're still among the best premium headphones around. 

For today only, you an get the Bose 700 Headphones for $249 at B&H. That's $150 off their regular retail price of $379. This marks a new all-time low price for these Bose headphones which rarely go on sale. As far as headphone deals go, this is one of the best we've seen all year. 

Today's best Bose 700 deal

Bose 700 headphones deliver stellar noise cancelling performance, which makes them great for music and video streaming, and phone calls. They sport an over-ear design, intuitive touch controls, and a powerful microphone system. 

In our Bose 700 review, we gave them a 4.5 out of 5 star rating and our Editor's Choice award. We love these Bose headphones for their best-in-class noise-cancellation, detailed, precise sound and sleek, low profile design. 

During real-world testing, the Bose 700s pumped out detailed sound with crisp mids.   Bose's free companion app for iOS and Android which lets you customize your noise-cancellation level and set your favorite digital assistant (Google Assistant, Siri or Alexa). 

Weighing in at 9 ounces, Bose 700s are noticeably lighter than the AirPods Max (13.6 ounces). They're closer in weight class to the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones (8.8 ounces) and Bose QuietComfort 45 (8.5 ounces).

If effective noise cancellation, comfort, and sound are important to you, you can't go wrong with the Bose 700. Especially at this tempting price!

The Sony WF-1000XM4 set many standards for a true wireless release. On top of elite active noise cancellation that nearly bests the class-leading Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2, these buds deliver excellent hi-fi sound and lengthy playtimes in an innovative, chic design. You can see why Laptop Magazine awarded them a perfect 5-star rating.

Leaks and reports suggested the Sony WF-1000XM5 were on the horizon. Details had remained sketchy for a while, but now we have first-hand experience and official specs. Sony’s all-new V2 and HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN2e chipsets boost numerous performance hallmarks, including active noise cancellation, call quality, signal processing, and sound. Small changes to the design create a practical and more elegant-looking product. Proprietary technologies such as 360 Reality Audio, DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), and LDAC also remain intact.

Both deserve their spots among the best wireless earbuds available, but as for the better value, that’s what we’re here to determine. Read our in-depth analysis to see whether the new Sony WF-1000XM5 or older WF-1000XM4 are Sony’s best noise-cancelling earbuds.

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. Sony WF-1000XM4: Price

There’s very little difference in price if we’re going based on their launch MSRPs. Sony released the WF-1000XM5 at $299, which is $20 more than the $279 WF-1000XM4. Occasionally, you can find the WF-1000XM4 on sale; we’ve seen them for as low as $178.

Both are pricey investments that won’t disappoint, so we declare this round a draw.

Winner: Draw (Unless you can find the WF-1000XM4 deeply discounted)

More: Best headphone deals in June 2026

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. Sony WF-1000XM4: Specs comparison

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. Sony WF-1000XM4: Design

The WF-1000XM5 are a lighter, smaller, and shinier version of their predecessor with minor detail changes. Out goes the protruding ANC mic housings for flushed mesh grilles. The all-matte finish now has a glossy outer shell that gives the WF-1000XM5 a more premium look, which we didn’t think was possible since the WF-1000XM4 already looked luxurious. Sony’s charging case got a welcome reduction in size and weight and introduces a pairing button on the back.

As for comfort and fit, both models are pleasant wears, though the WF-1000XM5’s smaller frame is less cumbersome on the ear. Their memory foam tips are more flexible and easier to squeeze, so they’ll produce a tighter seal around the canal for proper on-ear stability. The inclusion of XS tips is worth mentioning too since they accommodate listeners with smaller ears.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. Sony WF-1000XM4: Controls

Both sets of buds come with expansive control schemes that function equally well. Single- and multi-tap gestures are responsive for accurate playback, call management, and digital assistance. Motion detection is spot-on to auto-pause/play content when removing or placing either set of buds on your ears. Voice assistance remains strong, but the WF-1000XM5’s upgraded mics result in stronger speech recognition to activate hands-free Alexa or Google Assistant without a hitch. Enabling Google Assistant and Siri manually works just as well on both models. Smart controls are also available, like Quick Attention that lowers volume to 10% when speaking, and Speak-to-Chat to automatically pause content when detecting your voice.

The WF-1000XM5 also come with two exclusive controls: on-board volume and Spotify Tap. A four-tap gesture on the left bud reduces volume, while performing the same act on the right bud increases it. Assigning the shortcut control to Spotify Tap sends you directly to the streaming service and plays a favorited playlist.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. Sony WF-1000XM4: Active noise cancellation

The WF-1000XM4 demonstrated some of the best ANC when they launched, and still do. Sony’s Adaptive Sound Control feature uses a combination of the V1 processor and feed-forward and feed-back noise-sensing mics to put a kibosh on 90% of incidental sounds. If any noise creeps onto the soundscape, it’s usually a blaring high-frequency sound from a few feet away. Other frequencies go unheard. 

The Wind Reduction setting also comes in clutch when caught in gusty conditions. Our favorite part about Sony’s ANC is the ambient listening mode, which offers 20 adjustable levels to grant full control over how much noise enters the soundscape. It’s perfect for engaging in crystal-clear conversations up close and increasing environmental awareness.

However, the WF-1000XM5 has smarter and stronger ANC. These buds rely on the new V2 chip and QN2e chips to monitor and suppress frequencies more precisely, specifically low frequencies. Extra mics help filter out vocals, while the new mesh grilles provide superb wind resistance. Overall, the WF-1000XM5 get you a more refined ANC experience that also assists with call quality (more on that later).

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. Sony WF-1000XM4: Audio Quality

Detailed hearing is required to tell the difference in audio between these two sonic gems. The WF-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM4 carry Sony features that improve and personalize sound on multiple levels. 360 Reality Audio creates an immersive listening environment when using compatible hi-res streaming services like Deezer and Tidal. DSEE upscales lo-fi recordings for clearer sound performance. The customizable EQ with well-engineered presets complements respective music genres and content. LDAC codec support boosts streaming quality by pulling more data from recordings to consume every characteristic and nuance from a song.

Where the two models differ are headtracking and processing power, both of which favor the WF-1000XM5. Headtracking support for 360 Reality Audio detects motion surprisingly well to keep sound in sync with your head movements. Sony’s V2 chip delivers 24-bit signal processing, while the all-new Dynamic Driver X unit widens frequency reproduction for deeper bass and more detailed vocals without distorting the soundscape.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. Sony WF-1000XM4: Special features and app

Both models aren’t short on features and share many of them. Here’s what you’ll find available on the WF-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM4: 360 Reality Audio, Ambient Sound Control, EQ, DSEE, LDAC, Google Fast Pair, Quick Attention, and Speak-to-Chat. The majority are found in the Sony Headphones Connect app, alongside battery level indicators for both earbuds and the charging case, toggle controls for multiple functions, a music player, and firmware updates.

The WF-1000XM5 receive multipoint technology to pair with two devices simultaneously and runs on Bluetooth 5.3, which produces fast and reliable connectivity. Sony even introduced a new app called Auto Play (in beta) to perform unique functions such as playing music at a preferred time when linked to Spotify, Endel, or Apple Music. It also sends out audio notifications to keep tabs on important events and incoming messages.   

Meanwhile, the WF-1000XM4 run on Bluetooth 5.2 and doesn’t support the Auto Play app.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. Sony WF-1000XM4: Battery life

Playtimes haven’t changed much between the WF-1000XM4 and WF-1000XM5. A full charge still gets you 8 hours with ANC on and 12 hours with ANC off. LDAC use reduces these times by about 2 hours. So, why are we awarding this category to the latest model?   

Well, the WF-1000XM5’s charging case holds 1 hour more when fully charged. It also boasts stronger quick charging: a 3-minute charge equals 60 minutes of use. You need to charge the WF-1000XM4 for 5 minutes to net the same listening time. 

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. Sony WF-1000XM4: Call quality

Bone conduction sensors and Sony’s PVP (Precise Voice Pickup) technology give the WF-1000XM5 perfect call quality. Voice and video calls were loud and clear, specifically Google Meet chats, which were met with positive feedback and compliments over how well the mics blocked out ambient noise. Wind resistance was also strong due to the newly installed noise-reduction structure and mesh wraps on the bottom of each bud.   

We loved using the WF-1000XM4 as our calling headset for the past year. Calls sounded clear in most environments, and the Automatic Wind Reduction setting helped minimize harsh effects created in gusty conditions. The WF-1000XM5 just does a better job with wind resistance.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

It’s tough beating a 5-star product like the WF-1000XM4, but Sony figured it out with the WF-1000XM5. Upgraded hardware that enhances audio, call quality, and noise cancellation places these buds higher than their predecessor. The improvements in design and small additions like Bluetooth multipoint add to their high-priced value.

The WF-1000XM4 are still supreme wireless earbuds that outperform the AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QCE 2 in sound. Their revamped design has laid the groundwork for Sony’s future true wireless flagships. Praise should also be given to their long battery life and vast feature set.

In the end, you’ll want to spend the extra $20 on the market-best WF-1000XM5.

The battle we’ve eagerly anticipated has arrived: the Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. AirPods Pro 2. These are two true wireless goliaths that share many performance hallmarks, including elite active noise cancellation, immersive spatial audio, and unique smart controls that enhance usability. Updated processing power and a plethora of special features also make these two of the best wireless earbuds money can buy.   

As similar as they sound on paper, Apple and Sony’s latest flagship entries are very different. Each one has a distinctive design you’ll either love or hate. Battery life and platform compatibility are stronger on one over the other. Then there are the exclusive proprietary technologies that deliver unique listening experiences for their respective models.  

So, does the Sony WF-1000XM5 outclass the top-selling AirPods Pro 2? Our in-depth breakdown determines the market’s No. 1 true wireless release.

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Price

Excellent products warrant high MSRPs, as is the case with the $249 AirPods Pro 2 and pricier $299 Sony WF-1000XM5. The odds of getting Apple’s buds for less are much higher these days; they’re often on sale for $199. Even if Sony’s newest buds aren’t discounted any time soon, they prove to be as valuable as the AirPods Pro 2.

Winner: Tie

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Specs compared

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Design

What we have are two pairs of buds that replicate the silhouette and specific design elements of their predecessors.  

The AirPods Pro 2 are the same as the original AirPods Pro, but with an extra mic grille on the top, touch volume controls, and the AirPods 3’s skin detect sensors. Apple applies the same cheap plastic with IPX4 sweat and water resistance. These are still some of the comfiest and most optimally fit buds available, thanks to Apple’s new ear tip kit and precise Ear Tip Fit Test feature. The biggest change comes from the IPX4-rated MagSafe charging case, which has a built-in speaker with Find My support to send out a tone indicating the location of a misplaced device, plus a loop on the side to attach a lanyard.

Sony updated their award-winning design by making the WF-1000XM5 lighter, smaller, and less obtrusive on the ear. These buds take on the same minimalist aesthetic as the 5-star WF-1000XM4, only instead of a complete matte finish, Sony touched the exterior with a glossy finish that surrounds the matte touch panels. It’s a successful blend that adds to the buds’ premium appearance. The ANC mic housings have been replaced with flush mesh covers at the bottom. Great comfort and fit are expected, as the buds rest pleasantly on the concha and don’t take up the entire ear like the previous version. The charging case has also been reduced in size and weight for convenient portability and features a pairing button on the back.  

 As much as we appreciate Apple’s functional design, the practicality and style demonstrated on Sony’s buds are much more appealing.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Controls

This is the toughest category to grade since both models have expansive control schemes consisting of precise motion detection, responsive touch gestures, and superb voice activation. We give this round to the AirPods Pro 2 for one reason: the force sensors. The pressure-based system near the bottom of each stem remains the most reliable input method. Incorporating onboard touch volume controls is ingenious. Wear detection to auto-pause content when removing the buds works well. Then comes the crème de la crème, “Hey Siri” functionality, to automatically fire up the AI bot and execute hands-free voice commands in a second.

The WF-1000XM5 have their own set of unique tricks. Sony introduced on-board volume controls via four-tap gesture. Voice activation for Alexa and Google Assistant operate well; Google Assistant and Siri can also be enabled manually. Sony’s smart controls return, like Quick Attention (drops volume to 10% when speaking) and Speak-to-Chat (automatically pauses when detecting your voice). Spotify Tap is even available to automatically open the streaming service and play favorited playlists when performing the shortcut command.

Winner: AirPods Pro 2

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Active noise cancellation

The WF-1000XM5 leap over the AirPods Pro 2 with ANC that stands neck and neck with the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2. Sony’s Adaptive Sound Control works with the QN2e and V2 chipsets, along with upgraded feed-forward and feed-back noise-sensing mics, to eliminate 95% of incidental sounds. Low frequencies and vocals are suppressed at a higher level than the WF-1000XM4, and wind resistance is flawless with the mesh grilles eliminating the harsh sounds produced by gusty winds.

We’ve enjoyed the AirPods Pro 2’s noise reduction, but the technology doesn’t “reduce up to two times more unwanted background noise” as Apple declares. It does cancel out low and mid-frequency sounds very well, as well as most blaring noises. Adaptive Transparency is the more impressive ANC mode, keeping listeners highly aware of their surroundings. Is it better than Sony’s ambient listening mode? No, but only because the WF-1000XM5 grants 20 adjustable levels of transparency for full control over how much noise enters the soundscape.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Audio Quality

Apple isn’t known for their sound, but the AirPods Pro 2 show out on the audio front. Their adaptive EQ combined with a new low-distortion driver and custom amplifier result in richer bass and clearer presentation. You can tweak audio by playing around with the different EQs in iOS or enable Personalized Spatial Audio for great 360-degree sound with compatible Apple Music and Dolby Atmos content. Unique features like Headphone Accommodations let you tune audio for balance, range, and brightness. Headphone Audio Customization performs a series of listening tests to tailor audio to your hearing preferences. There’s also audio sharing to hear the same music on two pairs of Apple or Beats earbuds and SharePlay to listen and watch content with a friend.

The WF-1000XM5 have stronger audio technologies underneath their gorgeous sheath. Sony developed a new Dynamic Driver X unit that works with the latest processors to widen frequency range for more detailed vocals and richer bass. LDAC enhances wireless streaming by producing three times the amount of data from standard Bluetooth audio to enjoy full-bodied sound on hi-res streaming services like Tidal. DSEE is exceptional for upscaling fidelity on lo-fi recordings. The customizable EQ with well-engineered presets is clutch for personalizing the soundstage. Lastly, 360 Reality Audio with headtracking creates an intimate and lively listening experience that accurately follows your dome’s movements.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Special features and app

Features are in abundance on both pairs of buds, though they vary, with some complementing specific mobile platforms.   

Many of the WF-1000XM5’s top features have already been discussed, including 360 Reality Audio, ANC/Transparency, DSEE, EQ, LDAC, Quick Attention, Speak-to-Chat, and Spotify Tap. These are accessible through the Sony Headphones Connect app (iOS/Android) and are compatible with Apple and Android devices, except for LDAC (Android only). Sony’s app also provides battery level indicators for both earbuds and the charging case, toggle controls for multiple functions, a music player, and firmware updates. Bluetooth 5.3 welcomes one-tap Google Fast Pair and multipoint technology to pair to two devices simultaneously.

No AirPods come with app support. Instead, Apple developed a dedicated menu for their wireless earbuds, which can be accessed in the iOS settings to customize and enable different settings. Several of these have been previously mentioned: ANC/Transparency, audio sharing, Ear Tip Fit Test, EQ, Find My, “Hey Siri” voice activation, Personalized Spatial Audio, and SharePlay. Other notables include automatic switching, Background Sounds to enjoy different ambient sound profiles, and Conversation Boost for emphasizing vocals during chats. The AirPods Pro 2 are masterfully integrated within Apple’s ecosystem, offering instant connectivity with brand devices. Bluetooth 5.3 also runs smoothly for fast and reliable connectivity.   

The AirPods Pro 2 might have the bigger feature set, but the WF-1000XM5 carry the more ideal and powerful features.

Winner: Tie

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Battery life

If you want longer playtimes, go with the WF-1000XM5. Sony rates battery life at 8 hours with ANC on and 12 hours with ANC off. The wireless charging case holds up to 36 hours, depending how you use the buds, and quick charging is much stronger than their porcelain adversary: a 3-minute charge = 1 hour of listening time.   

Apple did boost battery life on the AirPods Pro 2, but by a small amount. A full charge gets you 6 hours of ANC enabled and 7 hours with it disabled. Spatial Audio and high volume drop playtime to 5.5 hours. The MagSafe charging case holds a max of 34 hours and Fast-Fuel technology nets you 1 hour of playtime on a 5-minute charge.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5 vs. AirPods Pro 2: Call quality

Voice and video calls already sounded great on the WF-1000XM4, and they sound even better on the WF-1000XM5. Sony added bone conduction sensors to detect the vibration of your voice, helping isolate your speech from ambient noise. PVP (Precise Voice Pickup) technology clears up results on the opposite end. The wind noise-reduction structure also makes wind a non-factor when chatting in gusty conditions.

 The AirPods Pro 2 take a step back in call quality. Voice and FaceTime calls still sound loud and clear, and the inclusion of head-tracking support makes conference calls more engaging. It’s the noise cancellation that doesn’t perform well, allowing more ambient noise and wind to enter conversations.

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

Winner: Sony WF-1000XM5

Just when the AirPods Pro 2 proved to be an equal competitor to the WF-1000XM4, Sony leveled up and gave us a new category leader in the WF-1000XM5. New processors create vibrant hi-fi sound that isn’t compromised by adaptively smart ANC. Sony continues to add and release new features that serve well for different purposes. Refinements in design complement both comfort and style. Lastly, the controls and connectivity are on point.

A loss doesn’t make the AirPods Pro 2 any less valuable. They offer the best true wireless experience for Apple users. No other 3D audio format can compete with Personalized Spatial Audio. Stronger ANC and transparency modes aid with disruption-free listening. Additions like the MagSafe charging case with built-in Precision Finding support are also greatly appreciated.

Each model is well worth the splurge, but if we had to pick one, the Sony WF-1000XM5 offers a little more for their price.

The Beats Studio Pro combine Apple-exclusive features and proprietary technologies into a fancy-looking package. Upgrades like adaptive active noise cancellation and Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic headtracking are substantial. Universal compatibility via new Beats’ second-gen chipset grants seamless usability between iOS and Android devices.

In embracing the nostalgic and trendy look of past releases, the Studio Pro also inherit their flaws. Breakable components and physical buttons are just a few of the unvaried details that show Beats isn’t fully committed to change, at least from a design standpoint. 

Thankfully, the Studio Pro’s many performance hallmarks overshadow their shortcomings, making them one of the best noise-cancelling headphones for their price, as well as an affordable AirPods Max alternative worthy of Apple’s noise-cancelling throne.

• Beats Studio Pro for $349 at Apple (Black)
• Beats Studio Pro for $349 at Apple (Deep Brown)
• Beats Studio Pro for $349 at Apple (Navy)
• Beats Studio Pro for $349 at Apple (Sandstone)

Beats Studio Pro review: Availability and price

You can purchase the $349 Studio Pro directly from Apple. Four colors are available at launch: Black, Deep Brown, Navy, and Sandstone. Inside the box are a 3.5mm aux cable, user manual, USB-C to USBC charging cable, and carrying case.

These headphones are priced lower than current category leaders, including the Bose 700 ($379) and Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399), as well as the sibling AirPods Max ($549).

Bookmark our headphone deals page to stay up on the latest headphone sales.

Beats Studio Pro review: Design and comfort

The Studio Pro look identical to the Studio 3, from the all-plastic frame to the button placement to the silhouette. That doesn’t keep them from being some of the most attractive wireless headphones out there. It made sense for Beats to stick with an iconic look that hasn’t gone out of style, though they could have added more accents for distinction.

The shiny matte finish with trademark B logo remains eye-catching. Details like the brushed metal hinges and tiny LEDs underneath the right earcup to indicate battery levels are much appreciated. UltraPlush memory foam now covers the earcups for adequate comfort and comes wrapped in premium leather.

Even the woven carrying case is nicely constructed to store the headphones and accessories.

Beats’ design hasn’t been completely enhanced. The hinges still feel like they’re going to snap every time you collapse the headphones inward. Scratches and stains accumulate quickly if not kept in a safe place. I’m not a fan of the tight clamp force either. Those with high pain thresholds may withstand the pressure for 3-hour stretches. Everyone else won’t last a full hour.

Beats Studio Pro review: Controls and digital assistant

Physical buttons make their unpopular return. The B logo on the left earcup acts as a multifunctional button for playback, call management, and digital assistant activation. The outer circle around the MF button handles volume: press above/below the B to raise/lower sound. On the right ear cup is a tiny oval button to enable pair mode or switch between ANC modes.

The buttons have great tactility and respond quickly to single and multi-press gestures. I just have issues with their presentation. For instance, the MF button is so flush that it’s difficult to locate at times. I’ve often confused it with the volume button. Swipe-friendly touch controls would have better suited the Studio Pro’s gorgeous exterior. It’s also baffling that Beats excluded wear detection to auto-pause content when removing the headphones.

One control that didn’t disappoint was “Hey Siri” voice activation. Speaking the wake-word phrase automatically fired up Apple’s AI bot on my iPhone 14 and MacBook Pro. Beats developed a new six-mic array that demonstrates superb speech recognition. It captured every spoken word accurately, while Siri took care of inquiries in prompt fashion. Google Assistant performed similarly on my OnePlus 11 and pulled off basic voice commands with ease.

Beats Studio Pro review: Audio quality

I thought the AirPods Max and Sony WH-1000XM5 were sonic savants. Well, the Studio Pro just put them on notice. Beats went all out to give their flagship cans elite specs devoted to first-class audio performance. A fully custom 40mm active driver and advanced digital processing produce vibrant, full-bodied sound with minimal distortion. Full Spatial Audio support made the cut and supports Beats’ IMU (inertial measurement unit) for precise headtracking.

The Studio Pro provide more faithful reproduction. Bass is refined, yet still boomy, and leaves enough room for other frequencies to shine. Give a-ha’s “Take on Me” a spin to hear what I’m talking about. The pounding kicks and snares at the beginning have amazing snap to them, while the energizing synths sound crisp and free of distortion. More compelling is the soaring hook, which elevated the mid-highs to a level I haven’t heard since testing audiophile models like the $999 Mark Levinson No. 5909.

