We’ve tested the finest headphones for you and your budget. All of our headphones have fantastic features, effective and adaptable active noise canceling, beautiful style, and exceptional comfort.
Getting good headphones is simple. A good pair costs less than $300. Sometimes you need to let go. Sometimes you need to spend big on something that will last a long time and sound great. We’ll do it here. We’ll show you the greatest audiophile headphones for $5,000 or $500. We’ve merged over-ear and in-ear headphones since expensive electrostatic headphones are getting their own list. top-tier headphones See our website here
Out Top Picks
7 Best High-end Headphones: Review Our
1. Ola dance Open Ear Headphones Bluetooth 5.2 Wireless Earbuds for Android & iPhone
Ola dancing Open Ear Headphones Bluetooth 5.2 Wireless Earbuds for Android & iPhone, Dual 16.5mm Dynamic Drivers, Up To 16 Hours Playtime. Waterproof Sport Earbuds-Interstellar Blue. Ultra-lightweight, soft-fit leather, Multipoint connections let you swap devices rapidly.
Touch controls for stop, play, skip volume, voice assistant, and calls. Speak-to-Chat and Rapid Attention modes cease music and allow ambient sound in for daily convenience. When headphones are removed, instant pause/instant play stops and resumes music.
- Industry Leading noise cancellation-two processors control 8 microphones for unprecedented noise cancellation. With Auto NC Optimizer, noise canceling is automatically optimized based on your wearing conditions and environment..Operating temperature : 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
- Magnificent Sound, engineered to perfection with the new Integrated Processor V1
- Crystal clear hands-free calling with 4 beamforming microphones, precise voice pickup, and advanced audio signal processing.
- Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- Ultra-comfortable, lightweight design with soft fit leather
What we like
- Industry Unmatched noise cancellation—two CPUs handle 8 microphones. Auto NC Optimizer optimizes noise canceling for your wearing circumstances and surroundings.
- Excellent sound with the new Integrated Processor V1.
- 4 beamforming microphones for excellent hands-free calling.
- Fast-charging 30-hour battery life (3 min charge for 3 hours of playback).
- The new casing makes carrying headphones easily.
Note: If the Bluetooth connection fails, switch off Bluetooth for a few minutes and then turn it back on.
Product information:
- Brand Sony
- Model Name WH1000XM5/B
- Color Black
- Form Factor Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology Bluetooth
- Product Dimensions 8.85 x 3.03 x 10.36 inches
- Item Weight 8.8 ounces
- ASIN B09XS7JWHH
Verified Purchase, Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Best noise canceling headphones on the market, Color: Silver, The Sony headphone is the best for both noise-canceling functionality as well as intuitive controls. It allows you to carry on conversations by pausing the noise canceling function, the right headphone controls sound level, forward and back, and they are super light. Battery life is excellent and the carrying case is functional and sturdy.
2. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones with Mic for Phone-Call and Alexa Voice Control
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones with Mic for Phone-Call and Alexa Voice Control, Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancellation, Hear every word, note, and tune with exceptional clarity, no matter your surroundings. These headphones include extra microphones to isolate sound when on the phone, improving call quality and reducing high and mid-frequency noises.
Note: If you have Bluetooth connection issues, switch off Bluetooth for a few minutes and put it back on. Adaptive Sound Control personalizes your listening experience.
- Industry-leading noise canceling with Dual Noise Sensor technology.Specific uses for product : Audio.Frequency Response : 4Hz-40,000Hz..Headphone Type : Closed, dynamic. Frequency Response : 4 Hz-40,000 Hz
- Next-level music with Edge-AI, co-developed with Sony Music Studios Tokyo
- Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (10 min charge for 5 hours of playback)
- The WH1000XM4 Touch Sensor controls to pause play skip tracks, control volume, activate your voice assistant, and answer phone calls.
- Speak-to-chat technology automatically reduces volume during conversations
What we like
- The revised design lessens the pressure for long-term comfort. Dual Noise Sensor technology provides industry-leading noise cancellation.
- Touch sensor controls for stop, play, skip, volume, voice assistant, and phone calls.
- Speak-to-chat technology automatically lowers conversation volume and seamless multi-device connection
- Excellent voice pickup and call quality
- Wearing detection stops playing when headphones are removed.
