The best headphones are pairs that you can form a good connection with. While it's certainly true that some will sound better than others, or extra features such as noise-cancellation may be more effective in a pair of over-ears compared to some earbuds, you ultimately want to settle on a pair that cater best to your preferred genres of music.
We're here to help of course, and we've taken top picks from our best over ear headphones, best noise cancelling headphones and best wireless earbuds round-ups and collated them into one single guide.
Yes, there are a lot of pairs in this list to make your way through, but once you're done, we guarantee you'll know which pair of headphones is best for you. Naturally, the first hurdle is deciding which style you prefer. Do you want a pair of over-ear headphones with big speaker drivers offering superior sound? Or do you want a pair of wireless earbuds that are compact, making travel easier?
You also need to think about how much you're willing to and are able to spend, and it's with this in mind that we've included option across all uses and price brackets in our definitive list below.
Whether you’re looking for the best sound quality, a worthwhile budget option or a versatile all-rounder, you’ll find the best headphones for you below.
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.
The best headphones for most people
The WH-100XM4 continue to reign supreme as our favourite pair of headphones despite their age. Regular discounts mean they're super value for the audio and noise-cancelling quality.
The best low-price headphones
For under AU$200, these over-ears deliver a seriously impressive package. Customisable sound, strong ANC, and fantastic battery life. They're not the most solidly-built headphones ever, but for the price, it should be expected and forgiven.
The best premium headphones
Brimming with excellent high-end features, rocking a gorgeous design and stellar sound we truly cannot fault, these are top headphones for overall quality, and easily earn their premium price.
The best earbuds for overall performance
For music, Technics’ high-spec buds perform better than almost anything else. They're also packed with features, like triple-point pairing, and we found them incredibly comfortable to wear.
The best mid-tier earbuds
For the price, ANC here is truly fantastic. In fact everything about the latest iteration of the QC earbuds delivers, they're comfortable, sound good and don't cost a bomb.
The best low-price earbuds
A fantastic pair of earbuds from Sony for a very affordable price. Expect punchy audio, a solid fit, and good battery life within the buds themselves.
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The best headphones for ANC
It was no easy task, but Sony has finally beaten Bose for the best ANC headphones crown. A new processor and extra mics allow the XM6s to block out virtually every external sound. They're pricey, though, and their battery life is only average.
The best earbuds for ANC
Simply the best ANC you'll find in a pair of earbuds. They sound amazing too, serving up a fun, zealous listen with excellent device-agnostic head-tracked spatial audio.
The best earbuds for stunning sound
Expect an impeccably high standard of clarity, detail and richness when listening to these B&W buds, as well as good noise cancellation that doesn't impact on the excellent audio standard, and more good features.
The best headphones for luxe design
These deliver awesome detail and balance, and pretty good ANC. As do lots of other cans here, but the PX8 look and feel better than basically anything.
Best wired buds
Affordable, comfortable and capable of delivering excellent sound, the 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones are a fine choice if you don't want to rely on Bluetooth.
Workout-friendly earbuds
The iconic ear hooks are back for a second-generation and with them, a built-in heart rate monitor. They sound great, have effective ANC and a long battery life. And of course, they're sweat-resistant.
June 3, 2025 Replaced the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless with the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 as the 'Best Premium' choice based on our testing. Replaced the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones with the Sony WH-1000XM6 as the 'Best headphones for ANC'.
The best headphones in Australia 2025
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Here you'll find more in-depth reviews of the best headphones in Australia right now. Each entry has a direct link to its full review, written by TechRadar's team of audio experts.
The best headphones overall
✅ You want versatile headphones that sound good: The Sony WH-1000XM4s deliver hgh-quality sound in a lightweight folding design.
✅ You're working from home and need some peace and quiet: With the volume turned up and the noise cancelling on, the WH-1000XM4s will isolate you from everything around you.
❌ 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 deliver excellent noise-cancellation and sound quality in a design that we found comfortable and lightweight throughout our testing.
They don’t look different from their predecessors, the Sony WH-1000XM3. However, new features, including multipoint pairing, DSEE Extreme upscaling, conversational awareness and auto-play/pause using a built-in sensor mean they’re a significant upgrade.
