Where are my headphones
If you’re looking for headphones to use while working out, commuting, or just want something to keep in your bag for when you need it, you’ll want to consider a few things before making your purchase. In-ear headphones are great for portability, but on-ear and over-ear headphones are often more comfortable.
Best Overall: Sennheiser HD1
The Sennheiser HD1 are the best headphones you can buy. They’re well-built, comfortable, and have great audio quality with punchy bass and clear highs. They also have active noise cancellation (ANC), which blocks out most ambient noise. If you need a versatile pair of headphones that does everything well, the HD1 should be at the top of your list.
Best Value: Skullcandy Grind
The Skullcandy Grind are the best headphones for most people because they’re well-rounded headphones that strike a good balance between sound quality, design, and price. They have a lightweight and comfortable on-ear design that folds up for easy portability, and they sound very good for their price. They’re not noise-cancelling, but they do a decent job at passively blocking out moderate background noise like the rumble of an airplane engine. They’re also one of the more affordable options we’ve found that don’t sacrifice too much in the way of build quality or features.
Best for Running: Jaybird X3
The Jaybird X3s are the best headphones for running that we’ve tested so far. They’re very lightweight and stable, thanks to their ear-hook design that keeps them securely in place even when you’re sweating. They’re also sweat and weather-resistant, so you can keep running no matter the conditions. They have a decent controls scheme that allows you to control your music and take calls without having to take your phone out of your pocket, and they come with a small carrying case for easy storage and portability.
While they’re not the most comfortable headphones for running, thanks to their on-ear design, they won’t cause as much ear fatigue as some in-ear models after extended use. They also have great audio quality that brings out the best in every genre of music, making them great headphones to use both during and after your run. However, if you prefer in-ear headphones, we recommend the Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
If you’re looking for headphones that will cancel out the noise around you so you can focus on what you’re doing, you’ll want to get a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. These types of headphones are great for office workers who want to block out distractions, or for travellers who want to enjoy some peace and quiet on their journey. Keep reading to learn more about the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market today.
Best Overall: Bose QuietComfort 25
The Bose QuietComfort 25 are the best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy. They’re comfortable, efficient, and they sound great.
If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that will cancel out the noise around you so you can focus on what you’re doing, the Bose QuietComfort 25 are the way to go. They’re comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time, and they’re effective at blocking out a wide variety of environmental noise. And when it comes to sound quality, they offer a balanced listening experience that doesn’t compromise on Bass or treble.
Best Value: TaoTronics TT-BH060
If you’re looking for a pair of noise-cancelling headphones that won’t break the bank, the TaoTronics TT-BH060 are a great option. These headphones boast Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology, which means they’ll be able to effectively block out external noise so you can focus on your music or work. They also feature a comfortable design with padded ear cups and a adjustable headband, so you can wear them for hours without feeling uncomfortable. Plus, they come with a carrying case for easy portability.
Best for Travel: Sony MDR-ZX770BN
Headphones are an essential item for travel, whether you’re trying to get some work done on a long flight or you just want to tune out the crying baby in the seat next to you. But not all headphones are created equal, and there are a few things you should look for when you’re choosing a pair for travel.
First, consider what type of headphones you want. There are three main types: in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear. In-ear headphones are small and unobtrusive, but they can be uncomfortable for longwear and they don’t do a great job of blocking out noise. On-ear headphones are a happy middle ground: they’re more comfortable than in-ears, but they’re not as bulky as over-ears. Over-ear headphones are the best at blocking out noise, but they can be cumbersome to carry around.
Second, think about what features you want in your headphones. If you’re looking for ultimate noise cancellation, you’ll want to make sure your headphones have active noise cancellation (ANC). If you care about sound quality, look for headphones with good frequency response and low impedance. And if you want to be able to use your headphones with multiple devices (like your phone and your laptop), make sure they have Bluetooth connectivity.
Finally, consider your budget. Headphones range in price from $20 to $400+, so it’s important to decide how much you’re willing to spend before you start shopping.
