If you're an audiophile who appreciates high-quality sound from your headphones, look no further for the best headphones and earbuds to buy this year. We've looked at a lot of different pairs, and these were our top picks for headphones and earbuds in 2024.
Note
Product prices were accurate at the time of publication but may have changed since then
Focal Bathys - ($699)
Most audiophiles will tell you that wireless headphones can never stand up to wired headphones, but the Bathys are attempting to prove them wrong. These headphones sound fantastic! While many wireless headphones (even premium ones) can still have a flat sound, but the Bathys have a spacious audio that makes you feel like you’re listening to the music live. If you want a truly Hi-Fi sound, you can easily convert the headphones to wired mode with the included USB-C cable (something that is rare for Bluetooth headphones). If sound quality is your top priority, these are hands-down the pick for you!
Beats Studio Pro - ($349)
While the Beats Studio Pro sadly lack the H2 chip, they do have a lot of tight integrations with the iPhone. You can set them up with one touch, and you can control the headphones through the control center without needing an app. These Beats headphones have an iconic look and instantly recognizable sound, but aren’t for everyone. They have an aggressive EQ that’s optimized for pop and hip-hop. While I like the way they sound, many audiophiles prefer a more balanced sound. The Beats Studio Pros are an excellent choice for Apple integrations but don’t want to spend up for the AirPods Max’s hefty price tag.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 - ($249)
The AirPods Pro 2 has a similar feature set as the AirPods 4 but has a different form factor with a tight sealed fit that many people prefer for working out as well as sound quality. The AirPods Pro also has much better noise cancellation than the AirPods 4 (Apple claims up to 2 times better). This fall Apple also added features to support hearing health including a hearing test, and a clinical grade hearing aid functionality. The AirPods Pro 2 are an excellent choice anyone who prefers a more secure earbud fit, needs high levels of ANC, or wants Apple’s new hearing health features.
Sonos Ace - ($449)
Sonos launched the Ace earlier this year and they are immediately in the top echelon for wireless noise-cancelling headphones. With premium materials and a minimalist design these headphones are one of the nicest looking pairs that I tested. They are lightweight and comfortable to wear. The Sonos Ace also have a nifty feature that allows you to switch back and forth from Sonos soundbar to headphone. While the Aces are a great option for anyone looking for a premium pair of over ear headphones, but they are especially appealing for those who own a Sonos sound bar.
Sennheiser HD 800 S Over-Ear Headphones - ($1,799.95)
At this price point, premium sound should be a given—and it is. But what really sets the HD 800 S apart is its mind-blowing sound stage. When you wear these cushy headphones, you feel like you’ve entered the room with the musicians as you hear every instrument and vocal in three dimensions. Pair the headphones with Sennheiser’s HD820 Amplifier ($2,499) for the full experience, with even more sound depth and definition. The 800 S are also the most comfortable over-ear headphones we’ve ever tested, feeling almost weightless even for the most sensitive listener.
Dyson OnTrac - ($499.99)
Dyson is another new entrant into the world of premium headphones. While Sonos went with a minimalist aesthetic, Dyson went the opposite direction. These headphones come in a range of bright colors and allow you to swap out headphone caps and cushions to make it even more colorful. These headphones are significantly heavier than the Sonos, but they have an epic 50-hour battery life and were still comfortable to wear. Most importantly the headphones sound great, with a clear, balanced sound and impressive noise cancelation. These are probably the most unique headphones I tested.
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 - ($229.99)
The Jabra Elite 8 earned a spot on this list by adding a ton of unique features for running and working out. These headphones are tested to meet US Military Standards and they are certified dust proof and waterproof (including salt water). The Elite 8s have ANC and the earbuds have a unique design that keeps them secure in your ear while working out. One of the cooler features is that the case can connect be plugged into a headphone jack allowing you to use the earbuds with exercise equipment or on an Airplane. If you are a looking for headphones primarily for working out, these are an excellent choice!
