Best headphones of 2026

My team and I have spent more than a decade testing headphones, logging countless hours with just about every style you can think of. We've used all that hands-on experience to narrow things down to the five best headphones you can buy in 2026. No matter the price or design, every pair on this list has two things in common: they sound great and stay comfortable enough to wear for hours.

If you're after wireless over-ear headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are still the ones to beat. They strike the best balance of any Bluetooth headphones my audio experts have tested, with rich, detailed sound and strong active noise cancellation (ANC) that genuinely helps on flights or noisy commutes. But if you prefer earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM5 deliver a similar experience in a smaller package, with impressive sound and ANC for their size.

You'll also see excellent options from Bose, Apple, and Soundcore throughout this guide. Whether you're chasing high-end ANC or just need an affordable pair under $150, this roundup of the best headphones has something that fits your ears, lifestyle, and budget.

Our top picks for the best headphones

Best overall: Sony WH-1000XM5 - See at Amazon

Best on a budget: Soundcore Space 2 - See at Amazon

Best noise-canceling: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) - See at Amazon

Best earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM5 - See at Amazon

Best AirPods: AirPods Pro 3 - See at Amazon

Best overall

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best over-ear headphones for most people, offering a standout blend of excellent sound quality, useful features, and effective noise cancellation. Some rivals outperform them in specific areas, but nothing else delivers such an impressive overall package for this price. Simply put, they're the most versatile and well-rounded Bluetooth headphones you can buy.

First and foremost, the XM5 headphones sound great. Their spacious, balanced tuning brings out fine details across all genres. Bass can feel a bit heavy out of the box, but Sony's Headphones Connect app includes a multi-band EQ that lets you adjust the sound to your taste.

Comfort is another strong point. The XM5's understated design, padded earcups, and lightweight build make them easy to wear for long stretches. Playback and volume controls are built into the earcups, and Sony's swipe-and-tap interface was reliably responsive in our testing. One downside: unlike the previous XM4s, the XM5s don't fold for compact storage.

Noise cancellation is excellent as well. Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) hold a lead in raw ANC performance, but the XM5s still do a terrific job muting everyday distractions. On flights and commutes, they significantly reduce engine rumble without adding white noise, letting you stay focused on your music or podcasts.

Call quality is strong, too, and Sony packs in plenty of useful features, including Bluetooth multipoint for easy device switching. The companion app is one of the better ones out there, making it simple to customize settings and fine-tune your listening experience.

Read our Sony WH-1000XM5 review and Sony WH-1000XM6 review.

Visit our guide to all the best Sony headphones.

Best on a budget

The Soundcore Space 2 are the best budget headphones we've tested, especially for shoppers who want effective noise cancellation without paying premium prices. At around $130, they cost far less than flagship models from Sony and Bose, yet deliver unusually strong noise reduction for the money.

The Space 2 do an excellent job of quieting low-frequency distractions, including the hum of fans, HVAC systems, and airplane engines. They also noticeably soften everyday sounds, such as road noise and nearby conversations. More expensive headphones still have an advantage in blocking higher-pitched noise and delivering a much more natural transparency mode, but the Space 2 rise above other models we've tested in this price range.

The headphones' surprisingly strong ANC is one of their main selling points, but it's not the only reason to buy them. Sound quality is another step up from what we expect at this price. The Soundcore Space 2 offer clear vocals, solid detail, and a warm overall presentation that works well with most music. As with many mainstream wireless headphones, bass can be a little too forceful on some tracks, but the Soundcore app's multi-band EQ makes it easy to dial it back. The app also adds useful extras, including audio presets, a volume limiter, LDAC support for compatible Android devices, and multipoint pairing.

The Space 2 are comfortable enough for long listening sessions, with thick foam padding and a slimmer design than the first-gen Space headphones. Battery life is outstanding, too: you can get up to 50 hours with ANC on or 70 hours with it off. That's the longest battery life of any headphones in this guide. However, a few compromises remain, including mediocre physical controls, ear pads that can get warm over time, and the lack of a hard carrying case. Still, for budget-minded buyers who prioritize noise cancellation, the Space 2 offer an exceptional value.

Read our Soundcore Space 2 review.

Best noise-canceling

The battle for the best noise-canceling headphones is fierce. Premium models like the Sony WH-1000XM6, Apple AirPods Max 2, and Sonos Ace Ultra all offer impressive capabilities that often put them neck and neck during real-world testing. But while the competition is incredibly close, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) are still the cans we reach for most often when we want to quiet the world around us.

To be clear, trying to decide an ANC winner among this premium tier is like splitting hairs. In certain situations, such as listening in a noisy café, one brand may pull slightly ahead of the pack, while another may take the lead when on an airplane. But in our testing, the QC Ultra 2nd Gen headphones held their own across the widest range of environments. If blocking out distractions is your top priority, these are the best headphones to get.