Now that you know what to look for, here are our picks for the best travel headphones:
Sony MDR-ZX770BN: These over-ear headphones have active noise cancellation and Bluetooth connectivity, making them perfect for use on airplanes or in other noisy environments. They also have good sound quality and a decent frequency response. However, they’re not cheap; they retail for around $200.
Bose QuietComfort 25: These over-ear headphones also have active noise cancellation and Bluetooth connectivity. They boast an impressive frequency response and sound quality, making them ideal for music lovers. However, they’re even more expensive than the Sony MDR-ZX770BNs; they retail for around $350.
In-Ear Headphones
In-ear headphones are the most portable and convenient type of headphones. They’re small and light, and they can easily be slipped into a pocket. In-ear headphones are a good choice for people who want to be able to take their music with them wherever they go.
Best Overall: Shure SE846-CL
Shure’s SE846 in-ears sound simply unbelievable. They offer the kind of perfectly balanced, reference-grade audio performance that will satisfy even the most demanding listeners. They’re also built like a tank, with an all-metal design that provides incredible durability. And they’re comfortable enough to wear for hours on end, even if you have particularly sensitive ear canals.
If you’re looking for the best in-ear headphones money can buy, the Shure SE846 are definitely worth your consideration.
Best Value: 1More Triple Driver
The 1More Triple Driver is our best value pick because it sounds great, is comfortable to wear for long periods, and comes with a detachable Kevlar-reinforced cable that should withstand some abuse. If you need a pair of in-ear headphones for casual listening, working out, or travel, and don’t want to spend more than $100, the Triple Drivers should be at the top of your list.
The 1More Triple Driver is our best value pick because it sounds great and is comfortable to wear for long periods. The headphones come with a detachable Kevarin-reinforced cable that should withstand some abuse. If you need a pair of in-ear headphones for casual listening, working out or travel and don’t want to spend more than $100, the Triple Drivers should be at the top of your list.
Best for iPhone: Apple EarPods
These sleek and stylish headphones are designed to give you the best possible experience when listening to music on your iPhone. The earbuds fit snugly and securely in your ear, providing high-quality sound that is balanced and clear. The EarPods also feature a built-in microphone so you can take calls hands-free.
On-Ear Headphones
On-ear headphones are a type of headphones that sit on top of your ears, as opposed to around them. They’re usually smaller and lighter than over-ear headphones, making them a good choice if you’re looking for something that’s portable and easy to carry around. On-ear headphones can be a good choice for office use, as they won’t make you too hot or sweaty.
Best Overall: V-Moda Crossfade II
Looking for a great pair of on-ear headphones? The V-Moda Crossfade II is our top pick. These headphones are comfortable, durable, and sound great. They’re also relatively inexpensive, making them a great value for the money.
The Crossfade II features 50mm drivers that deliver excellent sound quality. The ear cups are padded with memory foam, making them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The headband is adjustable and also padded, so you can find the perfect fit.
The Crossfade II comes with a detachable 3.5mm audio cable and a carrying case. The headphones are available in a variety of colors, so you can find the perfect look to match your style.
Best Value: Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT
These are the best on-ear headphones you can buy in terms of both sound quality and value. The Audio-Technica ATH-SR5BT are well-balanced, have a comfortable fit, and come with a detachable cable that’s equipped with a remote control and microphone, making them versatile enough to use with your phone or for gaming. They’re also affordable, which is why we’ve named them the best on-ear headphones for the second year in a row.
Best for Comfort: Bose SoundLink II
On-ear headphones are compact and can be a good choice if you don’t like the feeling of having earbuds in your ears or if you don’t want something that covers your entire ear. They’re generally less expensive than over-ear headphones, but they’re also less comfortable for long listening sessions and can cause “headphone fatigue.” Look for on-ear headphones with light, comfortable earpads, a slim design that won’t add too much bulk to your carry-on bag, and articulated earcups that pivot so you can wear them around your neck when you’re not using them.