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 - ($699)
Bowers & Wilkins have a long history of blending great audio engineering with unique industrial design and the Px8 is no exception. These headphones come with a premium price tag but back it up with a luxury experience. To start with, they are by far the most stylish headphones on this list. With memory foam headbands and a featherlight weight, they are also extremely comfortable for long term use. Finally (and most importantly) the Px8 has great sound quality and excellent noise cancellation. If the price doesn’t scare you away, these are one of the most well-rounded headphones on the list and an excellent choice.
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation - ($179)
With the fourth generation AirPods, Apple included many of the best features from the Pro line, like Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive audio, but at a cheaper price. The AirPods 4 also have a redesigned form factor that are lighter and more comfortable. I personally like the looser fit compared to the Pros. I constantly lose my AirPods, so I love the integrations with Find My so I can see my AirPods locations and even make the case beep. If you own one pair of earbuds, there’s a strong case to be made for the AirPods 4.
AirPods Max - ($549)
The AirPods Max are Apple’s foray into over-ear headphones. They are stylish, comfortable and come with all the native integration advantages as Apple’s other AirPods. The AirPods Max have crisp clear sound quality and top-tier ANC. However, they are significantly more expensive than competitive headphone brands. The battery life is only 20 hours, while many others come with 30 hours. If you are all in on Apple’s ecosystem, you’ll love these headphones. But if you want more bang for your buck in you may want to look elsewhere for your premium headphones.
Buyer's Guide 2023: Headphones
Check out last year's picks!
Audio Technica ATH-M20xBT ($79)
For a more budget friendly experience, try the ATH-M20xBT from Audio Technica. These lightweight and stylish over-ears have noticeably less audio substance than the premium options, but they’re still solid for long sessions at a comfort level and sound quality no in-ear can match. With active noise cancellation, Bluetooth multi-connect for multiple devices, and a wired connection for better audio, these are a mobile-focused reimagining of the legendary ATH-M20x studio monitor headphones that every sound technician starts out with. They sport the same classic style, along with ultra-reliable sound.
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Generation ($249)
These are the standard against which all other true wireless headphones must be measured (and usually fall short). While the listening experience of regular AirPods is only middling, the AirPods Pro offer a completely acceptable sound reproduction. Apple’s AirPlay wireless connection, which AirPods use instead of Bluetooth, is the real treat of the AirPods, since it lets you seamlessly switch between Apple devices without pressing any buttons—an almost magical experience. The 2nd Generation now offer a USB-C charging port and a ruggedization rating of IP54, which means resistance to dust, sweat, and water.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 ($699)
The price tag is premium, and premium is what you get: from materials to build quality to incredible sound. The controls can all be identified by touch, with no confusing gestures or esoteric button-press sequences to memorize. They just work, and they sound like seven-hundred bucks for all 30 hours of battery life. My one complaint is the size of the ear cups—they’re somewhat smaller than competitors and may not fit everyone. If you want to turn up your music and lose track of time and space in a beautiful flawless sound escape, I’ve never tested better.
Jabra Elite 8 Active ($199.99)
These are the best earbuds I’ve tested for workouts. They’re ruggedized to resist sweat and rain with an IP68 dust and water rating, which means they’re considered dust protected (better than resistance) and fully waterproof for submersion including swimming activities. The Elite 8 Active also do an unusually good job of staying in my ears (your mileage may vary), though I wouldn’t test this with something like water skiing. The sound reproduction on these buds is a little tinny compared to the more expensive AirPods Pro 2nd Gen, but they do an acceptable job for your jogging podcast or pump-up playlist.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless ($379.95)
These headphones offer a variety of advanced features at a reasonable price, including head-tracking surround sound (through their app), as well as extraordinary sound reproduction for up to 60 hours of battery life. It offers impressive active noise cancellation as well. The build quality feels lightweight when set beside the Bower & Wilkins Px8, but they’re sturdy compared to other premium models such as the Sony series. The Momentum 4 Wireless slightly outperformed the Px8 in isolating my voice during phone calls. These are top-notch headphones for audio enthusiasts.