Listening to Apple Music’s exclusive live performance of Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Going Down” with Personalized Spatial Audio on left me in awe because of how well Apple’s 3D audio format augmented the engaging atmosphere. Her pain-filled vocals soared through the soundscape. However, the crowd singalongs captured my attention most. Fidelity was spot-on to hear the different harmonies and cracks in certain people’s voices. Headtracking created a more immersive listening environment that let vocals fluidly transition from one direction to another with every head turn.

Another sound feature introduced on the Studio Pro is USB-C audio. Using the USB-C presents you with three EQs optimized for wired listening. Beats Signature creates more tonally balanced sound, Entertainment increases select frequencies when watching movies or playing video games, and Conversation tweaks sound for vocal output. Double-press the power button to cycle through them. Much of my time was spent testing Signature, which increased bass response and mids. Entertainment was fun when binging action movies; the car crashes and melee combat in John Wick: Chapter 4 sounded visceral. Conversation sufficed for clearer vocal output on podcasts. Note that USB-C audio disables ANC and Transparency modes. On the plus side, it delivers lossless playback with compatible tracks. The bundled 3.5mm cable does the same.

Streaming quality is consistent and satisfying on Apple and Android devices. I got some great sound quality from Dolby Atmos content, as well as Spotify and Tidal tracks.

Beats Studio Pro review: Active noise cancellation

Beats’ fully adaptive ANC is some of the category’s finest. According to the company, the Studio Pro have feed-forward/back and MEMs mics with enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and higher sensitivity to reduce noise at 48,000 times per second. Playback correction is also included to identify and remove unwanted sounds present during ANC or Transparency processing. Most consumers won’t know what to make of all this technical jargon, so just interpret it as intelligible, strong noise neutralization.

ANC mode is effective in loud settings and reduces frequencies at an incredibly high rate. The feature served me best when working from home during a week-long span where my son was fighting off the flu, which meant dealing with lots of crying and distractions. Typical household noises like electronic toys, kitchen appliances, TVs, and the humming from my centralized AC unit were muted. Using the headphones on my balcony was also peaceful. Any large gatherings or construction work taking place near the pool area didn’t disrupt my Tidal time.

High frequencies were handled well, but still audible. I could hear my son yelling for Daddy’s attention from two rooms over, as well as ambulance sirens from several blocks away. Whether the Pro Studio offer better noise cancellation than the AirPods Max is still undetermined; I need more time with these cans before making that call.

What I will say is that Beats’ Transparency Mode is very powerful. Voices sounded clear from up close, which made it easy to communicate with the missus at home. My sense of awareness was heightened when walking outside, as the mics picked up oncoming vehicles from just a few feet away. I could also hear car and train horns from afar.  

Beats Studio Pro review: App and special features

Beats had compatibility in mind when they engineered the Studio Pro. Hence the inclusion of their updated processor that’s optimized for use with iOS and Android and offers native features on both platforms.

Apple users can instantaneously pair to brand devices through one-touch pairing. Favorites such as Find My support and “Hey Siri” are accounted for. Other available iOS features include automatic switching, audio share, Live Listen, and Spatial Audio just to name a few. You can enable some of these on the dedicated Studio Pro menu in Settings, while others can be found on the Control Center (swipe down on the top right of your iDevice screen). I just wished the Studio Pro were as macOS friendly as the AirPods, so you can manage more than just the listening modes on the menu bar.

Meanwhile, Android users get different versions of some features: Find My Device support, one-touch Google Fast Pair, and Audio Switch to transition between compatible audio sources. Android users can also use the Beats app to enable features (e.g., listening modes, Locate My Beats, over-the-air updates).

Beats Studio Pro review: Battery life and charging case

Battery life is some of the highest we’ve seen on Beats headphones: 24 hours with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off. By comparison, this beats the AirPods Max and Bose 700, which max out at 20 hours. Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones offer longer ANC playtimes at 30 hours.

The Studio Pro hold a charge long enough to keep you entertained on international flights and long road trips. I’ve used them 5 hours daily for the past week and still have juice left in the tank.

Fast Fuel technology is onboard to generate 4 hours of playback (ANC off) on a 10-minute quick charge. This is stronger than what most noise-cancelling headphones offer, including the AirPods Max (5 minutes = 1.5 hours).

Beats Studio Pro review: Call quality and connectivity

Call quality is what you would expect from an Apple audio product: exceptional. Beats’ advanced voice mic architecture and updated machine-learning algorithm result in superb clarity with minimal background noise. My wife was surprised by how well the headphones suppressed wind effects. FaceTime calls impressed me most, producing loud and clear vocals on both ends.

Connectivity is another Apple specialty. I had zero issues pairing to my iPhone 14, MacBook Pro, or any Android devices. All functions operated well on all platforms, except for Google Fast Pair, which never showed up on my Android phones.

Bottom line

With adept noise cancellation, long battery life, solid compatibility, and terrific sound quality, the $349 Studio Pro undercut rivals like the Bose 700, Sony WH-1000XM5, and sibling AirPods Max. Beats could have reinforced the headphones a little better and thrown in touch controls for convenient operation. Are these deal-breakers? Nope.  

So, whether you are team Apple or team Android, the Studio Pro have more than enough to satisfy your listening needs, and for a lower price than most category leaders.

Forget Beats Studio 3, these 1More SonoFlow noise cancelling headphones just crashed to under $80. Amazon continues to offer the 1More SonoFlow Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones for just $79 via on page coupon. Typically, they cost $99, so that's $20 in savings and an all-time low price for these over-ear headphones. This is one of the best headphone deals in town. 

They're also $120 cheaper than the Beats Studio 3, now $199 ($150 off) at Amazon. 

1More SonoFlow noise cancelling headphones 

1More's SonoFlow are the company’s first-ever noise cancelling headphones. They feature 40mm DLC (diamond-like-carbon) drivers, active noise cancellation (ANC), Hi-Res Audio, LDAC codec support, multipoint connectivity, and up to 70 hours of playtime. 

In our 1More SonoFlow review, we praise their category-leading battery life, sleek design, sound quality and customizable settings. We gave the 1More SonoFlow active noise-cancelling headphones an overall rating of 4 out of 5-stars.

During real-world testing, the 1More SonoFlow's sound was boom-filled and engaging. Our reviewer also found them comfortable to wear for long stretches. At 8.8 ounces, this is one of the lighter noise-cancellers out there.

Design-wise, the 1More SonoFlow is in line with the brand's aesthetic — minimalist, sleek and decent quality. They have a matte finish dark grey color scheme, debossed headband logo and microphone openings on the earcups. 

Control buttons are spread out on the right earcup. The power button lets you play/pause, answer/end calls or summon your digital assistant. Meanwhile, the NC button toggles listening while volume buttons may also rewind or forward a track.

If you want flagship headphone specs without the designer price tag, look no further than the 1More SonoFlow.

Even at full price, Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones are a cheaper alternative to the $400 Sony WH-1000XM5s. And for a limited time, you can snag these top-rated noise-blockers for less. 

Right now, Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones are on sale for $279 at Amazon — in every flavor. Choose from black, midnight blue, eclipse grey, and white smoke colorways. That's $50 in savings, down from $329 and one of the best headphone deals you can get right now. 

Bose's QuietComfort 45 headphones are among the best noise-cancelling headphones out there. These excellent noise blockers pack 45mm drivers, high-fidelity sound and up to 24 hours of battery life. Aware Mode lets you hear what's going on around you right through the headphones.

In our Bose QuietComfort 45 review, we praise their fantastic sound, excellent noise- cancellation and comfortable fit. We gave the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones a high rating of 4 out of 5 stars — backed by our Editor's Choice award. 

Design-wise Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones are nearly identical to the previous-gen QuietComfort 35 II model. They retain the same plastic, over-ear design with plush synthetic leather memory foam ear cushions. Our reviewer wore them for an entire workday with no discomfort. In real-world tests, audio was clear and balanced as was call quality. In terms of noise-cancellation, the headphones did a great job at blocking ambient sound.

At 8.5 ounces and 7.3 x 3 x 6 inches dimensions-wise the Bose QC 45 weighs less than competing headphones. By comparison, the AirPods Pro Max (13.6 ounces, 7.4 x 6.6 x 3.3 inches) and Sony WH-1000XM4 (8.9 ounces, 9.9 x 3 x 7.3 inches) are heavier. 

Simply put, Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones are a solid choice if you want the best noise cancelling ear cans money can buy. 

The wireless audio category has come a long way. Bluetooth headsets first paved the way, granting us the freedom to answer calls hands-free on our cellular phones. Not long after, wired headphones let us communicate via in-line microphone. Then came wireless headphones and earbuds, which have revolutionized the way we connect with people over a mobile device and wi-fi network. 

Some of the best headphones and earbuds for voice and video calls are created by audio industry staples. Bose has hit their mark with every major flagship release. The latest models from Jabra’s collection continue to uphold the brand’s prestige telecommunications legacy. Even computing giants like Microsoft have launched headphones designed to enhance video conferencing, which has become part of many people’s lives while working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The options are endless, but unless you do the research or read the reviews, you could end up wasting money on a terrible calling device. Hence why we compiled this list of the best headphones and earbuds for voice and video calls, so you know exactly what to purchase before your next big Zoom meeting. Let’s take a look at what’s out there.

The best headphones and earbuds for voice and video calls you can buy today

Nothing tops the Bose 700’s call quality. Eight microphones are stuffed underneath the hood: six for noise cancellation and two for amplifying vocals during calls. This helps creates the clearest-sounding calls ever experienced on a pair of headphones. ANC keeps ambient noise and wind to a minimum during listening sessions and calls. Unique features like Self Voice are clutch for hearing conversations fully when in rowdy areas. We’re also fond of the 700’s neutral sound and user-friendly control scheme, which consists of a responsive touch panel and voice assistance.

Battery life isn’t anything to write home about, but that has come to be expected from any Bose headphone. The good news is that you’ll at least have up to 20 hours of ANC use and talk time.

See our full Bose 700 review. 

If you’re waiting on wireless earbuds that can match the ANC prowess found in premium headphones, then the QuietComfort Earbuds are the closest you’re going to get. Bose engineered its in-ears monitors with nearly the same functionality and technology as the Bose 700, giving you 10 levels of adjustable ANC and even a transparency mode that blends with noise cancellation for even better, more accurate ambient listening. You can expect peaceful silence when indulging in Spotify playlists around noisy crowds. Call quality is just as impressive, producing loud and clear-sounding results on both ends, especially indoors. It’s cool that you get Bluetooth 5.1 as well, a feature only a few models carry right now.

All of that power comes at a cost, and it’s not just the expensive MSRP we’re talking about here, but battery life as well. You’ll get about 5 hours of use when factoring in both listening modes and high volume, and the charging case only holds three extra charges, despite its massive build.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds review.

The Momentum 4 is the closest headphone model to the 700 in terms of call quality. Two beamforming microphones were installed on each earcup and do a fantastic job of blocking out constant noise during calls and video chats. Voices come through loud and clear on both ends, plus the headphones come with strong wind resistance to reduce whisking effects. Sennheiser even has a proprietary feature called Comfort Call that adds signal processing to the voice of callers on the opposite end and reduces listening fatigue. These are also some of the finest-sounding and longest-lasting headphones out there, generating up to 60 hours of ANC playtime on a full charge. 

The controls could use some fixing, but they won’t interfere with your conversations.

Read our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 review.

The Connect 5T is a return to form for the company that established its legacy in the Bluetooth headset game nearly two decades ago. Yes, it bears the exact same appearance and much of the same architecture as the Elite 5, but this is the better overall performer, especially for video calls. Jabra’s six-mic array demonstrates great voice capture and intelligibility, allowing for clear-sounding conversations and even better voice assistance (e.g., Siri, Google Assistant, Bixby). Features like Call Experience let you adjust how loud you sound on calls and enable auto-answer or mute through wear detection. Sound is engaging and bonuses like the sleek wireless charging pad make for nice desk décor.

ANC isn’t as good as it is on other Jabra models, plus certain flagship features should have been included for the price. However, it’s possible a big firmware update could fix these issues.

Previous entries in the Sony Mark series are considered some of the worst calling headsets. Thankfully, the WH-1000XM5 does a complete 180 and delivers magnificent call quality that is no longer bogged down by poor mic performance and weak wind resistance. Strong noise cancellation also assists by blocking out most background noise. Let’s not forget that these are headphones that give you signature Sony sound, which is backed by powerful bass and stellar upscaling technology like DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) to boost clarity on lo-fi recordings.

The new redesign is a step down from the handsome-looking WH-1000XM4, and the price point is higher than it should be. Nonetheless, the splurge is well worth it for superior sound and call quality.

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review.

No one thought Apple was capable of creating a solid pair of noise-cancelling wireless earbuds. Well, they proved the haters wrong, creating the absolute best mobile accessory for iOS/macOS devices: the AirPods Pro. The new sweat-proof design looks better and fits more securely in your ear, sound quality has been slightly improved, and the highlight feature — active noise cancellation — effectively reduces ambient sounds (just don't expect a miracle). We’re also fans of the new force sensors on the stems, which use pinch gestures to execute commands and is more responsive than the tap control scheme employed on previous AirPods models.

With the release of iOS 14 comes new features like automatic switching and spatial audio, which creates a three-dimensional soundscape that gives movies an extra layer of immersion. Add everything we loved about the original AirPods — excellent call quality, seamless pairing, a strong Bluetooth connection, and supreme comfort — and we have no reservations naming the AirPods Pros the best overall wireless earbuds. 

See our full AirPods Pro review. 

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are amazing work-from-home headphones that don’t skimp on functionality. Using the dials on either earcup makes adjusting ANC and volume levels seamless. Audio is well rounded, giving listeners a nice mix of deep bass and pleasant-sounding mids. Where the headphones really stand out is in their productivity features such as voice dictation for Microsoft 365 to transcribe notes in Office programs (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Outlook). The Surface Headphones 2 also have the strongest multipoint technology of any model in its class, letting you pair the cans to 10 devices simultaneously, which makes switching between your smartphone and laptop a breeze.

Our only gripes are the low battery life (all that power sucks up a lot of juice) and the lack of extra features in the companion app. Nonetheless, there is plenty of performance afforded to you for $250, a price that’s actually lower than what the original launched for.

Read our full Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 review.

Audiophiles tend to be more open to spending big on headphones that can meet their hi-fi standards. Circum-aural, closed-back headphones usually fill that void, but they come at an extremely high cost (est. $1,000 or higher), plus they lack extended functionality and require a wired connection. The Mark Levinson No. 5909 plays disruptor by delivering similar audio performance and plenty more perks for a similar price.

Underneath the fancy design are 40mm beryllium coated drivers, a metal mesh bass port, and Bluetooth 5.1 with Hi-Res Audio certification for LDAC streaming. The combination gives music a spacious and detailed presence that sounds even better on lossless streaming services (e.g., Tidal, Deezer). Battery life is higher than all Bose noise-cancelling headphones, and speaking of ANC, the No. 5909 can block out external sounds very well for peaceful listening and interruption-free calls.

Read our full Mark Levinson No. 5909 review.

How to choose the best headphones and earbuds for voice and video calls for you

Choosing the best headphones and earbuds for voice and video calls means checking off specific boxes. Bluetooth should be at the top of the list. Nearly every model on our list supports Bluetooth 5.0 or higher, guaranteeing steady wireless performance and lengthy range, so you can walk around wide-open spaces and not worry about dropout. A strong wireless connection also reduces latency, an issue most common during video chats that can mess up lip synchronization. 

Strong microphones come next. A great calling headset can pick up every word and ensure callers on the opposite end make out full sentences. ANC is another component (if available) that can greatly enhance call quality by eliminating incidental sounds from chats; the mics block out unwanted noises from the desired signal.

Battery life is another huge factor. Using headphones or earbuds for calls can drain the battery quickly, so it’s on you to select a model that can hold a long charge. The standard battery life for most wireless headphones falls between 20 to 30 hours, while wireless earbuds are rated somewhere between 5 to 7 hours. If you’re going the true wireless route, keep in mind that the charging case is just as vital and should hold no less than 25 hours of additional playtime when fully charged.

Special features can also make all the difference in call quality. Bose and Jabra have unique settings that increase the volume of the caller’s voice to hear conversations better. Other brands program their headphones and earbuds to perform functions like answer, end, or mute calls through voice activation. It doesn’t hurt having these at your disposal. 

How we test the best headphones and earbuds for voice and video calls

Our process for testing the best headphones and earbuds for voice and video calls consists of evaluating several factors, including call quality, connectivity, design, sound, and value. Every model is compared to similar ones in their category in terms of features, fit, and pricing.

Headphones and earbuds are worn over the course of a week for 2 to 3 hours daily. During this period, our reviewers assess Bluetooth performance, comfort, ease of use, and audio quality. Our team makes several voice and video calls on different devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Video conferencing apps such as FaceTime, Google Meets, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom are accounted for.

Once testing is completed, we rate these headphones and earbuds based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Any product that is truly exemplary is awarded an Editor’s Choice.

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Bose is a brand most consumers keep in mind when shopping for new headphones or earbuds, and rightfully so. The company’s reputation as the king of active noise cancelation (ANC) has stood for decades. Many of their releases are even considered the best wireless headphones and best wireless earbuds that money can buy. However, not everyone is convinced that Bose makes the best audio products.

Whether for ANC or sound, call quality or voice assistance, you can find some spectacular alternatives that give Bose’s flagship models a run for their money. Some are also much more affordable and work extraordinarily well for peaceful listening in loud settings.

Our team of experts has tested every major release from the industry’s top brands and compiled this list of the best Bose headphones alternatives based on category, performance, and value. Check out what the market has to offer.

The best Bose headphones alternatives you can buy today

The WH-10000XM5 is Sony’s greatest attempt at dethroning the Bose 700 as the best noise-cancelling headphone. Dual processors and eight microphones are utilized to reduce ambient sound at an incredibly high level. Sony tweaked their ANC technology to provide stronger wind resistance, which we couldn’t be more grateful for since it has been viewed as the Mark Series’ kryptonite. However, it is the WH-1000XM5’s remarkable sound performance that earns it critical acclaim. The combination of 3D audio, customizable sound, Hi-Res Audio compatibility, and upscaling technology to boost fidelity is unbeatable.

Sony’s redesign lacks the premium look and feels of previous models and there are still some bugs that need to be flushed out. Nonetheless, the WH-1000XM5 has the skill set to outperform any Bose headphones out there.

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review.

Several models meet the criteria for best Bose earbuds alternative, but the WF-1000XM4 is the category’s absolute best. Noise cancellation is right up there with the QuietComfort Earbuds, putting a kibosh on low-, mid-, and high-frequency sounds. Modes like Wind Reduction greatly reduce the presence of aggressive winds. Sony’s mics help deliver great call quality and voice assistance. Most importantly, these buds come with audiophile-grade sound that is powered by many of the same high-end technologies featured on the WH-1000XM5 headphones. It’s also worth noting that the WF-1000XM4 gets you longer battery life than any Bose true wireless model. 

Our only complaint is that Sony should have included a Find My Buds mode to easily locate the product when lost or misplaced.

Read our full Sony WF-1000XM4 review.

The Momentum 4 is the closest we’ve come to experiencing Bose 700-like noise cancellation. Sennheiser improved their ANC technology to automatically adjust the level of noise neutralization, depending on what’s happening around you. Our testing showed these headphones were capable of silencing nearly 95 percent of ambient noise. Features like Wind Noise Reduction up the ante by heavily minimizing gusty winds. Sound remains a brand highlight with Sennheiser’s powerful 42mm transducer system delivering excellent reproduction to enjoy the subtle nuances in complex recordings. Then comes the Momentum 4’s biggest feature, battery life, which reaches a whopping 60 hours. 

As much as we harp on the downgraded design and unreliable controls, there’s no denying the Momentum 4’s overall performance, especially on the ANC and sonic fronts.

Read our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 review.

The AirPods Pro 2 provides twice the active noise cancellation (ANC) and comes with Adaptive Transparency that dynamically increases and reduces ambient noise levels. Headlining features like Personalized Spatial Audio and Find My (AirPods) support for the new MagSafe charging case are eye-catching. Also, the new H2 processor carries over all the significant hallmarks of its predecessor, while introducing new ones that enhance the user experience through high-bandwidth connectivity via Bluetooth 5.3 and more audio processing power.

The AirPods Pro 2 improves on what are already excellent wireless earbuds. ANC is stronger and Adaptive Transparency increases your awareness of your surroundings. Apple fine-tuned the soundstage for full-frequency representation. Battery life has been given a generous boost. Personalized Spatial Audio and Precision Finding compatibility with the new MagSafe charging case are also alluring additions. Taking everything into account, it’s impossible not to consider the AirPods Pro 2 as your next wireless earbuds upgrade.

Read our full AirPods Pro 2 review.

B&W’s follow-up to the successful PX7 noise-cancelling headphones is an even greater smash, welcoming new hardware upgrades and a refined design. On the audio side, these cans carry a 40mm dynamic bio-cellulose driver sitting in each cup, aptX codec support (HD, Adaptive), bass/treble customization, and a new DSP hardware platform. This combination helps produce hi-res, detailed sound with excellent frequency range. A new six-mic array boosts ANC performance, eliminating up to 90 percent of ambient noise, while also increasing transparency when turning on Pass-Through mode. Battery life remains stable, and the aesthetics are as beautiful as ever.

The tight clamp force can be cumbersome on the skull at first and the feature set could be bigger. Luckily, neither takes away from the PX7 S2’s greatness.

Read our full Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 review.

Not everyone has the budget to splurge on Bose headphones. If you’re in the market for something less expensive with respectable ANC and nearly three times the battery life, pick up the Cleer Enduro ANC. These mid-range cans are a bargain at $119, eliminating common distractions (e.g., chatty people, loud TV) with ease and pumping out deep bass when enabling ANC mode. Contemporary music tracks sound engaging and have plenty of punch. We’re fans of the adjustable Ambient Noise feature that lets in a high amount of external sound to increase your awareness of your surroundings. And to get 60 hours of playtime per charge for that price is insane.
There are some bugs that Cleer needs to fix. The companion app could also benefit from more features. At the same time, neither of these flaws takes away from the Enduro ANC’s appeal.

See our full Cleer Enduro ANC review.

The upper echelon of true wireless ANC consists of three models: the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, Sony WF-1000XM4, and the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3. This third-gen entry has adaptive noise cancellation that automatically adjusts surroundings and reduces external sounds better than most competitors; it’s surprising how well these buds cancel out high-pitched sounds. Even more impressive is the wind resistance, as Sennheiser’s Anti-Wind Mode heavily reduces the whisking effects produced in gusty conditions. The only thing more satisfying is Sennheiser’s accurate, well-balanced soundstage that complements all music genres.

