Hands up if you remember the flimsy headphones that came with the Sony Walkman back in day? If you had a pair, then you'll remember the thin and uncomfortable metal headband, the tacky foam ear cups and the tinny sound that assaulted your ears from the snug-fitting cassette envelope. Thankfully, those days are long gone and we're now able to choose some of the best headphones for music which offer awesome sound quality, noise-cancelling, comfort and more.
I've picked out a selection of some of my favourite headphones and also included buying advice to give you the knowledge you need before making a purchase.
What’s more, Louder's smart price widgets have found the best prices for my top picks online right now.
Quick list
I've long been a fan of Sony's excellent WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones, but the audio giant's latest model the Sony WH-1000XM5 are a cut above. Sure, they don't fold like the older model, but that's a small criticism for these awesome-sounding noise cancelling headphones. They also have a 30hr battery life.
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 have replaced the PX7 headphones in B&W's lineup - and they're another solid choice if you're looking for a quality set of headphones. They deliver beautifully balanced sound and have a battery life of 30 hours. They also look and feel premium, giving them an edge over others in the list.
While my top choice in this list of the best headphones for music are Sonys latest over-ears, I can't ignore the Sony WF-1000XM5 in-ear headphones. They not only boast fabulous audio, but the on-board noise cancelling is simply sublime. Sound is rich and detailed while further tweaking can be done through the Sony headphones app.
I was just getting used to Apple's all-conquering AirPods when the Cupertino giant rocked the boat by going all in with a classy set of over-ear headphones. Design, as you'd expect, is top drawer, and while a bit heavy, the AirPods Max truly shine when paired with an Apple Music subscription. Noise cancelling is top drawer and some of the best out there.
If it's great sound combined with comfort you're looking for with your next set of headphones, then the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless should be right in your mosh pit. They also offer three levels of noise cancelling and have Alexa, Siri and Google Voice activation built in. Battery life weighs in at thoroughly decent 17 hours and are a serious set of headphones.
The Beyerdynamic Amiron are a chunky and rugged set of headphones that are more suited to home listening than on the go due to their open-back design which does leak audio. However, they offer sharp, balanced sound and should be on your shopping list if you want a great set of wired headphones for when you're kicking back on the sofa.
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Another set of in-ear headphones, but this time from Sennheiser in the shape of the Momentum True Wireless 2. The 7mm dynamic drivers give you top audio - although they tend to be bass-heavy. They look the part thanks to their stylish design and I particularly like the silver finish which features on both colour variations: black and white.
JBL have been putting out some great audio equipment over recent years - their speakers are well worth a look and so are their headphones. My pick of the bunch are the JBL Tune 750BTNC. I found these deliver impressive noise cancelling for a great price, while music is clear and precise. Bass might be slightly heady-handed, but for the price, you can't go wrong.
They might be further down my list, but don't discount the ultra reliable Shire SE425 earphones. These are available for a great price and are built to withstand repeatedly being chucked into your backpack for every journey you make. Don't expect any bells or whistles here - they're pretty light on features, but what you do get is a great set of in-ears.
Louder's top choice
✅ Buy if you want awesome noise cancelling: The latest in Sony's headphone range offer amazing noise cancelling - and deliver a brilliant audio experience.
❌ Avoid if you want foldable headphones: The WH-1000XM5 might perform beautifully, but they don't fold away. Check out the 1000XM4 if that's what you need.
Sony’s latest entry into the over-ear headphones market are the awesome WH-1000XM5 and are my top pick in this guide to the best headphones for music. I reckon the new V1 integrated processor has lifted the quality of noise cancelling above even the Sony WH-1000XM4, which already offered brilliant noise cancelling. And when it comes to audio delivery, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are hard to beat.
Music is crisp and clear and can be tweaked on the fly through Sony’s Headphones Connect app to suit whatever you're listening to – and from here you can also update the firmware. Like previous models, the Sony WH-1000XM5 feature Adaptive Sound Control which adjusts audio levels based on places you visit regularly, which is a nice touch.
When it comes to battery life, a full charge will give you 30-hours of music, while a quick 3-minute charge will pump out an impressive three hours of sounds - which is perfect if you’re running late and forgot to charge the headphones overnight or over breakfast.
The only gripe here is a personal one - and that’s the fact the Sony WH-1000XM5 don’t fold like the Sony WH-1000XM4, so the backpack-style case (while pretty cool looking) is going to take up more space in your bag. It's a minor niggle, but one worth pointing out.
Read our Sony WH-1000XM5 review
Best premium option
✅ Buy if you want a pair of premium cans: These just missed out on the top spot but if you're after top audio delivery and sleek design, look no further.
