If you're serious about music, a quality pair of headphones can make a huge difference in your listening experience. But with so many choices, finding the right model can be tough. PCMag is here to help since we've been reviewing headphones for over two decades. Several products currently deserve our Editors' Choice award, including the planar magnetic HiFiMan Ananda, the studio-friendly Sony MDR-M1, and the audiophile-quality Grado SR325x. However, your needs may be different, and one of our other recommendations may be a better fit. Be sure to click through to our in-depth reviews for all the details. Don't forget to scroll down past the list for some category buying advice and important clarifications about different headphone types and technologies.
Overview
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![HiFiMan Ananda]()
Best Planar Magnetic HeadphonesHiFiMan Ananda
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![Sony MDR-M1]()
Best for Home StudiosSony MDR-M1
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![Sony WH-1000XM6]()
Best Noise CancellationSony WH-1000XM6
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![Grado SR325x]()
Best Open-Back HeadphonesGrado SR325x
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![Urbanista Los Angeles]()
Best Battery LifeUrbanista Los Angeles
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![Apple AirPods Max]()
Best for iPhone UsersApple AirPods Max
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![Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT]()
Best for Accurate Audio on a BudgetAudio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
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![Anker Soundcore Space One]()
Best for Noise Cancellation on a BudgetAnker Soundcore Space One
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![Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)]()
Best Bose HeadphonesBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![HiFiMan Ananda]()
Best Planar Magnetic HeadphonesHiFiMan Ananda
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The wired HiFiMan Ananda headphones are a powerhouse and a rare five-star product—their planar magnetic drivers deliver a detailed, spectacular audio experience that conjures a real sense of soundstage. An open design only heightens this sensation, while detachable cables extend their longevity.
Who It’s For
If you are an audiophile who wants superb sound, these headphones are worth the small fortune they command. They do leak audio, however, so make sure to run this purchase by any housemates.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Type Circumaural (over-ear) Learn More HiFiMan Ananda Review Review -
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![Sony MDR-M1]()
Best for Home StudiosSony MDR-M1
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Sony MDR-M1 headphones may look somewhat utilitarian, but they are incredibly comfortable to wear. Moreover, their superb audio response makes them well-suited to mixing audio in the studio or passing the time listening at home. We're also fans of their support for high-resolution audio and detachable mini-XLR cable.
Who It’s For
Sony's MDR line has long been the choice of studio dwellers. The M1 works both in the studio and at home thanks to its outstanding comfort and neutral-yet-pleasing sound.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Type Circumaural (over-ear) Learn More Sony MDR-M1 Review -
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![Sony WH-1000XM6]()
Best Noise CancellationSony WH-1000XM6
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones might be the most well-rounded wireless model we've tested: They offer top-tier active noise cancellation and the best possible Bluetooth streaming quality via LDAC. We also like their intuitive controls and full-featured companion app.
Who It’s For
If you want the highest streaming quality over a Bluetooth connection and have an Android phone, these headphones are sure to impress.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Type Circumaural (over-ear) Wireless Learn More Sony WH-1000XM6 Review -
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![Grado SR325x]()
Best Open-Back HeadphonesGrado SR325x
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Grado's SR325x open-back headphones produce exceptionally spacious and detailed sound throughout their frequency range. We're also big fans of how their metallic accents and woven (though irreplaceable) cable combine for a retro look. Note that Grado headphones tend to fit differently than most others, so they might require a bit of adjustment initially.
Who It's For
If you want expansive sound from wired headphones with throwback style, these should be at the top of your list. They're an excellent entry into the world of high-end open-back audio.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Type Supra-aural (on-ear) Learn More Grado SR325x Review -
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![Urbanista Los Angeles]()
Best Battery LifeUrbanista Los Angeles
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Urbanista Los Angeles headphones make this list because of their innovative ability to charge via solar power—or really, any light source. Otherwise, they offer solid audio and noise cancellation for the price.
Who It’s For
If you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint, these headphones can help (even if just a little bit). They might also appeal if you want to get rid of all the extra charging cables around your home.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth Type Circumaural (over-ear) Wireless Learn More Urbanista Los Angeles Review -
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![Apple AirPods Max]()
Best for iPhone UsersApple AirPods Max
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Despite some obvious sculpting, the AirPods Max still sound quite good, with robust lows and detailed highs. Spatial audio remains a bit gimmicky, but their noise cancellation mode often delivers excellent results that match those of top-end Bose and Sony models.
Who It’s For
If you're an Apple loyalist who wants a seamless headphone experience with iOS devices, nothing comes close to the AirPods Max. And let’s not forget they're a bit of a status symbol—if you want to stand out in a crowd, these certainly don't look like many other headphones out there.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Battery Life 20 hours Charging Support Lightning Chip H1 headphone chip Connection Type Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C Hands-Free Siri On-Ear Controls Digital crown (playback, Siri, track navigation, volume); button (ANC/Transparency selecion, pairing) Spatial Audio Personalized Spatial audio with Head tracking Transparency Mode Standard Type Circumaural (over-ear) Water Resistance None Wireless Learn More Apple AirPods Max Review -
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![Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT]()
Best for Accurate Audio on a BudgetAudio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The name Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but these headphones deliver accurate audio with a realistic sense of sub-bass. That excellent sound quality makes up for a lack of extra features.