If only the call quality were up to par.

Read our full Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 review.

The Surface Headphones 2 is an awesome follow-up to one of 2018’s best wireless headphones, the Surface Headphones. This updated version retains many of the hallmarks that made the original a hit, including the aesthetically appealing design, smart (and easy to use) controls), and dynamic sound. There are 13 levels of active noise cancellation that can be cycled through via dial controls, a feature that works well to block out nearly 75% of ambient sound; the best results come with ANC at max level. 

Underrated features like multipoint technology and Microsoft 365 integration are where these headphones showcase their distinctiveness, letting you connect to 10 devices simultaneously and use voice dictation on Office 365 apps (e.g. Word, PowerPoint) to verbally jot down notes. However, Microsoft should consider making improvements for the third-gen Surface Headphones, in particular, battery life and extra features.

See our full Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 review.

How to choose the best Bose headphones alternatives for you

Selecting the best Bose headphones and earbuds alternatives begins with looking for the brand’s greatest strength: ANC. Not every model is going to match Bose’s noise-cancelling technology and that’s completely fine. Bose, Sennheiser, and B&W have proven they can compete at the same level. Other rivals like Cleer and Microsoft are catching up as well. Essentially, you just want headphones or earbuds that can eliminate incidental sounds well enough to enjoy music peacefully.

Call quality is one Bose attribute that doesn’t get as much love as it deserves. They do make the best headphones and earbuds for voice and video calls. Any Bose alternative you choose should have mics that demonstrate solid vocal capture. ANC also goes hand in hand with voice and video calls since it limits the amount of background noise present during chats.

Bose isn’t known for their sound, which gives the field a major advantage. Nearly every model on this list outperforms Bose’s flagship offerings in audio performance. Make sure to check off the following: a customizable EQ, powerful drivers, spatial audio, and hi-res codec support (e.g., aptX, LDAC).

Ask any expert what Bose’s worst feature is, and they will say battery life. The max playtime offered on their wireless headphones is 24 hours, and 6 hours on their wireless earbuds. You’ll want somewhere between 25 to 30 hours for headphones and 6 to 10 hours for earbuds. Also, see which ones offer quick charging and wireless charging.

How we test the best Bose headphones alternatives

Several factors are evaluated when testing for the best Bose headphones alternatives, including design, comfort, sound, and value. Every selection is compared to similar products in their category in terms of features, fit, and pricing.

These models are worn over the course of a week for 2 to 3 hours daily. During this period, our reviewers assess comfort, ease of use, noise cancellation, and audio quality. ANC is tested in numerous indoor and outdoor environments. For sound, we listen to many sample tracks across several music genres, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, and classical, while analyzing clarity, depth, imaging, and volume. Audiobooks, games, podcasts, and videos are also accounted for. 

Any models featuring the latest audio codecs (e.g., aptX, LDAC) and spatial audio are tested using compatible hi-res streaming services (e.g., Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal).

If you want to learn more about how these services can improve the sound quality on your laptops and mobile devices, refer to this expert audio codec FAQ on everything you should know about FLAC files, MP3s, and all other audio file codecs.

When testing is completed, we rate these models based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Any product that is truly exemplary is awarded an Editor’s Choice.

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Sony noise-cancelling headphones are a gift for music lovers. Last-minute holiday deals at Best Buy slash up to 50% off Sony's top-rated audio wearables. 

Right now, Sony WH-XB910N Wireless Headphones are on sale for $125. Typically $250, that's $125 in savings or 50% off their normal price. This is one of the best headphone deals you can get today. Choose free 2-day shipping or pickup options at checkout to receive your order before Christmas. 

The Sony WH-XB910Ns are one the best wireless headphones for bass heads. They feature 40mm drivers, Extra Bass, a built-in mic, on-ear controls and advanced digital noise-cancelling. With Bluetooth/NFC wireless connectivity and up to 30 hours of battery life per charge, the WH-XB910Ns offer wireless freedom and all-day private listening.

As per our Sony WH-XB910N review, these ear cans deliver bold, dynamic sound, long playtime and great ambient sound mode. In one test, our reviewer was instantly immersed by the booming sound of Michael Jackson’s bass-heavy track, “Billie Jean". 

By design, the Sony WH-XB910Ns feature an over-ear, premium design similar to its $399 sibling, the Sony WH-1000XM5s. Their durable hard plastic construction is complemented by cozy leather-like ear-pads and a matching cushioned adjustable headband. 

Sony noise-cancelling headphones work with the Sony Headphones app for Android and iOS. This companion app lets you manage what's playing, adjust the sound to your liking via EQ settings, and activate Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa hands-free voice control.

If you're in the market for noise-cancelling headphones, you can go wrong with the premium sound and kickin' bass of the Sony WH-XB910N.

Whoever said you must spend big to get premium wireless audio hasn’t kept tabs on the headphone market. All you have to do is Google the best cheap wireless headphones and a plethora of high-quality options will pop up on your screen.

Sure, some of these bargain entries won’t match the superior sound quality or active noise cancellation (ANC) of category leaders like the Bose 700 or Sony WH-1000XM5. A few may even lack modern features like touch controls and wear detection. That doesn’t make these headphones any less valuable, especially when their pros outweigh their cons by a ratio of 2 to 1.

To save you time and money, we’ve ranked the top selections under $100. Expect to find consumer favorites like Anker, Jabra, and Sennheiser on this list, along with new Amazon darlings such as 1More and Monoprice.

If you are looking for some great headphone values right now, you can find some post Cyber Monday headphone deals still available with all-time low prices on a number of headphones and earbuds. 

Spotlight: Post Cyber Monday cheap wireless headphones deals!

The best cheap wireless headphones you can buy today

Several models make a strong case for best cheap wireless headphones under $100, but the Jabra Elite 45h remains the clear-cut winner based on performance. The 40-millimeter audio drivers deliver entertaining sound that can also be customized by manually adjusting the EQ or selecting from a handful of music presets. It’s the only available feature at the moment, but with the headphones supporting firmware updates, we’re expecting more to come in the following months. Bluetooth 5.0 operates superbly to offer stable connectivity across all devices, while 50 hours of playtime ensures you have enough juice to enjoy music and movies for nearly two weeks before recharging.

We can look past the plastic construction, especially when factoring in how light and comfortable these headphones feel. Our biggest complaint is the lack of noise isolation, which, due to the on-ear design, leaks a lot of sound. However, it’s no big deal if you’re listening at mid-level volume.

Read our full Jabra Elite 45h review.

There aren’t many cheap noise-cancelling headphones that can get you 50 hours of ANC use. The SonoFlow is one of the few. A full charge keeps these cans operating for weeks. Turning off ANC extends battery life to 70 hours. An aux cable comes bundled with the purchase, if ever you forget to recharge, but you’ll want to leave it in the carrying case since it hinders audio performance. When in wireless mode, you can expect the SonoFlow to pump out engaging sound and powerful bass, thanks to 1More’s 40mm dynamic driver with DLC (diamond-like-carbon) composite diaphragm. LDAC codec support also improves connection quality and lets you hear details clearly when jamming out to tracks on lossless streaming services (e.g., Tidal, Qobuz).

Noise cancellation is fine for the price, blocking out low frequencies very well, though the transparency mode is disappointing and doesn’t let in much incidental noise.

If money is tight and you want something that can fulfill your audio needs for cheap, we highly recommend these budget wireless cans.  The Sennheiser HD 4.40 BT is one of the best cheap wireless headphone deals under $100 you’ll find, delivering full, energetic sound highlighted by its monstrous low end and well-tuned midrange.

Despite being an older model, these headphones provide you a generous amount of playtime (24 hours) and Bluetooth range (30 feet). The bundled aux cable is also clutch for listening in passive mode, granted it’s pretty fragile and has no buttons to manage playback or volume. Still, those are small compromises to live with for the asking price.

Bigger sound, noise cancellation, and bonus features: Anker blessed this set of cans with the works. The Life Q30 comes equipped with 40mm silk drivers that generate thumping lows and crisp mids to enjoy music across multiple genres. Anker also made these headphones compatible with the Soundcore app, so you can personalize the soundstage to your liking by manually adjusting the EQ or by picking any of the 22 presets available. You don’t see that on many noise-cancellers priced under $100. Noise neutralization is improved from the previous model, so you’ll be able to block out a higher level of external sounds. The three ANC modes (Transport, Indoor, and Outdoor) are engineered to cancel out noises found in different settings too.

We applaud Anker for giving the Life Q30 a more premium look and better aesthetics, though this is still one big, heavy pair of 'phones to lug around.

Read our full Anker Soundcore Life Q30 review.

Sol Republic’s noise-cancelling headphones are a plausible entry in the category that packs powerful battery life and sound into a robust, professional-looking design. The 500mAh battery built into these cans generates up to 30+ hours of playtime, which, when listening in moderation, equates to about a month of use. Listening to orchestral songs demonstrates the Soundtrack Pro’s wide frequency range, as lows and highs are well-defined to distinguish sonic elements. You can also snag a pair in three stylish finishes: Glossy Black, Gray, and Champagne.

Active noise cancellation won’t blow you away. It’s adequate to silence office rumblings, though you’re bound to hear street noises when sporting these hefty suckers around town. Something else we noticed is that enabling the feature scales back the bass response, while listening in aux mode produces a fuzzy noise in the background.

If you want noise-cancelling headphones with an upscale design and soundstage, the N700NC is a suitable option. It’s not only a handsome noise-canceller, but also upholds the elite sound performance we’ve come to expect from the pro-audio heritage brand. Frequencies are well balanced to deliver clean, detailed sound. Toying with the AKG Headphones app also grants access to personalize sound by tweaking the different EQ settings. AKG’s noise-cancelling technology is effective as well at blocking out ambient chatter. Battery life seems pretty average at 23 hours with ANC on, but playtime is still higher than what the Bose 700 offers.

Where the headphones lose points are in the listening modes (Smart Ambient and TalkThru), which perform poorly in comparison to other models, and the alarmingly high sound leakage that will draw unwanted attention when blasting music in public spaces.

Samsung is currently selling the N7000NC for $99.

An audio brand known for selling some of the best computer speakers under $100, Monoprice has jumped into the cheap wireless headphones market and given us the noteworthy BT-600ANC. These inexpensive noise-cancellers reduce ambient sound at a high level, keeping the soundscape clear of disruptions, while also dishing out strong bass. Having longer playtimes than any Bose headphone adds to the product’s credibility, along with cool features like aptX support for hi-res audio streaming and multipoint technology. 

These headphones do not come with a companion app or wear detection, but then again, not many sub-$70 models do.

Panasonic might be more known for its home appliances and grooming devices, but creations like the RB-M700B show the brand can create a quality pair of cans. Bass performance is monstrous, thanks to proprietary XBS (Extreme Bass System) DEEP technology and 40mm Neodymium drivers with built-in Bass Reactor. Pressing play will feel like you’re at a concert or nightclub. A 15-minute quick charge produces 1.5 hours of listening.

Be wary of listening to music in ANC mode because it can affect bass performance and produce distortion on certain tracks. Something else to keep in mind is that the controls are a little difficult to access since Panasonic inconveniently placed them at the bottom of the right earcup.

Read our full Panasonic RB-M700B review.

The team behind some of the most popular (and affordable) smart home devices assembled these minimalist ANC headphones, and the results are impressive to say the least. Noise cancellation is a lot better than one would expect for the price, reducing low frequencies significantly, while also producing solid sound quality backed by impactful bass. The ability to use the headphones in passive mode via aux cable is a sweet bonus. Built-in Alexa, powerful quick charging (10 minutes = 4 hours), wear detection, and EQ customization through the Wyze app round out the highlights.

These are not recommended for voice or video calls and the tight clamp force makes wearing them unbearable after two hours of use.

How to choose the best cheap wireless headphones for you

The same criteria for selecting the best wireless headphones will apply here. That means prioritizing wireless functionality. Search for headphones operating on the latest Bluetooth version (Bluetooth 5.0 or higher). There are older models running on Bluetooth 4.2, which is still effective, but only when maintaining a strong signal during calls and streaming sessions. It doesn’t hurt to seek out cool wireless features either (e.g., Google Fast Pair, multipoint technology, NFC).

Sound is the next hallmark you should check off. Several of the brands featured on this list have legitimate audio backgrounds, while others are new to the game. Check for driver size because the bigger they are, the more powerful your headphones will sound. Some models have customizable settings to personalize audio. There are a select few that come with hi-res codec support (e.g., aptX, LDAC) to play lossless audio on compatible devices. Some even have a latency mode to reduce lag when mobile gaming or watching videos.

Going wireless means relying on portable power, which is why you’ll want something with long battery life. The standard for wireless headphones is around 20 hours or higher, though we’ve seen newer models nearly triple that amount, which is excellent. Quick charging support is another feature to keep in mind.

Lastly, look at the design. Any headphones that offer the right balance of form, function, and fashion is worth the purchase. Don’t overlook accessories either, specifically a carrying case to protect and transport your headphones.

How we test the best cheap wireless headphones

Laptop Magazine thoroughly tests the best cheap wireless headphones by evaluating several factors, including design, comfort, sound, and value. Our team then compares these selections to similar products in the category in terms of features, fit, and pricing. 

Wireless headphones are worn over the course of a week for 2 to 3 hours daily. We assess comfort, ease of use, noise cancellation, and audio quality. In addition, sample tracks across several music genres are tested, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, EDM, and classical. Reviewers analyze clarity, depth, imaging, and volume. Audiobooks, games, podcasts, and videos are accounted for too.

Any headphones featuring the latest audio codecs (e.g., aptX, LDAC) and spatial audio are tested using compatible hi-res streaming services (e.g., Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal). You can learn more about how these services that improve sound quality by checking out this expert audio codec FAQ, which breaks down all you need to know about FLAC files, MP3s, and other audio file codecs.

After completing the testing phase, we rate every model based on our five-point system, (1 = worst, 5 = best). Any product that is truly exemplary is awarded an Editor’s Choice.

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The best Sennheiser headphones and earbuds give you everything you want from the legacy audio brand. Stellar sound: check. Refined craftsmanship: check. Impressive active noise cancellation (ANC): check. Premium accessories: check.

There’s a set of Sennheiser headphones and earbuds for every audiophile out there. The Momentum 4 stands out as one of the best noise-cancelling headphones, rivaling the category-leading Bose 700 in ANC and call quality, while also crushing the competition in sound and battery life. We share the same sentiments about the Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds. Engineers looking to enhance their mixes can get great value out of the open-ear HD 560 S, while critical listeners that love analyzing their music will find the in-ear IE 600 to be one of the best-sounding models that money can buy.

Those are just a handful of options that we’ve tested. Where do they rank among the best Sennheiser headphones and earbuds? Keep reading to find out.

The best Sennheiser headphones and earbuds you can buy today

The Momentum 4 are Sennheiser’s best noise-cancelling headphones to date. ANC is always on and automatically adapts to your environment, neutralizing noises across the frequency spectrum. Enabling the Wind Noise Reduction feature heavily reduces the presence of gusty winds on the soundscape. Sennheiser’s powerful mic array also demonstrates superb vocal capture during calls and voice assistant use. A powerful 42mm transducer system, aptX Adaptive support for Hi-Res playback, and multiple EQ settings give these headphones exceptional sound that only a handful of competitors can match. Most importantly, a full charge generates up to 60 hours of listening time. 

At $349, the Momentum 4 are priced lower than ANC favorites like the Bose 700 and Sony WH-1000XM5, though the touch controls are better executed on those two models.

Read our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 review.

For true wireless conformists, it doesn’t get any better than the Momentum True Wireless 3. The design has been significantly changed from previous versions, highlighted by an all-aluminum front with polished matte finish and debossed Sennheiser insignia. Most of the Momentum 4’s special features are available on these buds to personalize sound and noise cancellation, which are both top tier for immersive, distraction-free listening. Two other hallmarks worth noting are the responsive touch controls and respectable battery life with wireless charging support. 

Sennheiser’s mics perform well for ANC and voice assistance, but they struggle during voice and video calls.

Read our full Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 review.

Several critics felt Sennheiser dropped the ball with the original CX True Wireless, the company’s first attempt at a mid-range model with legacy sound. Not only does the CX Plus fix most of the problems of the past, but it adds noise cancellation into the mix, which performs better than what the Momentum True Wireless 2 produces. Full-bodied sound is expected right out of the box, though you have the option to tweak it via EQ. The onboard mics also pave the way for great call quality and voice assistance. Battery life is another hallmark that shouldn’t be overlooked, providing up to 8 hours of ANC playtime per charge.

There are some popular features missing, and the design could have been smaller, but the sound and noise cancellation are enough value to warrant the purchase.

Read our full Sennheiser CX plus review.

These hard-wired headphones are one of Sennheiser’s more affordable and underrated releases. The HD 560S analyzes any music track you play and presents every detail with precision. Bass is clean and impactful, mids are engrossing, and highs are striking. Build quality is sturdy and materials such as the velour-covered earpads feel incredibly soothing on your ears.

A lack of features and wireless functionality make the HD 506S one of the least portable-friendly Sennheiser headphones out there. However, you can still connect it to any smartphone with a headphone jack and a portable DAC to give mobile sound a tremendous boost, which is something not many wireless headphones can do.

Wired earbuds aren’t that popular these days, but for old-school types that prefer a wired connection, which does provide better sound quality, the IE 600 is a fantastic choice. Some experts refer to it as Sennheiser’s best in-ear monitors and we won’t argue that. The 7mm TrueResponse transducers produce extra-wide frequency range and ultra-low distortion characteristics for accurate sound. Craftsmanship is gorgeous; these buds are made from ZR01 amorphous zirconium using a 3D printing process. You even get upmarket accessories like a 4.5mm balanced cable for connecting to high-end audio systems.

You better have lots of cash saved up because these don’t come cheap at $699. Be prepared to deal with a super-thick cable as well.

Basically, Sennheiser repackaged its popular wireless earbuds with a bigger battery and active noise cancellation, and the end product is undeniable. The Momentum True Wireless 2’s ANC performance are up there with the AirPods Pro, using a single mic on each bud to minimize ambient sound at high levels; loud TVs and noisy neighbors will go unnoticed. Playtime has been increased from 4 to 7 hours, with the gorgeous slate gray fabric charging case housing an extra 3 charges. These buds also retain the beautiful sound of the original, delivering sumptuous audio with precise detail, which can also be personalized via the Sennheiser Smart Control app, though the default profile is great as is.

Those with small ears and pockets will find the Momentum True Wireless 2 less enticing, as the buds don’t provide the best comfort or fit for tiny ear holes, while the upscale price tag ($300) makes them one of the more expensive options in the category.

See our full Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 review.

A mid-range pair of headphones with superior sonics and solid noise cancellation might seem unrealistic to some, but the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC is an exception to the rule. There is much to admire here besides its affordability, including a relaxed fit, simple controls, and clean, tight sound. Battery life isn’t too bad either for a model that has been on the market for over three years. And what's not to love about the luxe design, which is highlighted by a matte-black finish with accented chrome?

Sennheiser's NoiseGard technology doesn't match Bose's or Sony's ANC power, but it can silence outdoor rackets and up to 70% of airplane rumble. If it weren’t for the faint hiss in the background when enabling ANC and lack of a premium travel case, the HD 4.50 BTNC would be deserving of higher placement on our list.

As eloquently put in our review, “take premium materials and make a beautiful pair of headphones, add stellar sound and a great companion app, shake vigorously and you have the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless.” Improvements in noise cancellation and niche features like Tile integration make these cans appealing to brand enthusiasts that want a more traditional-looking Sennheiser headphone in wireless form. A rich, warm soundstage only sweetens the deal.

Battery life is shorter than the competition and there still seems to be some bugs in the system, but those are the only compromises you’re making to enjoy satisfying ANC and wireless sound. 

In a competitive sporty earbuds market, the Sport True Wireless differentiates itself by delivering premium sound in a sturdy and secure design. You have 7mm drivers, aptX codec support, multiple sound settings, and a proprietary TrueResponse transducer that work together to produce energetic audio ideal for workouts. These buds don’t match the flair of category favs like the Beats Fit Pro or Jabra Elite Active 75t, but they offer better protection, thanks to IP54 certification (dust/sweat/splash resistant) and small details like a built-in loop on the charging case for a lanyard.

The ineffective ambient listening mode is disappointing considering the category these buds fall in. If that’s a trade-off you’re willing to make for flagship sound, then have these buds ready for your next gym session.

How to choose the best Sennheiser headphones and earbuds for you

Know what category of headphones or earbuds you’re shopping for. Sennheiser sells so many that can be used for different purposes, from critical audio tasks to casual listening. Commuters should lean towards noise-cancelling headphones, whereas engineers and studio mixers can check out some of the brand’s professional on- and over-ear headphones. Casual consumers that want a little of everything may find just that with some of Sennheiser’s wireless earbuds.

Like Sony, Sennheiser’s legacy revolves around audio quality. Any pair of brand headphones or earbuds must exhibit Sennheiser signature sound. What does that consist of? High fidelity, lots of detail, and well-balanced frequency range to hear lows, mids, and highs clearly. Some of Sennheiser’s newer releases come with settings to customize audio, which is optional.

With the company venturing more into current consumer trends, special features are becoming more important and help keep certain models futureproof. If you can snag a pair of headphones or earbuds with noise cancellation, go for it, but reference our list to see what performance is like. You’ll want access to a companion app with multiple tools for personalizing the user experience. Don’t forget essentials like quick charging and voice assistant support.

Long battery life is vital for all wireless headphones and earbuds. Sennheiser does provide lengthy playtime for their models. Those using wired headphones will want to ensure the aux cables bundled with their headphones are both sturdy and compatible with different audio devices. 

How we test the best Sennheiser headphones and earbuds

When testing for the best Sennheiser headphones and earbuds, we evaluate several factors, including design, comfort, sound, and value. All selections are compared to similar products in terms of features, fit, and pricing.

Sennheiser headphones and earbuds are worn over the course of a week for 2 to 3 hours daily. During this period, Laptop Magazine assesses comfort, ease of use, noise cancellation (if applicable), and audio quality. Our reviewers then listen to sample tracks across several music genres, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, and classical, while analyzing clarity, depth, imaging, and volume. Audiobooks, games, podcasts, and videos are also accounted for.