The WH-1000XM4 headphones also support Sony’s 360 Reality Audio format, which delivers spatial audio on stereo headphones, plus the LDAC codec that can send a bitrate of up to 990 kbps. However, it no longer supports aptX or aptX HD, so your hi-res audio support mileage may vary.
Regardless, these are a wonderful pair of wireless over-ear headphones and deliver exactly what they promise (and then some) thanks to their exceptional noise cancellation and cutting-edge codec support. Although they've been followed-up by the Sony WH-1000XM5s, these XM4s still have the edge by boasting most of the same features and overall quality of their newer sibling, while selling for a more appealing price.
Read our full Sony WH-1000XM4 review
The best budget headphones
✅ You want surprisingly good ANC: They block out background noise better than you'd expect for the price, with a handy passthrough mode.
✅ You’re on a budget: At under AU$200, they pack in solid sound and features without draining your wallet.
❌ You want audiophile-level sound: Yes, they sound great for the price, but they don’t 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.
If you want great over-ear headphones without spending a fortune, the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 are hard to beat, and are our top budget pick. They pack in a lot for the price, including solid active noise cancellation, a whopping 100 hours of battery life, and surprisingly decent sound.
The 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 go big on features. You get ANC and a transparency mode, LDAC support for higher-quality Bluetooth streaming, and up to 100 hours of battery life – that’s if you turn off LDAC and ANC, but there’s still an impressive 65 hours with ANC on. In our testing, we found that ANC performance is better than expected for the price, easily clamping down on background chatter, traffic and general noise. The passthrough mode does a good job of helping you to stay aware of your surroundings.
Sound quality is seriously respectable here. While they don’t match more premium pairs of headphones we've tested, the audio is clear and pleasingly bassy. You can adjust the EQ through the companion app if you’d prefer a more balanced profile, and this had good results too. In general, there's an energy and dynamism to them that's easily lost in cheaper headphones – especially if the budget has gone on supporting lots of other features too. There's no feeling of being short-changed here on sound.
We found them comfortable enough to wear for long sessions, thanks to soft padding and a lightweight frame. They also look pretty slick, with a matte finish and sleek forward-tilted design. The build is where you feel the price a little – the buttons and headband are more plasticky than more premium headphones – but they’re still perfectly durable for everyday use.
For under AU$200, you’re getting a strong all-rounder here. These over-ears are comfy, capable, long-lasting, and good-looking. If you’re after an affordable pair of headphones with premium features, the Sonoflow Pro HQ51 are a standout budget pick.
Read our full 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 review
The best premium headphones
✅ You appreciate premium craftsmanship: From the moment you unbox them, they exude quality. They look and feel every bit as premium as their price suggests.
✅ You’re here for the sound: Yes, they're premium all-rounders, but they excel in their audio quality. They deliver beautifully balanced, expressive sound across the board that beats the Sony WH-1000XM6 easily.
❌ You need full playback control on the headphones: One peculiar omission on these headphones is you can’t skip tracks with the onboard controls. You’ll need to pull out your phone if you want to jump ahead.
❌ You live in a very windy place: The Px7 S3 aren’t the most wind-resistant headphones out there. If you regularly walk across blustery hillsides, you might want to look elsewhere.
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 headphones are a seriously impressive, gorgeous package. They deliver high-end sound in a premium design, with features that make them one of the top contenders in the best headphones space – as long as you can afford their lofty price tag.
You get Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Lossless support, multipoint connectivity, and a solid 30 hours of battery life. Noise cancellation is bespoke and highly effective – while it still doesn't quite have the likes of Bose or Sony's XM6 quaking in their boots, it's still top-drawer.
Plus, spatial audio and Auracast support are on the way via a future update according to B&W, which makes them for feature-packed and future-proof (though we do recommend buying something for the features it has now, not what's promised in the future). Fortunately, current features are plentiful, including a five-band EQ, voice assistant support, and a USB-C slot for both charging and hi-res data transfer.
Sound is where these cans shine, as should be expected from such a prestigious brand. We said in our review that the redesigned 40mm biocellulose drivers deliver an expansive, open soundstage with great tonal balance. We loved the punchy bass, lively mids, crisp treble, and real finesse across genres. They’re detailed, dynamic, and rhythmically engaging, and offer simply some of the best sound you’ll get from a pair of wireless headphones right now. The only slight downside is that will catch a bit of wind noise in blustery conditions.
