Best Headphones of 2023

Have you ever been on a long flight, listening to tunes, and feeling like your favorite song was missing something? Like maybe it would have sounded better with a crisp bassline or some great highs and lows.

Or maybe you're an audiophile with a passion for music, but whenever you want to jam out you're stuck with a weak laptop speaker or earbuds that can barely handle the power of your favorite tracks. If you want to have an immersive audio experience but don't want to invest in a high-end sound system, then it's time to get yourself a pair of headphones.

A pair of high-quality headphones are the ones that inspire amazing memories, whether you're traveling with friends and family or want to enjoy your favorite tunes on the bed. From over-the-ear headphones that come with noise-canceling technology to earbuds that are perfect for running or working out, there's something for every type of listener.

So, if you want to hear sports commentary, podcasts and pop music in all its glory, or play games without worrying about synchronization issues, then take a look at our list of some of the highest-rated headphones of 2022.

Our Top Picks for Best Headphones of 2023

• Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones — Best Overall
• Sony WH-1000XM4 Overhead Headphone — Best Specs
• Skullcandy Crusher Over-Ear Headphones — Classic Design
• Apple AirPods Max Over-Ear Headphones— Ideal for iPhone Users
• Srhythm NC25 Headphones — Amazing Sound Quality
• Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphone — Great Value
• Soundcore by Anker Life Headphones — Amazing Noise Cancellation
• Bose Noise Canceling Headphone — Most Customizable

Top-rated Headphones Reviews

Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones — Best Overall

The Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones are built to provide high-quality sound and feature spatial audio, which adds more dimension and depth to your music. The audio button is located right on the ear muff, allowing you to quickly change tracks and volume without having to touch your phone.

They also feature a universal USB charging cable that allows you to charge your headphones anywhere around the world, making them an ideal choice for frequent travelers. Meanwhile, with the built-in microphone, you can take calls or use a phone assistant on the go.

Featuring "Fast Fuel" technology, these headphones can be charged in less than five minutes and provide you with three hours of playback when you're on the go, so you can effortlessly keep the music going. On a full charge, though, these headphones can last for 40 hours, so you can enjoy music all day long.

Additionally, these headphones feature cushioned ear cups, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods, and they're adjustable too, so they'll fit your head perfectly.

These headphones are further enhanced by the Apple W1 chip, allowing you to connect seamlessly to your iPhone 7 or later, iPad Pro and any other device that supports Bluetooth. And you don't have to worry about when it's time to store these bad boys away for travel or storage as they come with a carrying case.

Because of their immersive sound quality, adjustable fit and streamlined design, these headphones stand at the top of our list.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Overhead Headphone — Best Specs

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Overhead Headphones are designed to deliver an immersive audio experience. Featuring a digital sound enhancement engine, these headphones are equipped with 40mm drivers, which provide deep bass and crisp treble, so you can enjoy your music loud and clear.

The adaptive sound control automatically adjusts the volume based on your activity level, while the noise cancellation feature reduces outside distractions so you can focus on your favorite tunes.

In addition to delivering great sound, these headphones have five built-in microphones that allow you to take calls or interact with voice assistants like Siri or Alexa without taking your phone out of your pocket.

They also have an audio signaling process that lets you know when there's an incoming call or message without having to look at your phone screen. Plus, there's a "Quick Attention" mode which is activated by placing your hand on the right ear muff, allowing you to have instant conversations.

Featuring speak-to-chat technology, these headphones automatically pause music when you speak, letting sound in so you can conduct your conversation.

Since they can detect when they're being worn, playback is automatically paused when these headphones are removed, and resumes when you put them back on. The touch sensors are located right on the ear muff, allowing you to pause, play and skip tracks, activate voice assistance, and attend calls without ever having to remove them from your head.

To top it all off, these headphones come with a wired cable, so if the battery dies halfway through listening to your favorite album, you won't have any problems getting back into the groove. And with 30 hours of battery life, they'll keep you powered up for hours on end.