Any headphones or earbuds featuring the latest audio codecs (e.g., aptX, LDAC) are tested using compatible hi-res streaming services (e.g., Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal). To learn more about how these services can improve the sound quality on your laptops and mobile devices, check out this expert audio codec FAQ that breaks down FLAC files, MP3s, and all other audio file codecs.

Once testing is complete, we rate these models based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Any product that is truly exemplary is awarded an Editor’s Choice.

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While 1More is most known for creating some of the best cheap wireless earbuds, they’ve also put out wireless headphones in the past. Well, just one (the Hi-Res Triple Driver Over-Ear Headphones), but their collection is expanding, starting with the all-new SonoFlow.

• Our expert picks for the best noise-cancelling headphones, per budget and style
• Check out our Bose 700 review
• …and our Sony WH-1000XM5 review

These are the company’s first-ever noise cancelling headphones and they come loaded with premium specs. We’re talking active noise cancellation (ANC), Hi-Res Audio certification, LDAC codec support, multipoint connectivity, and up to 70 hours of playtime. The only thing more enticing is the price: $99.

An MSRP this low does present compromises; 1More’s latest creation has its fair share. However, the SonoFlow’s overall performance is undeniable, making it one of the best cheap noise-cancelling headphones out there.

• 1More SonoFlow for $99 at Amazon
• 1More SonoFlow for $99 at 1More

1More SonoFlow review: Availability and price

The SonoFlow sells for $99, but 1More has a launch promotion where you can buy it for $79 on their site or Amazon (code: SONOFLOW20). Dark grey is the only color available. In the box are a carrying case, USB-C charging cable, and 3.5mm aux cable.

These headphones are priced similarly to the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 ($79), which is ranked No.1 on our best cheap noise-cancelling headphones list. They can also be had for a fraction of what current category leaders run for, including the Bose 700 ($379), Sennheiser Momentum 4 ($399), and Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399).

Be sure to bookmark our headphone deals page for the latest sales.

1More SonoFlow review: Design and comfort

The SonoFlow is a proper representation of 1More’s design pedigree: minimalist, sleek, and of decent quality. I love the dark grey colorway with matte finish, as well as distinctive details like the debossed logo atop the headband and multiple microphone openings on the earcups, which give these cans a more striking presence.

Construction is solid– the headphones are composed of aluminum, leather, and hard plastic. They don’t feel as flimsy as most other sub-$100 wireless headphones, nor are they incredibly robust, but they’ll survive falls to the ground. You’ll just have to live with some scuffs on the polished exterior.

Even though the carry case isn’t much to brag about, it is better than what comes bundled with some high-end headphones (don’t get me started on the WH-1000XM5’s cardboard case). Hard woven fabric makes up its entire composition. The interior has a small mesh pocket for storing accessories and cutouts to properly insert the headphones.

At 8.8 ounces, this is one of the lighter noise-cancellers out there. They are very comfortable for long stretches. I tested these headphones for multiple hours daily and experienced very minor fatigue. The protein leather does heat up after 3-hour stretches, but the sensation isn’t bothersome.

Fit is also reliable. The extenders have over 10 settings to accommodate listeners with different head sizes.

1More SonoFlow review: Controls and digital assistant

Physical buttons make up the SonoFlow’s control scheme. They blend into the design well and produce a nice click sound that ensures functions are being executed. If only their layout was user friendly.

All the buttons are spread out on the right earcup. The multi-functional power button in the front enables play/pause, answer/end call, or the digital assistant. Sitting in the rear are the NC button for activating the different listening modes and volume buttons that also forward/backward a track. It takes time remembering the command list and location of each button.

There are no touch controls or wear detection, so there is no auto-pause when taking off the headphones. Neither omission is a deal-breaker considering the price point.

Google Assistant, Siri, and Bixby are all compatible and work extremely well. The SonoFlow has an intelligible mic array that picks up words and voice commands precisely. I thought Google Assistant demonstrated the most dexterity, pulling up my favorite websites and specifically requested Spotify playlists.

1More SonoFlow review: Audio quality

Audio hits differently on every 1More product. The flagship Evo earbuds had a sharp and expressive soundstage, whereas the budget-favorite PistonBuds Pro gave you loud, detailed sound. For the company’s latest over-ear headphones, the engineers installed a 40mm dynamic driver with DLC (diamond-like-carbon) composite diaphragm and soft TPU film that they claim produces “rhythmic bass, warm mids, and crisp highs.” I wouldn’t exactly describe it as that, but the overall sound is boom-filled and engaging.

The SonoFlow’s sound profile leans more toward the low end. At the same time, you get some mids and highs thrown into the mix. On rock classics like Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” the snare drums are impactful and the guitar riff on the bridge soars. Even the occasional tambourine is given some shine and has some ting to it.

Moving onto more bouncy tracks, the bass-drum thumps on 50 Cent’s “Outta Control” had me head nodding emphatically with a screw face. The low-end reproduction was solid, and the skidding strings sounded bright and clean.

1More boasts about having 12 “studio-grade” EQ presets. That’s arguable. What I will say is they’re well-engineered for their purposes. Acoustic brought more definition to each strum on the guitar driven “Over The Hills And Far Away” by Led Zeppelin. Bass Boost had the monstrous bassline on Future’s “Mask Off” shaking the earcups, without creating any distortion. Podcast was also great for emphasizing vocals.

AAC, SBC, and LDAC are the supported audio codecs – the latter providing hi-res audio at a higher bitrate. LDAC does improve connection quality and lets you hear details clearer, but you’ll need to stream music from a lossless streaming service (e.g., Tidal, Qobuz) on a compatible device to get the most out of the feature.

Listening in ANC mode boosts the bass too high, giving drums and synths a bloaty presence. Frequencies are better balanced when ANC is off.

Refrain from using the aux cable as well; the low end is so excessive that you can barely hear mids and highs.

1More SonoFlow review: Active noise cancellation

1More’s track record with noise cancellation has been hit or miss on their wireless earbuds. Temper your expectations because the SonoFlow is not going to match what the Bose 700 or Sennheiser Momentum 4 delivers. It isn’t going to outperform mid-range gems like the Cleer Enduro ANC either. That doesn’t mean you won’t get some adequate ANC out of these cans.

The company’s patented QuietMax ANC does a fine job neutralizing low-frequency sounds. All I heard was silence when walking past the AC condensers on the side of the house. Tumbling noises from my washing machine and dryer were inaudible. The same went for humming sounds produced by oscillating fans.

Mid-range noises were blocked out 50 percent of the time. For every dog bark that went unnoticed, a pedestrian on their iPhone could be heard, granted the effect was muffled. High frequency sounds were completely unavoidable. My toddler’s screams came through loudly, along with sirens and whistles. 

Pass-through is one of the weaker transparency modes I’ve tested. It’s fine for hearing some noises up close, but the mics barely picked up anything from afar. A great version of this feature would allow me to hear cars coming from up the block or truck horns from three blocks away. Not with these headphones. More disappointing was the vocal capture. Not being able to hear and communicate with my wife from several feet away didn’t sit well with me.

1More SonoFlow review: App and special features

The 1More Music app is what all extended functionality operates through. You get a small selection of features to play with, most of which I’ve already discussed, including ANC/Pass-Through, Equalizer, and LDAC. What else is there?

Soothing Sounds returns, which is 1More’s version of soundscape mode, and I’ve lost all hope for it. The company hasn’t fixed the connectivity bugs, and the same problem that’s existed since it was introduced has yet to be addressed: it restarts every 10 seconds instead of running on a continuous loop. What a shame, especially since the 16 nature-based profiles sound close to the real thing.

Smart Burn-In is the other feature available that supposedly breaks in the headphones by playing static noise for several hours in hopes in improving audio quality. Some people believe this technique works, others don’t. Just know that it’s there in the case you’re curious to test it.

There is a cool wireless feature you can enable in the Experimental Features setting (more on that later). 1More got rid of the pop-up window setting that displayed battery life in an overlay. I found this odd since it has been featured in nearly every release they’ve put out. Rounding out the app are a battery level indicator, quick guide, and firmware updates.

1More SonoFlow review: Battery life

At 70 hours per charge (50 hours with ANC on), the SonoFlow currently stands as the best headphones for battery life. Bear in mind that certain factors decrease playtimes by several hours, specifically LDAC, which knocks off about 5 hours no matter how you use the headphones.

Nonetheless, this is far more sufficient than what premium models like the Bose 700 (20 hours) or Sony WH-1000XM5 (30 to 40 hours) get you. I’ve been using the SonoFlow with ANC on for over a week (4 hours daily) and still have around 20 hours left in the tank.

Quick charging is just as powerful, netting you 5 hours of playtime on a 5-minute charge. That’s faster than the more expensive Sennheiser Momentum 4 (4 hours = 5 minutes). Bravo, 1More.

1More SonoFlow review: Call quality and connectivity

One word can describe the SonoFlow’s call quality: impressive. Any calls taken indoors or outdoors were met with positive feedback. 1More’s environmental noise cancelling mic extracts vocals loudly and clearly. ANC wasn’t as strong in call mode and allowed noises like home appliances, motorcycle engines, and wind to enter conversations. Luckily, they weren’t too distracting, and the mics kept my voice prominent when chatting in rowdy settings.

Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint technology gives the SonoFlow dependable connectivity. Being able to pair to two devices simultaneously is always sweet, especially for business users looking to switch seamlessly between their new iPhone 14 and laptop. Recognized devices are instantly connected when powering on the headphones. Range also extends up to 70 feet before stuttering.

The only thing missing is one-tap Google Fast Pair.

1More SonoFlow review: Verdict

The SonoFlow is an unbeatable deal, especially if snagged during its 30-day launch period ($79 is too good to pass up). It’s backed by effective ANC, strong sound with LDAC support, versatile features (e.g., Bluetooth multipoint, Equalizer), and up to 70 hours of playtime. Any flaws it carries are forgivable for the price. Simply put, you’d be hard-pressed to find wireless headphones with this amount of functionality for under $100.

Putting together a list of the best headphones and earbuds for battery life requires lots of testing and research. Fortunately, the Laptop Mag crew has had the privilege of reviewing the market’s top performers, helping you decide which model best suits your needs and budget. 

Ideally, you want something that keeps you entertained on flights or throughout the workweek before recharging. The problem is that not many wireless headphones and earbuds are engineered to hold a charge for very long. Factor in premium features like active noise cancellation (ANC), EQ settings, and lossless audio streaming, along with high volume, and the battery drains quicker than a Hummer goes through gas.

For this list, we selected headphones and earbuds that not only come with bountiful battery life, but also remain faithful to their advertised playtimes and demonstrate excellent battery management. Expect to see prime selections from industry staples (e.g., Sennheiser, Sony) and newcomers (e.g., Cleer, JLab, Urbanista) that are setting the new standard for extended operation.

Here is our ranking of the best headphones and earbuds for battery life based on functionality, specs, and price.

What are the best headphones and earbuds for battery life?

Ranking at the top of our list of the best headphones and earbuds for battery life are the Sennheiser Momentum 4. These noise-cancelling headphones are loaded with high-end features, including adaptive ANC, Bluetooth multipoint (to connect to two devices simultaneously), Hi-Res playback, and smart controls. Accommodating this elevated level of functionality is 60 hours of playtime, along with insanely powerful quick charging that no other model in the category can match.

The Creative Outlier Pro ANC currently stands as the best wireless earbuds for battery life. Only a handful of rivals provide between 10 to 15 hours of playtime per charge. What separates the Outlier Pro ANC from the pack is its fascinating feature set, consisting of 3D sound, hybrid ANC, and wireless charging. Most importantly, its charging case holds up to 60 hours. 

Coming in third place is one of the best wireless headphones deals out there: the $99 1More SonoFlow. Strong, reliable connectivity, and 50 hours of ANC playtime (70 hours with ANC off) come part of the package. Not too far behind is the more expensive Technics EAH-A800, which delivers similar battery life, along with hi-fi sound and other audiophile-centric features.

These are just some of the many terrific options you’ll want to consider having as a travel companion. Scroll down to read more extensive breakdowns, along with the rest of the best headphones and earbuds for battery life.

The best headphones and earbuds for battery life right now

Sennheiser went all out creating their fourth-gen noise-cancelling headphone. The Momentum 4 has lots of audio features that enhance what’s already grade-A sound right out of the box. You can tweak sound manually or enable adaptive modes that automatically tune the soundstage to your hearing. ANC works similarly to and nearly rivals the category-leading Bose 700. This level of performance requires strong battery life, and the Momentum 4 doesn’t disappoint, achieving up to 60 hours per charge and having the most powerful quick-charging technology out there: 5 minutes = 4 hours of listening time. 

The comfort levels aren’t the best, nor are the touch controls, but all that functionality makes them well worth the investment, especially for battery life mongers.

Read our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 review.

Creative’s reputation in the audio space has always been solid and their latest venture into true wireless earbuds builds on their legacy. Of the numerous models they’ve launched, the Outlier Pro ANC is the top dog for many reasons. First, it’s one of the few wireless earbuds under $100 to feature 3D audio. It delivers the same dynamic and punchy sound as the brand’s well-received computer speakers. Hybrid ANC performs up to par and can be adjusted to block out different noise levels. These are all huge battery drainers, but Creative thought ahead, stuffing an 85mAh lithium polymer battery into the buds that can hold between 10 to 15 hours per charge. The wireless charging case holds 60 hours. A 10-minute charge also generates 2 hours of use.

 Improvements could have been made to the controls and fit, but these flaws don’t take away from the Outlier Pro ANC’s fantastic overall performance.

Read our full Creative Outlier Pro ANC review.

You’re wondering why not the flagship Sony WH-1000XM5? Simple: the WH-XB910N holds 10 hours more when ANC is turned off, comes with many of the same features as its more expensive sibling, and is often on sale (we’ve seen it for as low as $123). Let’s not overlook performance either because these are some of the best Sony headphones available, backed by versatile a soundstage that can be upscaled when enabling Sony’s DSEE technology. Sony’s 360 Reality Audio platform is also available for 360-degree sound. 

Not everything hits its mark, which is why we’re advising to completely ignore the unreliable digital assistant.

Read our full Sony WH-XB910N review.

At $349, the EAH-A800 aren’t the most attainable hi-fi wireless headphones out, but audiophiles with deep pockets will find the asking price just right. Technics’ sound profile is stellar, delivering clear and expansive audio that complements all forms of media (e.g., music, movies, games, podcasts). LDAC support gets you a high bitrate of 990kbps on compatible devices for CD-quality sound, plus there are several customization settings in the companion app to personalize sound. 

Factor in decent ANC and you’ve got high-powered headphones that require strong battery life, which Technics was much obliged to provide. A full charge produces 50 to 60 hours, depending how you use the headphones. If that isn’t enough to sell you on usability, then the EAH-A800’s insanely powerful quick charging surely will: 15 minutes via USB-C connector equates to 10 hours of playtime.

The idea that noise-cancelling earbuds would ever be this cheap would have been unthinkable not long ago. But the Epic Air Sport ANC manages it, and you might be relieved to know that this isn’t a cheap and nasty pair of buds underneath a sound-silencing sheen. On the contrary, it’s actually very practical on the whole, with great battery life and respectable sound output.

Unlike similar, ear hook-equipped earbuds, the Epic Air Sport ANC rarely feels uncomfortable, and you get a few different tip sizes to find the perfect fit. Special mention goes to the buds’ longevity: around 11 hours per charge with ANC enabled, comfortably more than twice that of the AirPods Pro. A charging case that holds 55 hours of playtime isn’t so bad either.

The Enduro ANC is the only sub-$140 ANC headphone we know of with aptX Adaptive codec support, customizable sound, solid noise cancellation, and up to 60 hours of battery life. Coming out of the 40mm Ironless Drivers is engaging audio that’s highlighted by deep bass, striking mids, and clear highs, which can all be tweaked to your liking. Per our reviewer, the noise cancellation is good enough to “provide several peaceful moments around the house.” You get some cool wireless features as well, including customizable ambient listening and multipoint technology. But the Enduro ANC’s greatest selling point is ANC playtime, nearly tripling what current Bose headphones offer.

A low price often presents compromises, which in this case are the less appealing design and buggy mobile app. In the end, these are trivial complaints for a fine-sounding model with serious battery life.

 See our full Cleer Enduro ANC review.

The Major IV is a notable upgrade that maintains the hallmarks of its predecessor, while nearly tripling its battery life. A full charge gets you 80 hours (no, that’s not a typo), which should get you a good 2 to 3 months of playtime when using the headphones in moderation. You can also charge the headphones wirelessly via wireless charging pad. Marshall’s retro audio equipment design is still attractive and features innovative physical controls like the multi-directional control knob that makes pairing, playback, volume, and call management simple to execute. The 40mm dynamic drivers pump out excellent mid-range too. 

As with most on-ear headphones, the Major IV does let in more noise than it blocks out, which can affect audio quality. Also, while we like the rich bass these cans deliver, we also felt the low end could have delivered punchier results. Other than that, the Major IV is another solid addition to the company’s long line of high-performing headphones.

Read our full Marshall Major IV review.

Master & Dynamic gave its flagship wireless earbuds the sporty treatment. The MW08 Sport comes with aesthetic upgrades such as shatterproof materials and water resistance, along with a Kevlar-wrapped charging case. Two-level ANC ensures less-noisy environments when exercising or lounging at home. Battery life is remarkable with 10 hours of ANC playback on a single charge, which can be extended to 12 hours when disabling the feature. Most fitness buffs want energetic and vibrant sound to get their motor running and the MW08 Sport delivers it, pumping out balanced frequencies with deep, impactful bass.

The feature set is extremely limited and doesn’t match what other sports headphones bring to the table; two models that come to mind are the Jaybird Vista 2 and JBL Reflect Mini NC. Also, the MW08 Sport is more expensive than the original MW08, which doesn’t come cheap either at $299.

Read our full Master & Dynamic MW08 Sport review.

The idea of solar-powered headphones just screams gimmicky, but the Urbanista Los Angeles is far from it. These wireless cans feature Powerfoyle solar cells on the headband that capture solar energy when exposed to light, allowing you to recharge on the fly, as long as it's exposed to sunlight outside or any other powerful light source. You can even gauge how much power the headphones are gaining or draining when in use through the companion app. Once achieving a full charge, up 80 hours of use (50 hours with ANC on) is available, which is some of the longest-rated playtime in the category. Sound is also bass-forward and brings an energetic presence to most songs. 

Bear in mind that the clamp force on these headphones is incredibly tight, making them uncomfortable to wear after an hour. ANC is also weak compared to other noise-cancelling models. Nonetheless, the Los Angeles deserves recognition for its ingenuity.

Wireless earbuds are more convenient for fitness activities, but the JBL UA Project Rock Over-Hear Training Headphones make a compelling case for avid exercises that want more performance out of their workout companion. These headphones pack booming JBL sound and adaptive noise cancellation into a near-indestructible design that can survive the abuse you’ll put it through at the gym. Access to the JBL Headphones app means you can personalize sound by selecting from a variety of well-engineered presets, including a custom one tuned by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson that pumps out dynamic bass response to “crush workouts.” The only thing more powerful than the sound is battery life, which is rated between 35 to 45 hours, depending on how you use the headphones.

You’ll want to keep wear times under an hour since the clamping force on these cans is incredibly tight; the headband applies a lot of pressure on the skull. Those who like to use the digital assistant for hands-free voice commands will have to endure the annoying setup process as well. 

Read our full JBL UA Project Rock Over-Ear Training Headphones review.

How to choose the best headphones and earbuds for battery life for you

It’s obvious what to prioritize when seeking out the best headphones and earbuds for battery life, but what should you look for specifically? Start with playtimes. Great noise-cancelling headphones will get you anywhere between 20 to 60 hours, while standard wireless headphones can reach up to 80 hours and true wireless earbuds fall somewhere between 8 to 15 hours per charge. Follow up with battery management, which is often represented by select features that optimize use and power consumption. See what models have an auto-off timer, wear detection to auto-pause music, and a mono mode (one-bud use for calls and listening).

Charging solutions are very important. Most modern headphones and earbuds have adopted USB-C charging, which operates faster and more efficiently than previous charging connectors (e.g., USB-A, micro-USB). This technology has also paved the way for quick charging, increasing the number of watts sent to the battery for instant use in a matter of minutes. Wireless charging is another feature that’s become popular over the past two years, letting you power up headphones or earbuds cable-free by placing them on a Qi-enabled charging pad. 

Third on the check list is Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE). While introduced on Bluetooth 4.2, it’s become more common on Bluetooth 5.0-enabled devices and uses less power to communicate with devices.

Lastly, you’re looking at audio quality and volume. The two go hand in hand because you want headphones or earbuds that can produce great sound at reasonably loud volumes, but not too loud. You’re not trying to blow out an ear drum or drain the battery quickly, which high volume is notorious for doing on audio devices.

How we test the best headphones and earbuds for battery life

We evaluate design, sound, playtime, and value when determining the best headphones and earbuds for battery life. All selections are compared to similar products in the category.

These products have been tested over the course of a month – 2 to 3 hours daily. We assess discharge times, quick charging, and battery-draining factors such as noise cancellation, volume, and special features like audio codecs (e.g., aptX, LDAC) and spatial audio. The latter is tested using compatible hi-res streaming services (e.g., Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal).  

To learn more about how these services can enhance the sound quality on your laptops and mobile devices, take a look at this expert audio codec FAQ on everything you should know about FLAC files, MP3s, and all other audio file codecs.

After testing is completed, all selections are rated based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Any product that is truly exemplary is awarded an Editor’s Choice.

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Seeking out the best cheap noise-cancelling earbuds means looking for effective active noise cancellation (ANC) at an attainable price point. This seemed unimaginable a few years back, but the category has evolved and opened the door for many models to offer this premium feature for nearly a third of what Apple charges for the AirPods Pro.

Popular names in the audio space like Jabra, JBL, and even Samsung have seen some of their critically acclaimed models drop below $100, while Amazon darlings like 1More and Anker have high-performance buds available at unbeatable prices. Even mobile newcomers like Nothing and OnePlus are getting in on the action with celebrated releases that put many mid-range noise-cancellers to shame.

The Laptop Mag crew compiled a ranking of the best cheap noise-cancelling earbuds based on performance, price, and purpose. Scroll down to see which ones make for great affordable pickups.

What are the best cheap noise-cancelling earbuds?