We've compared them directly to the Sony WH-1000XM6, as two of the latest and greatest headphones available, and the Bowers & Wilkins have a clear lead on sound quality – it's instantly obvious. But the Sony win on noise cancellation and other smart features. Considering they cost the same in Australia, you'll need to think carefully about which is most important for you.
Design-wise, the Px7 S3s have been slimmed down from previous generations. They look far sleeker and more discreet, with a beautifully finished build that feels every bit as premium as the audio. A new headband and arm mechanism improve comfort, and the memory foam ear pads with pleather finish are soft enough for hours of wear. Bonus points for the smart new carry case, complete with a magnetic flap.
Yes, they're not cheap at AU$699 – but that's the same price as the Sony XM6, and around the same as the Bose Ultra Headphones (although they are starting to get discounts in Oz), so they're in line with the competition. With this level of polish, performance, and spec, the Px7 S3 earn their keep. You’re paying for a premium experience, and in this case, you absolutely get one.
Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 review
The best earbuds overall
✅ Comfort and fit are dealbreakers: You get a heap of different fitting options in the box, meaning everyone should be able to get a secure, comfortable fit with no issues.
✅ You want more features than you knew were possible: Triple-point connectivity is brought over from the preious model, plus you get LDAC support, customisable ANC, wireless charging… basically everything.
❌ You need best-in-class noise cancellation: The ANC will reduce external sounds to a murmur, but the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds are still the bees knees.
❌ You need a pair with stamina: The seven hours of battery life with ANC on isn't bad by any means, but other pairs will last longer.
The Technics EAH-AZ100 represent exactly what should be expected from a pair of premium earbuds. Not only do they sound fantastic (a natural expectation, we think you'll agree) but they're packed with some of the most advanced and future-proofed tech of any buds you can buy today. The almost-endless list of features includes triple-device multipoint Bluetooth connectivity (carried over from the AZ80 predecessor), Bluetooth 5.3), along with LDAC for CD-quality streaming from compatible devices. You also gain access to customisable noise cancellation and ambient sound modes, a great EQ and wireless charging. We can't think of many other features we'd want to see (or can indeed expect to see) to be honest.
Perhaps most importantly, we're huge fans of their sound quality. It's so poised and eloquent, with a rich dynamic range that feels like you're getting a full and accurate reproduction of the recording. In our review, we said it's "balanced, detailed and respectably dynamic". The only downside we noticed was when switching ANC off, as it changed the overall presentation to one that lacked any real substance. Keep ANC on, though, and you'll be fine.
Technics goes above and beyond to make sure that the earbuds fit all shapes and sizes of ears, providing seven silicone, drop-shaped eartips for their so-called 'concha-fit'.
The battery life and active noise cancellation are less exemplary – both are average, so not bad at all, but not exceptional – but they will be absolutely perfect for anyone looking for excellent musical fidelity and cutting-edge tech features from their earbuds.
Read our full Technics EAH-AZ100 review
The best mid-priced earbuds
✅ You want great ANC for less: These latest Bose earbuds deliver exceptional noise-blocking power.
✅ You struggle to find buds that fit: They come with multiple tips and stability bands to ensure a comfy, stable fit.
❌ You want high-res format support: The Bose QCE support SBC and AAC codecs, and that's it. If you want high-res tunes, look elsewhere.
❌ You like using voice controls: This might be a niche one, but in practice, voice commands were disappointing, mostly because they were far too sensitive.
No sooner had the Nothing Ear (a) truly settled into its position of the best mid-priced earbuds has Bose come along and stolen the crown away. Thanks to a tremendous combination of ANC performance, sound quality and a super comfortable design, they're fully deserving of this spot. They are more expensive than the pair they usurp, but given what they bring to the table, we think the price is justified.
