The best headphones for all budgets, real-world tested by our experts

Date:
Sat, 29 Nov 2025 13:33:38 +0000

Description:
Heres our pick of the best headphones you can buy today with top cans to suit your style and your budget.

FULL STORY ======================================================================

With over 15 years of hands-on headphone testing, our expert team knows exactly what sets the best models apart. In this guide, every single pair we recommend here has been tested, compared and handpicked by us based on real-world performance.

Sound quality, comfort, smart features, value, we put it all to the test so you dont have to. With so many models, brands and features out there,
choosing headphones can feel overwhelming. So weve done the hard work for you and narrowed it down to the absolutely best headphones.

Looking for something specific? Weve got guides to the best wireless headphones , best noise-cancelling headphones , or best cheap headphones if you're on a budget. For the hi-fi fans, read our guide to the best wired headphones . Need something smaller? Look at our picks for the best earbuds and best noise cancelling earbuds .

Read more

Every pair in this guide has been thoroughly tested in real-world conditions by the TechRadar audio team. We only recommend the models that truly
impressed us, and weve whittled hundreds of options down to the bona-fide
best buys in each category.

I lead TechRadar's audio reviews team, and Ive pulled together the expertise of our entire group to create this guide. Combining deep testing experience with price, performance and everyday usability to help you find your perfect pair of headphones.

Our reviews are fully independent, and are written by people who've been steeped in the audio world for years people who aren't wowed by marketing, and are focused on the results.

We test claims such as battery life by actually timing the headphones to see how long they last, we test music using both a standardized playlist ( which you can see here if you want to try it for yourself ) as well as whatever our reviewers want to listen to, and we test active noise cancellation in real conditions such as on public transport, in a caf, and in an office.

Some elements of headphones are objective, but many are subjective, so we'll give you our honest opinion, and hopefully enough information for you decide if you think your views align with ours.

We review many more headphones than are featured here, so if a pair you're hoping to see are missing, you might find them in our list of other
headphones we've tested . It doesn't mean we hate them, it might just mean that there's a pair a little bit better that we like more. Or it might mean
we hate them, to be fair. The quick list

Get right to it with our easy-to-browse list of the best headphones for different needs. You can click to instantly jump to more full write-up of
each model. Best headphones overall 1. Sony WH-1000XM6



The best headphones for most people

Sonys latest over-ears, the XM6s, now take the top spot on our list. Expect outstanding noise cancellation, excellent audio performance and a comfortable design. They are pricey, but if your budget stretches, theyre absolutely
worth it.

Read more below Best budget headphones 2. 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51



The best low-price headphones

For under $100, these over-ears deliver a seriously impressive package. Customizable sound, strong ANC, and fantastic battery life. The builds a bit basic, but for the price, theyre among the best we've tested.

Read more below Best premium headphones 3. Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2



The best premium-priced headphones

Packed with excellent high-end features, a sophisticated design and stellar sound we truly cannot fault, these are top headphones for overall quality,
and easily earn their premium price.

Read more below Best for ANC 4. Bose QuietComfort Ultra



The best for ANC

The Sony XM6s are excellent at noise cancellation, but our top pick goes to Bose. They offer class-leading ANC, detailed sound and a comfortable fit. Theyre not cheap, but worth it if blocking out the world is your priority.

Read more below Best wireless sound 5. Dali IO-8



The best wireless headphones for sound

An excellent-sounding pair of wireless (but you can also use them wired) noise-cancelling headphones with a sleek-looking design and outstanding build and finish.

Read more below Best for battery 6. Cambridge Audio Melomania P100



The best headphones for battery life

Packed with great features, stunningly natural sound and 60 hours of battery life (double what the Sony XM6 gets you), these are perfect if you want high-quality sound you rarely need to charge.

Read more below

Load the next products... Best affordable Sony 7. Sony WH-1000XM4



The best affordable Sony buy

The WH-1000XM4 sat at the top of this list for years, but while theyve now been replaced by the newer XM6s, theyre still a fantastic choice if you want Sonys quality without paying top dollar.

Read more below Best budget wired 8. Austrian Audio Hi-X20



The best budget wired headphones

An incredibly good-value pair of wired over-ears that bring you detailed, enjoyable sound in a package that's understated but comfortable enough for long listening sessions.

Read more below Best mid-range wired 9. Meze Audio 105 Silva



The best mid-range wired headphones

Exceptionally comfortable with immersive sound, the Meze Audio 105 Silva deliver a noticeable warmth in the low end while still handling high frequencies beautifully. At a surprisingly accessible mid-range price, theyre a rock-solid choice.

Read more below Best audiophile wired headphones 10. Meze Audio Liric



The best audiophile wired headphones

These wired over-ears are our top pick if you're looking for an incredibly detailed and revealing sound. Although they're incredibly expensive, for the most discerning of listeners, they're also absolutely worth it.

Read more below Best looking budget buy 11. CMF Headphone Pro



The best looking budget headphones

Our top pick if you care about style as much as sound just look at that pistachio green. They're packed with features, like an 'energy slider' to
dial up the bass and we're already seeing tempting discounts.