Skullcandy Crusher Over-Ear Headphones — Classic Design

If you're looking for a pair of headphones that sound great and look even better, the Skullcandy Crusher Over-Ear Headphones are your answer.

With a sleek leather finish, these headphones are as comfortable as they are stylish. And, featuring Audiodo customization, this pair of headphones personalizes your listening experience and lets you adjust the bass for a more mellow sound or crank it up for more of a punch.

These headphones also boast an integrated mic that lets you take calls while on the go, so you can always stay in touch with friends and family. They have a thick padded headband and foam cushion ear pads, so you'll be able to wear these headphones for hours without feeling any discomfort.

For your convenience, the call, track and volume controls are easily accessible on the right ear cup for quick adjusting when needed.

Available in four different colors, you can pair them up to match your outfit to make a unique style statement while grooving to your favorite tunes.

These headphones come with a durable carrying case, so you can easily take them on the go without having to worry about damaging them. But in case you do drop them, don't worry, the robust construction can withstand accidental falls without showing any visible signs of wear and tear.

The package also includes a user guide, detailing how you can use it to get the most out of your experience. Best of all, with a battery life of 40 hours, you can keep rocking all day long.

Apple AirPods Max Over-Ear Headphones— Ideal for iPhone Users

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones are the next generation of the original AirPods. These headphones use a dynamic driver that offers improved range, bass response and power handling, and also feature spatial audio, which delivers surround sound to provide a more immersive listening experience. This product includes active noise cancellation technology as well, so you can enjoy your favorite music without any loud background noises interfering with what you're listening to.

What really makes these headphones stand out is their computational audio technology. The custom acoustic design combines with the integrated Apple H1 chip and software technology so that every sound comes through clear, crisp, and true — even at higher volumes. And when you need to take a call or get directions, just turn on the transparency mode for quick interaction.

Unlike other headphones, this pair has a digital crown on top that allows users to adjust volume levels quickly and easily. They are also designed with a knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions that offer optimal comfort for longer periods of use.

With on-head detection, these headphones will automatically pause playback when taken off, so you can enjoy your favorite tracks without missing a beat!

Srhythm NC25 Headphones — Amazing Sound Quality

If you've always wanted to experience the pinnacle of headphone technology, look no further than the Srhythm NC25 Headphones. Featuring 360-degree omnidirectional active noise canceling technology, these headphones block out all external noise so you can focus on your music.

The dual HD high-resolution audio driver gives you an incredible sound experience, while the low latency game mode ensures there'll be no lag between what you hear and see in-game, which is essential for competitive gamers. They also have audio and video synchronization, so you can watch movies or play games without having to worry about syncing them up.

With an integrated microphone, you can easily use these headphones to make and receive calls with ease. Meanwhile, thanks to their voice assistant compatibility, you can also use them to access Google Assistant or Siri. These headphones come equipped with a 1000-milliampere hour (mAh) battery that provides playback of 50 hours as well, so you can enjoy music all day long.

Additionally, these headphones come equipped with professional-grade protein earpads that are comfortable even after extended periods of use, while the multi-level adjustable headband allows you to further customize it for optimal comfort.

Further, this pair of headphones is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 technology that allows you to pair them with all your devices within seconds without any hassle. On top of all these amazing features, these headphones are compatible with both Android and iOS devices, so you can easily use them on any of your smartphones, tablets or other portable devices.

Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphone — Great Value

Sennheiser is one of the most renowned audio companies in the world, and the Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphones are one of its best products. This model was designed to be a versatile option that can be used for both professional and casual listening, as well as gaming and other applications. They feature an open acoustic design, delivering quality sound at every frequency ranging from deep bass to high trebles.

With an audio sensitivity of 106 decibels, these headphones will deliver clear, crisp sound in any environment. They are compatible with virtually every audio device, so you can plug them into your phone or laptop and keep enjoying your favorite tracks.

You can easily connect them to your smartphones and computers, and can even answer phone calls or use Alexa or other phone assistants as the short cable is equipped with a built-in microphone. Did we mention that these headphones have aluminum voice coils to minimize distortion, delivering excellent dynamics and optimal efficiency?