Ranked No. 1 on our list of the best cheap noise-cancelling earbuds are the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2. The mobile giant’s latest true wireless release are a steal at $99 with strong ANC, versatile sound, and lots of features into a compact design. Galaxy smartphone owners receive exclusive features like instant pairing and reverse wireless charging. 

Coming in second place are the well-received Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro. They remain one of the more reliable performers in the mid-range category. Owners gain access to Anker’s Soundcore app, which boasts a variety of special features that enhance usability. The sound performance and noise cancellation are also impressive for the price.

The Jabra Elite 4 Active aren't far behind and are one of the best pairs of running earbuds available. Having strong ANC and sound quality are huge benefits, but it’s the versatile feature set that makes these buds stand out. We’re talking Alexa integration, EQ settings, one-touch Spotify, and a Find My Jabra setting for locating misplaced buds. IP57 moisture protection and stable battery life add to their appeal.

Another noteworthy option are the $59 1More PistonBuds Pro. Satisfying ANC and sound in a tiny design, these buds deliver a well-rounded listening experience that can be customized in the companion app. Bluetooth 5.2 might be their unsung feature, maintaining strong connectivity with recognized devices and extending range up to 60 feet for lengthy wireless listening.

We have several more options to break down, so keep reading for more extensive feedback on the best cheap noise-cancelling earbuds.

The best cheap noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy today

If you’re looking for something to pair with your fancy Samsung Galaxy S22, it better be the Galaxy Buds 2. Why is that? Let’s start with exclusive features. A low-latency gaming mode, Easy Pairing Mode, and wireless PowerShare to power up the buds by placing the charging case on the back of a compatible Galaxy smartphone — all features that sound great to us. You can even use a Galaxy Watch 4 as a controller to manage playback, calls, and listening modes on the buds. ANC is impressive and blocks out close to 85 percent of ambient noise, while the AKG-tuned drivers pump out lively sound that can be customized in the Galaxy Wearable app.

These buds are limited to 5 hours of ANC playback, which really falls to 4.5 hours when factoring in volume and features, placing them in the same company as the AirPods Pro. Luckily, the super-compact charging case will relieve your low-battery anxiety. Now you know why they sit atop our best cheap noise cancelling earbuds list.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 review.

The original Liberty Air 2 were considered a Laptop Mag favorite for their great audio quality, excellent connectivity, and serviceable listening modes. Anker upped the ante with the successor, the Liberty Air 2 Pro, adding new features (e.g., Tip Fit Test, LÜM music service) into the mix, along with adaptive noise cancellation that is not only engineered to block out ambient noise in different environments, but can also be adjusted at the user’s discretion. Battery life on the buds and the redesigned wireless charging case are both rated higher than the AirPods Pro.

Sound is rich and punchy, though audiophiles might take issue with the lacking highs these buds produce. Luckily, there’s the EQ with 22 presets and a custom profile to tweak the sound to your hearing. Besides the high end, the only real issue these buds have are the touch controls, which have limited gesture input and operate on a delay.

Read our full Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro review.

Keeping up with Jabra’s true wireless releases is becoming exhausting, especially at the rate that they’re dropping. A few months after the Jabra Elite 7 Pro and Elite 7 Active hit store shelves, the Elite 4 Active were announced. The lower-priced alternative offers the best value of any model in the series. Audio and noise cancellation are nearly identical across the board, as well as the comfort levels and waterproof protection. Jabra Sound+ app support leaves the door open for newer features to be added via firmware update. 

As the mid-range sibling, they lose out on premium features such as MySound for personalized audio and Call Equalizer to add more treble or bass on calls. Luckily, these omissions do little to hinder the Elite 4 Active’s appeal.

Read our full Jabra Elite 4 Active review.

1More has launched numerous wireless earbuds over the past few months, though none have been more impressive than the PistonBuds Pro. At $59, these buds package ANC, Bluetooth 5.2, and powerful audio hardware into a sleek and compact design. The 10mm dynamic driver with an aero titanium membrane pumps out balanced and clear sound with an emphasized low end to appease bass lovers. There’s a two-setting ANC mode that is most effective against low and mid frequencies when set to the highest setting. Battery life is impressive at 7.5 hours per charge. 

The mics struggle during phone calls, picking up lots of external sounds and producing muffled audio in most environments. We feel 1More could have also expanded the touch controls, but these are small complaints when factoring in the extremely low MSRP.

Read our full 1More PistonBuds Pro review.

If there is one thing that Lenovo gets right with their products, it is functionality. Their latest true wireless model offers plenty of it, from customizable sound to smart controls to seamless multiple-device pairing. The Smart Wireless Earbuds pump out strong highs and detailed highs. These buds have a contemporary look that complements some of the brand’s sleek and innovatively designed laptops. Up to seven hours of playtime is sufficient for a few days of moderate use. Furthermore, comfort is pleasant for long listening sessions. 

There are a few sub-$100 noise-cancelling earbuds that can get you solid noise neutralization. The Lenovo Smart Wireless Earbuds is not one of them. Low frequencies are cut back, but mid and high frequencies make their way onto the soundscape. You’ll also need to be careful with the touch-sensitive panels; the odds of accidentally triggering a function are very high.

Read our full Lenovo Smart Wireless Earbuds review.

The DoBuds One is one of the year’s biggest surprises – $49 wireless earbuds boasting spacious sound and strong ANC. Donner crammed a 12mm LCP dynamic driver and customed balanced armature into a water-resistant design. This allows the buds to pump out rich, detailed sonics that can be customized through the Equalizer, though we highly recommend sticking with the default preset. These buds come with four different noise-cancelling settings, each one effectively raising the ANC levels for optimal performance. The ambient listening mode is also useful for hearing your surroundings clearer.

Despite sharing the same design as the AirPods, the DoBuds One do not offer the same pleasant comfort. The Google Assistant feature could use some work as well.

The Ear (1) is Nothing’s debut product, and what a first attempt it is. Outwardly, the most striking thing about this set of buds is the transparent plastic design (a trait shared with the charging case), but what’s really impressive is how technically capable the Ear (1) are for such little money.

$99 gets you water resistance, a comfortable fit, excellent call quality, and sound that’s just as balanced and enjoyable as that of the AirPods Pro. The Ear (1) also offers adjustable active noise cancellation, so if you want a more affordable alternative to Apple’s ANC buds, this is one of the best options.

Read our full Nothing Ear (1) review.

It took a while for Samsung to join the ANC wireless earbuds bandwagon and the Galaxy Buds Live is a notable debut with strong sonics and plenty of unique functionality programmed into a polarizing design. You got AKG’s 12mm drivers that do an amazing job of producing wide sound, along with an installed bass duct that enhances bass performance. The Samsung Wearable app is available to personalize audio by choosing from six presets and has cool experimental features like a Gaming Mode that cuts down latency when gaming on your smartphone. The jewelry-inspired silhouette is an acquired taste, and one that comes in three exotic colors: Mystic White, Black, and Bronze. Battery life is higher than the AirPods Pro too, with and without ANC on.

Noise cancellation isn’t the buds’ strongest suit and requires much improvement if a second-gen model ever comes to market. However, considering all the functionality given to you at such a relatively affordable price point, the feature works well enough to hush obnoxiously loud co-workers or the faint hiss coming from your AC.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Buds Live review.

OnePlus has a reputation for offering top-tier performance at a relatively affordable price. The all-new Buds Z2 won’t compete with the category’s most prolific selections, but they are a superb companion piece for OnePlus users who want their own inexpensive AirPods Pro alternative. Each bud houses three mics that filter noise levels almost up to 40dB, blocking out most low- and mid-frequency sounds. The touch controls have been improved. Flash Charge technology is also included to generate 2 hours of playtime on a 10-minute charge. 

The well-rounded sound profile is greatly appreciated, though OnePlus users receive a more immersive listening experience, thanks to exclusive features (Dolby Atmos, Pro Gaming Mode) tied to newer OnePlus phones. Muffling is an issue during voice and video calls, but that’s the only other shortcoming we have found.

Read our full OnePlus Buds Z2 review.

JLab is mostly known for selling inexpensive sports earbuds, but what most people don’t know is that they sell one of the best noise-cancelling models for under $100. The Epic Air Sport ANC is effective enough to block out common distractions, phone alarms, and neighborly chatter. Sound is energetic with powerful bass coming out of the 8mm drivers. You can tweak sound via the customizable EQ in the companion app. A secure earhook design keeps the buds in place during all activities and a single charge gets you between 11 to 15 hours of playtime, depending on how you use the buds.

These aren’t the greatest for voice and video calls, and the inaccurate tap sensors make enabling controls difficult at times. However, you won’t find many sporty models in the same price range that offer the audio features and battery life the Epic Air Sport ANC does.

How to choose the best cheap noise-cancelling earbuds for you

Active noise cancellation should be at the top of your list. This type of noise neutralization employs microphones and speakers to eliminate background and surrounding noises. It’s unrealistic to find a sub-$100 model that can match the high-end noise cancellation of category staples like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM4. However, you can find a pair that reduces noise at an adequate level and offers an ambient sound mode to increase environmental awareness, when necessary.

Audio quality comes after ANC. See what earbuds come with powerful drivers and customization settings to personalize how you hear all media formats. Extras like an equalizer, presets, spatial audio, and third-party software support (e.g., SoundIQ, Mimi) are greatly appreciated, but not essential.

The third box you’ll want to check off is battery life. ANC, high volume, and special features drain power quickly, so look for buds that can provide a reasonable amount of playtime. The industry standard battery life is 5 hours for noise-cancelling earbuds and 24 hours for charging cases, though you can find options that generate double these playtimes. 

Make sure your noise-cancelling earbuds support Bluetooth 5.0 or higher. The technology grants you faster connectivity, increased range (est. 120 meters max), longer battery life, and functional perks like one-touch Google Fast Pair to speed up the pairing process on Android devices.

How we test the best cheap noise-cancelling earbuds

Laptop Magazine evaluates several factors (e.g., design, comfort, sound, value) when determining the best cheap noise-cancelling earbuds. All selections are compared to similar products in the category in terms of features, fit, and pricing.

Noise-cancelling earbuds are worn over the course of a week for 2 to 3 hours at a time. We assess comfort, ease of use, and audio quality. Our reviewers also listen to sample tracks across several music genres, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, and classical, while analyzing clarity, depth, imaging, and volume. Audiobooks, games, podcasts, and videos are accounted for. 

Any headphones or earbuds featuring the latest audio codecs (e.g., aptX, LDAC) and spatial audio are tested using compatible hi-res streaming services (e.g., Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal). 

To learn more about how these services can enhance the sound quality on your laptops and mobile devices, take a look at this expert audio codec FAQ on everything you should know about FLAC files, MP3s, and all other audio file codecs.

After testing is completed, all selections are rated based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Any product that is truly exemplary is awarded an Editor’s Choice.

Bowers & Wilkins announced two new noise-cancelling headphones this past summer: the PX7 S2 and PX8. The former hit store shelves first and earned critical acclaim; Laptop Magazine recognized them as one of the best wireless headphones available. Now, the flagship PX8 are ready to take over the wireless audio reigns for B&W.

You’ll notice the PX8 and PX7 S2 carry many of the same specs, including active noise cancellation (ANC), Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive/HD support, hi-res streaming app integration, and up to 30 hours of battery life. The designs are also similar, granted B&W added more refined materials to the PX8, along with new drivers.

Do we have a Bose killer on our hands or just another fancy, high-priced headphone with terrific ANC and sound? Read our full Bowers & Wilkins PX8 review to find out.

• Bowers & Wilkins PX8 for $699 at Amazon (Black)
• Bowers & Wilkins PX8 for $699 at Crutchfield (Tan)

Bowers & Wilkins PX8 review: Availability and price

You can purchase the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 for $699 at major online retailers, including Amazon and Crutchfield, or directly from B&W. It comes in two colors: Black and Tan. In the box are a carrying case, a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, a USB-C to 3.5mm cable, and a manual.

Price-wise, these are some of the more expensive ANC headphones in the category next to the $999 Mark Levinson No. 9505 and $799 Focal Bathys. That also means they come with a steeper MSRP than category leaders such as the $379 Bose 700 and $399 Sony WH-1000XM5.

Be sure to bookmark our headphone deals page for the latest sales.

Bowers & Wilkins PX8 review: Design and comfort

The PX8 borrows the same silhouette and business-class, minimalist design as every other headphone in the B&W library. There are minimal design updates to differentiate this version from the previous release. Leather wraps around the front of the ear cup instead of tightly woven fabric. The arm structure is made from cast iron and has a sleek diecast aluminum finish versus the PX7 S2’s plastic arm structure with a black finish. Details like the alloy accents and trim around the earcups remain intact, along with the Nappa leather trimming on the memory-foam cushions and headband.

Even with its sturdy craftsmanship, the PX8 is a product you’ll want to protect from blemishes at all costs. That means keeping these cans in their included slim zippered carrying case when not in use. The case is covered in hard-woven fabric and beautifully displays the headphones on the inside, plus there’s a built-in compartment to store all bundled accessories. 

B&W did a noteworthy job of evenly distributing the weight on these headphones. They feel lighter than most rivals in their class. Soft-touch leather presses gently against the ears, providing enough breathability to keep air circulation flowing when worn for long stretches, which is great since the material heats up after about 3 hours of wear.

Fit is reliable. The extenders slide out for seamless adjustment. You’ll want to set them about a half an inch from the top of your skull to prevent the headband from applying unwanted pressure.

Bowers & Wilkins PX8 review: Controls and digital assistant

B&W copy and pasted the PX7 S2’s control scheme. The right earcup has an action button to either cycle through the different listening modes or enable the digital assistant. Meanwhile, the left earcup has a multifunctional button (playback/call management) flanked between volume rockers, along with a power/pairing slider on the top. Tactility is solid, ensuring all intended commands are met with every button press, and the slider has a nice recoil effect to it when pushed up.

Motion sensors were installed into the PX8 for wear detection. These must be the same sensors used in the PX7 S2 because they do not offer the most responsive feedback and suffer from serious lag; it takes about 3-5 seconds for auto-pause to initiate. Adjusting the sensitivity levels (Low, Normal, and High) in the companion app did nothing to resolve the issue.

Siri and Google Assistant work well for voice commands. B&W’s six-mic array is intelligible and picks up verbal inquiries with precision. Voice activation should have been included to fire up Google Assistant or Alexa by saying their respective wake-word phrase.

Bowers & Wilkins PX8 review: Audio quality

All-new carbon cone 40mm drive units were created for the PX8, which use a similar design found in the company’s 700 Series loudspeakers. I’ve never given the 700 Series a listen, but if the PX8 pumps out similar sound, then I know what to ask the missus for this Christmas.

Detail, resolution, and separation are immaculate. Pull up Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” to hear what I’m talking about. From the beginning, you can feel the massively isolated drums and the phasing effect added to them, which amplifies their thumping presence. The brass and string instruments are also reproduced superbly and blend beautifully over the rhythmically driven rock production.

Sticking with the classics, I gave several jazz records a spin and experienced sonic delight. Favorites like the Ahmad Jamal Trio’s “Dolphin Dance” tickled my eardrums with fine-tuned nuances. I always appreciate the how clean and transparent the lows and highs sound on this record, but the PX8 added an extra layer of depth; the cymbals felt gentler, and the double bass was crisper. That same level of performance was maintained on contemporary Jazz cuts like Esperanza Spalding’s “Precious,” where the harmonic vocals rode smoothly over the melodic piano notes and emphatic drums.

While there’s some great, well-balanced frequency range, you can tell B&W chose to emphasize the midrange. Hip-hop bangers like Redman’s “Time 4 Sum Aksion” delivered boomy bass, but it took a backseat to the rapper’s pronounced vocals. If you’re someone who demands more bass for the price, check out the Mark Levinson No. 5909.

Audiophiles wanting 24-bit sound should make aptX HD their default codec since it maintains the highest bitrate; aptX Adaptive often changes bitrate to prioritize either low latency or high-quality streaming. These headphones also support regular aptX, as well as AAC and SBC, the latter working well on iOS/macOS devices.

Traditionalists who prefer wired listening can use the bundled aux cable. Sound is satisfying when connected to a smartphone or laptop/desktop.

Bowers & Wilkins PX8 review: Active noise cancellation

The PX8 seem to operate on the same ANC circuitry as the PX7 S2. Consider this excellent news since the technology performs at an elite level. B&W’s mics are assigned to different noise neutralization responsibilities; two are used for measuring the output of each drive, two react to ambient noise, and two increase voice clarity while enhancing noise suppression.

Sharing a workspace with my wife and rowdy toddler, the PX8 came in clutch, blocking out common distractions like doorbells, household appliances, loud TVs, and my wife’s FaceTime chats via speakerphone. ANC reduced low and mid-frequency sounds best. Tumbling noises from the washer and dryer units were completely silent, along with the constant dog barking that took place on my floor.

The PX7 S2 struggled with high-frequency noises, but the PX8 doesn’t. Sirens and whistles went past my ears. Even my baby boy’s tantrums were barely audible, and this was when I was listening to acoustic tracks and podcasts. I wouldn’t have known he was crying if I wasn’t in the same room.

Wind reduction has also been improved. The whisking effects created by gusty conditions were less harsh, which made it more pleasant to hear music in outdoor settings. 

Pass-Through works well for ambient listening. It came in handy during office hours, allowing me to communicate clearly with my wife as she watched TV. I was also able to keep tabs on my toddler via monitor during naptime. Furthermore, I could hear my next-door neighbors conversing on their balcony and landscapers working throughout the property. Using the feature in a broader outdoor setting was more rewarding, as the mics picked up every peep in my vicinity, from airplanes flying over the property to construction work taking place one block down.

Bowers & Wilkins PX8 review: App and special features

Extended functionality is accessed through the B&W Music. Key features like action button configuration, auto standby, battery level indication, Environmental Control, EQ adjustment, and wear sensor activation are all accounted for. B&W also introduced two features when announcing both the PX7 S2 and PX8.

There is the All Your Music section that serves as an in-app portal to lossless streaming services such as Deezer, Quboz, and Tidal. Not only does this allow you to play 24-bit tracks directly from the app, but it will let you switch seamlessly from the PX8 to other compatible B&W wireless audio products (e.g., Zeppelin, Formation Duo).

Streaming quality is the second feature. This lets you customize the listening experience on mobile devices by prioritizing streaming over mobile data or Wi-Fi. Both options come with four settings: reduced data, medium, high, and highest.

Bowers & Wilkins PX8 review: Battery life

Battery life is rated at 30 hours with ANC on. Before you ask, no, the feature cannot be disabled. I estimated ANC playtime at about 27.5 hours, practically matching the PX7 S2 and Sony WH-1000XM5 (ANC on). This should be sufficient for most users. My unit came with 80% battery life right out of the box and still had juice in the tank after a week of moderate use (4 hours daily).

A 15-minute quick charge generates up to 7 hours of listening time. Not bad, but not the fastest we’ve seen in the category. For comparison, the Sony WH-1000XM5 does 3 hours in 3 minutes and the Sennheiser Momentum 4 does 5 hours on a 10-minute charge. 

If longer playtimes are a priority, we strongly recommend the Momentum 4 (60 hours).

Bowers & Wilkins PX8 review: Call quality and connectivity

I expected better from the PX8 as a calling headset. Several callers complained about the low volume on my end and heard lots of ambient noise. I had to be in virtually silent settings for people to hear me clearly.  

These headphones operate on Bluetooth 5.2. Connectivity is reliable across all platforms: iOS, Android, and Windows. Pairing to my MacBook Pro was quick, but the process was even quicker with Android devices, thanks to one-tap Google Fast Pair. Multipoint technology is also available to pair the headphones to two devices at the same time, and the feature works well. 

Range extends up to 50 feet in open spaces; I was able to move around the house and play Spotify tracks on my Pixel 6 Pro while the device was charging in my bedroom.

Bowers & Wilkins PX8 review: Verdict

If the PX7 S2 are a 90 out of 100, then the PX8 are a 93 out of 100 – just short of perfect. Flaws like poor wear detection do not take away from the product’s premium performance. Music and movies sound beautiful across all devices, specifically Android smartphones that support Qualcomm’s aptX codec suite. ANC blocks out external sounds across the frequency spectrum remarkably well. The other huge selling points such as adequate battery life, strong connectivity, and that chic design scream luxe.

These are not your average, relatively attainable noise-cancelling headphones, as is emphasized by the high price tag. However, if you’re a business traveler or a music lover who wants detailed sound with minimal distractions at any cost, the PX8 make for one classy audio investment.

Everyone has their favorite digital assistant. For Apple users, it’s Siri. Amazon fanatics rely on Alexa to execute their common household chores. Samsung even has their own AI bot in Bixby to perform daily tasks on Galaxy devices. However, when it comes to intelligence, nothing beats Google’s alternative: Google Assistant. 

Google has brought its voice assistant platform over to numerous product categories, including wireless audio. Many of today’s headphones and earbuds support Google Assistant, but only a handful are programmed to achieve optimal voice command execution.

You’re probably saying, “well, Google makes their own wireless earbuds, so, obviously, those offer the best Google Assistant experience.” Yes, that’s absolutely correct. Nevertheless, there are some third-party audio manufacturers that have shown they can properly integrate the software and its plethora of features (e.g., Fast Pair, Translate) into a pair of headphones or buds.

Having tested all the top options, we’ve compiled this list of the best Google Assistant headphones and earbuds to give you a better idea of what’s most suitable for your mobile device and budget.

The best Google Assistant headphones and earbuds you can buy today

Android-philes wanting the best Google experience possible will want to pair the Pixel Buds Pro with their current Pixel smartphone. Services like Google Assistant, Translate, and Notifications all work flawlessly on these buds. A custom 6-core audio processor was developed to deliver versatile sound, which can also be personalized via Volume EQ; bass and treble frequencies are increased when listening at low volume levels. ANC is just as impressive, blocking out many ambient noises in different settings and reducing wind presence. Pairing is instantaneous on Android devices, thanks to one-tap Google Fast Pair, though the buds also connect quickly to iOS/macOS devices.

Those who are constantly on the move may find the Pixel Buds Pro’s loose fit problematic. On top of that, you’ll want to keep your own USB-C cable on hand because Google does not include one with the purchase.

Read our full Google Pixel Buds Pro review.

Sony outdid themselves with the WF-1000XM4. Not only is the listening experience exceptional, from the superb ANC to the wide soundstage, but you’ll also get the best Google Assistant performance from a pair of non-Google-made buds.

