Headphones

Side view of young man adjusting headphones and keeping eyes closed
(Image credit: Shutterstock / G-Stock Studio)

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.

Latest about Headphones

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Mute planes, trains and automobiles with our top travel headphones and earbuds, from Sony, Bose and more

Wireless Headphones
Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds leak again, this time with a release date hint

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2026 looks set to be the year of XM6 – could Sony be preparing to launch its latest earbuds at CES?

Earbuds & Airpods

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Headphones
The Google Pixel Buds Pro being worn

iOS 26.3 adds AirPods features to third-party earbuds — but just in the EU

By David Nield published

You'll be able to use third-party earbuds more easily with an iPhone next year, if you're in an EU country.

Earbuds & Airpods
Apple AirPods Pro 3 on a purple background with 'Boxing Day deals' text overlay.

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The AirPods Pro 3 have been relatively immune to discounts since they launched in September, which makes this AU$50 saving at Amazon one to get excited about.

Earbuds & Airpods
A selection of open earbuds on pink background, taken by TechRadar

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Earbuds & Airpods
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My carefully considered pick of the best earbuds in the business – including one or two new models you might not be familiar with.

Earbuds & Airpods
Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Gen wired headphones, on a headphone stand, in front of a bookshelf and framed picture.

Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Gen review: walnut-cupped wired headphone beauties to level up the OG model

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The Meze Audio 99 Classics 2nd Gen wired headphones remain homely, walnut-earcupped beauties – but how have they improved from the original?

Headphones

I'm a recording musician, and the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro headphones are the audio Christmas gift I've bought for myself

By Carrie Marshall published

Beyerdynamic's DT990 Pro are great studio headphones with exceptional comfort and an open-back design

Headphones
The Fitnexa SomniPods 3 on a bedside tablet, with a stuffed lion examining it.

I used the thinnest noise-cancelling sleep earbuds for two weeks and it had one fascinating statistic

By Tom Bedford published

Meet the Fitnexa SomniPods 3. They have some problems but look beyond them, and you'll find smartly-framed buds with a few interesting twists.

Sleep
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