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Headphone & Headset Reviews

Updated: Sep 28, 2023 16:27
Brand
alaScore
Price
Type
Signal Connection
Headsets Only
#1
alaScore 100

Technics EAH-AZ80

The true wireless Technics EAH-AZ80 earphones offer pleasing sound, good noise cancellation, and...

23 expert reviews

sound  
noise isolation  
comfort  
design  
#2
alaScore 99

Sony WH-1000XM5

“Sony proves once again that it's the brand to beat in noise-canceling headphones.”

66 expert reviews

noise isolation  
sound  
comfort  
price  
#3
alaScore 99

Nothing Ear (2)

“The Nothing Ear 2 have a fantastic design, and several personalization features that make a real...

34 expert reviews

sound  
design  
noise isolation  
usability  
#4
alaScore 98

Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2022)

“There's simply no better option for anyone with Apple devices.”

46 expert reviews

sound  
noise isolation  
usability  
design  
#5
alaScore 98

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 / QuietComfort Earbuds II

“Quiet and comfortable really are the best words to describe Bose's latest buds.”

30 expert reviews

noise isolation  
sound  
design  
comfort  
#6
alaScore 98

Beats Studio Buds+ / Plus

“Solid improvements make the Buds+ worth the extra $20.”

18 expert reviews

sound  
durability  
design  
portability  
#7
alaScore 97

Logitech G Pro X2

A state-of-the-art wireless gaming headset with new, innovative Graphene drivers

4 expert reviews

comfort  
durability  
usability  
sound  
#8
alaScore 97

Focal Focal Bathys Wireless Over-ear

If there is such a thing as the holy grail of wireless Bluetooth ANC headphones under $1,000, the...

10 expert reviews

sound  
price  
design  
durability  
#9
alaScore 97

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

“Superb Sennheiser sound sets these wireless cans apart.”

40 expert reviews

sound  
design  
comfort  
price  
#10
alaScore 97

Sony WF-C700N

Sony’s WF-C700N earbuds sound great for their price, plus they fit well, have a long battery life...

11 expert reviews

sound  
price  
comfort  
usability  
#11
alaScore 97

OnePlus Buds Pro 2

“The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 have excellent musical performance and long battery life but are let down...

44 expert reviews

sound  
design  
portability  
noise isolation  
#12
alaScore 97

Jabra Elite 4

“Jabra fit, sound quality, and noise cancellation. What more do you need?”

17 expert reviews

sound  
comfort  
price  
noise isolation  
#13
alaScore 96

Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony’s new WF-1000XM5 doesn’t quite dethrone the Bose Quiet Comfort II earbuds in terms of active...

5 expert reviews

comfort  
sound  
price  
noise isolation  
#14
alaScore 96

Bowers & Wilkins PX8

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 flagship wireless ANC headphone review with comparisons to Px7 S2. How do B...

26 expert reviews

sound  
price  
durability  
comfort  
#15
alaScore 96

Jabra Elite 5

“For their price, they offer an unbeatable set of features.”

35 expert reviews

sound  
design  
comfort  
price  
#16
alaScore 96

Google Pixel Buds Pro (2022)

Android fans wishing they had a true AirPods Pro alternative will be thrilled with the Pixel Buds...

52 expert reviews

sound  
comfort  
design  
noise isolation  
#17
alaScore 96

Sony WH-CH720N

While the Sony WH-1000XM5 are aimed at a niche audience that just wants the best headphones and...

9 expert reviews

sound  
price  
noise isolation  
usability  
#18
alaScore 96

Earfun Air Pro 3

“Why spend more when the Air Pro 3 offer so much for so little?”

12 expert reviews

sound  
noise isolation  
comfort  
usability  
#19
alaScore 96

OnePlus Nord Buds 2

The Nord Buds 2 deliver good audio quality and commendable noise cancellation for their budget...

13 expert reviews

price  
sound  
noise isolation  
design  
#20
alaScore 96

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2

The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones don't particularly excel at noise cancellation, but they...

10 expert reviews

bass quality  
sound  
durability  
comfort  
#21
alaScore 96

AfterShokz OpenFit

“The OpenFit won't blow you away on sound quality, but they're incredibly comfy.”

13 expert reviews

sound  
comfort  
portability  
price  
#22
alaScore 95

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2

The high-end Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones look, feel, and sound fantastic, which makes...

24 expert reviews

sound  
noise isolation  
design  
comfort  
#23
alaScore 95

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3

Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 3 keep everything we liked about the second generation...

79 expert reviews | 40 user reviews

sound  
comfort  
design  
price  
#24
alaScore 95

FiiO FT3

With the FT3, Fiio made one of the best-sounding headphones for under $300. The design may not be...