The WF-1000XM4 comes with Alexa and Google Assistant integration, so you can enable either AI bot by saying their respective action phrase. Sony’s mic array demonstrates great speech recognition and blocks out ambient noise at a high level, allowing the software to register and execute voice commands accurately. Other high-end features such as 360 Reality Audio for spatial audio listening and Speak-to-Chat to automatically pause music when talking out loud only add to the WF-1000XM4’s value.

Read our full Sony WF-1000XM4 review.

Despite lacking high-end features such as ANC and spatial audio, Google’s most affordable buds can offer a grade-A Google Assistant experience. You get the same Google perks as the Pixel Buds Pro, including one-tap Fast Pair, Find Device, and Translate. These buds also boast the same attractive design as their predecessor, from the tiny oval-shaped buds to the pebble-inspired charging case. Sound is satisfying for the price with sharp vocal output. Most importantly, “Hey Google” voice activation is always active and responsive to all commands.

We can live without ANC considering the low price, but we do wish the volume was higher when listening to music and video content.

Read our full Google Pixel Buds A-Series review.

The WH-1000XM5 get you stellar ANC, battery life, and sound quality with signature Sony bass at the helm. They are one of the few over-ear headphones to have Google Assistant built into their architecture, and the feature works flawlessly. Google’s software responds fast and accurately to voice commands. Sony also added a few voice features that are worth checking out, including Quiet Attention and Speak-to-Chat to either lower or mute sound whenever speaking out loud.

The redesign isn’t the most stylish and there are some bugs that Sony has yet to flush out. Flaws aside, Sony fans will find that these flagship headphones handle ambient noise and voice commands with ease.

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review.

The LinkBuds S might lack the original LinkBuds’ innovative design, but they outperform their predecessor in every other category. Impressively, Sony was able to stuff all their proprietary technologies (360 Reality Audio, DSEE, LDAC) into a small and comfy design. What’s more impressive is how well these features perform. But those aren’t even the LinkBuds S’ biggest selling points. It’s the dynamic sound, effective noise cancellation, and surprisingly good digital assistance that places it among category greats like the AirPods Pro and sibling WF-1000XM4. Access to the Sony Headphones Connect app is also useful for personalizing their buds. 

Battery life is adequate for the price, though the charging case disappoints with a max of 20 hours, which falls short of the industry standard (24 hours).

Read our full Sony LinkBuds S review.

The Pixel Buds 2 is a vast improvement from what the company released prior, addressing the numerous issues that hindered its predecessor’s performance, while employing stylish design tweaks. As expected, Google Integration is flawless, with the buds connecting instantaneously to Android devices and offering cool functionality such as real-time translations via Google Translate. The 12mm dynamic drivers combined with an all-new Adaptive Sound feature give audio a rich, lively presence. We’re also fans of the flush design with built-in fins for proper comfort, as well as the innovative egg-shaped wireless charging case that holds an additional 24 hours of playtime.

The extra playtime is heavily needed, as a single charge only nets users about 4.5 hours of use, which is lower than what Google advertises. Not to mention this is the same as the AirPods Pro, a noise-cancelling model with better battery management.

See our full Google Pixel Buds 2 review.

The Bose 700 is a noise-cancelling treasure with many underappreciated features. It’s also the last pair of headphones from the brand to come with Google Assistant integration (why the QuietComfort 45 ditched this feature is bewildering). The action button on the side will instantly pull up the AI bot. Having adjustable class-leading ANC on top of other enhancement tools like EQ customization help complete the package.

Our only real complaint is the weak battery life, which doesn’t offer much ANC playtime at just 20 hours per charge.

Read our full Bose 700 review.

The Elite 7 Pro aren't Jabra’s best true wireless earbuds, but they stand out with premium features at a sub-luxury MSRP. To get Jabra’s full suite of functionality for just $200 is a steal, which includes MySound and Personalized ANC, two proprietary technologies that respectively tweak sound and noise cancellation based on your hearing preferences. Standard features like a customizable EQ with multiple presets, MyControls to personalize input, and wireless charging all come as part of the package. Sweetening the deal are great Google Assistant voice activation and long battery life: 9 hours of ANC playtime on a full charge.

While certain modern features are missing (e.g., multipoint technology, touch sensors) and the ear tip fit is a complete disaster, you can live without them and still enjoy top-tier performance.

Read our full Jabra Elite 7 Pro review.

The Pixel USB-C Earbuds deliver a lot of functionality at a super-affordable price, highlighted by incredible Google Assistant integration that grants you access to a myriad of Google Assistant commands at the push of a button. You also get some other cool features like Language Translation, which is capable of translating 40 different languages in real time; the results are surprisingly accurate, for the most part. Sound isn’t Google’s strength, but at least you have the option to mess around with the EQ settings on Google Play Music and Spotify to improve audio output. 

As uniquely innovative as these wired smart buds are, they lack the basic hallmarks of a standard pair of earbuds. They are not the most comfortable due to the flat shape and plastic edges pressing up against the ear canal, plus there is zero isolation to block out ambient noise.

How to choose the best Google Assistant headphones and earbuds for you

For starters, you need wireless headphones/earbuds that can enable your device’s native digital assistant. In this case, it’s Google Assistant, which is available across all platforms: Android, iOS, and Microsoft. Most models let you access Google Assistant manually, while a select few come with voice activation to turn on Google Assistant when speaking its assigned wake-word phrase: “OK/Hey Google.”

Powerful mics are the next priority. The best Google Assistant headphones and earbuds require these to pick up every syllable and long-winded inquiry with precision. You’ll also need a strong mic array to enjoy elite ANC. Models that block out ambient noise effectively can help reinforce the Google Assistant experience by allowing for clearer vocal capture.

Battery life is next on the list. Some might not know this, but the digital assistant sucks up a lot of juice when used often. Acceptable playtime for wireless headphones is between 20-50 hours, while wireless earbuds should offer between 5-10 hours per charge. Make sure quick charging is included to expedite the charging process. 

From there, make sure to check off other must-haves such as great audio, call quality, comfort, connectivity, fit, and special features.

How we test the best Google Assistant headphones and earbuds

When testing for the best Google Assistant headphones and earbuds, we ensure that each product is properly set up for use with Google Assistant. Our experts then use the feature in different settings to see how well it performs across different noise levels.

The Laptop Magazine team also accounts for other key factors. Design, comfort, sound, and value are on that list. All selections are then compared to similar products in the category in terms of features, fit, and pricing.

Google Assistant headphones and earbuds are worn over the course of a week for 2 to 3 hours at a time. During this period, we assess ANC, ease of use, mic performance, and sound quality.

Speaking of audio, models featuring the latest audio codecs (e.g., aptX, LDAC) and spatial audio are tested using compatible hi-res streaming services (e.g., Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal). You can learn more about how these services can improve audio performance on laptops and mobile devices by reading this expert audio codec FAQ, which breaks down everything you should know about FLAC files, MP3s, and all other audio file codecs.

When testing is completed, Laptop Magazine rates every model based on a five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Any product that is truly exemplary will be awarded an Editor’s Choice.

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Now that the hype around the AirPods Pro 2 has died down, it’s time to get excited for what will likely be Apple’s next major audio release: the AirPods Max 2. A rumored follow-up to the AirPods Max, one of the best noise-cancelling headphones money can buy, there’s much anticipation over what these next-gen cans will bring to the audio market and how they’ll integrate within Apple’s flawless ecosystem.

At this time, we advise tempering your expectations since very little has been divulged regarding the AirPods Max 2. However, we’ve seen some interesting rumors, along with recently filed patents, which are enough to create dialogue around this highly anticipated sequel. And more is sure to come heading into the New Year.

As we continue to gather all the latest news, check out what we already know about the AirPods Max 2, including price, release date, special features, and more.

AirPods Max 2 release date

The AirPods line doesn’t have a set annual release timeframe like the iPhone, Apple Watch or MacBook Pro. If we’re going based on previous AirPods launches, then the AirPods Max 2 would probably see a release either sometime December 2022 or 2023, which would be two to three years after the original hit store shelves.

Note that there was a two-year stretch between the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3, as well as a three-year stretch between the AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2. Keep in mind too, the latter experienced some delays due to supply chain issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether the AirPods Max 2’s production has been affected by this remains uncertain.

AirPods Max 2 price

Pricing for the AirPods Max 2 is unknown. Our prediction is Apple will retain the original’s MSRP, $549, which is exactly what they did when releasing the AirPods Pro 2. It makes sense, especially if Apple phases out the first-gen version, like they’ve silently done with the AirPods Pro (1st gen). Notice how it’s no longer listed on Apple’s website.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman did share on his Power On newsletter that the original AirPods Max might receive a price drop and new colors. This would help refresh Apple’s over-ear headphone line until the newest version is announced. A lower price may also indicate that a new model is coming down the pike.

AirPods Max 2 design

Apple isn’t into radical redesigns. They have a model in place, build around it, and implement new hardware to accommodate both form and function. We’ve seen it with every iteration of the AirPods, and this is bound to happen with the AirPods Max 2. That means the sleek aluminum cups, extendable arm bands, and mesh headband will likely go untouched. Reductions in size and weight are possible.

As far as upgrades, certain patents offer the best look at a future AirPods Max model. This one discovered by Patently Apple shows Apple is working on a touch-sensitive surface that would accept tap and slide gestures to activate audio controls. Could this mean the end of the Digital Crown? We’ll see.

Another patent discovered by Patently Apple shows “headphones with removeable earpieces.” It notes that "in some embodiments, the earpad assembly can be coupled to the earpiece housing by magnets or a series of snaps."

Apple was also granted a patent for their Smart Case, which takes on a new form factor. The previous version wasn’t well-received, mostly criticized for its purse-like design, though it did welcome nifty features like a low power mode when storing the headphones. This newer take on the case is more streamlined and makes some changes. Apple states, “the new housing may have an opening into an interior region that receives the headphones.” On top of that, Patently Apple discovered what it describes as “an illustrative flexible magnetic ring member for use in a magnetic closure.”

The regular AirPods Max comes in five gorgeous colors: Green, Pink, Space Gray, Silver, and Sky Blue. Gurman suggests more may be on the way, though Apple would be better off saving them for the AirPods Max 2.

AirPods Max 2 specs

Until Apple releases an official spec sheet, any reports on the AirPods Max 2’s functionality are based on speculation and patents.

We know the older AirPods Max runs on the U1 processor, and with Apple having developed a second-gen chip (H2) for the AirPods Pro 2, their next over-ear model could receive the same treatment via U2 processor. It’s also implied that several of the AirPods Pro 2’s upgrades would be added to the AirPods Max 2, including Adaptive Transparency, Bluetooth 5.3, Conversation Boost, longer battery life, skin-detect sensors, and Find My support for the Smart Case.

Apple already confirmed they will make the iPhone 15 USB-C compatible to comply with the European Union’s new regulation law. It almost goes without saying that all future Apple products will receive this feature, at least those being rolled out to European markets.

There is a patent that indicates improved ANC and sound through the “detection and mitigation of distracting audio feedback,” which Apple describes as “audio howl.” This would accurately spot and remove feedback, resulting in a more natural sound profile.

Lossless audio with Apple Music was rumored for the AirPods Pro 2, but nothing ever came to fruition. According to Gurman (via Power On newsletter), the reason why we haven’t seen it on Apple’s wireless earbuds is because Bluetooth “doesn’t have enough power" to handle it. He goes on to say that Apple is “cooking up a solution internally,” something that would act as a Bluetooth replacement and “eventually bring the feature to future AirPods.” The AirPods Max 2 is the perfect Apple product to debut this audio codec.

AirPods Max 2 outlook

Apple isn’t anxious to announce the AirPods Max 2, if it even exists. Most industry pros are confident it does. New leaks and rumors are bound to surface over the coming months, especially with Apple’s March 2023 event right around the corner, though history has shown this annual gathering to focus mostly on new iPad and Mac models. 

Apple could switch things up to get more excitement going for their next-gen ANC headphones. We might have to hold out for their September event, which is where they announced the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2 the past two years. 

Be sure to bookmark this page to stay up on all the latest news regarding the AirPods Max 2.

The best cheap noise-cancelling headphones won’t match the elite ANC performance of category leaders like the Bose 700 or Sony WH-1000XM5. However, they won’t cheat you out of a peaceful listening experience either. If you look around, there are numerous options available that can block out ambient noise well enough to enjoy your Apple Music/Spotify playlists distraction-free.

Consumer favorites Anker, JBL, and Plantronics have great noise-cancellers available at unbeatable prices. The same goes for newer, yet lesser-known brands like Tribit and ZVOX. Searching online could lead you down a rabbit hole of extremely poor products. Lucky for you, the Laptop Mag crew can help narrow down your selections.

We’ve tested hundreds of models and put together this list of the best cheap noise-cancelling headphones based on performance, price, and purpose. Scroll down to see which ones you can score for under $100. If you're interested in great deals on headphones you may also want to check out our best Prime Day headphone deals, the savings event is July 12-13 this year.

What are the best cheap noise-cancelling headphones?

Ranked No. 1 among our best cheap noise-cancelling headphones are the Anker Soundcore Life Q30. Despite the newer Life Q35 featuring upgrades like AI-enhanced mics and LDAC technology, this version is the more reliable all-around performer. It has better ANC and smart controls, along with bold sound, long battery life, and Soundcore app access with multiple features.

In second place is the 1More SonoFlow. This model offers up to 70 hours of playtime of ANC playtime and energetic sound for under $100. The minimalist design is sleeker than most models in its price range. Also, you get some quality noise cancellation to block out low- and mid-frequency sounds when listening to music in rowdy environments.

The Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 fills in the No. 3 spot. It is a mid-range model that has dropped significantly in price over the years and remains as popular as ever. Going for as low as $73, these headphones give you solid sound quality, battery life, and noise cancellation in a clean, minimalist design. The Plantronics app has an EQ setting to personalize sound, along with HD voice support for calls and a Find MyHeadset feature to track lost headphones. We also like that the headphones feel light and pleasant on the skull.

Here are our full rankings of the best cheap noise-cancelling headphones you can purchase right now!

The best cheap noise-cancelling headphones you can buy today

At $80, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are one of the best noise-cancelling headphones deals you’re going to find. Aesthetically and sonically, this model is a major upgrade from the popular Life Q20 and has the longest playtime of any model in the class: 40 hours (with ANC on). Don’t want to kill the battery too quickly? No worries, because the headphones can be used in passive mode to gain an extra 20 hours of listening time. What’s cool about the Life Q30 is that they now support the Anker Soundcore app, granting access to a customizable EQ and over 20 different presets that enhance the soundstage, depending on the content; we like Electronic for EDM tracks and Podcast for (you guessed it) podcasts. Sound has also been fine-tuned to deliver more detail and tonal balance in recordings.

The build quality feels and looks more premium than its predecessor. At the same time, these are some big cans that feel heavy on the head. It also would have been cool if Anker programmed more touch controls.

Read our full Anker Soundcore Life Q30 review.

There aren’t many cheap noise-cancelling headphones that can get you 50 hours of ANC use. The SonoFlow is one of the few. A full charge keeps these cans operating for weeks. Turning off ANC extends battery life to 70 hours. An aux cable comes bundled with the purchase, if ever you forget to recharge, but you’ll want to leave it in the carrying case since it hinders audio performance. When in wireless mode, you can expect the SonoFlow to pump out engaging sound and powerful bass, thanks to 1More’s 40mm dynamic driver with DLC (diamond-like-carbon) composite diaphragm. LDAC codec support also improves connection quality and lets you hear details clearly when jamming out to tracks on lossless streaming services (e.g., Tidal, Qobuz).

Noise cancellation is fine for the price, blocking out low frequencies very well, though the transparency mode is disappointing and doesn’t let in much incidental noise.

Plantronics' ANC model is a solid entry-level option for music lovers who want dependable noise cancellation and the same audio performance as the BackBeat Pro 2 SE. The lows are prominent and responsive, giving bass-heavy content some extra oomph. It’s cool to see these cans support the Plantronics app as well, giving users the option to enhance sound for music and voice output on phone calls. Another brand hallmark that remains intact is strong battery life, as the BackBeat Go 810 give listeners 22 hours with ANC mode on and 28 hours in standard mode. 

There are two ANC modes – Low and High – each engineered to deal with ambient noise in different settings. You’ll want to be selective when choosing one over the other, as the built-in mics do pick up a lot of noise when outdoors. Also, be mindful that the controls and connectivity become finicky at times.

The JBL Live 650BTNC are skillful noise-cancellers with rich sound and noticeable flaws. As for the positives, the headphones pump out well-balanced mids and powerful bass. Many low-fi recordings receive a boost in clarity. Playing with the EQ in the JBL Headphones app lets users personalize audio by creating their own sound profile or selecting from different music presets. We also love that the headphones come with smart assistant integration, so you can execute tasks hands-free using Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri or Bixby voice commands.

While possessing many good traits, the Live 650BT aren't perfect by any means. JBL’s noise-cancelling technology does block out low-frequency sounds very well, but don’t expect it to mute an airplane engine or marching band. In addition, bass is barely noticeable without ANC on, so you’ll want to just leave it enabled to achieve the best sound possible.

We didn’t stumble upon these cans until their retail price was slashed in half. It seems we lucked out, as the Zvox AV50 showed us they're a capable noise-canceller with innovative features. It uses Zvox’s patented AccuVoice technology to brighten up vocals, which are crisp and prominent, even over boomy productions. Enabling ANC mode gives bass a strong presence that doesn’t distort the soundstage, while also doing an admirable job of blocking out low-frequency rumblings.  

As impressive as these bland-looking cans sound in ANC mode, the results are less desirable when turning off that feature. Bass levels are brought down several notches and lack the oomph present when noise cancelation is turned on. The all-plastic, bare-looking design doesn’t have the same flair to it as other minimalist headphones in the category either, though if you want more vibrance, the AV50 comes available in three other colors besides black, including navy, pink, and red.

The Z2 Wireless HD have enough going for them to convince gym rats to switch over from wireless in-ear to over-ear form, especially if they want something with bigger sound and battery life, and minor ANC. Treblab’s 40mm drivers don’t skimp on bass, pounding your ears with boom-filled sonics to fuel your intensity. Battery life is rated at 35 hours, though it’s really about 32 when factoring in volume and noise cancellation, which isn’t great, but still useful if you want to block out overly loud exercisers. The Z2 also breaks free from the notion of low price equaling cheap quality, as these cans are built from a nice mix of sturdy plastic materials and come waterproof and sweat resistant. Each of the buttons offer great tactility to manage calls and music playback seamlessly, plus the digital assistant feature operates well for hands-free commands.

The sound quality when ANC is turned off really needs to be fixed, as highs take a dip and sound unclear. Another issue is snugness, as the headband is too tight and exerts unwanted force on the top of the skull after about 30 minutes of use.

Despite some design flaws and operational issues, the E7 Pro stand out as a reasonably-priced pair of over-ears that do an admirable job of neutralizing noise. They’re capable of drowning out nearby conversations and loud TVs, but not much else. The real value of these affordable wireless headphones comes from the laudable soundstage, which promotes booming lows and decent mids for quality listening. Using the bundled auxiliary cable slightly improves audio output.

Unfortunately, that’s where the highlights end for the E7 Pro. The control panel is poorly designed with rickety buttons that require extra pressure to register commands. Audio dropout tends to occur when in noise-cancelling mode. In addition, the brushed metal finish on the earcups looks nowhere near as premium as what’s shown in the ads.

The Life Q20 is further proof that you can score a nice pair of cheap, noise-cancelling headphones for less than a Benjamin, even with noise cancellation serving as its third-best feature. Audio is the Life Q20’s main attraction with custom 40mm drivers that produce rich sound; bass is punchy and doesn’t muffle the mid-range or vocals. Battery life is up there as well, generating up to 40 hours of playtime on a full charge, which can be extended up to 60 hours when ANC is off. 

Anker’s headphones have better-than-average noise cancellation that realistically blocks out 70% of environmental sounds (Anker claims 90%). Although, the feature struggles to filter out proximate noises such as keyboard clatter and neighborly chatter. You’ll also want to refrain from using the included aux cable since it hinders audio performance. Nonetheless, it’s impressive for such a dirt-cheap set of headphones.

One of the brand’s earliest creations, the Core ANC is proof that Status Audio could develop a quality pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Their technology is capable of blocking out 70 percent of ambient noise, particularly most low and mid-frequency sounds. You’ll get some great clarity and depth coming out of the 40mm drivers. Bluetooth 5.0 holds up well for minimal dropout during video and voice calls. Getting up to 30 hours of playtime is another huge selling point for these cans.

Listening times will need to be shortened due to the discomfort caused by tight clamp force. Bass lovers might also want to lower their expectations since the Core ANC lacks the thumpy resonance of other models on this list.

For $59, the JLab Studio ANC offers more performance than its MSRP suggests. Its biggest strength is battery life, which runs up to 34 hours with ANC off, while also providing an hour of listening time on a 10-minute charge. ANC won’t blow you away, but it’s sufficient for minimizing unwanted distractions in public settings. Sound is neutral and the frequency range favors mids and highs. The Cloud Foam earcups provide pleasant comfort as well.

Listeners will want to utilize ANC as much as possible since the design doesn’t do the best job of passively blocking out noise. Those seeking feature-laden headphones will need to search elsewhere. 

How to choose the best cheap noise-cancelling headphones for you

Noise cancellation is always the priority. The best cheap noise-cancelling headphones are engineered to block out a vast amount of ambient noise across the frequency spectrum. It’s even better if they come with an ambient listening mode, so you can gain greater awareness of your surroundings and communicate clearly without having to take off your headphones.

Audio quality is second on the check list. It’s hard to find a pair of cheap noise-cancelling headphones that delivers satisfying sound, but they do exist. Explore models with powerful drivers and customization settings to personalize how you hear all media formats. Bonuses like an EQ, music presets, or aptX codec support are greatly appreciated.

ANC is a huge battery drainer. Therefore, you’ll want a pair of cheap noise-cancelling headphones that can last several days on moderate use. The industry standard for battery life on noise-canceling headphones is 20 hours, though you can find models that offer double (sometimes triple) that amount. 

Most noise-cancellling headphones support the latest Bluetooth 5.0 version, giving users faster connectivity, increased range (est. 120 meters max), longer battery life, and even multipoint technology to pair two audio sources simultaneously. Check for other sweet wireless features like digital assistance (Siri, Google, Alexa, Bixby), companion app support, and one-tap Google Fast Pair.

