10 Best Headphones

The Sony WH-CH720N are wireless over-ear headphones designed with comfort and convenience in mind. They are very lightweight, which makes them comfortable for long listening sessions, and their over-ear design helps provide a good seal for better sound and noise cancellation. These headphones use Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 to actively reduce background noise, helping you focus on music or calls even in busy environments.

Sound quality is well balanced and clear, with technology that improves compressed music files, so your playlists stay enjoyable regardless of the source. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 35 hours on a single charge, and a quick 3-minute charge can give you about an hour of playback — handy if you’re in a rush. The built-in microphone offers clear hands-free calling and supports voice assistants like Alexa, making it easy to control your music or get information without reaching for your phone. Multipoint connectivity lets you switch smoothly between two devices, like a phone and a laptop.

While these headphones are made mostly of plastic to keep them light, they might not be the most durable option for rough use. These headphones are a solid choice for everyday use, travel, or work-from-home setups, especially if you value comfort and noise cancellation without the high price tag of premium models.

The Apple AirPods 4 are true wireless, in-ear earbuds designed for those who want a mix of comfort, advanced features, and good sound quality in a compact form. They feature Bluetooth 5.3, offering the freedom to move without cables. A standout feature is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which effectively reduces background noise so you can focus on your music or calls. Transparency mode is also available, allowing you to hear your surroundings clearly when needed, which is great for safety in public spaces. The sound quality benefits from Apple's H2 chip, providing clear, rich audio and personalized spatial sound that adjusts as you move your head, creating an immersive experience.

Comfort has been improved with a redesigned shape and shorter stem, making these earbuds stable for all-day use. Battery life offers up to 4 hours of listening with ANC on, and the compact charging case extends this to 20 hours, which suits daily use but may require frequent charging on longer trips. Controls are easy to use with quick-press buttons and hands-free Siri voice commands, helping manage music and calls without reaching for your phone. The microphone performs well by isolating your voice in noisy environments, which is helpful for clear phone conversations. Durability is another plus; these earbuds and their case have an IP54 rating, meaning they resist dust, sweat, and splashes, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use but not for full submersion in water.

Some users might find the fit less secure compared to over-ear headphones, especially during vigorous activities, due to their in-ear, relatively small design. While the battery life is good, it is shorter compared to some competitors offering longer playback per charge. These earbuds are best suited for users within the Apple ecosystem, as some features require Apple devices to function fully. In essence, Apple AirPods 4 are a strong choice for everyday wireless earbuds with premium noise cancellation, comfort, and smart features, particularly for Apple product owners, but those needing longer battery life or preferring over-ear designs may want to explore other options.

The Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones are over-ear, Bluetooth-enabled headphones known for their excellent noise cancellation, which effectively blocks out background sounds for a focused listening experience. They offer two modes: full noise cancellation and an aware mode that lets you hear your surroundings when needed. Comfort is a strong point, thanks to plush ear cushions and a padded headband, making them a good choice for long listening sessions. Sound quality is high-fidelity with adjustable equalizer settings, allowing you to tailor bass, mids, and treble to your liking.

Battery life is impressive, providing up to 24 hours on a single charge, and a quick 15-minute charge can add 2.5 hours of playtime, which is convenient for on-the-go use. The headphones include a detachable cable with an in-line microphone, so you can use them wired if the battery runs out or for devices without Bluetooth. Controls are straightforward, and multi-point connectivity lets you switch between devices smoothly.

These headphones are not water-resistant, so they need to be kept away from moisture, which might limit use during intense workouts or rainy conditions. The build uses plastic, which keeps them lightweight (238g) but means they might not feel as rugged as some metal-framed alternatives. They are well-suited for travelers, office workers, and casual music lovers who want top-notch noise cancellation, comfort, and sound customization, but they are less ideal if you need water resistance or extra rugged durability.