Whether you’re an audiophile seeking premium sound quality or simply want a pair of headphones for everyday listening on the go, choosing the right model can be tricky. With so many options on the market across a range of styles and price points, it’s important to find the headphones that fit your needs and budget.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the top headphones across various categories to help you select the perfect pair. From premium wireless noise-cancelling headphones to affordable wired earbuds, we highlight models that deliver exceptional performance, comfort, and value. Read on for our expert picks for the best headphones of 2023.
Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM5
When it comes to the best overall headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are hard to beat. The latest model in Sony’s prestigious 1000X series, these premium wireless noise-cancelling over-ear headphones deliver sensational sound quality, supreme comfort, and best-in-class noise cancellation.
Featuring large 40mm drivers and Sony’s proprietary LDAC Bluetooth codec, the WH-1000XM5 produce exceptionally clear and detailed audio across the frequency range. The soundstage is expansive with crisp highs, dynamic mids, and deep, punchy bass. Vocals come through with pristine clarity while instrumentation has excellent separation.
In terms of design, the WH-1000XM5 sport a lightweight, streamlined build with soft, breathable synthetic leather earpads. The comfortable fit allows you to listen for hours without fatigue. Controls are intuitive with support for touch gestures and quick attention mode when you need to hear your surroundings.
The WH-1000XM5 also shine when it comes to noise cancellation. Dual noise sensor technology instantly adapts to ambient noise, providing immersive listening in even the noisiest environments. You can adjust levels through the intuitive Sony Headphones Connect app.
With a 30-hour battery life and support for fast charging via USB-C, the WH-1000XM5 make an ideal travel companion. Add in multipoint Bluetooth pairing and these headphones are a joy to use on the daily. For all these reasons, the Sony WH-1000XM5 stand out as the best overall headphones available today.
Key Features:
- Sensational sound with wide, expansive soundstage
- Active noise cancellation adapts to ambient noise
- Extremely comfortable fit for all-day wear
- 30-hour battery life with fast charging
- Intuitive controls and connectivity
Best Budget Earbuds: Sony WF-C500
Proving you don’t have to spend big to get great sound, the Sony WF-C500 are our pick for the best budget wireless earbuds. Despite their modest price point, these compact buds deliver surprisingly refined audio and user-friendly features.
Equipped with 5.8mm drivers, the WF-C500 produce a balanced, nuanced sound profile with pleasing clarity and bass. Soundstage isn’t the widest but audio comes through smooth and consistent. You also get app-based EQ if you want to tweak the tones to your liking.
Design-wise, the WF-C500 feature an understated, minimalist build with an ergonomic shape that fits securely and comfortably. They are lightweight and water-resistant making them ideal for everyday use. Battery life clocks in at 10 hours per charge — decent for affordable wireless earbuds.
While active noise cancellation isn’t included, the WF-C500 provide respectable passive isolation when music is playing. Operation is seamless with intuitive touch controls for playback, volume, calls, and voice assistants. For such little cost, these Sony earbuds deliver great bang for your buck.
Key Features:
- Refined, balanced sound with app-based EQ
- Sleek, ergonomic design for secure, comfy fit
- 10-hour battery life (20 hours with charging case)
- Easy touch controls for music and calls
- Water resistant for active use
Best Budget On-Ear Headphones: Sony WH-CH720N
If you prefer the feel of on-ear headphones, the Sony WH-CH720N are a fantastic budget choice. Priced under $100, these wireless noise-cancelling headphones combine quality craftsmanship, rich audio, and long battery life.
Equipped with 30mm drivers and Bluetooth 5.0, the WH-CH720N produce bold, dynamic sound with excellent sense of space. The lively sound profile works well across genres with tight bass and crisp treble. Midrange is clear for speech and vocals.
The lightweight yet durable design features soft earpads and an easily adjustable headband suited for extended wear. Onboard buttons and dials provide convenient control of playback, volume, calls, and noise cancellation. Battery life is a marathon 35 hours for wireless playback.
Active noise cancellation uses dual microphones to block ambient noise effectively, especially in the low-end range. Quick attention mode lets you swiftly mute music to hear your surroundings. At this affordable price, the WH-CH720N are a steal for the performance.
Key Features:
- Bold, dynamic sound with tight bass and crisp treble
- Durable, lightweight design with plush earpads
- 35-hour battery life with quick charge support
- Effective active noise cancellation
- Convenient onboard controls
Best Premium Wireless Earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM4
For discerning listeners who want luxury sound in an ultra-portable form, the Sony WF-1000XM4 are our top premium wireless earbud recommendation. Building upon the runaway success of the 1000X headphone series, these exceptional earbuds feature technical sophistication and musicality.