Bose is of course renowned for its excellent ANC technology, and the QuietComfort Earbuds use it to full effect. In our review, we noted that their ANC “beats out anything else I've tried at this price – and many earbuds that cost much more.” During testing, these earbuds effectively silenced nearly all background noise, with their more expensive Ultra sibling being virtually the only pair that could better them. For those moments when you need awareness, the Aware mode isolates and amplifies voices while dampening other sounds. What's more, we've noticed on Bose's website that the Immersive Audio mode found in the Ultra pair of earbuds (which adds a spatial-like soundscape to any song) is "coming soon." We'll update this guide and our review when we know more.
As for how they sound, we described the experience as "warm and energetic," with a "rich and meaty bass." While these earbuds don’t deliver an extra-boosted low end, they offer nuance and perform well even at high volumes. But what we rated the most during testing was the dramatic soundstage. We wrote: “You can hear the different instruments spread around you like dishes at a tapas restaurant, and if you close your eyes you feel like you could point to where each one is.” While they lack support for advanced audio codecs, including hi-res, this won’t matter if you primarily stream via Spotify – but it might disappoint those using Tidal or Apple Music’s high-res offerings.
They also firmly live up to their 'comfort' nomenclature, delivering a snug and sturdy fit in our experience. You're given plenty of pairs of silicone ear tips to choose from, along with some stability bands to ensure they barely move when they're in your ears. The only thing to point out in terms of design is the case is pretty big, at least bigger than most other wireless buds we’ve tested and it’ll feel bulky in a pocket. Then again, this is hardly a big deal to say these buds are well-priced, sound great, offer solid ANC and fit incredibly well. If your budget can stretch to Bose’s mid-range price tag, these buds won’t disappoint.
Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2024 review
The best budget earbuds
✅ You want affordable buds that don't feel that way: The sound is better than it has any right to be for such a low price, and they're very well made and pleasant to wear.
✅ You like sound with clarity: There's a strong focus on textured vocals and clean treble with these buds.
❌ You want noise cancellation: To keep the price down, ANC isn't included. If you need it, get the Nothing Ear (a) instead.
❌ Battery stamina is important: The battery life in the buds themselves is excellent, but you'll only get one full charge from the case.
The Sony WF-C510 earbuds launched with an RRP of AU$109, but can now regularly be picked up for under AU$100, making them budget in our books. Yet their audio performance and build quality would suggest they should cost a lot more.
Our review described the WF-C510's audio as "punchy and high-quality", and noted that Sony was clearly putting a focus on clean treble, which serves vocals particularly well. That also means that bass-freaks may wish to look elsewhere, as these Sony earbuds don't have the power to rattle your skull. You can tweak the sound using a custom EQ, but it can be a bit fiddly to use.
To keep the price low, Sony has naturally had to exclude some features, most notably active noise cancellation. Other features missing from the CV include wear detection and low-latency mode, which, if you're used to having those from your previous buds, you may find you'll miss. But for our money, we can forgive missing features if it means the sound quality doesn't suffer, and that's exactly the case here. We appreciate the impressive 11 hours of battery life from the earbuds themselves, but we're less enthusiastic about the case's one full charge worth of juice. We'd expect at least two full charges.
Build quality is great and despite being compact, the buds have no problem staying put in your ears. You can feasibly wear them to the gym or out on a run or cycle and need not worry about them falling out.
The Sony WF-C510 are some of the best cheap earbuds you'll find and prove Sony is a master of audio no matter the price bracket, given its high-performing WF-1000XM5 flagship earbuds and the WF-C700N mid-range earbuds.
Read our full Sony WF-C510 review
The best headphones for ANC
✅ You want industry-leading ANC: These headphones deliver best-in-class noise cancelling, rivalling even Bose’s top models. Whether it’s 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.
❌ You’re trying to keep costs down: These are premium headphones with a premium price. For something more affordable, look at Sony WH-1000XM4 at #1 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.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are the most advanced the brand has ever made, and we love how they seem to fuse together the best bits of their XM4 and XM5 predecessors. Best of all, they build on everything Sony’s already done well with regard to sound, and they introduce noticeably better ANC. Sony promised they were the “best noise cancelling headphones” and this time the marketing line holds up.
The on-ear touch controls are sleek and intuitive, and elsewhere the headphones are packed with features. But it's the ANC that stands out the most here, thanks to Sony’s 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.