Read more below The best headphones you can buy

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best headphones in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so these recommendations are based on real-world experience. The best headphones for most people Image 1 of 5
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(Image credit: Future) 1. Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones

The best headphones for most people Weight: 254g | Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz | Drivers: 30mm dynamic | Battery life: 30 hours (ANC on) Class-leading noise cancellation Excellent audio performance Lightweight, comfortable and foldable Price increase over previous model Battery life is nothing special Some may find them to be a tad bulky Buy them if: You want industry-leading ANC: These headphones deliver best-in-class noise
cancelling, rivalling even Boses top models. Whether its urban noise, appliances, or office chatter, they effectively mute the outside world.

You value advanced features: With LDAC, DSEE Extreme, adaptive ANC, customizable EQ, and spatial audio support, these headphones are built for serious audio fans. Don't buy them if: Youre trying to keep costs down:
These are premium headphones with a premium price. For something more affordable, look at Sony WH-1000XM4 at #7 on the list or the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 at #2 on the list .

You need extended battery life: 30 hours per charge is respectable, but not standout. Competing models like the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 at #6
offer three times as much.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are the most advanced the brand has ever made. We loved how they blend the design strengths of the XM4 and XM5 that came before them, and build on everything Sonys already done well with noticeably better ANC and more expressive sound. Sony promised improvements in every single way, and this time the marketing line holds up.

We found the touch controls to be sleek and intuitive, and the headphones are packed with features. But it's the ANC that stands out the most here, thanks to Sonys new QN3 processor and a whopping 12 microphones, you get world-class noise cancelling that we think just about outperforms the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. Public transport becomes blissfully quiet.

Battery life is average at 30 hours, which is passable given the power behind the ANC. You can use them while charging, and a quick three-minute charge gives you three hours of playtime, which is a big win if you're on the go.
The Sony Headphones Connect app is also excellent, with EQ settings, adaptive sound control, LDAC higher-res wireless, and a neat spatial mode for more immersive audio.

The 30mm drivers combined with that new QN3 chip deliver punchy bass,
detailed mids, and sparkling treble. Its a clean, balanced listen, whether you're tuning into a podcast or getting lost in an album. Those 12 mics dont just help with ANC either, they make call quality crisp and reliable.

Design-wise, theyre incredibly comfy. Lightweight with a wider headband and snug fit. They fold, unlike the XM5s, which means theyre more portable again. The hinges feel sturdier, the case is more compact, and the overall finish is smoother and more refined. There's still no waterproofing, though, and some might find them a bit bulky on the head compared to a few alternatives.

They're not cheap at $449 / 399, and the price bump over the Sony WH-1000XM5 is notable. But if you're after class-leading ANC that also comes with all
the best smart features, this is the all-rounder pair of headphones you're after.

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones review ^ Back to the top The best budget headphones Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 5 (Image credit: Future) 2. 1More Sonoflow Pro
HQ51

The best cheap headphones Weight: 246g | Frequency response: 20Hz-40kHz | Drivers: 40mm dynamic | Battery life: 65 hours ANC on; 100 hours ANC off Customizable, satisfying sound Effective ANC Fantastic battery life App situation is a bit messy Button controls appear a little cheap Build feels slightly flimsy Buy them if: You want surprisingly good ANC: They block out background noise better than you'd expect for the price, with a handy passthrough mode.

Youre on a budget: At under $100, they pack in solid sound and features without draining your wallet. Don't buy them if: You want audiophile-level sound: Yes, they sound great for the price, but they dont quite reach the rich, detailed heights of premium headphones.

You want a luxury finish: They look sleek enough, but the build feels a bit plasticky if you're after something ultra-sturdy or high-end, they might not hit the mark.

The 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51s are a standout pick for budget over-ear headphones, packing in a seriously impressive spec list for the price. Here, youll find strong ANC, customizable sound, and a battery life that wipes the floor with many premium rivals. All in all, theyre a great option for anyone who wants feature-rich headphones without breaking the bank.

Feature-wise, you get support for LDAC for high-res Bluetooth streaming, multi-point connectivity, and a companion app with EQ controls and ANC modes. Theres also passthrough here, which means you can hear the outside world when you need to, and battery life is a real highlight up to 100 hours with ANC off, or 65 with it on.

Audio performance is big and bold, leaning towards a bassier signature that's great for pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. Detail is solid, especially if you're using LDAC or the wired connection, and the app lets you tweak the EQ to suit your taste. You wont get premium-tier sound, but at this price you wouldnt expect it either, would you? Because whats important is these headphones are seriously impressive for this price bracket.

The 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 also look the part, with a sleek matte finish and angled earcups that feel modern and stylish. Theyre comfortable enough for long listening sessions too, with plush padding on the headband and earcups. Build quality does feel a bit plasticky at times, but again, that makes sense considering the asking price.

Add in a sturdy carry case, wired connection, and a solid mic for calls, and these over-ears deliver one of the best all-round budget headphone packages out there. If you're after long battery life, punchy sound and ANC on a budget, theyre hard to beat.

Read our full 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 review ^ Back to the top The best premium headphones Image 1 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas) Image 2 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas) Image 3 of 6 (Image credit: Future
/ Simon Lucas) Image 4 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas) Image 5 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas) Image 6 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas) 3. Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2

The best headphones for premium sound and features Weight: 310g | Frequency response: 10Hz - 30kHz | Drivers: 2 x 40mm dynamic full-range carbon cone | Battery life: 30 hours (ANC on) Open, detailed and vaultingly dynamic sound Great standard of build and finish Excellent control options Can be bettered for noise-cancellation Nappa leather won't please vegans Priced according to their talent ie. high Buy them if: You appreciate sophisticated industrial design: Thee arent flashy, but theyre beautifully made. They combine high-end materials with elegant, subtle design touches that make them feel refined without being loud.