The QC Ultra 2nd Gen excel at quieting low-frequency rumbles — like engines, fans, and construction — but what really stands out is how well they dampen higher-frequency sounds, such as voices and keyboard clicks. Their transparency mode is another highlight. It sounds natural and uses refined ActiveSense tech that does a great job suppressing sudden loud noises without making the audio feel artificial. This mode is ideal when you want to be aware of your surroundings without taking your headphones off.

Audio quality is good as well. Some listeners may want to adjust the bass using the Bose Music app's three-band EQ, but once tuned, the mix is clear, detailed, and well-balanced. The headphones also support Bose's spatial audio with head tracking for an immersive, speaker-like soundstage.

Design-wise, the QC Ultra 2nd Gen headphones lean into premium materials, including soft protein-leather earcups and an aluminum headband. For this generation, Bose added stylish metal accents for a slightly more upscale look, and the headphones fold for easy travel. Battery life hits 30 hours with ANC on, up from 24 hours in the previous model. Bose also improved wear detection: the headphones can power down and disconnect automatically when you set them flat, then wake and reconnect when you put them back on. It's a small change that makes daily use noticeably smoother.

Check out our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) review.

Visit our guide to all the best Bose headphones.

Best earbuds

Sony's WF-1000XM5 have everything we look for in top wireless earbuds. They're compact, offer excellent sound quality, deliver solid battery life, and feature powerful noise cancellation.

Earbuds are ideal for on-the-go use, and the WF-1000XM5 are light and easy to carry with their handy wireless charging case. The buds themselves are notably sleeker than their predecessors, the WF-1000XM4 earbuds, which were larger and rounder. Battery life is also great for earbuds of this type, with up to six hours of playback with ANC on.

Speaking of ANC, the WF-1000XM5 deliver good noise-canceling performance. The earbuds effectively suppressed low-frequency drones and trickier high frequencies in our tests. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds can do a better job in this area, but the XM5 earbuds are no slouch, and we prefer their audio performance.

Sound quality is exceptional, with crisp, deep audio that retains detail across the frequency range. High-resolution Bluetooth playback is also supported, but you'll need an Android device compatible with Sony's LDAC audio technology to enable it.

The earbuds support other useful features, including speak-to-chat, multipoint pairing, and multi-band EQ adjustments that you can use to make personal sound profiles. This is accomplished in the Sony Headphones app, and we like how comprehensive it is.

Fit is subjective, especially with in-ear buds, but we found the WF-1000XM5 to be comfortable and secure during our tests. The only downside to their build is that their glossy material can make them slippery when removing them from their case. But that's an admittedly nitpicky complaint. Where it counts most, the WF-1000XM5 excelled in every benchmark we evaluated.

Visit our guide to the best earbuds.

Best AirPods

The AirPods Pro 3 are Apple's flagship earbuds and the best headphones for pairing with Apple devices like the iPhone or Mac. Compared to the second-generation model they replace, the AirPods Pro 3 deliver improved noise-canceling performance, longer playtime, refined audio quality, enhanced water resistance, and a new built-in heart rate-tracking feature.

Like the second-gen model, the AirPods Pro 3 are powered by Apple's H2 chip, but the company has implemented a new multi-port acoustic architecture to improve airflow. This results in improved sound quality with a wider soundstage and deeper bass.

The AirPods Pro 3's noise-canceling feature has also been upgraded with ultra-low-noise microphones and foam-injected silicone ear tips, which are more effective at preventing sound leakage. In our testing, the ANC quality was indeed excellent and was only beaten by Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2.

The AirPods Pro 3 are also great fitness earbuds, thanks to built-in heart rate sensors that can provide helpful health data on your iPhone. They're IP57 water resistant as well, which means they can withstand temporary submersion.

AirPods are known for their Apple-centric features, and the Pro 3 are packed with conveniences like Siri voice control, Find My support, and seamless switching between Apple devices synced to your Apple account. When paired with a compatible iPhone, you also gain access to aural health features and live translation.

Sadly, these functions are not compatible with Android devices, so the AirPods Pro 3 are really only suited for Apple users. If you're looking for Android-friendly earbuds similar to the AirPods Pro, visit our guide to the best AirPods alternatives.

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 3 review.

Check out our guide to the best AirPods.

How we test headphones

To find the best headphones, our reviewers got hands-on with popular models from every major brand. We don't just skim spec sheets — we spend real time listening, comparing features, and putting each pair through consistent, repeatable tests. Our approach is shaped by years of experience reviewing audio gear, which helps us zero in on what really matters for performance and overall value.

When it comes to sound quality, we listen to a wide range of music across genres and stream videos and podcasts. We also vary the source quality to see how each pair handles everything from standard, lower-bitrate streaming to lossless audio, spatial formats like Dolby Atmos, and wired playback when it's available.

To test active noise cancellation, we play sounds that mimic the drone of an airplane engine and the chatter of a crowded room. But we don't stop there — we also take headphones out into the real world, wearing them on commutes, walks, flights, workouts, and other everyday outings to see how they actually perform outside the lab in a variety of situations.