- Fast-charging 30-hour battery life (10 min charge for 5 hours of playback)
Product information:
- Brand Sony
- Model Name WH1000XM4/B
- Color Black
- Form Factor Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology Bluetooth, Bluetooth 5.0
- Product Dimensions 7.27 x 3.03 x 9.94 inches
- Item Weight 9 ounces
- ASIN B0863TXGM3
Verified Purchase,- Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Best noise canceling, Color: Blue. I’m very picky with headphones and I can never find any that don’t hurt my ears and head but THESE are amazing. The noise canceling helps to isolate any noise and even without hearing anything, they are perfect for people with anxiety. It really helps to concentrate even to sleep in. I love them and are worth the money.
3. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, Bluetooth
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, Bluetooth, Over-Ear Wireless with Built-In Microphone for Clear Calls & Alexa Voice Control, Be alert and hands-free. With simple access to Alexa and Google Assistant for music, navigation, weather, and more, and intuitive touch control on the earcups, you can remain connected without reaching for your phone.
Amazed: Precision. Deep, full bass. These wireless headphones provide rich, vivid sound at all volumes. Unmatched voice pickup, A unique microphone technology adjusts to windy and loud situations so your voice always sounds clear during calls. Spotify on tap: Tap and hold the right earcup to play your previous Spotify session or find new songs. iOS headphones only.
- POWERFUL NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: 11 levels of active noise cancelling let you enjoy music, podcasts, videos & calls without distractions
- ASTONISHING SOUND: Crisp, clear details. Deep, full bass. These wireless headphones produce exciting, lifelike sound that’s full and balanced at every volume level
- UNRIVALED VOICE PICKUP: A revolutionary microphone system adapts to noisy and windy environments so your voice always sounds crystal clear on calls
- KEEP YOUR HEAD UP AND HANDS FREE: With easy access to voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant for music, navigation, weather, and more, and intuitive touch control on the earcups — you can stay connected without reaching for your phone
- PREMIUM DESIGN AND COMFORT: With a lightweight stainless steel headband and earcups tilted for the perfect fit, you can comfortably wear these bluetooth headphones for hours
What we like
- 11 levels of active noise cancellation help you enjoy music, podcasts, films, and calls without disturbances.
- Superior design and comfort: With a lightweight stainless steel headband and tilting earcups for optimal fit, these Bluetooth headphones are comfortable to use for hours.
- 20 hours of continuous music: Wireless battery life is 20 hours per charge.
- Connect with Bose soundbar: Use Bose SimpleSync to link these wireless Bluetooth headphones to the Bose smart soundbar 300, 500, or 700 for a personalized listening experience.
- Alexa-to-Alexa calling: Use these wireless noise-canceling headphones to contact a Bose smart device or Amazon Echo device using the Alexa mobile app.
Product information:
- Brand Bose
- Model Name Headphones 700
- Color Black
- Form Factor Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology Bluetooth
- Product Dimensions 2 x 6.5 x 8 inches
- Item Weight 8.8 ounces
- ASIN B07Q9MJKBV
Verified Purchase Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2023
They do the job, Color: BlackSize: One SizeStyle: Headphones
I might be extra picky but I purchased these mainly for when I fly and was wanting them for their noise-canceling ability. They ultimately do work and the sound quality is great. I guess I just wish they blocked out more noise.
4. Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones provide the right blend of silence, comfort, and sound. Bose uses tiny mics to measure, compare, and react to outside noise, canceling it with opposite signals. 9-meter Bluetooth range (30 feet). Customize your audio with Bose Music. Adjustable EQ lets you customize bass, mid-range, and treble levels or choose from numerous presets.
- NOISE CANCELLING WIRELESS HEADPHONES: The perfect balance of quiet, comfort, and sound. Bose uses tiny mics to measure, compare, and react to outside noise, cancelling it with opposite signals. Bluetooth range-up to 9 m (30 feet).
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO: The TriPort acoustic architecture offers depth and fullness. Volume-optimized Active EQ maintains balanced performance at any volume, so bass stays consistent when turned down and the music remains clear when turned up.
- QUIET AND AWARE MODES: Choose Quiet Mode for full noise cancelling, or Aware Mode to bring the outside into the around ear headphones and hear your environment and your music at the same time.
- UP TO 22 HOURS BATTERY LIFE: Enjoy 22 hours of battery life from a single charge. A quick 15-minute charge offers 3 hours when you’re on the go, or plug in the included audio cable to listen for even longer in wired mode.