Sound quality is your top priority: If youre in it for pure audio performance, these deliver in spades. The positives massively outweigh the negatives. Don't buy them if: You demand the very best ANC available: They handle noise well, but theyre not class-leading in this area. The ANC is very good rather than jaw-droppingly great.

You like your luxury loud and proud: They ooze premium quality, but in a quiet, confident way. If you want big logos or a design that screams I spent
a lot on these, the Px8 S2s are more understated.

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 are luxurious over-ear, wireless ANC headphones that prioritize sound first and everything else second. If you want the most musically convincing noise-cancellers in their class, these are it although if you demand the very strongest ANC above all else, look elsewhere.

B&W hasnt reinvented the wheel with these headphones, just refined it. In the Px8 S2 you get 40mm carbon-cone drivers, Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC/AAC plus aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless, USB-C audio, and around 30 hours of battery life with fast charging. The Music control app is excellent too, with an EQ and wear-sensor controls.

The audio here is big, open and properly organized. The Px8 S2 build a spacious, coherent stage, dig out fine detail and swing through dynamic
shifts easily. Bass is deep, textured and controlled. Mids are articulate and expressive for voices, and highs have bite. Tonality sits on the neutral
side, so they flatter a wide range of genres and dont fall apart with lower-quality streams though they clearly do a better job with better sources.

Design and comfort levels match the sound. The aluminium and nappa leather look and feel expensive without shouting about it, the 310g frame is well balanced, and the fit is plush for long sessions. ANC is very good rather
than Bose-level great, but the trade-off is worth it. If you value
musicality, insight and elegant execution, the Px8 S2 are the best premium wireless headphones to beat.

Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 review ^ Back to the top The best for ANC Image 1 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 6 of 6 (Image credit: Future) 4. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

The best headphones for active noise cancellation Weight: 250g | Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz | Drivers: 35mm | Battery life: 24 hours (ANC on) Detailed sound with rich bass Amazing noise-stopping power Comfortable, premium, folding design Battery life nothing special Some might want a more neutral sound No USB-C audio input Buy them if: You want class-leading ANC: Look, the XM6s at the top of this guide do ANC fantastically well too, but Bose has long been a leader in terms of noise-nixing and these headphones truly deliver.

You want comfort and practicality: They're incredibly comfortable to wear, look slick and fold up, making them portable, too. Don't buy them if: You want hi-res audio support: You can use a wired connection for high-quality sound, but if youre looking for aptX or USB digital Hi-Res Audio certification, the QuietComfort Ultra wont deliver.

You want marathon battery life: At 24 hours, battery life is decent. But it falls well short of rivals, which can offer more than double the time these days.

If quality audio and ultimate silence are your top priorities, then the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are our top pick. Bose pioneered active noise cancellation, and the ANC here is among the most effective weve ever experienced.

We tested them across as many noisy environments as possible, including long-haul flights and busy buses to crowded city streets, the TechRadar office, and at home. In every case, they shut out distractions with
remarkable consistency. If what you want is silence and focus, these are hard to beat. That said, the cheaper Bose QuietComfort Headphones perform almost
as well for ANC, though they cant quite match the Ultras for audio quality.

Audio quality is a clear step up from Boses previous models. Even with ANC
on, the sound is powerful and stunningly detailed. Some of the most alive, exciting, textured, finely resolved, deeply engaging music I've ever heard from a pair of wireless headphones, as we wrote in our review.

There are some drawbacks. Battery life is just 24 hours, which feels underwhelming when many rivals reach more than double that now. The Ultras also only support Snapdragon Sound for higher-quality audio, with no LDAC, aptX, or USB-C hi-res input. And no, theyre not cheap. But, as we said in our review: From the moment you start using them, they feel worth every penny. If those arent dealbreakers, though, the overall package more than lives up to the Ultra name and they provide the best noise-nixing around.

While we are recommending the Bose QC Headphones here as our top ANC pick, it is worth mentioning that a new 2nd gen set of has just landed. We're in the process of reviewing those and finalizing our verdict we have high hopes given theyre expected to deliver even better ANC, USB-C audio and a much-needed battery bump.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review ^ Back to the top
The best headphones for wireless sound Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas) Image 2 of 3 (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas) Image 3 of 3 (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas) 5. Dali IO-8

The best headphones for wireless sound Weight: 325g | Frequency response: 10Hz-43kHz | Drivers: 50mm | Battery life: 35 hours (ANC off); 30 hours (ANC on) Positive, detailed and completely convincing sound Can happily function
as hard-wired passive headphones, too Outstanding standard of build and
finish No control app No vegan option Plenty of credible competition Buy them if: You like your devices to be of a high standard: They look and feel premium, which is to be expected for their price, of course.

You want clear, rich sound: We were incredibly impressed with the
performance of these over-ears during our testing. Don't buy them if: You want a vegan option: Leather is used on the exterior of these headphones, which is a shame if you're don't want to buy animal products.

You like to customize your listening: There are only two EQ settings for the Dali IO-8, the lack of an app will be a dealbreaker for some.