Employing an integrated processor V1 and 6mm drivers, the WF-1000XM4 deliver expansive, textured sound with stunning resolution and clarity across frequencies. Soundstage is spacious with gorgeous tonality. Active noise cancellation instantly adapts to the environment for serene listening.
The ergonomic design offers a stable, comfortable fit with IPX4 splash resistance. You get up to 8 hours listening time on a charge. The companion app unlocks customizable EQ plus handy features like wearing detection and Speak-to-Chat which automatically pauses playback when you speak.
From their rich, layered audio to smart connectivity, the Sony WF-1000XM4 exemplify first-class engineering. Audiophiles seeking a lush wireless listening experience need look no further.
Key Features:
- Spacious, textured sound with gorgeous tonality
- Class-leading noise cancellation adapts seamlessly
- Ultra-comfortable and secure ergonomic design
- Customizable EQ and smart features via app
- Up to 8 hours listening time (24 hours with case)
Best Wired Earbuds: Shure SE215
Sometimes nothing beats going old school with a pair of wired earbuds. For audiophile-grade in-ear listening, the Shure SE215 remain a gold standard. Offering incredible noise isolation and extraordinary musicality, these earbuds are perfect for critical listening.
Employing a dedicated woofer and tweeter, the SE215 deliver astonishingly clear, detailed sound with tight bass and pristine highs. The expansive soundstage reveals nuances in any mix. Ergonomic design ensures total comfort with customizable fit using the included sleeve options.
Crafted with durable Kevlar-reinforced cabling, the SE215 stay tangle-free and withstand the rigors of everyday use. Over-ear configuration lends a seamless, low profile look. Whether you’re a musician or just appreciate lossless wired sound, the Shure SE215 deliver sensational value at this price point.
Key Features:
- Incredibly detailed dual-driver sound
- Achieves up to 37dB ambient noise isolation
- Premium build with tangle-resistant Kevlar cable
- Customizable fit with assorted sleeves
- Ideal for stage monitoring or personal listening
Best Wired Over-Ear Headphones: Grado SR325x
Serious listeners wanting top-notch wired sound need to consider Grado’s flagship SR325x. Following in the footsteps of their prestigious SR325 predecessors, these open-back over-ear headphones combine vintage style with modern audiophile performance.
The SR325x utilize specially-tuned 50mm drivers to reproduce audio with breathtaking transparency and detail. Soundstage is wide and intimate. Bass packs depth and definition while treble shimmers with clarity. Vocals sound vibrant yet smooth.
Constructed by hand in Brooklyn from premium components, the SR325x sport a durable retro design built to last. The open-back configuration prevents audio leakage for disturbance-free listening. Whether you spin vinyl, lossless digital, or high-res audio, the Grado SR325x unlock your music’s full dynamic range.
Key Features:
- Breathtaking transparency and detail
- Open-back design with wide, intimate soundstage
- Handcrafted from premium components in Brooklyn
- Durable, vintage-inspired aesthetics
- Unlocks full dynamic range across formats
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Bose QuietComfort 45
If noise cancellation and convenience rank high on your priority list, look no further than the Bose QuietComfort 45. Evolving the much-loved QC35 II, these wireless over-ear headphonesleading-edge noise reduction technology to tackle noisy environments.
Bose’s proprietary TriPort acoustic architecture works with volume-optimized Active EQ to deliver rich, nuanced audio with crispness and depth. Soundstage feels wide and immersive. The classics noise cancellation instantly senses environmental sounds to block distractions.
Supremely comfortable memory foam cushions allow all-day listening ease. Sleek aesthetics complement the lightweight yet durable glass-filled nylon build. You get 24 hours of wireless playback plus quick charging. Seamless Bluetooth pairing and voice assistant access provide added convenience. For frequent travelers and commuters alike, the QC45 perfectly balance comfort, sound, and noise reduction.
Key Features:
- Rich, nuanced sound with crispness and depth
- Leading-edge noise cancellation technology
- Ultra-plush memory foam cushions for all-day wear
- 24-hour battery life with quick charging
- Voice assistant support and multi-device pairing
Best Open-Back Headphones: HiFiMan Sundara
Audiophiles seeking top-flight open-back headphones for critical listening will delight in HiFiMan’s Sundara. Offering exceptional comfort and breathtaking soundstage, these planar magnetic headphones help you rediscover your music collection.
