Headphones Reviews & Buying Guides
Over-ear and on-ear headphones tested for sound, noise cancelling, comfort and value — including wireless, ANC and gaming headsets.
42 articles
Best-of guides
Ranked comparisons to help you pick fast.
Best ofBest Audiophile Headphones in 2026 (Top 7)
Audiophile headphones are built for one purpose: to reveal the full beauty of your music. With premium drivers, refined tuning, and meticulous engineering, they uncover details, textures, and spatial cues that ordinary headphones gloss over. This roundup gathers seven of the best audiophile headphones available in 2026, spanning dynamic and planar designs across price tiers. Whether you are building your first serious rig or upgrading a beloved setup, there is an exceptional pair here to elevate your listening.
Best ofBest Bone Conduction Headphones in 2026 (Top 7)
Bone conduction headphones send sound through your cheekbones, leaving your ears completely open to the world. They are the safest choice for runners and cyclists and a comfortable option for anyone who dislikes earbuds. We tested the best bone conduction headphones of 2026 across workouts, commutes, and wet weather to find the most secure and best-sounding sets. Here are our top seven picks for every budget.
Best ofBest Budget Headphones in 2026 (Top 7)
Great sound no longer demands a triple-digit price tag. Today some of the most beloved headphones in the audio community cost less than a nice dinner out, and they punch far above their weight. In this roundup we gather seven budget headphones that deliver genuinely impressive performance without draining your wallet. Whether you want open-back clarity, closed-back isolation, or wireless convenience, there is an affordable option here for you.
Best ofBest Closed-Back Headphones in 2026 (Top 7)
Closed-back headphones seal you off from the world, delivering private, focused sound that works anywhere. Their sealed ear cups block outside noise, keep your music to yourself, and often produce a punchier, more impactful bass than open designs. This roundup gathers seven of the best closed-back headphones available in 2026, spanning affordable studio staples to premium audiophile options. Whether you share your space, work in an office, or simply want isolation, there is an ideal pair here.
Best ofBest Gaming Headset for PS5 in 2026 (Top 7)
The PlayStation 5 deserves a headset that does justice to its Tempest 3D audio engine and immersive games. The best PS5 gaming headsets in 2026 deliver rich spatial sound, a clear microphone for party chat, and comfort for long play sessions. We tested the leading wireless and wired options for full PS5 compatibility to find the standouts. Below are the seven headsets that pair best with Sony's console.
Best ofBest Gaming Headset Under $100 in 2026 (Top 7)
You do not need to spend a fortune to get a headset that delivers clear positional audio and a solid microphone. The best gaming headsets under 100 dollars in 2026 punch well above their price, offering comfort and features once reserved for premium models. We tested the leading budget wired and wireless options across PC and console to find the real standouts. Below are the seven best headsets you can buy without breaking the bank.
Best ofBest Gaming Headset in 2026 (Top 7)
A great gaming headset can be the difference between hearing a flanking enemy and getting caught off guard. The best gaming headsets in 2026 deliver pinpoint positional audio, a clear microphone for your squad, and comfort that lasts through marathon sessions. We tested the leading wired and wireless models across PC and console to find the standouts. Below are the seven headsets that rose to the top of our rankings.
Best ofBest Headphones for Bass in 2026 (Top 7)
If you live for chest-thumping low end, ordinary headphones will leave you flat. We spent weeks listening to hip-hop, EDM, and film scores across the most bass-capable headphones you can buy in 2026. The winners deliver deep, controlled rumble without smearing vocals or treble. Below are our top seven picks for every budget and listening style.
Best ofBest Headphones for Kids in 2026 (Top 7)
Protecting young ears while keeping kids entertained is a delicate balance, and the right headphones make all the difference. The best headphones for kids in 2026 cap the volume at safe levels, survive drops and tugs, and fit small heads comfortably. We tested wired and wireless options built specifically for children of different ages. Below are the seven safest, most durable, and most kid-friendly picks we found.