Above all, we aim to use headphones as most people do. That day-to-day perspective helps us understand how they'll hold up over time — not just how they sound in a quick test. For more details on our review process, check out our breakdown of how we test tech products.

Meet the expert behind this guide:

Steven Cohen, senior tech editor:I lead tech coverage for Business Insider's Reviews team, and I've spent more than a decade writing about home entertainment gear — including headphones in pretty much every style you can think of. Together with my team, I'm constantly testing new models and revisiting longtime favorites to make sure our picks stay up to date. The goal is simple: recommend headphones that actually sound great, feel comfortable, and are truly worth your money.

Learn more about the Reviews team at Business Insider.

What to look for in top headphones

When shopping for the best headphones, consider these core factors to help narrow down the right pair.

Price range: The best headphones can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 or more. Budget models work fine for casual listening, but they're usually built with cheaper materials, have less dynamic sound, and skip premium features like active noise cancellation (ANC). Higher-end options use better components and more advanced drivers to deliver superior audio and added features.

Design: Most headphones are either earbuds or over-ear models. Earbuds sit in or just outside your ears and come in wired or Bluetooth versions; they're lightweight and ideal for portability or workouts. Over-ear headphones use larger earcups and a headband. They're less compact but typically offer the best sound quality.

Connectivity: You can choose between wired and wireless headphones. Wired models— usually with a 3.5mm or USB-C connection — deliver uncompressed audio and remain a favorite among audiophiles. Wireless headphones pair via Bluetooth, offering convenience and solid sound with today's tech, but the signal is still compressed, and you'll need to recharge them. Many Bluetooth models also include a cable for optional wired listening.

Noise cancellation: Most midrange and premium wireless headphones support ANC, which uses built-in mics and processing to reduce outside noise. You can find decent ANC headphones for around $80, but the most effective models generally start around $250. It's rare to find ANC support on wired-only headphones, so you'll typically need to get wireless ones if you want noise canceling.

Headphones FAQs

What's the difference between over-ear headphones and earbuds?

Most top headphones in 2026 are either over-ear or earbud-style models. Each has its advantages, so the right choice depends on how you plan to use them.

Over-ear headphones use a headband and padded earcups that sit around your ears, creating a comfortable seal. Because they can house larger drivers, the best over-ear models typically deliver the highest audio quality.

Earbuds, on the other hand, are compact left and right buds that either rest just outside the ear or sit directly inside the ear canal. In-ear designs create a tighter seal, improving sound quality and noise isolation compared to open-fit buds.

Even though earbuds generally can't match the full, detailed sound of premium over-ear headphones, their portability is a significant draw. They're easy to carry and great for workouts, commuting, or any on-the-go listening.

For recommendations on earbuds geared explicitly toward active users, check out our guides to the best running headphones and the best headphones for working out.

What is noise canceling?

Active noise cancellation, often abbreviated as ANC, is an audio technology incorporated into many headphones. This tech uses built-in microphones and processing to analyze the sounds around you, then block them by reversing their frequencies.

The best headphones with ANC can do an impressive job of reducing ambient distractions. However, even top models can't block out all noises, with high-frequency sounds being particularly tricky.

Many noise-canceling headphones also support a complementary feature, often called "transparency mode." This mode uses the same microphones to let outside sounds in, so you can stay aware of your surroundings when needed.

What is spatial audio?

Spatial audio, as it applies to headphones, is a feature that creates a 3D surround-sound effect.

Some songs available through services like Amazon Music and Apple Music are natively mixed in spatial audio formats, such asDolby Atmos, and canbe played back on any pair of headphones.

Some headphones also feature their own spatial audio modes that simulate 3D audio from any music source. Many of these modes use head-tracking, which repositions sounds to match your head movements, mimicing what it would be like to listen to music in a room with physical speakers.

What are the top headphone brands?

Several brands produce excellent headphones, but certain companies excel at designing models tailored to specific budgets.

For instance, brands like Soundcore and JLab excel at offering entry-level models that provide impressive value for your money. Meanwhile, brands such as Sony, Apple, Beats, and Bose provide a wide selection of mid- to high-end wireless headphones featuring top-notch specifications.

Audiophiles, however, may want to focus on companies like Sennheiser, Master & Dynamic, Technics, Bang & Olufsen, HiFiMan, Focal, and Beyerdynamic. This is especially true if you're looking for a premium pair of wired headphones for critical listening.

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that transmits audio from a compatible source device, such as a phone, to a pair of headphones or speakers without physical cables. Most consumer Bluetooth devices support a maximum wireless connection of 33 feet.

Bluetooth audio signals are technically compressed, which means some sound detail is lost compared to a wired connection that supports lossless audio. However, current Bluetooth implementations and codecs do a great job of minimizing this loss in quality. So, while a wired connection technically offers better performance, in many cases, the differences are subtle.

For other Bluetooth product recommendations, check out our guide to the best Bluetooth speakers.

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