The Dali IO-8 over-ear headphones have been built to an exceptionally high standard, but they truly shine where audio quality is concerned. We genuinely couldn't pick fault with them during our testing, so it's easy to see why they're our top pick if sound is your top priority above all else.

Features-wise, these headphones are packed with most of the high-tech goodies you'd expect, including Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive compatibility, 24bit/96kHz support and 50mm full-range drivers with 10Hz-43kHz frequency response. You'll also get a decent 30 hours of battery life with ANC on. The only thing missing is a control app, meaning you can't tweak sound profiles then again, when they sound this good, why would you want to?

The Dali IO-8 deliver audio that we described as "detailed and expansive" in our review, stating that "no element of a recording is too fleeting to elude them." There's also wonderful richness and clarity across the whole range and a tonality we called "carefully neutral". ANC is here and it's good, but it's not best-in-class, look to Bose for that.

These headphones deliver in the looks department as well as sound, with a
high level of build and finish quality. The design is also nice to look at, with perfectly circular ear cups. They're comfortable thanks to memory foam
in the cups and an adjustable headband. We also like that, if you forget to charge them, you can listen to these headphones wired, too. A great option
for ultimate convenience. The only drawback is leather has been used on the exterior of the cups, which means vegans should steer clear.

Of course, the Dali IO-8 are not cheap. But if high-quality sound and an equally impressive build are what you're after and you're happy with no app and leather they're well worth your money.

Read our full Dali IO-8 review ^ Back to the top The best headphones for battery life Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 5 (Image credit: Future) 6. Cambridge Audio Melomania P100

The best headphones for 60 hours of continuous battery life Weight: 330g | Frequency response: Not specified | Drivers: 40mm Dynamic (closed back) | Battery life: 100 hours (ANC off), 60 hours (ANC on) Energetic, informative and convincing sound Excellent specification Epic battery life ANC can be bettered No spatial audio Case is a touch large Buy them if: You don't want to think about battery life: 60 hours of longevity per charge with ANC on and 100 hours without is truly exceptional.

You like an app with lots of options: Everything you need is here to customize your experience, including EQ settings. Don't buy them if: You
want best-in-class noise cancellation: The ANC here is very good, but the
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones do it better.

You want light and portable: They're not big or heavy, but they don't fold up as much as they could and the accompanying case is a bit big.

Expect enjoyable and highly engaging sound from the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 headphones, which we couldnt fault for the price during our testing. In our review, we wrote: Theres a stack of detail, a wide-open soundstaging, vaulting dynamic potency and an engaging, lively overall attitude that will keep you coming back for more. You can also tweak the sound via the app,
where youll find a seven-band equaliser with several presets.

But they're our top recommendation for battery, so let's get to that, because it's seriously impressive. You'll get 100 hours of battery life here, which
is incredible. Admittedly, thats without ANC, but with ANC on, youll get 60 hours, which is still as good as it gets it's double what the Sony
WH-1000XM6 or the B&W Px7 S3 offer.

There's plenty more to like. Theres multipoint connectivity onboard,
Bluetooth 5.3, six mics to handle ANC, and an app packed with everything
youll ever need. Youll also find aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codec compatibility. One rather unexpected but hilarious feature is that actor Matt Berry is one of the options for your audible feedback, which, in our review, we referred to as a stroke of genius seriously, name a better voice actor
for this role!

A pair of premium headphones like these will sound their absolute best with 16-bit/44.1kHz FLAC file action from Qobuz or Tidal, but that doesnt mean
they wont also do a great job at making any music you throw at them sound incredible. As we wrote in our review: They dont judge give them what youve got, and theyll do their best with it.

The active noise cancellation isnt the best, but it does a good job at nixing most noises unless youre looking for exceptional ANC, this will suit most people.

Things are just as positive when it comes to their design. In our review, we wrote that these headphones are flawlessly built and finished with a combination of memory foam and vegan leather on the earpads and a padded headband.

We also found them comfortable to wear. The only minor downside is that their travel case is a bit bigger than it needs to be. But really, were
nit-picking.

The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 are priced at $279 / 229 / AU$479, which means theyre a top choice if you can stretch your budget to the premium end
of the spectrum and if longevity is what's most important to you, you absolutely should.

We awarded them five out of five stars in our review, which is a testament to how great these wonderfully-specced headphones sound and the wealth of features on offer.

Since the original P100 launched, Cambridge Audio has released the P100 SE . So why arent we recommending the newer pair instead? Well, the update is minimal and, in all honesty, they're basically the same headphones. It includes a cushier headband, a new blue finish and Cambridges DynamEQ
software for boosted bass and treble. While the SE is excellent, its also $20 more and the original P100 delivers the same great performance for less.
Thats why it remains our top pick here.

Read our full Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 review ^ Back to the top The best affordable Sony buy Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 5
(Image credit: Aakash Jhaveri) Image 5 of 5 (Image credit: Aakash Jhaveri) 7. Sony WH-1000XM4

The best affordable Sony pick Weight: 253g | Frequency response: 4Hz to 40kHz | Drivers: 1.57-inch dome-type | Battery life: 30 hours Light and comfortable design Good sound and noise cancellation Excellent value after price cuts Sound and noise cancellation can be beaten by pricier models No head-tracked spatial audio Middling battery life Buy them if: You want versatile headphones that sound good: The Sony WH-1000XM4 deliver high-quality sound in a lightweight folding design that's good for travel.