Best ofBest Headphones for Phone Calls in 2026 (Top 7)
When phone calls matter, the microphone matters most. The best calling headphones make you sound crisp and natural even on a windy street or in a noisy cafe, while letting you hear the other person clearly. We tested the best headphones for phone calls in 2026 across quiet rooms, busy streets, and windy conditions to find the clearest performers. Here are our top seven picks for every calling need and budget.
Best ofBest Headphones for Running in 2026 (Top 7)
Running headphones live a hard life. They have to stay put through sprints, survive sweat and rain, and ideally let you hear traffic and trail hazards. We tested the best running headphones of 2026 across road miles, treadmill sessions, and wet weather to find the most secure, reliable picks. From bone conduction sets to sport earbuds, these are the seven we trust on every run.
Best ofBest Headphones for Working From Home in 2026 (Top 7)
Working from home demands a headset that can handle back-to-back video calls, block out household distractions, and stay comfortable through a full day. We tested the best headphones for working from home in 2026 across long meetings, deep-focus sessions, and noisy environments. The winners deliver crisp microphones, effective noise cancellation, and all-day comfort. Here are our top seven picks for every remote worker and budget.
Best ofBest Headphones Under $100 in 2026 (Top 7)
You do not need to spend flagship money to get genuinely great headphones in 2026. The under-100-dollar segment is packed with capable wireless and wired models that deliver strong sound, real comfort, and even useful noise cancellation. This roundup ranks the best headphones you can buy for less than 100 dollars. From budget ANC pairs to studio-grade wired classics, these seven prove that smart shopping beats a big budget every time.
Best ofBest Headphones Under $50 in 2026 (Top 7)
Great sound does not have to be expensive, and the under-50-dollar tier proves it in 2026. This roundup gathers the best ultra-affordable headphones, from legendary wired bargains to capable budget wireless pairs with surprising battery life. Each pick was chosen for delivering real value where every dollar counts. If you want headphones that punch far above their price, these seven cheap champions deserve your attention.
Best ofBest Headphones in 2026 (Top 7)
Finding the best headphones in 2026 means cutting through dozens of nearly identical spec sheets to find the pairs that actually sound great and stay comfortable for hours. We evaluated wireless flagships, wired studio classics, and budget-friendly all-rounders to build this list. Each pick below earned its spot through a mix of sound quality, build, comfort, and overall value. Whether you want best-in-class noise cancelling or a no-frills wired pair, there is something here for you.
Best ofBest Noise Cancelling Headphones in 2026 (Top 7)
Active noise cancellation turns a noisy commute, plane, or open office into a calm bubble of sound, and in 2026 the technology is better than ever. This roundup focuses on the headphones with the most effective ANC, judged alongside comfort, sound, and battery life. We weighed how well each pair silences low-frequency drone and how natural the cancellation feels. If your priority is blocking out the world, these seven models are the ones to consider first.
Best ofBest Open-Back Headphones in 2026 (Top 7)
Open-back headphones are beloved by audiophiles for one simple reason: they sound natural. By letting air flow freely through the ear cups, they create a wide, spacious soundstage that places instruments around you rather than inside your head. This roundup gathers seven of the best open-back headphones available in 2026, from affordable gateways to refined planar flagships. If you listen in a quiet room and crave the most lifelike, immersive sound, you are in the right place.
Best ofBest Open-Ear Headphones in 2026 (Top 7)
Open-ear headphones let you enjoy music and podcasts while staying fully aware of the world around you. They are perfect for runners, cyclists, parents, and anyone who needs to hear their surroundings. We tested the best open-ear headphones of 2026 across workouts, commutes, and long workdays to find the most comfortable and best-sounding options. Here are our top seven picks for every need and budget.