- PERSONALIZE YOUR AUDIO: Adjustable EQ allows you to set the bass, mid-range, and treble levels to your personal preferences or select one of several preset options.
What we like
- High-fidelity audio—TriPort acoustic design provides depth and richness. Volume-optimized Active EQ keeps bass steady at low volumes and songs clear at high volumes.
- Quiet and Aware Modes — Select Quiet Mode for complete noise cancellation or Aware Mode to hear your surroundings and music simultaneously.
- One charge lasts 24 hours. The supplied audio cord lets you listen for longer in wired mode after a 15-minute charge.
Product information:
- Brand Bose
- Model Name QuietComfort 45-Headphones
- Color Black
- Form Factor Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology Wireless, Bluetooth
- Product Dimensions 3 x 7.24 x 6 inches
- Item Weight 15.5 ounces
- ASIN B098FKXT8L
Verified Purchase, Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2023
A bit pricey but definitely worth it. Color: Black, I don’t do well with the Apple air pods so these are perfect for me. They are so comfortable to wear and the sound is just amazing. I couldn’t be happier with these.
5. Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, White Smoke is Noise-canceling wireless headphones. Comfortable, quiet, and sound. Bose employs small microphones to measure, compare, and eliminate outside noise with opposing signals. Customize your audio. Adjustable EQ lets you customize bass, mid-range, and treble levels or choose from numerous presets.
- NOISE CANCELLING WIRELESS HEADPHONES: The perfect balance of quiet, comfort, and sound. Bose uses tiny mics to measure, compare, and react to outside noise, cancelling it with opposite signals. Bluetooth range-up to 9 m (30 feet).
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO: The TriPort acoustic architecture offers depth and fullness. Volume-optimized Active EQ maintains balanced performance at any volume, so bass stays consistent when turned down and the music remains clear when turned up.
- QUIET AND AWARE MODES: Choose Quiet Mode for full noise cancelling, or Aware Mode to bring the outside into the around ear headphones and hear your environment and your music at the same time.
- UP TO 22 HOURS BATTERY LIFE: Enjoy 22 hours of battery life from a single charge. A quick 15-minute charge offers 3 hours when you’re on the go, or plug in the included audio cable to listen for even longer in wired mode.
- PERSONALIZE YOUR AUDIO: Adjustable EQ allows you to set the bass, mid-range, and treble levels to your personal preferences or select one of several preset options.
What we like
- High-fidelity audio—TriPort acoustic design provides depth and richness. Volume-optimized Active EQ keeps bass steady at low volumes and songs clear at high volumes.
- Quiet and Aware Modes — Select Quiet Mode for complete noise cancellation or Aware Mode to hear your surroundings and music simultaneously.
- One charge lasts 24 hours. With the accompanying audio cord, you may listen for even longer after a 15-minute charge.
Product information:
- Brand Bose
- Model Name QuietComfort 45 Headphones
- Color White Smoke
- Form Factor Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology Bluetooth
- Product Dimensions 3 x 7.24 x 6 inches
- Item Weight 15.5 ounces
- ASIN B098FH5P3C
Verified Purchase, Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2023
A bit pricey but definitely worth it. Color: Black
I don’t do well with Apple air pods so these are perfect for me. They are so comfortable to wear and the sound is just amazing. I couldn’t be happier with these.
6. Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Minimize Noise by Up to 98%, 50H Playtime, App Control, LDAC Hi-Res Wireless Audio, Comfortable Fit, Clear Calls, Bluetooth 5.3, Own Every Space: Space Q45’s adaptive noise canceling intelligently adjusts to your environment, whether you’re home, outside, commuting, or flying. Choose from 5 noise canceling settings on the app.
- 98% Less Noise for Your Journey: The fully-upgraded noise cancelling system targets and blocks out a wider range of noises—from plane engines to crying babies. Enjoy personal space wherever you go with Space Q45 noise cancelling headphones.
- Make Every Space Your Own: Whether you're indoors, outdoors, commuting, or on a flight, Space Q45's adaptive noise cancelling will automatically select a suitable level to match your location. Also, use the app to choose 1 of 5 noise cancelling levels.
- Ideal for Traveling: 50 hours of playtime in noise cancelling mode will cover an around-the-world flight without needing to recharge. In normal mode, get up to 65 hours of playtime and if you are low on battery, charge for 5 minutes for 4 hours of playtime.