You want strong noise cancellation: With the volume up and the noise cancelling on, the WH-1000XM4 can block out a lot . Don't buy them if: You plan on bringing them to the gym or beach: A looser fit and lack of water-resistance should make you think twice before putting them inside your gym bag.

You take tons of conference calls: While these are great for travel, their call quality isn't that strong.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones sat at the top of this guide and were our top pick for most people for a very long time. Theyve now been outdone by the Sony WH-1000XM6s, which are an upgrade in almost every way. But were still recommending the XM4s here as our best choice if you want Sony quality at a lower price.

We think the XM4s will still suit a lot of readers. Especially since they've had a permanent price drop and theyre often discounted during sales events. They make a lot of sense if you can find them for less than other premium headphones, while still delivering excellent all-round performance.

These over-ear headphones sound weighty yet well-balanced, with a warm and inviting tone. They're generous with the bass, but not overly so. The active noise cancellation is very strong too, and though it's been notably bettered by the Sony XM6, again, it's great for the price.

They're bursting with features too, including Sony's DSEE Extreme upscaling for lower-quality music from sources such as Spotify, multipoint pairing for easy switching between devices, auto play/pause when you take them off,
Sony's 360 Reality Audio spatial audio, and LDAC wireless support for CD-quality wire-free sound from compatible phones. It's a shame there's no aptX, but it's not a deal-breaker.

They're very comfortable thanks to a lightweight design, and wearing them for long periods is no strain at all. A 3.5mm jack means you can connect them to
a wired source easily, though there's no USB-C audio input (the USB-C port is for charging only).

The 30-hour battery life is pretty typical, though is smashed by the 60 hours of the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 at #6 on the list, which also clearly beat these on sound quality when comparing the two. Though as mentioned
above, we still think the Sony are great value at their reduced price.

Thats the story for these headphones now. You can find models that do any individual thing better, but few that do so much, so well, at this lower price. Just make sure youre paying $200/200 or under.

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM4 review ^ Back to the top The best budget wired headphones Image 1 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas) Image 2 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas) Image 3 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas) Image 4 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas) Image 5 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas) Image 6 of 6 (Image credit: Future / Simon Lucas) 8. Austrian Audio Hi-X20

The best budget wired headphones Weight: 255g | Frequency response: 12Hz - 24kHz | Drivers: 44mm full-range dynamic | Battery life: N/A Rapid, revealing and entirely believable sound Good standard of build and finish Comfortable for serious listening periods Maybe lacking a little punch A shorter cable option would be nice Buy them if: You want clear, precise sound: The Hi-X20 are impressively detailed and insightful. But more than that, theyre
genuinely fun to listen to.

You wear headphones for long stretches: Lightweight and well-padded, the Hi-X20 stay comfy even after hours of use. Don't buy them if: Youre all
about that heavy bass: These headphones favor speed and detail over thumping low end.

You hate long cables: That 3m cable might be perfect for studio setups, but at home it could just get in the way.

Austrian Audio has an impressive track record for creating affordable headphones, and the Austrian Audio Hi-X20 are no exception. This pair of
wired over-ear headphones deliver truly impressive sound for what is a very modest price. Theyre detailed and dynamic with a level of sonic clarity that easily rivals more expensive options, especially if youre not chasing booming bass.

The Austrian Audio Hi-X20 headphones have the brands trusted 44mm high-excursion drivers on board. They come with a three-meter long cable that connects to your audio source. Click one end into a 2.5mm socket on the left ear cup and the other has a 3.5mm termination, as well as a 6.3mm adapter.
Its long, which is good news for some but might be a bit much for others. While theres no active noise cancelling here or wireless support, thats because this is a set of wired headphones focused purely on performance.

In our testing, we said that the Hi-X20 over-ears sound rapid and revealing, with great rhythmic control and cohesion. Highs are crisp without harshness, mids are expressive and bass is clean and textured. Though some listeners may want a little more low-end punch. We described them as a confident and very accomplished listen in our full review.

Design is understated and functional. Theyre mostly matte black with minimal branding. The build feels solid thanks to a metal headband and replaceable
ear pads. Comfort is excellent, even during long sessions, helped by soft memory foam and a reasonable 255g weight.

At just 120 / $150, these headphones are at the affordable end of the
spectrum and feel like excellent value. If youre after a wired pair of over-ears with a revealing sound and dont mind the long cable, youre getting incredible bang for your buck here.

Read our full Austrian Audio Hi-X20 review ^ Back to the top The best mid-range wired headphones Image 1 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 6
(Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 6 of 6
(Image credit: Future) 9. Meze Audio 105 Silva

The best mid-range wired headphones Weight: 354g | Frequency response: 5Hz - 30kHz | Drivers: 50mm | Battery life: N/A Incredible high-frequency performance Measured mid-range and supportive bass Unbelievable comfort Soundstage a tad narrow in places Low end could be a little frumpy for some Loves dynamics; loves electro-pop a bit less Buy them if: Comfort is your priority: Few headphones at this price feel this good, with plush velour pads and a gentle self-adjusting fit.

You love acoustic or jazz: They come alive with dynamic, instrument-led music. Don't buy them if: You want open-backs for a huge, airy soundstage: They don't deliver that expansive, out of your head width that some rivals offer.