Featuring a lightweight design, these headphones come with an ergonomic velcro padded headband and soft ear pads for maximum comfort during long listening sessions, and they rest gently on your head without weighing down on your ears.

This pick also comes equipped with a detachable cable, which makes it easy to replace if necessary. And you don't have to worry about the design messing up your aesthetic, because the timeless design with an open back won't be out of style any time soon.

Soundcore by Anker Life Headphones — Amazing Noise Cancellation

These headphones are designed to be the ultimate listening experience, no matter what you're listening to. Featuring advanced noise cancellation technology, they can filter out 95% of background noise, so you can enjoy your favorite tracks and podcasts in crystal clarity.

These headphones also come equipped with three different modes — transport, outdoor and indoor —, so whether you're on a long flight or commuting in heavy traffic, you can enjoy the incredible sound without having to hear all the commotion around you.

They feature 40mm drivers and highly-flexible silk diaphragms that deliver thumping bass and crisp treble in your favorite tracks. With their transparency mode, which can be activated by pressing the ear muffs for one to two seconds, you can pause music and start interacting with other people.

Designed to provide maximum comfort, they come with ultra-soft leather earcups with memory foam padding. Even more, with a 40-hour battery life, you can listen for hours on end without having to recharge.

These headphones support two Bluetooth connections and offer seamless pairing via NFC, so you don't have to worry about any compatibility issues. On top of that, they come equipped with a Soundcore app that allows you to select noise cancellation mode, choose between 22 equalizer levels and tailor your own white noise sound space for when you need to rest.

Best of all, these headphones are available in black, white and pink, so you can easily choose a color according to your style.

Bose Noise Canceling Headphone — Most Customizable

Bose's Noise Canceling Headphones are built to help you focus, relax or just listen to your favorite tunes without distraction. Their astonishing sound makes it easy to get lost in the music, while their powerful noise-canceling technology helps you focus on what matters most — the tunes.

They also feature an adaptive microphone system that allows you to pick up phone calls on the go and, with intuitive touch controls on the ear cups, you can take calls hands-free or skip tracks with a simple tap.

Another great feature of these headphones is that you can resume listening to your last Spotify session by just tapping and holding the right earcup — just keep in mind that this feature only works with iOS devices.

These headphones have a stainless steel headband that helps distribute the weight evenly across your head and neck. Meanwhile, the earcups are fully adjustable, which allows you to use them while lying down or sitting in a recliner.

With 20 hours of playback time, you can enjoy your favorite tracks or listen to podcasts all day long. And if that's not enough, they're also Alexa-enabled, so you can ask questions, play music, make calls, check the weather — and even order pizza — without having to pull out your phone. Now that's true convenience!

Finding the Right Pair of Headphones: A Buyer's Guide

To enjoy your favorite tunes and get the most out of your music, you need to have a good pair of headphones. Equipped with powerful drivers and premium speaker components, a pair of high-quality headphones will let you hear every beat and note in perfect clarity.

Whether you're listening to music or watching a movie, these tools can help you enjoy audio without any unwanted noise. Some even offer a playback time of 40 hours, so you don't have to worry about running out of juice in the middle of a jam session.

But choosing the right pair of headphones from a plethora of options available can quickly become a difficult task. This is why we've put together a comprehensive guide to help you filter the choices and get partnered up with your dream headphones.

Headphones Types

Wired earbuds

These are canalphones, sometimes known as in-ear headphones. Compared to other bulkier headphones, they are renowned for their slim profile and lightweight design. Wired earbuds have been available for decades and are the most popular type of headphones.

When they were first introduced in the market, these earphones were considered a fashion statement. While they lost their exclusivity with the increase in demand, their usability and portability kept users hooked. Wired earphones are now available for as little as $10, but some premium quality options can set you back around $150.

Wireless headphones

As wireless technology is becoming more prevalent, wireless headphones are now incredibly popular. Wireless devices of all types are now widely available, from chargers to lights to speakers and headphones. What makes these headphones different from the rest is the technology integrated into them. These models usually use Bluetooth technology to transmit sound waves without any interruption.