- Hear Every Detail: The 40mm drivers have a pioneering double-layer diaphragm made from silk and ceramic materials to produce sound with intense bass and crisp treble. Space Q45 noise cancelling headphones also support LDAC for Hi-Res Audio Wireless sound.
- More Than Comfort: Space Q45 noise cancelling headphones balance a refined design, ergonomic build, and comfort-enhancing details for a harmonious wearing experience.
What we like
- 98% Quieter Travel: The enhanced noise canceling technology filters more sounds, from jet engines to screaming newborns. Space Q45 noise-canceling headphones provide you privacy everywhere.
- Perfect for Traveling: 50 hours of noise-canceling enjoyment will last an around-the-world journey without recharging. In normal mode, play for 65 hours; in low battery mode, charge for 5 minutes for 4 hours.
- Listen: The 40mm driver’s silk-ceramic double-layer diaphragm produces strong bass and precise treble. Space Q45 noise canceling headphones feature LDAC for wireless Hi-Res Audio.
- More Than Comfort: Space Q45 noise-canceling headphones combine sophisticated design, ergonomic construction, and comfort-enhancing elements for a harmonious wearing experience.
Product information
- Brand Soundcore
- Model Name A3040
- Color Black
- Form Factor Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology Wireless
- Product Dimensions 6.34 x 3.46 x 7.44 inches
- Item Weight 10.4 ounces
- ASIN B0B5VHRX7F
Verified Purchase,- Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2023
A Definite Upgrade, Color: Black, I’ve only had this headset for a week, but I can tell this is an upgrade from my budget headset. The sound quality is a lot better for music and I can hear my quiet friends more now. From how much I play on my computer, it takes every 3 days for me to charge it back up. I play a lot, so this is amazing. I don’t take this outside or use its mic to make calls, but when I go downstairs, opposite to where my computer is, and there is no static, it’s beautiful. My boyfriend can’t make little comments behind my back anymore!!!
7. Oladance Open Ear Headphones Bluetooth 5.2 Wireless Earbuds for Android & iPhone
Oladance Open Ear Headphones Bluetooth 5.2 Wireless Earbuds for Android & iPhone, Dual 16.5mm Dynamic Drivers, 16-Hour Playtime Sport Earbuds Blue Open-Ear Headphones lapdance Stereo’s open-ear design comfortably secures earphones. 2022 Red Dot award Oladance open earbuds. Oladance open-ear headphones are lightweight. Oladance sounds great.
Unmatched Comfort and 360° Superb Sound – Oladance open-ear Bluetooth headphones provide a concert-like music experience with two powerful 16.5mm dynamic drivers, three times larger than earbuds. Our bio-diaphragm technology gives our open headphones sharp highs and robust lows at any volume. Transparent Oladance open earphones.
- True Open Ear Headphones: Oladance OWS1 features a completely open-ear design that earbuds rest gently and securely on top of your ear. The design of Oladance earbuds was awarded the Red Dot Award in 2022. Oladance achieves the real nothing in your ear and aims to deliver superior sound to you in a natural, comfortable way.
- Unprecedented Comfort and 360° Superior Sound: With dual powerful 16.5mm dynamic drivers, which are three times the size of other earbuds, Oladance bluetooth headphones create an audio experience that’s more like an intimate concert setting. Adopt the top bio-diaphragm technology, Oladance headphones offer a rich and consistent listening experience at any volume, from crisp and clear highs to excitingly powerful lows.
- Anti-Hearing Loss: Oladance open earbuds focused on and achieved avoiding the most common health issue of traditional earbuds as Oladacne earbuds never actually go inside your ear. There is no pinching of the auricle, no blockage of the ear canal, and no pain or damage to hearing. Enjoy the precise audio and extreme comfort of Oladance at ease.
- Super Long 16 Hours Playtime: Built-in 160mAh large capacity battery and the breakthrough low-consumption algorithms patents, Oladance wireless earbuds optimize the battery and provide up to 16 hours of continuous play per charge. As the long battery life, earbuds only come with a carry case and the travel charging case needs to be purchased separately to extend their playtime.
- Secure and Comfortable Fit: Oladance headphones feature a multi-point support system to evenly distribute their weight across your ear, providing a comfortable and secure fit that follows the natural curve of your ear. You can wear these open earbuds with ease during sports, travel, meetings, or while working from home. Trust Oladance to offer a stable fit that lasts all day.