❌ Avoid if you want something for long listening: We found these B&W got a wee bit uncomfortable during lengthy listening sessions.
For a long time, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 headphones were, in my opinion, the go-to choice from the British audio specialists. But things never stay the same for long, and with the PX7 S2, I think these headphones are the perfect middle ground between the old model and the shiny, but expensive, PX8 B&W headphones.
Audio, as you’d expect from Bowers & Wilkins is beautifully balanced - not too heavy on bass or treble. Of course, if you want a bit of a push one way or the other, then the neat Bowers & Wilkins Music App will allow you to properly dig into your audio preferences. And with angled 40mm drive units in each ear, you can certainly do just that.
The PX7 S2 have a premium feel and are fairly comfortable to wear for expended periods thanks to their memory foam pads, while the noise cancelling on offer is on point and up there with the best around. Highly recommended.
Read our Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 review
Best in-ear headphones
✅ Buy if you want awesome-sounding earbuds: The Sony WF-1000XM5 are the latest in Sony's in-ear range and they offer top-of-the-range performance all-round.
❌ Avoid if you want Sonys for less: If the price is still a bit steep, don't forget about the slightly older Sony WF-1000XM4. They are still an amazing pair of in-ear headphones - and they offer great bang for your buck.
The first pair of in-ear headphones in my list are the excellent Sony WF-1000XM5. I bought a pair of the older XM4s back in 2021 and they were my go-to travelling earbuds for a long time. However, they've been superseded by Sony's latest in-ears, which offer superbly detailed audio coupled with exceptional noise cancelling
They offer clear, balanced sound - which can be adjusted using Sony’s dedicated audio app - and they somehow manage to bring details I’ve missed in in past listenings with other headphones to life.
They offer eight-hours of playback with a further 16 when using the charging case - giving you a full 24-hours of fun. The only minor grumble I have is they’re not the most comfortable things to wear for long listening sessions, so for a long haul flight, there are better fits available.
Read the Sony 1000XM5 review
Best noise cancelling
✅ Buy if you want one of the best overall headphones around: Let's not beat around the bush - the Apple AirPods Max are quality top to bottom with superb noise cancelling.
❌ Avoid if you don't want to splash the cash: There's no denying how good the Apple AirPods Max are, but there are cheaper options available which still perform brilliantly.
While Apple’s entry into the headphone market was an immediate success thanks to the Apple AirPods and Apple AirPods Pro, many music fans were slightly disappointed that the only choice was an in-ear option rather than something larger.
This was addressed with the launch of the Apple AirPods Max – an on-ear set of wireless headphones which, let’s face it, look the business thanks to Apple’s impeccable design. Thankfully, they also sound fantastic – and so they should with the hefty price tag they carry.
The Apple AirPods Max also have some of the best Active Noise Cancellation around and it really lets the music shine through – especially when paired with Apple Music and its lossless/spacial audio features. And rather than going completely touch-free, Apple have included a digital crown similar to that found on the Apple Watch. This controls volume, playback, pause and skip functions.
Built quality is fantastic although with so much metal on the outer shell, they’re not the lightest headphones in the world. That said, they are comfortable to wear for long stretches thanks to the mesh headband support and soft ear cups – which can be replaced.
It should be noted, however, that while you’re paying a premium for the Apple AirPods Max, you won’t get a wall charger included – although when revved up with a lightning connector, you will get 20-hours of playback.
The Apple AirPods Max also come in a choice of five colours: Space Gray, Silver, Blue, Green and Pink – and we think all the variations look superb, although the Silver and Blue options are our favourites.
Read our Apple Airpods Max review
Best for comfort
✅ Buy if you want a cosy pair of comfortable cans: The leather strap and padded earcups give the Sennheiser Momentum 3 a touch of luxury .
❌ Avoid if you a pair of lightweight headphones: Well-balanced they might be, but these Sennheisers might be a bit bulky for your tastes.
Ok so they cost serious money, but that buys you some serious smarts and audio firepower. The Momentum 3 Wireless headphones boast three active noise cancelling modes for different environments, including a transparent mode which lets more of the outside world in, plus Sennheiser Smart control for deeper control of your audio and other features via your phone.
If, like me, you can while away hours listening to your favourite albums, you’ll appreciate the added comfort afforded by the leather head strap and lush padded earcups. There’s Alexa, Siri and Google Voice integration too, so the only reason you’ll ever need to remove them is to charge them.
This is all before you get to the sound, which is full-bodied, well-balanced and hits all the right notes, whether you’re listening to Neil Young or Napalm Death. If you have the budget, and you’re looking for a capable pair of headphones for music, these are worth a shout.