It's not all good news though, unfortunately. Battery life is average at 30 hours, which is passable given the power behind the ANC and you can use them while charging. They support fast charging too, with a quick three-minute charge giving 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. It’s a clean, balanced listen, whether you're tuning into a podcast or getting lost in an album. Those 12 mics don’t just help with ANC either, they make call quality crisp and reliable.
Design-wise, they’re incredibly comfy. Lightweight with a wider headband and snug fit. They fold, unlike the XM5s, which means they’re 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 AU$699, 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 you're after. They're just kept from being further up the list by the superior sound of the B&W Px7 S3 at #3 in the list.
Read our full Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones review
The best earbuds for ANC
✅ Noise cancellation really matters to you: These buds are at the top of the ANC game as it stands right now, and that’s without compromising on the sound quality.
✅ You want a lively, engaging sound: Bose has really nailed energetic sound in these buds, particularly when using the immersive audio features alongside the ANC.
❌ You want wireless charging: The case will support it, you'll just need to buy a separate cover.
❌ Size and wireless charging matter to you: They're smaller than the QCE II they replace, but they are still a bit chunkier than average.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are simply the best noise-cancelling earbuds on the market. Although, that does only strictly apply to noise cancelling capabilities, as they're not necessarily the most neutral and detailed-sounding across the board. But if you want total silence when listening to your music, they're unrivalled.
They introduce a few new features over their QuietComfort Earbuds 2 predecessor including excellent device-agnostic head-tracked immersive audio, special tweaks to the ear-tips, multipoint to two devices and even better ANC.
The active noise cancellation (ANC) really is top notch, creating a "near cocoon of silence" that’s perfect for shutting out extraneous noise. Combine their ANC prowess with an acceptable 6 hours of battery life in the buds and 24 hours in total with the case, and they’re a solid choice.
The all-new Immersive Audio technology also offers spatial sound that adapts to your movement and works with the ANC, offering a more cinematic experience across devices – all with Snapdragon Sound Suite and aptX Adaptive support at the helm. We called them a “vigorous and engaging listen” in our review and that's what you're getting. Don't expect the most analytical, detailed or dynamically nuanced soundfield, but unless you want audiophile-grade audio, you'll be well served here.
Read our in-depth Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review
The best earbuds for sound
✅ Excellent sound is your top priority: These B&W buds sound fantastic and are among the best we've ever tested – that's really saying something.
✅ You want the option of wired listening: You can connect the case to a laptop or in-flight entertainment system, and the sound will beam to the buds.
❌ You want spatial audio: The Pi8 don't support it. It might not be a deal breaker for audiophiles, but if you watch a lot of video content, you may miss it.
❌ You'd like full controls on the buds: It's a small bugbear really, but you can't control ANC modes and volume from the buds at all times.
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are a highly competent pair of buds that sound fantastic and are a joy to wear. This easily makes them our top pick for those who want the best sound from the super-convenient true wireless buds design. Bowers & Wilkins has always created audio tech that sounds phenomenal, and these latest buds are no exception.
To say that we were impressed during our testing is a massive understatement. In our review, we wrote: “No matter what genre of music I threw at them (and no matter the streaming source) it felt as if the B&W Pi8 had unpacked, weighed, opened out, examined, layered and finally presented my music with the skilled hand of a French pâtissier.” They excel in all areas, including dynamic nuance, balance, musicality and more. Audiophiles will be delighted to hear such clarity and richness from a pair of buds.
Features-wise, there’s a lot to love here, including the noise cancellation. It’s rare to find both incredible sound and ANC – sometimes solid noise cancelling comes at a price and that price is a loss of richness and clarity. In our review, we wrote: “That cocooned feeling of leaving the outside world behind kicked straight in.” This is due to B&W’s advanced tech, of course, but also thanks to the snug and stable fit of the Pi8 buds. As well as ANC, there’s a ‘Pass Through’ mode that lets you hear people talking to you. But other than that, there are no different levels of noise blocking power to choose from here, which is something Bose offers you, for example.
Another great additional feature is that the charging case can be plugged into a non-Bluetooth source, and it’ll then become a wireless audio re-transmitter in aptX Adaptive transmission up to 24-bit/96kHz quality. This makes the buds perfect for listening to movies on in-flight entertainment systems, or using with work laptops and so on.