What we like
- Transparent Mode Earbuds Anti Hearing Loss – Oladance open earphones avoided the biggest health risk of traditional earbuds by never entering your ear. No pinching, pain, or hearing loss. Oladance earbuds provide great sound and comfort.
- Sport-Ready Earbuds Oladance open-ear headphones remain on owing to its multi-point support system. Sports, travel, meetings, and homework work with open earbuds. Oladance fits securely daily.
- Up to 16 Hours Playtime – With the 160mAh battery and breakthrough low-consumption algorithms patents, Oladance earbuds can play for 16 hours or make 12 calls at 50% volume. Oladance plays and calls for 10 hours at full volume. Usage and environment impact playtime.
Product information
- Brand Oladance
- Model Name OLA02
- Color Interstellar Blue
- Form Factor Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology Wireless
- Package Dimensions 6.54 x 3.11 x 1.46 inches
- Item Weight 8.1 ounces
- ASIN B09TXBWYRF
Verified Purchase, Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2023
Sound n fit are great 4,5, Size: Interstellar Blue
Really good, I have a few faves and I’ve been on the world tour of earphones, and buds, in /out/over these are comfortable and capable of producing great sound. Not sure how well they work on calls. These make my list of faves, I also have sensitive inner ear skin which allows me to break from in earbuds
How to Choose the Right Headphones
The finest headphones depend on your intended purpose. When choosing a pair, consider the following categories.
Pricing: – Price matters when choosing headphones. Big-name brands usually cost more, but the cheaper the headphones, the worse the quality and features. If your audio gear has to be recharged or sounds bad, a cheap solution may not be the greatest decision.
Design: – In-ear, on-ear, or over-ear headphones? Or wireless? Luxurious or sporty? You want headphones that fit your lifestyle as they will be used often. Choose headphones that are sturdy, lightweight, and comfortable to use for 1–2 hours every day.
Sound quality: – When you’re purchasing a pair to listen to music alone, it’s crucial to pick headphones that fit your sound taste, whether it’s powerful bass or clear enough to notice every detail. The accompanying app for certain models lets users build profiles and adjust EQ settings for their hearing.
Extras: – It’s frustrating to purchase new headphones and then have to buy accessories. Aux cables must be included with wired headphones, and headphones with a carrying bag, charging cable, user guide, and additional ear cups or tips are good buys.
Battery life:- Sennheiser’s 60-hour battery life is popular, although most wireless over-ear headphones have half that. Always buy wireless earbuds with charging cases, which prolong runtime to 5–10 hours.
How We Rate The Best Premium Headphones
We consider design, comfort, sound quality, and pricing while choosing headphones. Tom’s Guide also rigorously examines goods with the comparable fit, features, and cost.
Our five-point scale (1 = worst, 5 = best) rates headphones after testing. Editor’s Pick products are exceptional. Need certain headphones? See our best over-ear headphones and best wireless earbuds shopping recommendations. Check out our headphone sound guide after buying.
Each set of headphones and earbuds is worn for two hours a week. Reviewers assess audio, comfort, and use. We assess sound using hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical, and pop tunes. We rate sound volume, clarity, and richness. Podcasts, movies, and games are considered as needed.
We evaluate active noise cancellation, Bluetooth range, and battery life for wireless and wired headphones. App-enabled headphones are assessed for functionality and setup simplicity. All headphones evaluate build quality, controls, and fit. We rigorously test fitness-focused headphones for fit and ambient sound handling in noisy conditions.
FAQs: best high-end headphones review
Q. Do high-end headphones make a difference?
Usually, even untrained ears can tell the difference between a cheap headphone and an expensive one. There are exceptions, of course. But with the risk of stating the obvious, more expensive headphones tend to offer more detail and a cleaner sound overall. (But we’ll talk about these elements further below).
Q. What has the best audio quality?
A lossless audio file format is the best format for sound quality. These include FLAC, WAV, or AIFF. These types of files are considered “hi-res” because they are better or equal to CD quality.
Q. What is a good sensitivity for headphones?
The sensitivity of earphones is usually in the range of 80 to 125 dB SPL/mW. Here is an example. An earphone’s sensitivity is 122 dB SPL/mW. This means 1 mW of power will generate 122 dB SPL.