Read our Sennheiser Momentum 3 review
Best for home use
✅ Buy if you're after headphones for sofa sounds: While these are a bit chunky for on-the-go listening, they're perfect for epic sofa sessions.
❌ Avoid if you want headphones for outdoor life: These might be too bulky for comfort on public transport.
German audio experts Beyerdynamic continue to make a name for themselves thanks to their excellent range of wired and wireless headphones and microphones.
I'm focusing on the chunky Beyerdynamic Amiron wired variety, which are a superb set of headphones which are ideally suited for those who like to kick back on the couch and tune into some sweet sounds.
Despite their robust look, the over-ear, open-back Beyerdynamic Amiron headphones are incredibly comfortable to wear even during extended listening sessions thanks to the snug headband and soft ear cups.
And it’s pretty likely that you’ll want to keep them on because the audio is crisp and sharp, with great balance and punchy bass. Nothing is off-kilter even at louder listening levels and is ideally suited to home use.
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the Beyerdynamic Amiron if you’re looking for a set of headphones for use on the morning commute as the open-back design leads to sound leaks, but these are a solid set of cans.
Read the full Beyerdynamic Amiron review
Best for heavy bass
✅ Buy if you want in-ears that are a bit under the radar: Sony and Apple might be popular, but don't discount these Sennheisers. Audio is balanced... and they look the part.
❌ Avoid if you after serious ANC: Noise cancelling is fine with these, but don't expect too much - there are better options elsewhere.
If you’re looking for something discrete and stylish, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 earbuds are the way to go.
Audio fans will enjoy the lush mid-range detail, propelled by a pair of 7mm dynamic drivers, which breathe new life into classic albums, while adding extra wallop to new music. Bass can be a little over-zealous at times, but the mids and highs are compelling enough to balance out any minor gripes at the low-end.
For the money you also get active noise cancelling, which is decent but not market-leading, voice control and touch controls on the buds themselves.
Read the full Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 review
Best budget option
✅ Buy if you want serious bass: Bass-heavy sound might not be everyone's cup of Joe, but for those who like a bit of punch to their tunes should check these out.
❌ Avoid if you like more balance to your tunes: Treble lovers will find better options for their ears elsewhere - the bass here might be too much for some.
When budget is tight, it’s easy to assume you won’t be able to get anywhere near the quality and features of the big names like Bose and Sony, but JBL is here to prove that theory wrong.
The JBL Tune 750BTNC headphones deliver impressive active noise cancelling and hands-free functionality for the price, but it’s the audio quality I'm most interested in here. Thankfully, that’s where JBL has invested most of its resources. There’s plenty of bass, but it’s not overwhelming and is balanced out by stunning clarity and openness at the mid to upper ranges.
For a pair of throw-and-go wireless headphones with audio to write home about, you can’t go far wrong.
Most durable headphones
✅ Buy if you want a robust set of buds: The Shure SE425 are an excellent option if you're after in-ears that can be chucked in the bag after a gym/running session.
❌ Avoid if you you want features: These are great for active rockers, but if you want more detail, then look elsewhere.
If a pair of headphones is good enough for Megadeth, it’s got to be good, right? Not that Dave Mustaine’s crew are the only musicians to use Shure headphones – it seems that practically every band in existence uses the company’s in-ear monitors when on stage.
There are two big reasons Shure’s earphones are so prevalent: they’re supremely tough and durable and they sound really neutral and authentic.
The SE425s are the highlight of the range, offering a supreme sound that, while a bit bass-light, is brilliantly detailed and textured through the midrange. There are no frills here - no mic, no controls, certainly no Bluetooth - but that’s because they’re serious, pro monitors, and all the better for it.
Read the full Shure SE425 Wired earbuds review
FAQ
There’s a bundle of decisions to be made when choosing the best headphones for music. The right approach is to think about when and where you’re going to be doing most of your listening and what specific requirements you have. Let’s dig a little deeper.
What makes the best headphones for music?
Comfort and fit matter a huge amount when it comes to musical enjoyment. Our ears are all different, and failing to ensure that your chosen headphones fit correctly can take you out of the moment. You can always try before you buy, but it should also be possible to return a purchased pair if you don’t feel you’re getting the fit or experience that you should.
If you’re looking at wired headphones, make sure the cable is the right length for your intended use. Short lengths are best when out and about as they resist tangling, while long lengths are best when at home so that you can listen from the other side of the room to your hi-fi.
How much should I spend on headphones?
When it comes to audiophile headphones, there’s no limit to how much you can spend on a pair of headphones. As a rule of thumb, I'd suggest you budget at least $370/£280. This will get you a pair of audiophile-grade wired headphones. Build quality and exotic wooden finishes start to come into play at around $600/£450 upwards.