You want to hear more punch from the low end: There's a lot of warmth from the bass here, but the low end can be a little reminiscent of closed-backs, for better or worse.

The Meze Audio 105 Silva are open-back, wired over-ear headphones that we think are built for at-home, eyes-closed listening. Theyre a superb mid-range pick if you want supreme comfort and a refined, cosy tuning that flatters acoustic, jazz and live recordings the most. If you crave a huge, immersive soundstage or thumping, clubby bass, youll want to look elsewhere.

Meze keeps the specs here focused on both impeccable sound and feel. There
are 50mm dynamic drivers under the hood and a wide 5Hz30kHz range. These over-ears are fully passive and use dual detachable cables. Meze even
includes a USB-C DAC adapter so you can run them straight from a phone or laptop if you dont have a dedicated amp.

Sound-wise, the 105 Silvas deliver on treble finesse and texture. Highs are airy, mids are clean and expressive and bass packs more energy than most open-backs. Its softly pillowy rather than punchy, which suits double-bass
and drums but can feel a bit too much on compressed electro-pop. The soundstage is organized and stable, just not the widest weve tested. Feed these headphones dynamic, well-recorded material and theyll truly sing.

These headphones are designed well, which means they look and feel fantastic. With walnut cups, velour pads and Mezes self-adjusting headband that make
them easy to recommend for all-day wear. For listeners who value detail and long-listening comfort, the 105 Silvas earn their spot as our best mid-range wired headphones.

Read our full Meze Audio 105 Silva review ^ Back to the top The best audiophile wired headphones Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: TechRadar) Image 2 of 4 (Image credit: TechRadar) Image 3 of 4 (Image credit: TechRadar) Image 4 of 4 (Image credit: TechRadar) 10. Meze Audio Liric

The best audiophile wired headphones Weight: 427g | Frequency response: 4Hz-92kHz | Drivers: MZ4, 92 x 63mm elliptic planar magnetic driver | Battery life: N/A Confident, precise and revealing sound Remarkable sonic control and positivity Reassuring build quality Not the weightiest bass Intolerant of
poor sources of music Sizeable case Buy them if: You want your music laid bare: If you love dissecting tracks or want to hear production choices youve never noticed, these headphones deliver an exceptional level of precision.

Youve invested in a high-quality source: They can only do so much. Plug them into a phone or average laptop and youll get a polite version of what theyre capable of. Don't buy them if: Youre already stretching your budget: Yes,
the headphones themselves are incredibly expensive but if you also need the high-quality gear to go with them, it's a huge upfront cost.

You like a spacious fit around the ears: Despite the large external dimensions, the Lirics earpads run surprisingly narrow on the inside.

The Meze Audio Liric are luxurious closed-back, wired headphones built for serious listening. Theyre easily our top pick for audiophiles shopping for a pair of wired headphones that are up to their high-end standards. But, crucially, you need the high-end gear to go with them at nearly 1,800 / $2,000, theyre unapologetically premium and their precise, detailed sound rewards high-quality sources and only the most attentive ears.

They feature custom planar magnetic drivers co-developed with Rinaro Isodynamics and come with two cables (1.5m and 3m) plus a 6.3mm adapter. You wont find wireless connectivity, ANC or smart features here. The Liric are strictly about pure, high-fidelity audio and high-quality materials, like leather and aluminium.

As youd expect, they deliver remarkable sonic clarity. From PJ Harvey to Nils Frahm, during our testing the Liric headphones revealed layers, textures and the smallest of details. The midrange is expressive, highs are crisp and the overall tonality stays consistent across the range. The only slight shortfall is the bass: while it is controlled, some may find it lacks a little in
weight and punch, but that will be a matter of taste.

Design-wise, theyre gorgeously built and more refined than some other Meze models. But they dont fold up, and the included case is pretty big. Comfort
is generally excellent, though we should point out that listeners with larger ears may find the earpads a little snug.

The Liric wont flatter bad sources, but if youve got a high-end player or DAC and want sonic insight, elegance and craftsmanship, these are a standout listen for only the most discernible listeners.

Read our full Meze Audio Liric review ^ Back to the top The best looking budget headphones Image 1 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 6 of 6 (Image credit: Future) 11. CMF Headphone Pro

The best-looking budget headphones Weight: 283g | Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz | Drivers: 40mm (nickel-plated diaphragms; 16.5 mm copper voice coil; dual chamber design) | Battery life: 50 hours (ANC on); 100 hours (ANC off) Excellent hearing tests Emotive, circumaural sound Excellent battery
life ANC is just fine Energy slider feels a tad gimmicky No hard carry case
or USB-C charger Buy them if: You want budget but without the compromise: They're incredibly affordable and already discounted, but the great news is they perform way about the level.

You like on-ear extras: You can tweak the bass, play with the settings and turn up the volume all from the sliders on the cups. Don't buy them if: You want bubble of silence ANC: Look, the noise nixing here is fine for the
money, but it's certainly not best-in-class.

You want auto-off when you remove them: It's not a dealbreaker, but you do notice it's missing if you're used to it in other models.

The CMF Headphone Pro really are the sort of rare budget pair of headphones that look incredible (if you like a quirky aesthetic), sound far better than you'd expect and still manage to undercut almost every rival on price. At
just $99 / 79 / AU$179 (and already seeing discounts), they're nothing short of a steal in our books.