Best ofBest Over-Ear Headphones in 2026 (Top 7)
Over-ear headphones surround your ears completely, delivering the most spacious sound and the most comfortable long-session fit of any headphone style. In 2026 the category spans wireless flagships, wired studio classics, and affordable all-rounders. This roundup ranks the best full-size over-ear models on sound, comfort, build, and value. Whether you want the convenience of Bluetooth or the pure audio quality of a wired pair, these seven picks lead the field.
Best ofBest Studio Headphones in 2026 (Top 7)
Studio headphones are tools, not toys. Where consumer headphones flatter your music with boosted bass and sparkle, studio headphones aim for honesty, revealing exactly what is in a recording so you can make accurate decisions. This roundup gathers seven of the best studio headphones available in 2026, covering closed-back models for tracking and open-back references for mixing. Whether you produce at home, mix professionally, or simply want neutral sound, there is a perfect tool here.
Best ofBest Travel Headphones in 2026 (Top 7)
Long flights, noisy trains, and crowded airports demand headphones that can silence the world and keep playing for hours. The best travel headphones in 2026 combine powerful active noise cancellation, all-day battery life, and a foldable design that fits in your carry-on. We spent weeks testing the top wireless over-ear and on-ear options across real journeys. Below are the seven models that earned their place in our bags.
Best ofBest Wired Headphones in 2026 (Top 7)
In an age of wireless everything, wired headphones remain the choice of listeners who refuse to compromise on sound. A physical cable delivers uncompressed audio with zero latency, no battery to die, and consistent performance for years. This roundup gathers seven of the best wired headphones available in 2026, spanning open-back and closed-back designs for every listening environment. Whether you are an aspiring audiophile or simply want the purest sound for your money, there is a perfect pair here.
Best ofBest Wireless Gaming Headset in 2026 (Top 7)
Cutting the cord no longer means compromising on gaming performance, thanks to modern low-latency wireless technology. The best wireless gaming headsets in 2026 deliver lag-free audio, marathon battery life, and the freedom to move without a tether. We tested the leading 2.4GHz and multi-mode models across PC and console to separate the great from the merely good. Below are the seven wireless headsets that earned our recommendation.
Best ofBest Wireless Headphones in 2026 (Top 7)
Wireless headphones have come a long way, and in 2026 the best models rival wired audio while adding the freedom of going cable-free. This roundup focuses entirely on Bluetooth over-ear and on-ear models, judged on sound, battery, comfort, and connectivity. We weighed everyday usability features like multipoint pairing and quick charging alongside raw audio quality. Whatever your budget, one of these seven cordless pairs deserves a place on your shortlist.
Guides
How-tos and buying advice.
Are Headphones Bad for Your Ears?
Headphones are everywhere, and so are worries about whether constant listening is damaging our ears. This guide separates myth from fact, explaining how hearing damage actually happens, how loud and how long is too much, and the simple habits that let you enjoy headphones for years without harm.
Read guide GuideBluetooth Codecs Explained: aptX, LDAC and AAC
Every pair of wireless headphones relies on a Bluetooth codec to squeeze audio into a signal that travels over the air. The codec your phone and headphones agree on has a real impact on sound quality, latency, and battery life. This guide explains the major codecs in plain language.
Read guide GuideHeadphone Impedance Explained: Do I Need an Amp?
Headphone impedance is one of the most confusing specs on a product page, and it sits at the center of the endless question of whether you need an amplifier. This guide explains what impedance and sensitivity really mean, how they affect loudness, and when an amp genuinely helps versus when it makes no difference at all.
Read guide GuideHow Does Noise Cancelling Work?
Noise cancelling headphones can make a noisy plane or office feel almost silent, but the technology behind them is widely misunderstood. This guide explains how active and passive noise cancellation work, why some sounds vanish while others slip through, and what to expect from the feature in everyday life.
Read guide GuideHow to Choose a Gaming Headset
A great gaming headset can sharpen your competitive edge and pull you deeper into every world you play. But the market is crowded with marketing buzzwords that make it hard to know what really matters. This step by step guide walks you through choosing the right headset for your platform, playstyle, and budget.
