This page lists over-ear and on-ear headphones from Bose, Apple, Beats, AKG, HIFIMAN and other brands. Wireless noise cancelling models suit shoppers who want to block outside noise. Wired closed-back models suit studio work, and open-back models suit home hi-fi listening.
Read our Bose QuietComfort Ultra review for more on this noise cancelling model. The Edifier W80 review covers its long battery, LDAC support and unverified noise cancelling. Our Baseus Inspire XH1 review looks at its large battery, sound and mixed noise cancelling. See the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones for an over-ear pick with adaptive noise cancelling.
How do I choose the right headphones?
Start with where you listen. To block outside noise, look at models with active noise cancelling. Bose, Apple, 1MORE, Baseus and Edifier all list it here. The EKSA H8 offers noise cancelling on a wired design.
For studio work, look at wired closed-back monitors such as the AKG Pro Audio K371. For a quiet room at home, look at open-back models like the Audeze LCD-2 Classic and HIFIMAN Ananda Nano. Pick on-ear, like the Beats Solo 4, if you want a smaller fit.
- Active noise cancelling
- Microphones pick up outside noise. The headphones then play an opposite signal to cancel much of it.
- Open-back
- The ear cups have open grilles, so sound passes in and out. These suit quiet rooms more than shared spaces.
- Planar magnetic
- A thin, flat diaphragm moved by magnets. The HIFIMAN Ananda Nano lists this driver type.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy Bose, Apple or Beats headphones?
Pick by feature, not logo. Bose lists the QuietComfort 45, QuietComfort Ultra and QuietComfort, all with noise cancelling. Apple offers the AirPods Max with active noise cancellation. Beats offers the on-ear Solo 4 and the over-ear Studio Pro.
What is the difference between open-back and closed-back headphones?
Closed-back cups seal in sound, so less leaks out and less noise gets in. Open-back cups let sound pass through. Pick closed-back for shared spaces. Pick open-back for a quiet room.
Are wired headphones still worth buying?
Most wired models plug straight in with no battery to charge. They suit studio and hi-fi setups. This page lists wired picks such as the AKG Pro Audio K371, FiiO FT1 and EKSA H8.