Featuring advanced nanometer-scale diaphragms, the Sundara reproduce audio with unparalleled speed and accuracy. The soundstage feels incredibly wide and layered. Textures shimmer with lifelike immersion. From quiet acoustic passages to blaring rock anthems, the Sundara handle it all beautifully.
Constructed with lightweight matte black anodized aluminum, the striking aesthetic matches the pricey performance. Plush synthetic leather earpads pamper your ears for extended listening sessions. Detachable cables allow for easy upgrades. If you want to unlock more from your high-res digital collections or vinyl, the HiFiMan Sundara help you hear it all in glorious detail.
Key Features:
- Lightning-fast, accurate planar magnetic drivers
- Stunningly wide, multi-layered soundstage
- Striking matte black aluminum build
- Ultra-plush synthetic leather memory foam pads
- Reveals nuance and texture in high-res audio
Best Headphones for Running: Jabra Elite Active 75t
Hitting the pavement or trails? The Jabra Elite Active 75t are our top pick for workout headphones. With rugged durability, exceptional fit, and excellent sound, these wireless earbuds are ideal for runners and gym enthusiasts alike.
Delivering full, punchy audio, the Elite Active 75t make a great workout companion. HearThrough mode lets you filter in ambient sound when running outdoors. The accompanying Jabra Sound+ app provides an adjustable EQ along with handy features like Find My Jabra.
Designed for active lifestyles, the 75t boast an IP57 rating making them dust, sweat, and waterproof. The ultra-secure fit ensures they stay put through any routine while integrated sensors track fitness metrics. You get 7.5 hours of listening time between charges, extending up to 28 hours via the included charging case.
Whether you’re pounding the pavement or hitting the weights, the Jabra Elite Active 75t withstand even your most strenuous workouts while providing motivational sound.
Key Features:
- Punchy, powerful audio ideal for workouts
- IP57 rating for dust, sweat, and water protection
- Ultra-secure fit built for exercise routines
- Integrated sensors to track fitness data
- 7.5 hour battery (28 hours with charging case)
Best Audiophile Headphones: Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2
Audiophiles searching for spacious, ultra-revealing open-back headphones should have the Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 on their radar. Handcrafted in Chicago using premium components, this boutique pair delivers a world-class listening experience.
The 60mm Vivenco Nanocell diaphragm extends frequency range and transient response. Soundstage feels wide as a concert hall. Imaging pinpoints instruments with microscope-like precision. Subtle textures and micro-dynamics shine. The machined aluminum cage construction allows for a transparent, open sound.
Streamlined aesthetics match the modern performance. Memory foam and microfiber earpads caress the head while resolving even the most complex musical passages with ease. For discerning listeners, the Aeon 2 exemplify excellence in comfort, craftsmanship, and most importantly sound. Keep a TOTL solid-state amp on hand to really make them sing.
Key Features:
- 60mm Vivenco diaphragm for extended range and transient response
- Unmistakable craftsmanship with machined aluminum cage
- Ultra-revealing soundstage with pinpoint imaging
- Luxuriously plush memory foam earpads
- Resolves complex musical passages with microscope-like precision
How to Shop for Headphones
With so many headphone options on the market, it helps to know what to look for when making your purchase. Keep the following shopping tips in mind:
- Identify your budget – Premium headphones (especially wireless) get very pricey. Set realistic expectations based on how much you can spend.
- Prioritize needs and usage – Consider when, where, and how you plan to use your headphones. Certain features may be more or less important based on lifestyle factors.
- Test comfort and fit – Even the best sounding headphones are useless if they don’t fit your head and ears comfortably. Try before you buy when possible.
- Compare wireless vs. wired – Both formats have pros and cons. Determine which works best for your typical listening habits.
- Research sound quality – Pay attention to headphone specs like driver size, frequency response, distortion levels, and impedance rating which all impact audio fidelity.
- Consider noise cancellation/isolation – If frequently in noisy environments, active noise cancelling and/or passive isolation abilities may be worthwhile.
- Don’t overlook aesthetics – You’ll be wearing your headphones regularly so make sure you like how they look!
- Read reviews – Expert and buyer reviews reveal real-world impressions based on testing and ownership. They provide helpful insight you can’t find in manufacturers specs.
Focus on the features and qualities that matter most for your needs and you’ll end up with headphones that satisfy. It pays to be picky when selecting a headphone model you’ll potentially use and enjoy for years.
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