How we test the best cheap noise-cancelling headphones

Our process for determining the best cheap noise-cancelling headphones consists of evaluating several factors. These include design, comfort, sound, and value. All selections are compared to similar products in the category in terms of features, fit, and pricing. 

Noise-cancelling headphones are worn over the course of a week for 2 to 3 hours at a time. We assess comfort, ease of use, and audio quality. Our team listens to sample tracks across several music genres, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, EDM, and classical, while analyzing clarity, depth, imaging, and volume. Audiobooks, games, podcasts, and videos are also accounted for.

Headphones featuring the latest audio codecs (e.g., aptX, LDAC) and spatial audio are tested using compatible hi-res streaming services (e.g., Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal). 

If you want to learn more about how these services can improve the sound quality on your laptops and mobile devices, check out this expert audio codec FAQ that breaks down all you need to know about FLAC files, MP3s, and other audio file codecs.

Once testing is completed, every model is rated based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Any product that is truly exemplary is awarded an Editor’s Choice.

The best Bose headphones and earbuds merge the brand’s greatest strengths into functional and sleek designs. They deliver unrivaled active noise cancellation (ANC), look fancy, sound amazing, and serve as some of the best calling headsets out there. Not to mention some of these models play nice with Bose’s ecosystem of audio products, connecting to smart Bluetooth speakers for extended use with other devices.

• The best noise-cancelling headphones
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Even though Bose is considered the king of ANC, more rivals have come onto the scene and put the heritage audio brand on notice. Sony has made incredible progress with their Mark Series over-ear headphones (WH-1000XM5) and wireless earbuds (WF-1000XM4). Apple has also stepped up their game with the AirPods Max and improved AirPods Pro 2. As competitive as the market is, that hasn’t stopped Bose from expanding on their legacy, which remains strong, thanks to new critically acclaimed releases and past models that still stand the test of time.

After testing nearly every major release, we gathered our experts to assemble a ranking of the best Bose headphones and earbuds available. Scroll down to see where your money is best spent.

What are the best Bose headphones and earbuds?

At the top of our list of the best Bose headphones and earbuds is the Bose 700. These svelte-looking cans are considered the market’s top noise-canceller, powered by elite ANC circuitry and intelligent algorithms that drown out close to 95% of ambient noise. Speaking of which, the 700 headphones can also let in vast amounts of external sound to hear what’s happening around you via Full Transparency mode. Call quality is also best in class.

Second place goes to the best wireless earbuds for noise cancellation: the QuietComfort Earbuds 2. Smarter ANC, stronger ambient listening, and completely revamped design that delivers a secure fit and slightly better comfort, it is a superb follow-up to the original. Speaking of which, the first-gen QuietComfort Earbuds fall two slots down, but still remain a superb option that produces excellent ANC and call quality.

Coming in at No. 3 is the Bose QuietComfort 45. The latest Bose noise-cancelling headphones improve on ANC, battery life, and sound, and retain much of what made their predecessor an industry favorite (e.g., minimalist design, superb comfort). You get special perks like access to the Bose Music app and features like SimpleSync to pair the headphones with the Bose Smart Soundbar.

Fitness fanatics are taken care of with the Bose Sport Earbuds, which stuff balanced sound and Bluetooth 5.1 into a smaller and sportier design than the QuietComfort Earbuds. These are solidly constructed earbuds that can sustain sweat and splashes of water (IPX4), plus their compact charging case holds a max of four extra charges. The color options (Baltic Blue, Glacier White, Triple Black) also make them appealing to exercisers who value their appearance.

There is much more to learn about the aforementioned models, as well as other notable selections worth checking out. Here is a look at the best Bose headphones and earbuds.

The best Bose headphones and earbuds right now

Engineered with 11 levels of ANC, eight individual microphones, and a revamped mobile app that extends functionality, the Bose 700 makes the strongest case for both the best noise-cancelling headphones and the best wireless headphones. The ability to toggle between different ANC settings on the fly is an awesome feature, giving listeners full control of noise neutralization, which is flawless on these cans. Enabling the highest level will quiet most high-frequency noises effectively without disrupting the soundstage. 

The call quality is even more impressive with Bose’s mic system pulling double duty to block out rumblings and amplify vocals for clearer calls, as well as voice command recognition. These headphones also deliver top-tier sound reproduction and have a contemporary design that justifies its luxury price. The latest software update introduced several enhancements, including an adjustable EQ, improved connectivity, and better level/voice prompt fixes.

For those working remotely, Bose launched an updated version called the 700 UC that is compatible with popular video-conferencing programs like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.

Read our full Bose 700 review.

The original QC Earbuds were a noise-cancelling triumph, but their successor takes Bose’s ANC technology up another notch. Proprietary CustomTune technology is used to automatically calibrate ANC and the sound frequency profile to the unique properties of your ear. Everything comes together perfectly, creating a peaceful, distraction-free backdrop for enjoying well-balanced audio. Bose’s redesign and new ear tip kit also provide a comfortable, reliable fit.

At $299, these buds don’t come cheap, and playtime could be much longer for the price. On the other hand, you’re paying for top-notch ANC that no other true wireless model can match.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 review.

The QuietComfort 45 might look like a copy-and-paste job by Bose, but it improves the QC series in several areas. First battery life, which has been bumped up to 24 hours on a full charge. No, you can’t disable noise cancellation to get more playtime, but you can use the feature in wired mode. Sound is enhanced with the volume-optimized Active EQ producing high fidelity. Comfort and fit are slightly better on this model, thanks to what feels like a more pliable frame and comfier padding. ANC has also been taken a step higher, not Bose 700 high, but a couple of levels up to create a “bubble of peace and quiet.”

Again, we acknowledge that not being able to turn off ANC is, well, a turn-off, and the lack of features compared to the 700 might not be worth the premium for some consumers. Just remember that you’re paying for the best battery life of any Bose model.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort 45 review.

Bose outdid themselves by integrating the same category-leading active noise cancellation from the 700 headphones into these tiny buds. What you end up with is the absolute best ANC model in the true wireless space. Like its over-ear counterpart, the QuietComfort Earbuds grant access to 10 levels of adjustable noise cancellation, three of which can be saved on the Bose Music app, so you can easily cycle through them on the left bud. Bose transferred over its Active EQ technology and proprietary drivers to give these buds a warm, pleasant sound as well. And just when you thought the performance perks stopped there, the QuietComfort Earbuds boast a strong mic array that guarantees best-in-class call quality. 

All that functionality surely requires a lot of battery life to operate, which, sadly, is the QuietComfort Earbuds’ greatest compromise. Users are stuck with playtimes that are barely higher than the regular AirPods. On top of that, the charging case is ridiculously large and doesn’t offer much additional battery life.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds review.

The QC35 II sat atop of the ANC throne for quite some time, introducing noise cancellation that was unmatched when launched. With its more upscale sibling, the 700, coming into the picture, it’s easy to overlook this last-gen model, but you would be foolishly passing up an amazing offer. Currently listed at $209.99 on Amazon, the QC35 II is still a go-to for listeners who want to eliminate the mundane drones around them at an elite level.

Bose uses a set of microphones and proprietary algorithms to clear the QC35 II's soundscape of unwanted noises across different frequencies. Buzzing vehicle engines and baby cries don't stand a chance. The QC35 II's profile accentuates bass, but also keeps mids and highs sounding crisp no matter the song. Best of all, the ANC feature works in both wireless and wired modes. Bose programmed the headphones with Google and Alexa integration as well to execute daily tasks via voice commands.

Think of the Sport Earbuds as a fitness version of the QuietComfort Earbuds minus all the bells and whistles. You’re getting refined sound and solid call quality in a similar, well-protected package. IPX4 certification makes these buds sweat and water-resistant. The StayHear Max silicone tips meld with the folds of the outer ear and keep the buds locked in during runs. Bose’s proprietary drivers and Active EQ technology keep music sounding warm and balanced. Having Bluetooth 5.1 onboard also establishes a strong connection between audio sources within range (35 feet max).

Battery life has never been a strength for the brand, so it’s no surprise that the Sport Earbuds has lower playtimes than most competitors. There isn’t a Transparency Mode available either, but Bose could add it in a future firmware update.

Read our full Bose Sport Earbuds review.

Bose isn’t known for their mid-range headphones, but the SoundLink AE (Around Ear) Wireless is a fine option for those wanting the Bose wireless experience at an attainable price. The headphones are best known for their calling capabilities, powered by HD Voice technology that increases clarity during voice and video calls. Comfort is pleasant for long listening sessions and Bluetooth maintains a strong connection across all platforms. It’s also nice to see unique features like NFC available, which allows for instantaneous tap-to-pair functionality.

Sound comes through loud and clear, though the low end is weak compared to other Bose headphones. The design doesn’t block out noise very well either.

Despite being less popular than the Beats Powerbeats, the SoundSport Wireless has remained a go-to for many Bose lovers living active lifestyles. The flexible wings mold into the cymba for proper stability and the wrap-around-the-neck design reduces the risk of dropping these earphones on the ground. Bose still hasn’t shared the IP rating, but guarantees sweat and weather-resistant protection, something that should put a smile on every outdoor runner’s face. A neutral sound profile with some extra bass thrown into the mix will keep exercisers stimulated during intense workouts. You even get cool wireless features like NFC to tap and pair the earphones with any compatible Android device.

Just know that battery life (6 hours) does fall short of the competition, and that the bulk and heft of each earpiece isn’t ideal for those with low pain thresholds.   

The lack of ANC doesn’t make the SoundLink 2 any less valuable. These headphones focus primarily on connectivity and sound quality, two categories they crush. Lows are punchier and better balanced than the QC35 II, resulting in a vibrant soundstage. The transparent bass reproduction is some of the finest we’ve heard on any Bose wireless headphones. Operating on Bluetooth 4.0 doesn’t hold back connectivity, achieving a reasonable range (35 feet) and hosting cool wireless features like multipoint technology (pair to two devices simultaneously) and tap-to-pair NFC. Battery life isn’t anything to brag about, but it's impressive to see these headphones have a playtime that isn’t too far off the 700 headphones.

Build quality is a bit flimsy, and the design doesn’t provide the best passive noise reduction either.  The SoundLink 2 could be a serviceable audio companion if you can live with these flaws.

How to choose the best Bose headphones and earbuds for you

We’re talking Bose here. Therefore, noise cancellation must be at the top of the list. Not all Bose models come with ANC, but the more popular ones do, so you want to make sure the feature is available on your model. Try to seek out Bose headphones and earbuds that come with multiple levels of ANC and ambient listening. Those that don’t should have a design that can passively block out unwanted noise.

Audio goes hand in hand with ANC. All forms of media (e.g., music, videos, games) should sound crisp and clear without noise cancellation compromising quality. Explore models with powerful drivers and customization settings to personalize how you hear content. Bonuses like an EQ, presets, or spatial audio are greatly appreciated, but not essential.

You’ll need sufficient battery life to enjoy peaceful listening. The industry standard playtime is 20 hours for noise-cancelling headphones and 5 hours (per charge) for noise-cancelling earbuds. Thankfully, most Bose headphones and earbuds meet the criteria. Quick charging is another feature worth mentioning since it allows listeners to generate some juice within a limited time frame: a 10-minute charge often nets you 1 hour of use.

If wireless headphones or earbuds are your preference, consider something supporting the latest Bluetooth 5.0 versions. This gives you faster connectivity, increased range (est. 120 meters max), longer battery, and even multipoint technology to pair two audio sources simultaneously. More recent versions will also guarantee digital assistant support (Siri, Google, Alexa, Bixby).

How we test the best Bose headphones and earbuds

Laptop Magazine considers several factors when determining the best Bose headphones and earbuds. Design, comfort, sound, and value are on that list. All selections are compared to similar products in the category in terms of features, fit, and pricing.

Bose headphones and earbuds are worn over the course of a week for 2 to 3 hours at a time. During this period, we assess ANC, fit, ease of use, and sound quality. We listen to sample tracks across several music genres, including hip hop, rock, jazz, and classical, while analyzing clarity, depth, imaging, and volume. Audiobooks, games, podcasts, and videos are also accounted for.

In addition, models featuring the latest audio codecs (e.g., aptX, LDAC) and spatial audio are tested using compatible hi-res streaming services (e.g., Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal). You can learn more about how these services can improve audio performance on laptops and mobile devices by reading this expert audio codec FAQ, which breaks down everything you should know about FLAC files, MP3s, and all other audio file codecs.

After testing is completed, Laptop Magazine rates every model based on a five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Any product that is truly exemplary will be awarded an Editor’s Choice.

The best Apple headphones and earbuds integrate complementarily into Apple’s ecosystem, delivering features that elevate the iOS/macOS experience. They also interconnect seamlessly with all Apple products. That’s not to say they won’t work with Android or Windows devices because they will; some functions just remain exclusive to Apple’s platform.

As far as options go, you’re looking at four different pairs of AirPods wireless earbuds, an over-the-ear AirPods headphone, and a massive Beats lineup (Apple’s greatest acquisition yet) that continues to welcome new critically acclaimed releases.

We are anticipating a potential shift to USB-C for future AirPods models, but no other updates are rumored at the moment, so unless the port change is crucial to you our advice on which models are best will remain the same.

Settling on the right headphones is just as difficult as picking out your next iPhone or MacBook. Hence, we compiled this list to make the selection process a little easier on your mind and wallet. After testing the company’s top offerings, we’ve ranked the best Apple headphones and earbuds.

Sitting in first place on our best Apple headphones and earbuds list are the AirPods Pro 2. The first-gen model may have revolutionized wireless earbuds, but this noise-cancelling sequel took things a step forward with key additions such as Adaptive Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, and FindMy compatibility with the MagSafe charging case. Apple continues to roll out new features with every other iOS update, keeping these porcelain danglers in the best wireless earbuds conversation for a few more years.

A close second is the AirPods Max, Apple’s first noise-cancelling headphones that blend strong audio and ANC into a sleek, contemporary design. The price point might be more of an eye sore than the silly smart case. However, you're buying the wireless cans for their powerful tech. The 40mm drivers, 9 microphones, H1 processors, and a gaggle of sensors bring a level of functionality that only category leaders like the Bose 700 and Sony WH-1000XM5 can match.

Third place goes to the recently launched Beats Fit Pro, which miraculously takes most, if not all, of the AirPods Pro’s biggest hallmarks and stuffs them into a sporty package. We’re talking ANC, spatial audio, and several iOS perks like audio sharing, automatic switching, and “Hey Siri” voice activation. The wing tips also provide a proper fit and stability for workouts.

Quick list

Best overall

Despite most rumors around the AirPods Pro 2 being nothing more than hearsay, Apple’s latest wireless earbuds still live up to their hype. Personalized Spatial Audio enhances the 3D listening experience by scanning your ears via the iPhone’s TrueDepth camera and creating a sound profile that accurately places music, voices, and effects on the soundscape. ANC can now reduce twice as much noise as the first-gen AirPods Pro and Adaptive Transparency has been greatly improved to hear ambient noises and vocals clearly. Music sounds richer and more detailed, thanks to Apple’s new low-distortion driver. Cool features like Precision Finding also make locating your misplaced charging case easier by pinpointing its location in the Find My (AirPods) app.

Very few will complain about the mostly unchanged design or the performance struggles with Android devices, while those with an iOS device will be excited about having the AirPods Pro 2 as their go-to for music listening.

Read our full AirPods Pro 2 review.

Best Apple headphones

Apple’s wireless headphones live up to the hype with exceptional audio and ANC performance. Underneath the sleek, clean-looking design are 40mm custom dynamic drivers that pump out near-audiophile-grade sound, balancing frequencies superbly well to enjoy rich mids, highs, and lows. Spatial audio helps create the illusion of a 360-degree soundscape when listening to music or watching movies. If you like the AirPods Pro’s noise cancellation, the AirPods Max is even more impressive, employing eight mics to effectively block out the majority of external sounds. Seamless iOS integration means you’ll not only connect to Apple devices with ease, but also gain access to numerous software perks including audio sharing, automatic switching, and “Hey Siri” voice activation.

It’s ballsy for Apple to price their headphones $150 higher than Bose. However, for Apple fanboys who live on iOS and macOS devices, these cans are the ideal audio investment, if you can afford them.

See our full Apple AirPods Max review.

Best Beats wireless earbuds

The Fit Pro offers near-identical performance to the AirPods Pro (Gen 1) and improves on Beats’ innovative design. Noise cancellation is highly effective, and sound is superior to all AirPods models. Having access to most iOS features is always appreciated. The installed wingtips and IPX4 rating make the Fit Pro a must-have for gym rats.

Be mindful that the Eartip Fit Test isn’t as reliable as the AirPods Pro version. Also, the Android app lacks extra features, though you’re still getting much of the meat and potatoes that come tied to Apple’s ecosystem.

Best budget buds

The first-gen AirPods Pro is a much bigger deal than any of us could have predicted. Through some clever engineering, Apple managed to squeeze three microphones and six sensors into the tiny buds, redesigned the casing, and still had room for its lauded H1 chip. This all makes for one well-rounded experience that makes usability seamless across numerous verticals, from connectivity to sound personalization to voice activation (“Hey Siri”). Audio quality surpasses what previous AirPods models offered, and noise cancellation is undeniably great for blocking out incidental noises during commutes.

The stem design isn’t the most attractive, but at least it has been shrunk down to a more discrete size. You’ll also need to deal with the low battery life, granted the charging case does provide some relief when on the go.

Read our full AirPods Pro review.

Best all-around audio

The AirPods 3 is a definite step up from the AirPods 2. It gives listeners a more premium look in line with the AirPods Pro, though it stops just short of aping the top-tier product, falling more into the barely mid-tier range category. Thanks to Apple’s chip wizardry, the earbuds deliver clear, warm audio whether you listen to music, watch TV, or are on a video call. And I highly recommend taking the spatial audio feature for a spin.

You get many of the AirPods Pro’s premium features on the AirPods 3 at about $20 cheaper and nearly an hour more battery life with MagSafe charging capabilities. If you’re looking for a powerful update to the popular AirPods 2 without totally breaking the bank on the Pro, the AirPods 3 is the way to go, hands down.

Read our full AirPods 3 review.

Most balanced headphones

Beats headphones get a bad rap for being more style than substance. While the company’s original noise-cancellers, the Studio 3, was a solid pair of sound blasters, they didn’t exactly live up to their promise as a potential category leader. The Solo Pro certainly changes that argument. This sleek pair of on-ears pumps out refined, balanced sound and features effective noise cancellation and a nifty transparency mode that filters in more ambient sound so you can be aware of your surroundings. You get a decent amount of battery life to work with at 22 hours, but Beats’ Fast Fuel technology helps speed up the recharging process when necessary, generating 3 hours of playtime on a 10-minute charge.

Apple also brings its H1 chip to the Solo Pro, which enables seamless pairing and a fun audio-sharing feature for when you want to listen with friends who also own pair of Beats headphones or AirPods.

See our full Beats Solo Pro review.

Best Apple multi-platform wireless earbuds

Platform-neutral performance on a pair of Apple earbuds was a pipe dream until the Beats Studio Buds came along. These super-tiny, cordless in-ear monitors play nicely with iOS and Android devices, operating on a new (and undisclosed) processor that provides true Find My Buds support and one-touch pairing to Apple or Android phones via Class 1 Bluetooth connection. Apple tweaked the soundstage to give these buds more refined sound than the Powerbeats Pro. ANC is also shockingly good on the Studio Buds and cancels out a wide number of ambient sounds. Battery life is rated higher than the AirPods Pro as well.

Some iOS users won’t be happy about unsupported features such as auto switching between iCloud-registered devices and Siri Announce Notifications; these are exclusive and tied to Apple’s H1 processor. Nonetheless, the performance and value these buds offer is too good to ignore.

Read our full Beats Studio Buds review.

Best value earbuds

Fast, smart, and longer-lasting than the first-gen model, the AirPods 2 remains a top-tier option for iPhones owners who want the true wireless Apple experience without spending extra on the AirPods Pro. A current price drop to $135 (check Amazon) makes them even more appealing. Apple gives people what they want with wireless charging and a hands-free approach to Siri. Other notable features include a Find My iPhone setting, Announce Messages with Siri, audio sharing between two AirPods or Beats headphones, and instantaneous connectivity to iOS/MacOS devices. The AirPods 2 are also set to receive automatic switching as part of the upcoming iOS 14 update, which is rumored to launch this September.

On top of all of that, you’ll find much pleasure in knowing the AirPods 2 holds a longer charge (5 hours) than the AirPods Pro (4.5 hours). However, portable power is the same, with the charging case holding 24 hours of juice. And the fact that they offer 50% more talk time is the icing on the cake, especially since the original AirPods' was near-instantaneous.

Best Apple workout buds

Apple isn't making a fitness version of its popular AirPods, or so we think. Until then, the PowerBeats Pro is the best you will get in terms of a true sporty model. These buds pack great performance in a durable, water-resistant shell. The company's even gone as far as to include the new H1 chip, making seamless integration with all iDevices even faster. Automatic switching has been added as well via the iOS 14 update.

Audio is crucial for any pair of sports headphones, and fortunately, Apple has toned down the Beats' bass-heavy sound signature. The Powerbeats Pro has a more balanced presentation that blends emphatic lows and tighter mids and highs. Those who constantly complain about the AirPods poor battery life can breathe easy knowing these buds hold nearly double the amount of playtime on a full charge at nine hours. While not the most portable-friendly, the charging case gets you about two extra charges on the go as well.

Best ANC headphones

The Studio3 Wireless remains a hot seller among brand enthusiasts and budget-conscious millennials who aren’t ready to splurge big on the AirPods Max. These stylish cans welcome some notable improvements on the sonic front that put Beats previous headphones to shame. Mids and highs are emphasized, blending well with Beats’ signature bass profile. Noise cancellation has been increased as well to provide acceptable results; it’s good enough to drown out construction equipment and hush rowdy pedestrians.

Apple users get the best experience, thanks to the W1 chip, which increases battery life and connectivity range on iPhone models. Android users aren’t afforded the same luxuries, as the headphones often have trouble connecting to non-iOS devices. That doesn’t mean you won’t be able to enjoy the Studio3’s quality sound and strong battery life.

How to choose the best Apple headphones and earbuds for you

It goes without saying that your Apple/Beats products should all support the most current iOS version. This gets you the latest software perks and enhances the user experience across all iOS/macOS devices. Note that some features won’t apply to every Apple-made headphone or wireless earbuds. Just make sure you get the essentials like audio sharing, instantaneous connectivity, and “Hey Siri” voice activation, just to name a few.