The only thing really missing here is there are no fit tests to make sure the ear tips are right or that the noise cancellation is geared to you. There’s also no spatial audio processing, which is a bit of a shame for movie lovers in particular. These aren’t essentials by any means, but you could try the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, the LG Tone Free T90S or the AirPods Pro 2 if spatial audio is a priority.
The Pi8 buds boast an improved design over previous versions, which adds on-ear volume support (but annoyingly no ANC on or off function) and nixes connectivity issues. There are several colour options to choose from, and although they’re made from plastic they do have a premium, matte look and feel to them.
Battery life isn't one of the Pi8's strongest areas at just 6.5 hours from the buds and a further 13.5 hours from the case. These figures are with ANC on mind you, but we imagine most users will want the benefit of the noise-blocking tech. Plus, for us, the fact they deliver best-in-class audio and are hard to fault in almost every conceivable way, they’re excellent value.
Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 review
The best looking headphones
✅ You like to look good: Not everyone cares about looks. But if you want people to gaze longingly at your over-ears, these are probably the set for you.
✅ You're prepared to pay extra for class-leading sound:
There's no doubt that the PX8 sound absolutely jaw-dropping for detail, clarity, energy and agility.
❌ You need class-leading battery life: The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless can offer double the 30 hours offered by the PX8. Mind you, 30 hours is hardly poor…
❌ You desire listening gear that folds up: Bowers & Wilkins' newest proposition follows the recent tendency for lying flat, but not folding up for easy transport.
If the only factor to be taken into consideration when determining the best headphones were sonic quality, the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 would land much, much higher up this list. But then there's the price. While you can certainly spend even more on headphones, at around AU$1,000, they ain't cheap.
It also makes them vastly expensive than the majority of consumers would or should ever consider for a pair of new headphones. Still, the price tag isn't necessarily without its justifications. A new carbon cone 40mm drive unit replaces the bio-cellulose driver in the (slightly) more affordable Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 and the die-cast aluminium arms, diamond-cut bright metal detailing and Nappa leather trim elevates the build to high-end territory.
And the sound quality is simply exceptional, with agile, dynamic sound coming through crystal clear and at a performance level that is simply top of the class. You also get a generous 30 hours of battery life, which is impressive when considering how much is packed into the headphones that could elsewhere be used as justification for a more modest juice cycle.
If money is no object and sound performance is what matters most to you, these are the best headphones money can buy. It's just the asking price being so far beyond what many could reasonably consider drastically harming the PX8's overall value which sees these headphones tumble so far down this list.
Read our full Bowers & Wilkins PX8 review
The best wired earbuds
✅ You want uncompromising sound: Audio quality is where the Triple Drivers stand out, delivering a balanced yet detailed sound with mid-bass.
✅ You want the best possible value: At this price range, it's hard to find headphones that can match the level of quality build and design you're getting.
❌ You don't like wires: The biggest gripe we had with these headphones is that the rubber cable would catch on itself, which can be distracting when listening on the go.
❌ You value quality materials: Another minor flaw we found during our testing was that the plastic remote feels cheap, like the rubber material used for the cable.
After testing the 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones for a few weeks, we found that they deliver fantastic sound and equally fantastic value for money. That's why we consider them to be the best headphones for those who prefer wired earbuds.
For the price, it would be difficult to find a better-sounding and more well-built pair of earphones than the 1MORE Triple Drivers – although if you want a little extra refinement and more luxurious materials, the same firm's 1MORE Quad Drivers are even more impressive, albeit at twice the price.
The inbuilt remote feels a little cheap, but that's more than made up for by the lush sound quality offered by these luxe-looking earbuds. For the price, you would struggle to do better than 1MORE's Triple Driver in-ear headphones.
Read our full 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Headphone review
The best headphones for workouts
✅ You want a secure fit: No matter your sporting discipline, these things will remain locked into your ears.
✅ You want to track your heart rate: The heart-rate monitor is currently an Apple- and Beats earbuds first, and it works very well... but only if you don't wear an Apple Watch.
❌ Sound quality is king: It's not a bad sound, but it's a little below excellent across the frequencies.
❌ You want to adjust the EQ: You simply can't do it.