3 expert reviews

sound  
soundstage  
durability  
portability  
#25
alaScore 95

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro

A company dubbing its product the “New King of Wireless” is pretty bold, but in this case, the...

5 expert reviews

size  
usability  
sound  
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Compare

    Buying Guide

    Buying Guide - Headphones & Headsets

    Most people already know this, but it bears repeating – without a set of good headphones, it does not matter how fancy your audio media device is, you just won't get a satisfactory listening experience. The headphones that come pre-packaged with audio devices are often not of high quality, and it may be to your benefit to purchase a new pair. Headphones come in a wide range of types that fit in with all lifestyles – although all types of headphones are versatile, be sure to choose a set that fits in with your needs. How you intend to use your headphones – for music, gaming, or home theater – and where you plan to do your listening – on the go or at home – will narrow the range of possible types you'll want to choose.



    Contents

    Types of Headphones

     

    • Earbud – Earbud headphones fit directly into the ears, are lightweight, compact, and discreet, allowing listening on the go in a portable package. Earbud headphones are perfect for those who value convenience and portability.
    • Over the Ear – This is the traditional style of headphone, and offers the greatest sound fidelity. Because many models cover the ears completely, over the ear headphones are likely to include noise reduction technology. Over the ear headphones are for music professionals and purists who demand the best in sound quality.
    • Behind the Neck – As the name suggests, behind the neck headphones fit behind the neck, instead of over the head. This is particularly useful for people who wear hats or other head coverings. The behind the neck style is also very secure, an added benefit for those on the go.
    • Sport – Generally made in the earbud style, sport headphones are water-resistant, lightweight, soft, and durable, and are able to withstand the pounding from jogging or a vigorous workout. They also feature a resilient grip, to reduce slippage during energetic use.
    • Wireless – Cordless headphones have been around for years, but they have only recently started to approach the sound-quality standards of the better corded phones. Wireless headphones use Bluetooth technology, radio frequency (RF) or infrared to provide the ultimate listening convenience. Your mobility is guaranteed, and with wireless headphones you no longer need to worry about wires becoming tangled, snagging on exposed edges, and headphones being ripped off your head or out of your device. But the wireless headphones generally don't sound quite as good as equivalently priced wired headphones. The audio gets processed by electronics in the base unit, gets transmitted via radio frequency (or in some cases infrared) and then is converted back to an audio signal by the headset. All this processing adds extra noise to the audio signal.

        Additional Headphones Features

        Noise Reduction – Noise reduction and canceling technology comes in a number of different forms. It may be design-centric, meaning the headphones are molded to fit snuggly over the ears, with no room for outside noise to enter. Or, they may have an active noise-reduction function, which creates interference along a number of different frequencies that can cancel out extraneous noise. Since you no longer have to turn up the volume to overcome background noise, you can listen at lower levels, hear more low-level detail in your music and reducing ear fatigue. Noise reduction is an absolute requirement for music purists and frequent commuters.

    • Bass – Even at its very best, headphone bass is never the sort of driving experience you literally feel from massive speakers or subwoofers. Those systems' bass is as much felt by your body as heard by your ears. Earbuds are tiny and portable, but – except for a couple of high-end models – they can't compete with full-size, over-the-ear headphones for deep bass response or visceral dynamic range. As with speakers, headphones need at least 10 hours of vigorous use before they sound their best.

        Connectivity Options – Headphones generally use different connectors, make sure your new headphones' plug fits the jack for your stereo or portable MP3 player. The 1/4-inch (6.33-mm) plug is still the professional audio standard and may be found in nonportable AV equipment such as receivers, home stereos, and DVD players. The minijack (3.5-mm) plug is the most common headphone connector, especially for portable audio devices. Small, 2.5-mm (0.1-inch) headphones are typically used in cell phones and other small devices. Of course, if you have a good pair of headphones that don't fit your audio equipment, you can always find an adapter.

        Popular Brands of Headphones

        Whimsically-named Skullcandy headphones are a popular choice for hipsters and the younger crowd. Philips and Sony have a wide selection of headphones of all types, featuring the most up-to-date audio technology available. Sennheiser specializes in wireless headphones and accessories, also they offer a full range of headphone types which will suit your need at different prices.

        Whenever shopping for new headphones, be certain that the model you select is completely compatible with your primary audio media device. Headphones are generally priced very reasonably, so you may want to purchase a different set for different occasions (one set for travel, another set for the home, etc.).

    Popular Headphone & Headset products

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    Headphones & Headsets on alaTest

    alaTest.com has collected and analyzed millions of reviews from 2660 sources to help you choose the best Headphone & Headset from top brands like Sony, Apple, Jabra, Sennheiser, Oneplus and more.

    Buying Tips Read our Buying Guide
    before you make your purchase