Headphones: Buying Advice, Tips, and News
Buying the right pair of headphones means balancing comfort, features, sound quality, and price. PCMag's experts have spent more than 30 years rigorously testing both headphones and earphones in real-world conditions to separate the standouts from the hype. From audio fidelity and noise cancellation to features and value, our trusted recommendations will help you buy with confidence.
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The Best Headphones We've TestedWhether you're looking for a big over-ear set of cans or sleek in-ear buds, these are the top headphones and earphones we've tested, along with everything you need to know about active noise cancellation, Bluetooth codecs, driver types, and more.
By Tim Gideon
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Whether you want bass, noise cancellation, or just headphones that'll survive your daily commute, these Memorial Day deals are worth checking out. Save big on new ear candy now!
Apple appears to be working on new headphones. However, there is nothing about the diagram or product number in the FCC filing that clearly reveals whether Apple fans will get a new addition to either the Beats or AirPods lineup.
Whether you want bass, noise cancellation, or just headphones that'll survive your daily commute, these Memorial Day deals are worth checking out. Save big on new ear candy now!
Tune out the outdoors wherever you are this summer with these premium noise cancelling Sony cans that received our Editors' Choice award and a rare "Outstanding" rating.
The pricey Sony 1000X The Collexion noise-cancelling headphones are a step above the company's usual offerings, thanks to a more stylish design, premium materials, and upgraded audio.
The Milton ANC headphones from Marshall run for more than 50 hours with noise cancellation, feature entirely redesigned drivers, support the latest Bluetooth codecs, and have a replaceable battery, all while carrying the flame for rock 'n' roll.
Multiple microphones and AI processing improve voice clarity while calls come through clearly even in noisy environments.
Upgrade your commute with intelligence. These Soundcore P31i earbuds don't just block noise, they also translate over 100 languages in real-time, at over 40% off right now.
Active noise cancellation is an increasingly common feature of wire-free earphones. If you want to block out the world around you, check out the best noise-cancelling wireless earbuds we've tested.
Kids' headphones should be affordable, look fun, and, most importantly, protect young ears. These are the best ones we've tested with volume limiting features and durable designs.
The JBL Live 780NC noise-cancelling headphones offer a compelling mix of features, including strong audio, extensive battery life, and a comfortable fit, even if the default tuning has too much bass.
$249.95
They aren’t meant to snap pictures or record videos. Instead, they'll act as eyes for Siri.
If you don’t mind the unique looks, the Nothing Headphone (a) proves to be a superb pair of noise-cancelling headphones with solid audio chops, strong noise reduction, and class-leading battery life for a reasonable price.
$169.00
Take your favorite tracks on your next swim with the Jabees 7Seven headphones. These bone-conduction headphones fit perfectly, and they’re over $20 off right now.
The Beats Studio Buds+ noise-cancelling earbuds have what you actually need for a silent commute with pro-grade ANC, 36 hours of battery, and over a 40% discount right now.
If you're looking for a pair of high-quality headphones but couldn't afford a hefty price tag, have we got a deal for you. Score the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones for $227 less.
The EarFun earbuds are a budget-friendly option that offers surprisingly solid features for being under $100. Now, you can get them for even less at almost $27 off today.
Music, podcasts, phone calls, and more: a good pair of headphones will make anything sound great. Save big on top-rated pairs from Apple, Bose, Sony, and other brands.
Noise-cancelling earbuds are important if you want to focus on your tasks, but you don't have to break the bank to find a quality pair. Over at Amazon, you can grab the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 earbuds for $40 less.
Whether you're looking for a big over-ear set of cans or sleek in-ear buds, these are the top headphones and earphones we've tested, along with everything you need to know about active noise cancellation, Bluetooth codecs, driver types, and more.