The downside of these headphones is that they aren't as practical and users encounter two major issues while using them. The first issue is that you will have to charge them frequently as most of them operate on batteries. Secondly, even high-end wireless options can have connectivity issues because Bluetooth isn't always reliable.

Noise-canceling headphones

Yes, active noise cancellation is a feature of the majority of headphones, but it is also a distinct category with a diverse range of headphones. Noise-canceling headphones are most commonly manufactured for the aviation business, the music industry and several other sectors to offer an immersive experience.

Noise-canceling headphones are ideal for situations where there's a lot of signal interference, both on the ground and in the air, to allow for continuous serial transmission. It wouldn't be wrong to say that these earbuds were introduced for industrial applications rather than domestic ones. But with time, manufacturers have integrated noise-canceling features in standard headphones as well.

Running headphones

There is a particular category of headphones for running activities and sports. If you love listening to music when you jog, run or play sports, these headphones are your go-to choice. Because most people can't live without music, running headphones have now become a standard piece of exercise equipment.

You might be wondering what distinguishes running headphones from regular headphones. Running headphones usually have an ergonomic design and are lightweight. While you can use regular headphones for jogging, you should use specialized ones for a better experience.

Different Designs for Headphone Ear Cups

Closed-back ear cups

Because closed-back headphones are fully sealed around the back, they don't allow outside noise to interfere with your listening experience. While closed-back headphones may not sound as natural as open-back cans, they will filter out outside noise, providing a superior listening experience when worn in noisy, packed environments.

Closed-back headphones are an excellent choice if you are always on the move, whether traveling on a plane, driving a car or commuting on a train. You can also use these models to record music in the studio.

The main issue with using closed-back headphones for an extended period is that the earpads can build up heat because they don't have any vents for proper air circulation. But you can easily fix this issue by taking small breaks when wearing your headphones for an extended time.

Also, experts recommend purchasing closed headphones made of anti-resonant materials to minimize the negative impact of listening to music in closed cans.

Open-back ear cups

As the name indicates, these headphones feature open backs that enable air to flow in and out of the earcups. Because pressure never builds up in the ear cups of open-back headphones, they sound more natural. But you can enjoy amazing sound quality only when there is no ambient noise, which is due to the open back's inability to block outside noise. So, when worn in noisy places, you will end up hearing everything around you.

Another downside of using open-back headphones is that they can disturb people around you by causing interference. If you are sitting in a library or at a workplace, sound leaking from your headphones will cause a disturbance, especially when listening to music at a loud volume.

Because of their open-back design, these headphones tend to be more sensitive than their closed-back counterparts. For example, moisture or water can easily enter sensitive sections of your headphones and cause damage.

Open-back headphones are ideal for home listening, critical listening and listening to high-quality audio. But they are less effective when used in noisy places, aircraft or at the workplace.

Semi-open back ear cups

These headphones feature partially open ear cups, allowing air to flow into and out of the earpads to keep your ears cool. While these headphones have several benefits over those with an open back, they can let irritating noise come in and mess with your hearing experience and allow sound leakage, but not as much as open-back headphones.

The semi-open design produces a natural sound like the open-back style and provides soundproofing comparable to the closed design. Overall, these headphones are ideal for listening at home but are ineffective in loud environments.

Things To Consider When Buying Headphones

Sound quality

You need headphones that sound fantastic for both listening to music and watching your favorite movies. In particular, this holds true for music lovers who value having a one-of-a-kind listening experience. Many factors, including frequency response, impedance and driver size, can impact the audio quality.

The bass or treble that your headphones create is measured by their frequency response, while the amount of power it takes to operate your headphones is measured by their impedance. You should look for headphones with lower impedance if you want your tunes to be audible even at moderate volumes.

Wireless or wired headphones

There are both wired and wireless models available on the market. Wireless headphones are more adaptable and handy, but the sound quality of wired headphones is superior.