The Powerbeats Pro 2 were hotly anticipated ahead of their launch, as their predecessor proved to be so popular and iconic, fans (including us) were pining for a successor. They're here and they retain the excellent ear hook design which keeps them locked into your ears for as long as you choose to wear them.
They also introduce the world's first integration of a heart-rate monitor in a set of earbuds, which is no easy feat. It works well, too, sending information to the Apple Health app along with a smattering of third-party options. Although, do note that if you also wear an Apple Watch, that will take precedence to analyse and display your bpm – you can't view the data the Powerbeats Pro 2 pick up on your Watch, either.
Sonically they're good rather than great. For a Beats branded product, we definitely expected them to sound a little bassier, but alas our wishes fell on deaf ears. They can serve up a good amount of detail, however, and frequencies are separated well, we just wish for a bit more oomph.
We found the spatial audio and ANC to be pretty effective during our review, and the sound certainly benefits from leaving ANC turned on. We also love their 45 hours of battery life with the case included. What we don't love as much is their IPX4 splash-proof rating. For a pair of workout-orientated earbuds, we're surprised they're not fully waterproof to survive a dip in the pool.
Read our full Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review
Other headphones to consider
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.
Nothing Ear (a): These earbuds may no longer be in our guide, but they're still an excellent choice for most people. The only reason they left is because the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds that replaced them are a little better for mid-range money. However, as you'll see from our Nothing Ear (a) review, they're still great and are actually quite a bit cheaper.
Sonos Ace: Sonos' first headphones are a very premium price, and have a design to match. But the audio quality for music is a step behind the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones we recommend above. However, we absolutely loved them for their movie performance and spatial audio, either when used with a Sonos soundbar or with any Dolby Atmos-capable device – if you're a big movie fan, you should still read our Sonos Ace review.
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.
3.5mm jack: The classic wired connection for headphones – not all of today’s wireless headphones support this, though, so we make sure to highlight it, for when only wired use will do.
Active noise cancellation (ANC): A way of processing audio to counteract extraneous sounds around you and remove them from what you’re 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.
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 doesn’t 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 Bluetooth’s 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 they’re 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 they’re a lot larger than the lower-quality files we’re used to before, so some services won’t default to playing these files unless you’re 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 it’s 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, it’s simply called Find My. On Android, it’s 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 you’re listening to doesn’t have to move with you when you move your head – it can sound more like you’re sitting in a room of speakers, even when you’re 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 company’s 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 doesn’t 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’ technology, which means it removes information from the track in order to make it much smaller. Other file types, such as FLAC (used by Tidal) and ALAC (used by Apple Music) are lossless, which means that the files are larger than MP3, but they retain all the original audio information. Read more in our dedicated audio file format explainer.
Multi-point Bluetooth: A newer Bluetooth feature that enables your headphones to be paired with two (or even three, in rare cases) devices at the same time, so you can switch between them instantly, without needing to disconnect and reconnect, or re-pair, your headphones each time.
Noise isolation: This refers to the passive ability of a pair of headphones or earbuds to isolate you from ambient sounds, without using the processing of active noise cancellation. So it refers to the way that earbuds also act like earplugs to block outside sound, or the way that over-ear headphones provide a seal around your ears to do the same thing.
On-ear: An on-ear fit refers to headphones with a small earpad that sits directly on your auricle (the part of the ear that’s outside the head). This tends to provide a less-perfect seal for noise isolation than over-ear headphones, and some find it less comfortable – but some prefer it.
Over-ear: An over-ear fit means the earpads of the headphones are larger, and sit around your auricle, so your whole ear is encompassed within their seal. This is the fit of choice for the best noise-cancelling headphones, because it provides the best passive noise isolation, which they can then enhance with active noise cancellation.
Planar magnetic: This type of speaker driver can be more precise and dynamic than the dynamic drivers used in most headphones, and is a favorite of audiophiles. However, it’s expensive and hard to power, meaning that headphones that use it tend to be heavy and pricey.