Who It’s For
If you simply want to hear your music the way the artist or engineer intended, these headphones offer that experience at an affordable price.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Bluetooth Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Type Circumaural (over-ear) Wireless Learn More Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT Review -
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![Anker Soundcore Space One]()
Best for Noise Cancellation on a BudgetAnker Soundcore Space One
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Anker Soundcore Space One headphones offer respectable noise cancellation for under $100 and support hi-res Bluetooth streaming via the LDAC codec. We're also fans of the bundled companion app, which has an effective EQ and all the customization features you could want. The included cloth carrying case and audio cable for wired listening are nice bonuses, too.
Who It’s For
If you don't want to spend more than $100 on noise-cancelling headphones, these are for you. They noticeably cut back most environmental sounds, deliver excellent sound, and feel quite premium for the price.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Type Circumaural (over-ear) Wireless Learn More Anker Soundcore Space One Review -
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Credit: Christian de Looper
![Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)]()
Best Bose HeadphonesBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation, and the company has adjusted the sound to offer a more natural audio response while still providing the signature Bose acoustics. We particularly like the pleasing balance of rich lows and crisp highs. Meanwhile, Bose's outstanding transparency mode makes them a great option for work calls.
Who It’s For
If you're looking for great sound and some of the best noise cancellation available, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are your top over-ear choice.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm Connection Type USB-C Type Circumaural (over-ear) Wireless -
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Our Pick | ||||||||||||
Rating |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.5 Outstanding |
Best For | Best Planar Magnetic Headphones | Best for Home Studios | Best Noise Cancellation | Best Open-Back Headphones | Best Battery Life | Best for iPhone Users | Best for Accurate Audio on a Budget | Best for Noise Cancellation on a Budget | Best Bose Headphones | Best Planar Magnetic Headphones | Best for Home Studios | Best Noise Cancellation |
Type | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) | Supra-aural (on-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) | Circumaural (over-ear) |
Wireless | ||||||||||||
True Wireless | ||||||||||||
Connection Type | Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 3.5mm | Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 3.5mm | Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C | Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm | Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm | Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm, USB-C | Stereo 3.5mm | Stereo 3.5mm | Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm |
Water/Sweat-Resistant | ||||||||||||
Active Noise Cancellation |
Buying Guide: The Best On-Ear/Over-Ear Headphones for 2026
What's the Difference Between Headphones and Earphones?
There's an endless selection of headphone designs, but you're essentially choosing between padded over-ear headphones and snug in-ear earphones. Although both have merits, this roundup focuses on the over-the-ear and around-the-ear designs of traditional headphones.
Generally, headphones can reproduce richer low-end audio because they have larger drivers than earphones and don't rely on an in-ear seal to deliver sound. Some listeners also find headphones more comfortable to wear than earphones. This naturally means that headphones are bulkier and less suitable for the gym.
If you prefer the in-ear design, we have separate lists for the best earphones and the best true wireless models for running.
Do You Need Noise Cancellation?
You might try to dismiss the din of the outside world by cranking up the volume, but the best solution for saving your sanity—and your hearing—is to invest in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones so you can enjoy your audio at much lower volumes.
Active noise-cancelling headphones use microphones on the earcups to measure outside noise and adjust the signal to cancel it out. This technique is effective but requires a fair bit of power. For more, check out our picks for the best noise-cancelling headphones and see how we test noise cancellation.
If you just want to block out sound without active noise cancellation, all over-ear headphones naturally do that to some extent through a process called noise isolation. Essentially, outside noise can't get in if the earcups form a good seal over your ears. It's not as effective as the active method, but it's inherent to the design (meaning you don't have to pay extra for it) and doesn't require power.
What Are the Different Types of Wireless Headphones?
Wireless headphones can be convenient for any situation in which you don't want to deal with dangling cables—like the gym, for example. Now that many phone manufacturers no longer include 3.5mm audio jacks, wireless connectivity ensures you can connect with all the latest devices.
While most Bluetooth codecs are not yet lossless, headphone and earphone manufacturers have found ways to enhance the signal to compensate for its deficiencies in a way that even audiophiles can appreciate. We've included some wireless options here, but if you're really keen on cutting the cord, check out the best wireless headphones. And if you want to go completely wireless (with no cord at all connecting the two earpieces), check out the best true wireless earbuds—just keep in mind these are about as far from over-ear headphones as you can get.
If you're shopping on a budget, take a look at our picks for the best headphones under $50. Once you've found the right pair, check out our five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and eight ways you're using your headphones wrong.