Additionally, wireless headphones are more portable as well, especially if you frequently travel and enjoy listening to music on your smartphone or laptop during your commute. You should opt for wireless models if you want to avoid dealing with tangled connections and cables.

Durability

While there's no way to predict the service life of any pair of headphones, there are several features to look for that will give you an idea of a product's quality and durability. Most headphones are made using metal or plastic headbands, which translates into their durability. Because some materials are more durable than others, you should look for premium quality options with robust construction.

Noise cancellation

With technological advancements, many headphones now have noise-canceling features to efficiently block out all outside noise, allowing you to enjoy every beat of your favorite music track. This feature can be a real boon if you're in a noisy environment. Noise-cancelling headphones are wonderful for commuting, but they're especially handy when the beat and volume of your music are drowned out by outside noises.

Comfort

Comfort is one of the most important considerations when purchasing headphones. If you often wear your headphones for extended periods, you should look for options with soft ear cups and a lightweight design to ensure that they won't irritate your ears or head. They should also have enough cushioning to cover both sides of your ears, as well as a slip-resistant, adjustable headband that you can adjust to your comfort level.

Battery life

Because most wireless headphones work on batteries, you need to charge them frequently to enjoy your music. Whether you want to attend calls via Bluetooth or listen to your favorite tracks on the go, charging your headphones is essential.

To ensure that the battery of your headphones doesn't run out when you're in the middle of something, you should keep them charged, and a battery with longer life can help you actively use your earbuds without any interruption. Also, models with active noise cancellation features will cause interference to your listening experience due to low battery.

So, to pick the right option for your needs, you should pay attention to the battery life and charging time. A standard pair of headphones will last about seven to eight hours of active usage on high volume, but some models can even last up to 40 hours on a single charge.

Carrying case

If you often carry your headphones with you, look for a model that comes with a carrying bag to protect them from the elements and accidental falls. The majority of high-end options include a waterproof cover that protects them from moisture and water.

Controls

Most headphones have buttons on the cable that you can use to change the track, pick up calls or adjust the volume. Some headphones also have buttons on the sides, while others have both touch and physical controls.

Headphones Features

Frequency response

The ability of headphones to reproduce different frequencies, including bass, mids and treble, is known as frequency response. The human ear is sensitive to sounds between 20 and 20,000 hertz. While this is the range that the majority of products fall under, some high-end headphones can have a frequency response of up to 35,000 hertz.

The genre of music you listen to should shape your approach to choosing headphones. To get the full experience of bass-heavy music like reggae, Bollywood, techno and dancehall, you should use low-frequency headphones. High-frequency headphones, however, are the ideal choice for listening to classical, pop and rock music.

Sensitivity

When it comes to humans, sensitivity is a measure of how much pressure they can handle in a certain environment. But you should know that headphones can also become sensitive to sound pressure.

For headphones, sensitivity is the ability of a headphone to convert an electrical signal into an auditory signal. This simple explanation clearly states how loud a headset will be when used with various sources.

Sound sensitivity is measured in decibels (dB) of sound pressure levels (SPL), and the acceptable range for a headphone's sensitivity is between 70 decibels and 110 decibels. You shouldn't compromise on the sensitivity of a headphone as it's intended to protect your ears.

With high sensitivity, you may expect a better performance from headphone drivers without consuming a lot of power. But keep in mind that there's a risk of distortion when you play music at higher volumes.

On the other hand, low-sensitivity options need more power to juice up the drivers and are more durable because they don't cause driver damage. To improve music quality, however, headphones with poor sensitivity should be combined with a device that has more power.

Summary of Money's Best Headphones of 2023

• Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones — Best Overall
• Sony WH-1000XM4 Overhead Headphone — Best Specs
• Skullcandy Crusher Over-Ear Headphones — Classic Design
• Apple AirPods Max Over-Ear Headphones— Ideal for iPhone Users
• Srhythm NC25 Headphones — Amazing Sound Quality
• Sennheiser HD 599 SE Headphone — Great Value
• Soundcore by Anker Life Headphones — Amazing Noise Cancellation
• Bose Noise Canceling Headphone — Most Customizable