Snapdragon Sound: This is a combination of wireless technologies designed to provide a better experience if you have both a phone and pair of headphones that support it. It combines the higher-quality streaming of aptX with other features designed to reduce the latency of the Bluetooth connection (ie, how long it takes to transmit the sound), to improve the quality of voice calls, and to improve the overall reliability of the connection. ‘Snapdragon’ is a series of chips made by Qualcomm, and are used in many Android phones. Read more in our in-depth Snapdragon Sound explainer.
Spatial audio: A generic term used to describe various types of 3D sound technologies used in headphones. Apple uses it to refer to its own particular mix of Dolby Atmos support with head tracking. Other brands may use it for equivalent features, but there’s no rule as to exactly what it means, other than that the idea is to make the sound feel like it’s coming from all around you, not right in your ears – think Dirac Virtuo, DTS:X, THX and of course Dolby Atmos. It’s especially good with movies, where it can recreate the home theater experience in headphones.
Transparency mode: A variation of active noise cancellation. Instead of blocking the outside noise, the processing actually mixes ambient noise into your music intelligently, so you can hear what’s going on around you without overwhelming your music. That way, you can hear a train announcement, have a conversation, or be aware of traffic. Different manufacturers call this mode different things – it may be something like ‘Aware mode’, “HearThru’ or ‘Ambient mode’. We tend to call it ‘Transparency mode’ as a rule, to make it easy to compare products in our guide.
USB-C Audio: Some headphones offer the ability to play digital audio from a computer or phone when connected by a USB-C cable, and the advantage of this is that it can support extremely high-quality resolution tracks – far beyond what any version of Bluetooth currently supports. For audiophiles, a pair of headphones that can do both wireless for convenience and USB-C Audio for wired Hi-Res Audio playback, can be preferential.
How we test the best headphones
☑️ More than 2,400 audio reviews
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech
When it comes to the best headphones, we focus on sound quality above everything else. We look at both wired and wireless cans and earbuds that would appeal to audiophiles, as well as those working in professional roles.
However, we also appreciate that budget is important too, so we compare like for like, picking out budget headphones that perform admirably for the price.
We also look at other features such as ANC, battery life, fit, and of course the usability and extra perks offered by any companion apps. Of course, design and whether they look (and feel) good all adds to the model's desirability – and this is noted as we listen to music across a wide range of genres over several days.
We have tested all of the headphones in this guide extensively, spending plenty of time analyzing the sound, fit, design, specs, and value for money so that you will be able to choose a product you'll be over the moon with.
FAQ
Which brand is best for headphones?
There's no one perfect headphone brand out there. It all depends on your budget, audio needs, the features you want, and even the comfort or design involved with the headphones.
That's why we've included numerous headphones covering different price ranges and feature sets. While major brands like Sony and Bose may stand out most, relative newcomers to the headphone scene such as Technics prove the high-street brands aren't always the outright best.
What are the best headphones for working out?
When it comes to finding the best headphones for working out, the first thing you will need to determine is if they're water resistant. The last thing you want is to ruin your new pair of headphones because they aren't prepared for dealing with the sweat that comes with most exercise.
The next thing to consider is fit. Many people choose to go for true-wireless earbuds when working out due to their portability, however this style does come with some downsides. Without wires and being so small, it's pretty easy for them to pop out of your ear while you're bouncing around and can then get lost.
For this reason, our pick for the best headphones for working out are the Powerbeats Pro 2, or even the Beats Fit Pro. These true wireless earbuds that employ clever designs to ensure they remain locked into your ears. The sound profile differs between the two pairs, and they have differing sets of features, so the best pair for you will likely come down to personal preference.
Are wired headphones better than wireless?
Generally speaking, wired headphones do deliver better sound quality than wireless headphones. But audio tech has seen so much positive advancement in recent years that many of the best wireless headphones offer more than enough performance to ensure you're unlikely to notice a difference.
We often still recommend that strict audiophiles continue to opt for wired headphones, but for everyone else it will be mostly down to personal preference.
The latest updates to this best headphones in Australia guide
June 3, 2025 Replaced the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless with the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 as the 'Best Premium' choice based on our testing. Replaced the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones with the Sony WH-1000XM6 as the 'Best headphones for ANC'. May 8, 2025 Added a new Quick List menu of all featured pairs of headphones to provide quick summaries for each pick. Added the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 earbuds as the 'best earbuds for sound'