Of course, there are even more expensive models available, but we'll leave those to the side as they're out of the majority of our price ranges and we have no way to test them out properly. Plus, do we really need to spend thousands on a pair of headphones?
Do I really need noise cancelling?
Noise-cancelling headphones have obvious appeal for music fans. They not only block out the hubbub around you, but focus your mind more on your tunes and bring some hidden details to the fore.
Of course, blocking out the noise around you might not be your preferred option - especially if using your headphones while out running or walking. However, noise cancelling can be switched off entirely (this also helps to increase battery life) while some headphones such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 allow you to briefly switch from ANC to ambient mode by placing your hand over the earcup. This is great for conversations and a quick way of switching between the two different modes.
In short, you get the best of both worlds with a pair of noise cancelling headphones.
Are different headphones better for certain genres?
Prog, metal, punk, classic rock, alt, goth, industrial, jazz – all genres are produced by artists and engineers to be heard the best way possible. So open-backed headphones, or over-ears are going to deliver a more convincing, larger audio experience than in-ear buds.
If you do all of your listening at home and value outright sound quality, classic wired, open-backed on-ears are best. They will give you a sound to rival high quality loudspeakers.
Open-backed headphones create a spatial image that sounds like it’s coming from a distance, rather than the ear cup bolted to your head. The very best of these, often using fancy electrostatic designs, are sometimes described by audiophiles as earspeakers, for that very reason.
Open-backed designs also combat the sense of boxy stereo that you can sometimes experience with closed back headphones. When listening to music live or through stereo speakers, you’ll inevitably hear some of the right-placed sound in your left ear, and vice versa. Your brain then deduces where the music is in physical space, and creates a soundstage that sounds entirely natural.
Your brain will in all probability also tell you to turn up the volume, wander closer to the Marshall speaker stack, or send an alert if you’re not carrying a beer.
In a closed speaker design, and particularly with earbuds, this doesn’t happen. What’s coming out of the left hand earbud goes into your left ear, and isn’t heard by your right. This can create a centralised sonic image, which doesn’t feel entirely natural.
But then, open-backed headphones are rubbish for commuting as the sound will leak - something that's guaranteed to annoy your fellow passengers.
Does Bluetooth affect high quality music listening?
AptX Bluetooth HD is specifically for audio and indicates that sound quality has been prioritised. Also consider the battery life being offered, and which version of Bluetooth is being used. The later the version (ideally for v5.0 or higher), the more battery-friendly and potentially better sounding it will be.
What type of audio quality will headphones give?
If you’re buying headphones primarily for the best musical experience (and there are lots of other perfectly legitimate reasons to buy, including practicality and functionality) then you’ll want a pair to deliver smooth tonality and excellent detail. Look for Hi-Res Audio compatibility, and ideally best-in-class drivers.
Obviously, it’s difficult to assess how accurate headphones are when it comes to their performance, because you’ll not have been in the studio listening to the final cuts of your favourite tracks, but both these elements will confirm their musicality.
If you’re really serious about Hi-Fi, be prepared to upgrade your music system. To hear headphones at their most musical, you’ll want to couple them with a dedicated headphone amp which has the power to better drive your headphones.
How we test
When it comes to sheer musicality, headphones need to exhibit clarity and convey emotion, and we listen out for both when testing. Can we feel the grit in AC/DC vocalist Brian Johnson in For Those About To Rock or clinically dissect Eddie Van Halen’s epic guitar solo on Eruption? The closer the headphones get us to the artist, the more likely we are to raise our thumbs and throw some horns.
We know from experience that getting bass right is also tricky. All too often low frequencies can sound overblown and baggy (some brands even make a virtue of this). Good bass, particularly with metal and prog, should sound tight and clean. The quality and size of drivers is key here. We run through a number of playlists, covering everything from Rush to Rammstein.
We also test for comfort. How tightly do headphones clamp, how much padding is in the headband? The ear cups, be they on- or over-ears, should isolate your tunes from background hubbub without getting overly warm.
Often, audiophile headphones are wired, so battery life and Active Noise Cancelling are not an issue, but performance-led Bluetooth headphones are always judged on their overall battery stamina and codec support.
We also test headphones by using them out and about in city environments or in the confines of our homes - not in studios, unless a pair are specifically suited for an enclosed recording space. We do this because we think this will give you a better feel for how they perform in the real world. After all, that's how we use headphones when not working, and we don't want to give you false information about how the product sounds during daily life.
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You can trust Louder Our experienced team has worked for some of the biggest brands in music. From testing headphones to reviewing albums, our experts aim to create reviews you can trust. Find out more about how we review.
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