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#1 Sony WH-1000XM3
Sony’s technologically advanced WH-1000XM3 are the third generation of Sony’s flagship wireless headphones (following the excellent WH-1000XM2 and MDR-1000X models) that offer top-tier noise canceling, excellent quality wireless audio, and plush comfort. This enticing combination earned the model a rare five-star rating in our initial review, and — thanks to a few notable improvements — makes the latest version the best headphones you can buy.
The WH-1000xM3’s heart is its outstanding wireless sound. Sony’s LDAC technology delivers a wireless signal at what the company claims is three times the quality of stAndard Bluetooth streaming, and the headphones also support the latest aptX HD codec (with supported devices). The 1000XM3 can even “upscale” wireless music from high-resolution audio devices using a special chip, helping to make music sound dynamic and beautiful, with authoritative bass and clear treble response held together by a well-rounded midrange.
The WH-1000XM3’s excellent noise-canceling technology ranks second only to the Bose Noise Cancelling 700, from the brand that has long dominated the market in terms of sheer noise-blocking abilities. That said, we think the Sony cans sound better than the latest Bose model, and offer numerous features that help to create a much better overall experience.
The WH-1000XM3’s advanced control systems allow you to let in various levels of ambient sound, with advanced features like voice-only mode, which helps filter through vocal frequencies so you can hear your music and the voices around you while blocking out other sounds. You can navigate volume, make phone calls, play and pause music, and even adjust the aesthetic with responsive touch controls. The WH-1000xM3 offers a remarkable 30 hours of battery life. This allows heavy users to get days of use from a single recharge. It also has a quick charge feature, which allows you to listen for five hours after only 15 minutes.
#2 Bose QuietComfort 35 II
You’re looking at our most popular wireless headphones across the board – by far. The QC35IIs represent Bose’s flagship product, and the company’s attempt to perfect the active noise-canceling technology they alone invented in the first place. Meaning: If your primary goal is to shut off the outside world, then stop reading and place a pair of QC35IIs in your cart. The QC35IIs have wireless capabilities and are very comfortable. They also come with a wire, which allows you to continue listening even after the battery is gone, but without noise cancelling.
They are the best-sounding headphones available. No. True audiophile-level headphones can be as expensive as 4 to 5X.
What more?
- Google Assistant is built-in to the QC35IIs. It can be accessed with a dedicated button. Battery life is up to 20 hours.
- Bose doesn’t include any way to quickly mute volume (the way others do), so keep your eyes open when they call your number at the deli counter
#3 Sennheiser HD650
Audiophiles generally agree that if you’re passionate about music, and you have a listening space that is relatively free of outside sounds, nothing beats a really good set of open-back headphones. As far as we’re concerned, you won’t find a set of open-back headphones that manage to combine superb sound quality and a reasonable price than the Sennheiser HD6XX/HD650. These are not the exact same models. The HD6XX is a run of the HD650 with a lower price from Massdrop, and a few physical changes, but when it comes to their audio chops, they’re identical.
These headphones will be a treat for anyone who purchases them. Our reviewer didn’t hold back in their assessment of these cans’ ability to fully realize every detail of a recording, noting their “warm and rigid bass, a midrange that dips close to the ruddy colors of analog tape saturation (without sacrificing an ounce of detail), and a laser tight response up top that helps illuminate vivid clarity and granular instrumental texture across the board.”
If this sounds like the type of performance you are looking for in headphones, then the Sennheiser HD6XX/HD650 is the right choice. You can certainly spend more to get this level of quality, but you don’t have to.
#4 Audio-Technica ATH-M30x
The M30x model, which is situated in the middle M series, is our opinion a mid-range representation the series’ barsetting abilities.
They have a single-sided straightwire and a strong collapsible construction. With mounted swivel ears-cups, they can only move about 15 degrees, which gives them more stability that some folding designs.
Because they can be folded, they are easier to transport and store. They are made with high-quality padding and are exceptionally well-engineered.
They have 40mm diaphragms that are very powerful and can produce great output. They deliver full-range audio with epic dynamics and ideal for tracking and mixing. They also harbor the company’s proprietary CC voice coils.
Pros:
+ Expert engineering.
+ Quality components
+ Folding design.
+ Great audio.
+ Attainable price region.
It was a hit with us! – They are very durably made, the driver performance is impressive and the audio has epic dynamics. They are an affordable model from a highly acclaimed series. The high-end is simply exceptional.
#5: Edifier H840 – Lowest Priced Product
The Edifier H840 has a strong design and is well-constructed. They also have a closed-back option and are equipped with suitable cushioned cups.
The headbands are made from strong but lightweight steel, which makes them easy to transport and store. They also come with a carrying case.
They are equipped 40mm drivers, which respond according to Phil Jones’s parameters. Wave-guide algorithm is a unique algorithm that commands internal components and optimizes their performance.
The audio produced has rich dynamics, a proportional blend and crisp highs. A sophisticated crossover allows for stereo sound mixing without overshadowing or bias.
Pros:
+ Strong collapsible design concept.
+ Audiophile quality sound.
+ Ergonomic fit
+ Expert engineering.
It was a hit with us! – They present quality audio in a package that is far more appealing to the average shopper.
#6 Sennheiser HD280PRO
The Sennheiser HD280PRO has a rugged design that provides both comfort as well as functionality. The Sennheiser HD280PRO headband has a double-humped cushion that, like the Bose set, reduces cranial pressure. This makes them more comfortable to wear for longer periods.
They are closed-back, cushioned and can pivot freely for natural adjustment. They can also collapse for storage.
They are well-made and the components are high quality. They were professionally designed by one of the most respected companies in the industry.
They are equipped with large-aperture dynamic speakers that produce a linear sound. This is ideal for monitoring.
They have low latency and can isolate aggressively, attenuating background noise as you listen for an exceptional listening experience.
The audio is balanced, rich and full of textured dynamics.
Pros:
+ Durable design.
+ Expert engineering.
+ Double-hump cushioning.
+ Low latency.
+ Noise isolation
It was a hit with us! – They have a heavy-duty build, the collapsible design is durable, they are well-engineered and the subtleties really shine through in the audio.
#7 Sony MDR7506
That’s not because these are super bassy, or that they’re flashy—if anything they’re the opposite of both. These headphones have been a reliable studio monitor for many years, including students, musicians, TV crews, and TV crews. It has a flat frequency response, which may not sound the best to some, but it’s much clearer and far easier to tweak to your liking.
These cans are wired and have a heavy cable. But if you’re listening at home or working at the coffee shop: these are the headphones you want.