Read guide GuideHow to Choose Headphones
Choosing headphones means balancing form factor, sound signature, fit, features, and budget against how you actually plan to use them. This guide walks you through every decision in order so you can narrow thousands of options down to the right pair. Follow the steps and you will avoid the most common buyer regrets.
Read guide GuideHow to Clean Headphones
Headphones collect earwax, sweat, skin oils, and dust that can dull sound quality and harbor bacteria. This guide walks you through cleaning over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear headphones safely, using gentle methods that protect the drivers, mesh, and ear pads while restoring hygiene and audio clarity.
Read guide GuideHow to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to PS5
The PlayStation 5 does not support standard Bluetooth audio, so your wireless headphones will not pair directly from the settings menu. The good news is there are several reliable workarounds, from a USB Bluetooth transmitter to the controller jack and the mobile app. This guide explains each method step by step so you can get your favorite headphones working with your console.
Read guide GuideHow to Connect Headphones to Xbox
Connecting headphones to an Xbox can be done several ways, including the controller jack, a USB adapter, Xbox Wireless, and a workaround for Bluetooth models. Each route fits a different kind of headphone, so the best method depends on the pair you own. This guide walks through every option step by step and helps you pick the one that fits your setup.
Read guide GuideHow to Make Headphones Louder
Headphones that sound too quiet are frustrating, but the fix is often simpler than buying new gear. This guide covers practical steps to increase loudness, from hidden volume limits and clogged mesh to equalizers and amplifiers, while keeping your hearing safe along the way.
Read guide GuideHow to Reset and Pair Bluetooth Headphones
When Bluetooth headphones refuse to connect, drop out, or pair with the wrong device, a reset is often the fastest cure. Resetting clears the headphones memory and lets you start fresh, while a clean pairing process keeps the connection stable. This step by step guide walks you through both safely.
Read guide GuideIs Headphone Burn-In Real?
Headphone burn-in is one of the most debated topics in audio. Some listeners swear their headphones sound better after dozens of hours of playback, while engineers argue the change is mostly in your head. This guide separates the measurable physics from the marketing myths.
Read guide GuideHow to Fix One Side of Headphones Not Working
When one earpiece goes silent, it is usually a simple fix rather than a broken headphone. This guide walks you through the most common causes, from a misset balance control to a clogged mesh or failing cable, with clear steps to find and solve the problem yourself.
Read guide GuideOpen-Back vs Closed-Back Headphones
Open-back and closed-back headphones differ in one simple way that changes everything: whether the back of each ear cup is sealed or vented. That single design choice shapes soundstage, isolation, comfort, and where each type makes sense. This guide explains the differences clearly so you can decide which design suits how and where you listen.
Read guide GuideOver-Ear vs On-Ear vs Earbuds
Over-ear, on-ear, and earbud headphones represent the three main form factors, and each strikes a different balance between comfort, sound, portability, and isolation. The best choice depends on where you listen and what you value most. This guide compares all three honestly so you can match the right shape to your life.
Read guide GuideWhat Is Spatial Audio?
Spatial audio promises to turn ordinary stereo headphones into a surround sound theater that wraps around your head. But the term covers several very different technologies, and the results range from breathtaking to gimmicky. This guide explains what spatial audio actually is and how to get the most from it.
Read guide GuideWhy Do My Headphones Hurt My Ears?
If your headphones leave your ears sore, your head aching, or your jaw tender after an hour of listening, you are not alone. Discomfort is one of the most common complaints among headphone owners, and it almost always traces back to fit, pressure, or volume. This guide explains the causes and how to fix them.
Read guide GuideWired vs Wireless Headphones
Wired and wireless headphones each make a clear trade: cables give you reliability and value, while wireless gives you freedom at the cost of a battery and a bit of complexity. The right choice depends on how you listen, what you value, and where you use your headphones. This guide compares both honestly so you can decide with confidence.
Read guide