Headphones

Most people listen to their music through headphones today – so you want to make sure you’re getting the best pair you can. We test headphones of all kinds, ranging from true wireless earbuds to premium wired over-ear headphones, so no matter what style you prefer, or what your budget is, you can find something that’ll help you enjoy your music more.
True wireless earbuds are the most popular kind today, especially Apple’s AirPods, because they’re just so convenient and small – there’s no harm in taking them everywhere. And these days they come with great features such as active noise cancellation at cheaper and cheaper prices – while at the high-end, they keep taking big leaps in audio quality.
The classic style of headphone, meanwhile, keeps getting smarter, with more wireless models including app support so you can tweak their features, and customize the sound to exactly what you prefer.
Explore Headphones
Latest about Headphones

I spent months using the only headphones made for metal music, and they truly made me feel like I was back in a mosh pit
By Aleksha McLoughlin published
They ain't heavy, they're my Heavys

Got the iOS 26 public beta? Here are the new AirPods Pro 2 features you could try today – and why you might think twice about it
By Carrie Marshall published
There's a beta of the AirPods firmware too. Should you try it?

I like the Nothing Phone 3, but I love the company's Headphone 1 – they're my top tech of 2025 (so far)
By Zachariah Kelly published
The Nothing Headphone 1 is feature packed without being overly expensive, and it's got the best noise cancellation I've heard – Sony and Bose should watch out.

I tested the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen thinking they couldn't better the originals for ANC – but wow, was I wrong
By Becky Scarrott published
Finally, a set of Bose earbuds that are fully featured, premium and thoroughly desirable across the board.

New noise-cancelling earbuds with Bluetooth 6.0, LDAC, and now a sub-$25 price? The audio world's gone loopy…
By Carrie Marshall published
These adaptive ANC buds have a serious spec for a silly price

Audio-Technica takes aim at AirPods Pro with new hearing-health earbuds and speakers
By Becky Scarrott published
Audio-Technica's latest project is to target users with some form of hearing loss – see the Mimio Assist One earbuds and Mimio Sound Move speakers.

The best open earbuds, all real-world tested: open-fit buds to stay aware of your surroundings
By Becky Scarrott last updated
Stay aware with the best open-ear headphones and air-conduction buds for running outdoors, sports, yoga and more.

AirPods Pro 2 are still a great low price – if Apple’s clearing stock ahead of AirPods Pro 3, I’m happy to help
By Matt Bolton published
Amazing value for the price, and although we're expecting a new model to come this year, do you really need it if it's twice the price?

Denon AH-C500W review: a by-the-numbers AirPods rival
By Tom Bedford published
The Denon AH-C500W come at a surprising price, undercutting Apple’s AirPods – but not by enough to make them must-buy rivals

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE images were reportedly leaked, then withdrawn – which is probably a sign that they were real
By Becky Scarrott published
Samsung’s unreleased Fan Edition earbuds were leaked by a noted tipster on X, but the images have been withdrawn – which could be a clear indication of their impending launch
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