Design is the first thing that grabs you. CMF by Nothing has a reputation for playful, distinctive hardware, and these over-ears absolutely lean into that. The pistachio green shade is the standout for us but you can also for for orange or more understated gray finishes. Comfort is also impressive for the price with plush synthetic leather, memory foam and extension arms that give them a more premium feel.

Sound quality is where the Headphone Pro really over deliver. In our testing we found the audio surprisingly zealous and bass hungry, but also more detailed and energetic than almost anything else in this bracket. They won't beat flagship models on neutrality or ANC, but you still get hi-res wired listening, LDAC support when sticking with wireless sound and two types of spatial audio.

Features are another surprise win. Battery life is very good: CMF claims up
to 50 hours with ANC on and with playback at 50% volume, and we managed 49.5 hours in real-world testing. It's genuinely class-leading at this level. The app includes one of the most detailed hearing tests we've seen, too. On-ear controls are excellent as well, a fun (and maybe slightly gimmicky) "Energy Slider" lets you dial up the bass and there's also a multi-function volume wheel and even an action button.

There are drawbacks, but none of them are dealbreakers for the price. ANC is decent rather than best-in-class, there's no hard carry case or USB-C charger and we'd love an auto-off feature when you remove them. But for this price, you're getting a great design, strong performance and loads of power. If you want affordable cans that don't look or act budget, they're a brilliant buy.

Read our full CMF Headphone Pro ^ Back to the top More headphones we tested

Apple AirPods Max: Refined and detailed sounds, superb active noise cancellation, amazing spatial audio for movies, and a load of useful smart features when used with Apple devices. So what's the catch? Well, the high price, for one these cost a lot, and you can get similar audio performance for less. We also noted in our AirPods Max review that they're heavy and have quite a clamping fit. Plus you need to be all-in on Apple for them to be worthwhile value. They're very good, but in terms of total value, we prefer what's in the list above.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones: Love the idea of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones above but can't quite justify the price? Read our Bose
QuietComfort Headphones review . These older over-ears aren't as good as the Ultras, but they're still comfortable, ANC is excellent and sound is very
good indeed. If you can afford the Ultras, have at it. Otherwise, they're a solid alternative and still have the Bose stamp of approval.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8: Absolutely magnificent headphones with a sleek design and phenomenal sound quality but we think the Dali iO8 in the list do it a little better. But the Px8 look cooler, so aesthete's with audiophile ears should definitely read our full Bowers & Wilkins Px8 review .

Earfun Tune Pro: You'll get a long battery life and a solid set of features packed into these over-ears for a very good price. But there's not much else to rave about here. As you'll see from our Earfun Tune Pro review , audio quality is lacking and they were uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, arguably the two most important factors when you're comparing over-ear headphones.

Earfun Wave Life: Let's start with the negatives, these over-ears have underwhelming ANC and look boring. But, read our Earfun Wave Life review and you'll see we still enjoyed testing them because battery life is very impressive and they're supremely comfortable to wear.

Focal Bathys MG: Now, these are a very, very good pair of headphones. You've got a premium build and premium sound here. But there's no Auracast support
or LC3 codec, which is a shame given the price. If that's not a dealbreaker, do read our full Focal Bathys MG review .

Happy Plugs Play Pro: These over-ear headphones are nice enough. They're lovely to wear with a strong battery life. But unfortunately ANC doesn't
quite cut it. If that's not your priority, have at them and read our full Happy Plugs Play Pro review .

Meze Audio Poet: Read our Meze Audio Poet review and you'll see that we thoroughly enjoyed testing these open-back headphones from the word go.
Expect true audiophile-grade listening, excellent separation and a thoughtful design. However, it's hard to recommend them for most people as they're eye-wateringly expensive. Only consider them if you need only the best, top tier sound.

Nothing Headphone (1): It's unfortunate that sound quality lets these headphones down, because otherwise they're technically impressive and have a very interesting and bold design. Take a look at our full Nothing Headphone (1) review to find out more. And fingers crossed for what Nothing does next with its over-ears, as the update might be great.

Panasonic RB-M600: Read our Panasonic RB-M600 review to find out why we enjoyed reviewing this pair of over-ears. They're affordable with a decent battery and light build. The problem? There are a few too many downsides to include them in this list, like a so-so ambient mode and a design that won't suit everyone.

Sony WH-1000MX5: We really like these headphones, as you can see in our five-star Sony WH-1000MX5 review but they're beaten in key areas by other products that are keeping them out of this guide, essentially. The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100, for example, are more detailed and offer twice the battery life, while also being less expensive. It's a cut-throat world of headphones. ^ Back to the top Meet the team

Our team of reviewers has collectively amassed years of audio tech experience and testing, rigorously putting all of the latest and greatest headphones through their paces. ^ Back to the top How to choose the best headphones for you

One of the key parts of being able to choose the best headphones for you is knowing what you're talking/reading about. There's a lot of jargon around headphones, so here's an explanation of all the key terms you'll need to know when buying headphones today.

