When it comes to music, podcasts, gaming, or even taking calls on the go, the right pair of headphones can make all the difference. With so many options ranging from budget-friendly picks to high-end models, it can feel overwhelming to choose the best fit for your needs. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down for you. Here are five of the top headphones that stand out for their sound quality, comfort, and overall value.
Beats Studio Pro
The Beats Studio Pro headphones are perfectly tuned for genres like pop, hip-hop, and EDM. They excel in comfort and style while delivering an impressive 40-hour battery life and have premium features like Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos with seamless Apple ecosystem integration. The noise cancelling abilities strikes a good balance – effective enough to block distractions but not so isolating that you lose awareness of your surroundings if you’re on a hike. (Audiophiles seeking a more natural, realistic sound reproduction for acoustic or classical music should look elsewhere!)
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 stands out as a comfortable, open-ear option that leaves your ears uncovered while still delivering solid sound. Unlike most bone-conduction headphones, it produces deeper bass and minimizes distracting vibrations. Its hybrid design blends bone-conduction with traditional drivers, giving it better overall audio quality than similar models. With a lightweight build, IP55 water- and dust-resistance, and two size options, it’s especially well-suited for runners and outdoor use. The 12-hour battery life makes it a reliable pick for all-day listening.
EarFun Wave Pro Over-Ear Headphones
If you’re looking to spend less than a hundred bucks but don’t want to compromise on quality, the EarFun Wave Pro is a great option. Despite being a budget pick, the EarFun Wave Pro packs in features you’d normally expect from more expensive models. With active noise cancellation up to 45dB and Hi-Res audio support via powerful 40mm drivers, you get immersive sound with outstanding clarity. Battery life is another major win—up to 80 hours on a single charge (or 55 with noise cancelling on), plus a 10-minute quick charge for 10 hours of playback.
Cambridge Audio Melomania P100
The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 has a premium design, thanks to their metal-and-plastic build, subtle branding, and excellent construction quality. Comfort is solid with plush, replaceable earpads and pivoting earcups. The headphones also deliver exceptional sound quality with a wide soundstage, crisp dynamics, and high fidelity that rival models. Keep in mind that these sturdy headphones are relatively heavy (weighing about 330g).
Skull Candy Aviator 900
The Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC offers a unique, comfortable design with improved audio quality and better ANC than previous models, though sound is best after using the personalized EQ feature. Key features include a physical joystick for controls, 60-hour battery life, THX spatial audio, & a low latency gaming mode. While the bass isn’t crusher-level, it’s clean and punchy with custom EQ settings, and active noise cancellation.