Next on the list is audio. You want the best sound and call quality, so having a model that boasts powerful drivers and microphones can help big time. Apple’s introduction of Spatial Audio, which uses dynamic head tracking to create 360-degree immersive sound, is available on select models.

Apple doesn’t have the greatest track record when it comes to battery life, but the company is responsible for setting the industry average time for wireless earbuds: five hours. Newer AirPods and Beats wireless earbuds either fall in the same range or offer higher playtimes. The company’s over-ear and on-ear ANC headphones also fall within the category’s industry average time (20 hours) and can extend playtime when ANC is off.

These products don’t come cheap, so to ensure their safety, seek out models that either have IPX4 sweat and splash resistance or have third-party covers available for full-on protection. Consider adding an AppleCare warranty, too.

How we test the best Apple headphones and earbuds

When testing for the best Apple headphones and earbuds, Laptop Magazine evaluates several factors: design, comfort, sound, value, and multiplatform compatibility. Our selections are then compared to similar products in the category in terms of features, fit, and pricing.

Apple headphones and earbuds are worn over the course of a week for 2 to 3 hours at a time. We assess comfort, ease of use, and audio quality during this time. Sample tracks across several music genres (hip hop, rock, jazz, classical) are played, analyzing clarity, depth, imaging, and volume. Audiobooks, games, podcasts, and videos are taken into consideration. Any models supporting spatial audio are also tested using compatible hi-res streaming services (e.g., Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal).

Those who want to improve the sound quality on their laptop or mobile device may want to look over this audio codec FAQ to learn about FLAC files, MP3s, and other audio file codecs.

Once testing is completed, every model is rated based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Any truly exemplary product is awarded an Editor’s Choice.

Why trust Laptop Mag

Laptop Mag reviews over one hundred different laptops every year, from paperweight ultralights to everyday workhorses to lumbering gaming notebooks that scorch the frame rates of even the hottest AAA games. We're not just experts in the laptop field, as we go one step further by meticulously testing smartphones, tablets, headphones, PC accessories, software, and even the latest in gaming.

We are 100% independent and have decades of experience to help you buy with confidence. In fact, Laptop Mag has been testing and reviewing products for three decades, and we continue to deliver trustworthy reviews you can rely on.

Our experienced team of writers and editors scour the available information about the laptop and put it through its paces to determine which is best for you. But before they start, the testing team subjects each system to a rigorous regimen of synthetic and real-world tests to see how a system handles the type of work and games you’re most likely to throw at it.

Our editorial trustworthiness is enforced by one of the world's largest technology publishers, Future Publishing. As a company, we have unrivaled experience across every tech sector — and we're the group's specialist for all things mobile tech.

Investing in the best noise-cancelling earbuds is a serious commitment. You’re not just looking for wireless earbuds that can block out ambient noise effectively. The goal is to purchase something that can also rewards you with high-end sound and special features. And with the category growing immensely since the AirPods Pro came to market, there’s a plethora of options that are an Amazon 1-Click order away from arriving at your front door.

Apple isn’t the only name on the noise-cancelling block that puts out excellent true wireless hardware. The king of ANC, Bose, remains a primetime player, as well as premium audio staples such as Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. Let’s not forget newcomers like Edifier and Samsung either, two brands that have established their place among the category elite.

• The best noise cancelling headphones of 2022
• Best wireless headphones for every budget and occasion

After testing every major release, we’ve compiled a ranking of the best noise-cancelling earbuds based on performance, price, and purpose. Keep scrolling to see which models guarantee peaceful listening.

What are the best noise-cancelling earbuds?

In first place on our list of the best noise-cancelling earbuds is the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2. No surprise, considering how Bose improved their class-leading ANC technology and integrated it into a more compact and ergonomic design. The first-gen QC Earbuds wireless earbuds aren’t too far behind, harnessing many of the 700 Headphones’ hallmarks, including adaptive noise-cancelling technology and superb call quality.

A close second is the Sony WF-1000XM4. While nearly flawless, its noise-cancelling capabilities, which are excellent, fall slightly short of the QuietComfort Earbuds. On the other hand, the WF-1000XM4’s battery life, feature set, and sound quality are superior. The fantastic redesign doesn’t get the credit it deserves either.

The Momentum True Wireless 3 comes in third place and marks a huge leap for Sennheiser’s wireless earbuds series. A handful of sound features were added to enhance sound quality and there is adaptive noise cancellation that intelligently tweaks noise reduction to your surroundings. This version has even received a gorgeous facelift with a fancier exterior, new shape, and improved touch controls.

Apple’s latest noise-cancelling earbuds, the AirPods Pro 2, made the cut and introduce a variety of upgrades. Some of these include Adaptive Transparency, Personalized Spatial Audio, and FindMy compatibility with the MagSage charging case to easily locate the device when lost or misplaced. New skin-detecting sensors and touch volume controls simple operation, while increased ANC playtimes extend playtime.

Keep reading for more extensive feedback on the best noise-cancelling earbuds.

The best noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy today

Just when we thought Bose couldn’t outdo themselves, they upped the ante with their latest noise-cancellers. The QuietComfort Earbuds 2 improves on everything that made its predecessor an ANC goliath, using new technology called CustomTune to calibrate both noise neutralization and the sound frequency profile to the unique properties of your ears. Results are fantastic, with the buds blocking out slightly more ambient noise than the original QC Earbuds. Furthermore, new features like ActiveSense let you hear music and ambient noise equally well when enabling Aware mode. 

The controls don’t demonstrate the best touch accuracy, and the price is higher than any Apple and Sony noise-cancelling earbuds. Then again, no one said category-leading ANC comes cheap.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 review.

Bose may have the best buds for ANC, but Sony has the better overall model, and noise cancellation that doesn’t fall too far behind. The new V1 processor enhances performance on all fronts, allowing for more accurate noise neutralization, while clearing up the soundstage for rich and detailed results. 360 Reality Audio gives music an immersive feel and DSEE Extreme upscales lo-fi records for higher fidelity. You’re getting some of the longest playtimes with ANC on at 8 hours, which can be extended to 12 hours when disabling the mode. Features are also plentiful via the Sony Connect Headphones app, which offers numerous ways to customize the buds.

Sony gave the WF-1000XM4 a complete makeover with an oval shape and steampunk-like aesthetic, but its bulkiness and the memory foam tips cause stability issues. For $279, Sony could have included a Find My Buds function as well; a software update should be able to fix that.

Read our full Sony WF-1000XM4 review.

The QC Earbuds are an incredible true wireless ANC debut for Bose. They figured out how to stuff its elongated buds with the same ANC technology as their flagship headphones, nearly matching the 700’s elite noise neutralization with half the mics. The same warm sound signature has been carried over as well, with the company’s Active EQ and proprietary drivers manning audio duties. And if you’re someone who spends most of their days on phone calls and video chats, then take solace knowing the QuietComfort Earbuds will treat you better than any other pair of wireless earbuds out there. 

Keep in mind that battery life is subpar and enabling any of the listening modes will drain juice quickly. Also, the charging case is massive and carries a smaller number of charges than its formidable competitors.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds review.

If you’re asking for a model that can go toe-to-toe with the Sony WF-1000XM4 in key categories – ANC, sound, and special features – the Momentum True Wireless 3 is it. Priced lower than Sony’s flagship buds, Sennheiser’s latest creation is an aesthetic and sonic beauty that blends superb hi-res audio into an award-winning design. New features like Sound Check are essential for fine-tuning audio to your ears. Adaptive noise cancellation puts a muzzle on ambient noises across the frequency spectrum, especially high-frequency sounds. We’re also appreciative of the buds receiving aptX Adaptive codec support to dynamically scale the bitrate and adjust what you’re hearing on the fly.

It’s still a mystery why Sennheiser has yet to introduce a Find My Buds function. More disappointing is the call quality. Nonetheless, look past these two shortcomings and you’ll find the Momentum True Wireless 3 is a superb upgrade.

The AirPods Pro 2 replaces the original as Apple’s best noise-cancelling earbuds. ANC is stronger, blocking out close to 90 percent of noises across the frequency spectrum, specifically high-pitched noises. Adaptive Transparency is arguably the category’s best ambient listening mode, engineered to keep listeners aware of their surroundings and reduce harsh environmental noise at the same time. Not to mention Apple offers other cool alternatives such as Conversation Boost (to increase vocals during chats) and Live Listen, which transforms your iPhone into a live mic that captures and sends external sounds to your AirPods.

Sound is enriched, battery life receives a nice boost, and features like Precision Finding are now integrated into the MagSafe charging case to pinpoint the device’s location when lost via Find My (AirPods) app. Talk about a masterful sequel.

Read our full AirPods Pro 2 review.

Edifier equipped their flagship wireless earbuds with superb audio technologies, including 10mm drivers, a Knowles balanced moving iron coil, customizable EQ, and LDAC and LHDC codec support. The latter is beneficial for streaming lossless music at the highest transfer speeds. A low-latency Game Mode also comes part of the package, improving audio synchronization when playing games and watching videos. Noise cancellation is just as impressive and blocks out enough ambient noise to enjoy music in peace. The Ambient Sound mode is also powerful, providing greater awareness of your surroundings and letting you eavesdrop on conversations from several feet away. 

Battery life isn’t anything to brag about, especially since it is only 30 minutes longer than the AirPods Pro. The lack of certain modern features like on-ear detection and wireless charging seems like a questionable decision as well. Either way, $89 for this type of sound performance is not something you stumble upon frequently. 

Read our full Edifier NeoBuds Pro review.

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro replaces the excellent Galaxy Buds Pro as Samsung’s flagship entry. These buds welcome numerous upgrades, including stronger noise cancellation, versatile sound performance, and a revamped design that creates more effective airflow to accommodate longer listening sessions. Samsung’s new custom coaxial 2-way speaker produces wide, detailed sound and 3D Audio gives music and movies a more immersive presence. Perks like PowerShare for reverse wireless charging and one-tap Easy Pair are greatly appreciated, but Samsung’s scalable codec (SSC HiFi) is the model’s killer feature, enhancing sound significantly when listening on a Galaxy smartphone. 

Battery life disappointments with only 5 hours of ANC playback, placing it in the same company as the AirPods Pro. Bixby voice activation doesn’t live up to its billing either and often fails to activate when speaking out its wake word phrase (“Hi Bixby”). Despite these flaws, the upside of owning these buds is still positive.

Android-philes wanting the best Google experience possible will want to pair the Pixel Buds Pro with their current Pixel smartphone. Services like Google Assistant, Translate, and Notifications all work flawlessly on these buds. A custom 6-core audio processor was developed to deliver versatile sound, which can also be personalized via Volume EQ; bass and treble frequencies are increased when listening at low volume levels. ANC is just as impressive, blocking out many ambient noises in different settings and reducing wind presence. Pairing is instantaneous on Android devices, thanks to one-tap Google Fast Pair, though the buds also connect quickly to iOS/macOS devices.

Those who are constantly on the move will find the Pixel Buds Pro’s loose fit problematic. On top of that, you’ll want to keep your own USB-C cable on hand because Google does not include one with the purchase.

Read our full Google Pixel Buds Pro review.

The second entry in the LinkBuds series is a major upgrade over the original. Ditching the unique open-ear design for a more traditional oval in-ear design helps deliver fuller, natural sound. Features like DSEE improve low-fi recordings and LDAC codec support streams content at a faster bitrate. Sony’s 360 Reality Audio platform makes select music sound more immersive. On top of that, you get a plethora of audio personalization tools in the companion app to tweak sound to your liking. The noise cancellation is also worth celebrating since it reduces external sounds at a high level, while also granting 20 levels of adjustable ambient noise to increase your awareness of surroundings. 

Battery life has always been a strength of Sony’s, and though a single charge holds up well for modern standards, the charging case doesn’t with just 20 hours of extra playtime. 

Read our full Sony LinkBuds S review.

The Elite 7 Pro brings several improvements to Jabra’s true wireless series, along with proprietary technologies and a new design that is 16 percent smaller than its predecessors. Unique features like MySound personalizes the EQ for you to achieve optimal sound, which ends up being dynamic and bass-forward. Access to the Jabra Sound+ app enhances the possibilities with multiple presets designed for different content, as well as a customizable EQ to manually create your own sound profile. The Personalize ANC setting is another fun feature that lets you tweak noise neutralization to your hearing. But the unsung hero on these buds is battery life, giving you 7 hours of ANC playtime, 35 to 42 hours in total via charging case, depending on how you use the buds.

If you’re mindful that some modern features are unavailable, and refrain from using Jabra’s ear fit test, you’ll find plenty of value out of these sub-$200 buds.

Read our full Jabra Elite 7 Pro review.

How to choose the best noise-cancelling earbuds for you

ANC is the most crucial attribute when seeking out the best noise-cancelling earbuds. You want active noise cancellation, not passive noise cancellation. There is a huge difference between the two. PNC uses the design to seal out unwanted noise, whereas ANC uses microphones and speakers to reduce background and surrounding noises. Essentially, look for a pair that can do the latter at a high level and offers an ambient sound mode to increase environmental awareness, when necessary.

Audio quality is second on the checklist. Explore models with powerful drivers and customization settings to personalize how you hear all media formats. Bonuses like an EQ, presets, or spatial audio are greatly appreciated, but not vital.

Be mindful that special features suck up lots of power, so any model that can grant you solid listening times with ANC on is clutch. The industry-standard battery life is 5 hours for noise-cancelling earbuds and 24 hours for charging cases, though you can find models that generate double these playtimes.

What about wireless functionality? More wireless earbuds are supporting Bluetooth 5.0 versions, giving users faster connectivity, increased range (est. 120 meters max), longer battery, and even multipoint technology to pair two audio sources simultaneously. Add digital assistance (Siri, Google, Alexa, Bixby) to this section as well.

How we test the best noise-cancelling earbuds

Our testing process for determining the best noise-cancelling earbuds consists of evaluating several factors, including design, comfort, sound, and value. All selections are compared to similar products in the category in terms of features, fit, and pricing.

Noise-cancelling earbuds are worn over the course of a week for 2 to 3 hours at a time. During this period, we assess comfort, ease of use, and audio quality. Reviewers listen to sample tracks across several music genres, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, and classical, while analyzing clarity, depth, imaging, and volume. Audiobooks, games, podcasts, and videos are also accounted for.

Furthermore, models featuring the latest audio codecs (e.g., aptX, LDAC) and spatial audio are tested using compatible hi-res streaming services (e.g., Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal). 

To learn more about how these services can improve the sound quality on your laptops and mobile devices, here is an expert audio codec FAQ on everything you should know about FLAC files, MP3s, and all other audio file codecs.

Once testing is completed, every model is rated based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Any product that is truly exemplary is awarded an Editor’s Choice.

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The best noise-cancelling headphones make it possible to hear our favorite songs, movies, and podcasts in peace and quiet. They are designed to block out the unwanted noise of planes, trains, and colleagues, while delivering unmatched audio, great comfort, and stable battery life. Some even come with smart features that enhance the listening experience on all devices.

Living in an obnoxiously loud world that makes it difficult to hear music the way it was meant to be heard – with sonic precision and free of distractions –is where active noise-cancelling headphones come to the rescue.

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Since there are a lot of sound silencers out there, it’s easy to pick a pair you’ll regret spending money on because it either looked cool or was available at a super-cheap price on Amazon. Don’t fall for it. We vetted several of the top brands to find the best options for you. This includes big names such as Apple, Bose, Sony, and Sennheiser, along with newcomers to the category like Cleer.

If you’re looking for some of the best noise-cancelling headphones to pair with your all-new iPhone or laptop, look no further. Let’s get into our top picks.

What are the best noise-cancelling headphones?

Right now, the Bose 700 Headphones are considered the No. 1 best noise-cancelling headphones. The company’s latest model has set the new standard for noise neutralization on wireless headphones, featuring 10 levels of adjustable ANC and an eight-mic system that produces superior sound and call quality. If you want something similar, but in true wireless form, it doesn’t get any better than Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2, which harnesses the same innovative ANC technology and slightly better sound quality than the 700. A complete redesign and updated features also make the wireless earbuds a significant upgraded over the original QC Earbuds, which are still an excellent pair to consider at a lower price point.

Coming in a close second on our best noise-cancelling headphones list is the Sony WH-1000xM5. Not only is the latest Sony flagship model one of the best-sounding pairs on the list, but it also has remarkable adaptive ANC that nearly rivals Bose’s technology. These same sentiments can be shared about its true wireless sibling, the WF-1000XM4, which remains our favorite wireless earbuds overall. The extended battery life and special features like 360 Reality Audio (spatial audio), Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) Extreme, and LDAC make both models ideal Bose alternatives. More importantly, this is an excellent option for music lovers who want to block out the ambient chaos around them.

Not far behind is the Sennheiser Momentum 4 – the legacy audio brand’s latest noise-cancelling headphone. This sequel packs excellent ANC, hi-fi sound, and long-lasting battery life into an updated design. We’re fans of Smart Control, Sennheiser’s companion app that offers a variety of features to personalize performance, from the controls to noise cancellation. Joining the party is the Momentum True Wireless 3, a true wireless variant that blend excellent noise cancellation and dynamic, customizable sound into an award-winning design.

Bowers & Wilkins has made a strong comeback with the PX8. This upgrade serves up premium noise cancellation and sound in an upgraded design that feels lighter than its predecessor. Strong specs and microphones were installed in these beauties to deliver high-end performance across the board.

Don’t think we forgot about Apple’s latest noise-cancelling earbuds: the AirPods Pro 2. Upgraded with stronger ANC, smarter features, and Personalized Spatial Audio for a more immersive 3D listening experience, these dangling in-ears live up to their hype.

There is something here for every type of listener. Here is our ranking of the best noise-cancelling headphones based on performance, style, and purpose.

The best noise cancelling headphones you can buy today

New design? Check. Enhanced noise cancellation? Check. Stronger specs? Check. Special features? Check. Reasonably long battery life? Check. Great audio performance? Check. The Bose 700 makes the strongest argument for best noise-cancelling headphones by offering all of this and so much more. Granted, noise cancellation is where these wireless headphones really stand out. With 10 adjustable levels, these are, by far, the most powerful ANC headphones that Bose has made to date.

The technology not only works when you're listening to music or podcasts; the eight integrated mics ensure that the sound quality when you're making and receiving calls is just as good as when you're using only your smartphone. Bose also added easy-to-use touch controls and a slick companion app to set your default digital assistant (e.g. Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri) and cycle through ANC levels. While battery life is standard at 20 hours, this is shorter than what most competitive models offer, though you can pick up the 700 charging case for $80 to gain an extra 40 hours and store the cans safely.

Also, anyone working remotely who wants to advance their virtual collaborations can pick up the 700 UC edition, a new model designed to work with third-party cloud services like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Zoom.

See our full Bose 700 review.

Sony’s latest noise-cancelling headphones welcome several new improvements that elevate them above any other ANC model other than the Bose 700. All of Sony’s proprietary technologies (e.g., 360 Reality Audio, LDAC) come part of the package, helping create an immersive and spacious soundscape to enjoy all media. Access to the Sony Headphones Connect app extends functionality by offering up several personalization tools to tweak sound. Sony’s QN1 ANC and V1 processors give the WH-1000XM5 stronger noise cancellation than its predecessor, plus the addition of more mics and stronger wind resistance fix the one issue that has plagued this series: call quality.

The all-new design is said to be more eco-friendly, and while greatly appreciated, it lacks the premium look and feel of past Mark Series releases.

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review.

The original QC Earbuds served as an exceptional true wireless alternative to the Bose 700, and its sequel proves to be even better. Bose’s new ANC technology can map the contours of your ears to create a personalized ANC profile for optimal noise reduction. These buds can block out close to 95 percent of incidental sounds and never compromise audio quality. Speaking of which, the QuietComfort Earbuds 2’s sound signature has been tweaked to deliver full frequency range and punchy bass that enlivens music tracks. We can’t forget the all-new design that looks and fits better on the ears.

Bose chose not to increase ANC playtime or provide an option to disable the feature for battery life preservation. The finicky touch controls and unreliable app connectivity can be concerning as well. Just remember you’re choosing the QuietComfort Earbuds 2 mostly on its ANC and sonic merits.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 review.

The battle for ANC supremacy has mostly been a back-and-forth battle between Bose and Sony, but Sennheiser just bogarted their way into the conversation with the phenomenal Momentum 4 wireless headphones. This fourth-gen model comes with rivaling active noise cancellation that effectively adapts to your environments and listening habits, while dishing out vibrant, depth-filled sound complementary of all music genres. There are some cool features to play with, including multipoint technology (pair to two devices simultaneously) and Sound Check to automatically adjust EQ to your sonic preference. Having up to 60 hours of ANC playtime is also amazing, tripling the amount of battery life offered by the Bose 700.

The extra weight doesn’t do much for comfort and the touch controls could use some work, but if sound is your priority, it would be foolish to overlook this gem.

Read our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 review.

The Sony WF-1000XM4 is about as perfect as a pair of wireless earbuds come. Overall performance is dynamic, courtesy of Sony’s new V1 processor, which keeps the buds operating at a fast pace and simultaneously reduces distortion, while enhancing the audio quality. Music and movies sound excellent, thanks to Sony’s well-defined sound profile and 360 Reality Audio support for spatial audio. Noise cancellation is powerful. Features are practical and in abundance; you will feel overwhelmed when entering the Sony Headphones Connect app. Battery life is sufficient with 6 hours of ANC playback. The design has also been revamped for better durability, enhanced noise neutralization, and a more ergonomic fit.

The only real complaint that we have is the lack of a Find My Earbuds function (this is a must for any pair of $300 buds). Besides that, the WF-1000XM4 crushes nearly every mark.

Read our full Sony WF-1000XM4 review.

On paper, very little differentiates the PX7 S2 from the PX8. However, the upgrades in drivers and design play a crucial role in the flagship model’s performance. B&W’s all-new carbon cone 40mm drive units were engineered similarly to the ones found in their 700 Series loudspeakers, producing immaculate detail, resolution, and separation. The soft-touch leather applied to each earcup adds to the product’s luxury appearance. We’re also fans of the elite ANC and long playtime.

A $700 price tag doesn’t make these the most attainable headphones in the category. Call quality could be better as well. Either way, the PX8 is a splurge-worthy investment for audio purists wanting hi-end sound and noise cancellation.