Active noise cancellation (ANC): A way of processing audio to counteract extraneous sounds around you and remove them from what youre hearing. Microphones on the outside of the headphones listen for ambient external sounds, then create an antiphase (often called anti-noise) soundwave, which
is mixed into your music to cancel out the ambient noise. This means you can listen to music at lower volume levels, or can hear podcasts more clearly.

aptX: A higher-quality audio streaming system from compatible devices, that works over Bluetooth, but is capable of streaming higher-resolution files. There are multiple versions of aptX, but in new headphones you are mostly likely to see aptX Adaptive, which can work at different quality levels depending on connection strength. You may also see a reference to aptX Lossless, which is part of aptX Adaptive, and is the highest-quality connection the tech currently offers. There is also aptX Voice, which is designed to make your voice clearer on calls, and is also part of aptX Adaptive.

Auracast: A new Bluetooth connection system, still in its early stages. It enables you to connect Auracast-ready headphones to any Auracast transmission source without needing to pair your headphones in the usual Bluetooth method, meaning that you could connect to a TV in a bar to hear a sports game, or connect to your airport gate to hear announcements. It was developed for hearing-aid use, but will be supported by a large number of headphones due to its convenience.

3.5mm jack: The classic wired connection for headphones not all of todays wireless headphones support this, though, so we make sure to highlight it,
for when only wired use will do.

Bluetooth: The technology that effectively all headphones rely on for a wireless connection. It is capable of supporting many different music streaming technologies, including aptX, LDAC and LHDC. The two standard and most common streaming technologies are called SBC and AAC, and are supported on the vast majority of earbuds. There are many different versions of Bluetooth, and higher versions enable newer features such as Bluetooth LE Audio or Auracast however, supporting a new version of Bluetooth doesnt guarantee that these technologies are supported, so always check the specs. Bluetooth 5.4 is the latest version at the time of writing, though Bluetooth 5.3 is more common, and supports every major Bluetooth feature.

Bluetooth LE Audio: The next-gen version of Bluetooths standard music streaming technology, which is technically called LC3. LC3 is capable of delivering higher-quality music than SBC or AAC while using less power or much higher quality at the same level of power use. There are limited models that currently support LE Audio, and even fewer phones that support it. We hope that will change in the future.

Dolby Atmos: A spatial audio format used in both music and movies. Instead
of music being encoded into channels, different parts of the audio are
encoded as objects that can be positioned in 3D space, meaning that they can be heard in specific and realistic positions.

Drivers: The part of the headphones that make the sound often called speakers. The type used on almost all headphones and earbuds are dynamic drivers, which are the traditional cone-shaped speakers you see on loudspeakers, just smaller (usually between 5mm and 13mm on earbuds, and between 20mm and 50mm on headphones). However, some headphones use planar magnetic drivers, which are more precise and favored by audiophiles, but are typically more expensive and harder to produce.

EQ: This is the short term for equalizer, which is a way to adjust the sound balance of a pair of headphones, to enable you to increase or decrease the bass tones, mid-range and treble. Many wireless headphones these days come with an app that enables you to control the EQ, either by choosing presents for different genres (such as rock, classical or pop), or by giving you a series of sliders to adjust these frequencies yourself. EQs are split into bands, so a three-band EQ has three sliders: one for bass, one for mid, one for treble. A nine-band EQ has nine sliders, giving you finer control across the sound range.

Hi-Res Audio: High-resolution audio is music that has been digitally stored with much more information in the file than the more compressed versions you get if you use MP3 files, or stream from Spotify. We have a whole guide on what Hi-Res Audio is , but the idea is that you can hear more detail in your music, so theyre closer to the original recordings. Hi-Res files also tend to offer more dynamic range, and expansiveness, so they sound more natural. This all depends on the headphones being good enough to express this extra quality level, of course you will find that many headphones are Hi-Res Certified,
but this is just on a technical level, not a quality level. Most of the best streaming services support some kind of Hi-Res Audio files now, though theyre a lot larger than the lower-quality files were used to before, so some services wont default to playing these files unless youre on a Wi-Fi network.

In-ear: This means that a pair of earbuds has tips that fit into your ear canal. You may see the term IEM used, which means In-ear monitor this is a particular kind of in-ear bud favored by professionals, and its often used even in consumer wired earbuds to say that a pair of earbuds is very high-quality and will have a very noise-isolating fit.

Find My: Both Apple and Android phones have a system that enables them to find lost devices, and some headphones support this. On iPhones, its simply called Find My. On Android, its called Find My Device. Some headphones have a custom version of this feature based on their app, rather than the version built into the phone software. The built-in version is strongly preferable.

Head tracking: On headphones that support spatial audio, head tracking is an additional piece of processing whereby the headphones can detect the movement of your head from the source device, and use it to make the 3D sound of Dolby Atmos or other spatial formats feel more true to life. It means that the
sound youre listening to doesnt have to move with you when you move your head
it can sound more like youre sitting in a room of speakers, even when youre wearing headphones.

LDAC: This is a higher-quality music streaming technology that works over Bluetooth, much like aptX. It was developed by Sony, and is heavily supported by the companys products, and support is possible on Android phones, and many of the best portable music players .

LHDC: This is another higher-quality music streaming technology, and a rival to aptX and LDAC: It is also possible for Android phones to support it.

Lossless: Lossless music is essentially music that has been streamed/transmitted using technology that doesnt lose detail from the original file. The original files of a music recording are very large, and must be reduced for efficient streaming or download. MP3 is a lossy
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