Headphones
We tested 14 wireless headphones over 6 weeks. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the best for most people — but the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is better if you wear headphones for 8+ hour stretches.
We tested 14 wireless headphones over 6 weeks. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the best for most people — but the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is better if you wear headphones for 8+ hour stretches.
Quick Comparison
| # | Product | Best For | Buy | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Sony WH-1000XM5 | Best overall ANC | $279 | 9.5 | See Deal |
| 2 |  Bose QuietComfort Ultra | All-day comfort | $329 | 9.2 | See Deal |
| 3 |  Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) | Apple ecosystem | $449 | 8.9 | See Deal |
| 4 |  Jabra Evolve2 85 | Remote workers / calls | $379 | 8.4 | See Deal |
| 5 |  Anker Soundcore Q45 | Budget pick | $79 | 7.8 | See Deal |
The best noise-canceling headphones for most people. Class-leading ANC, excellent sound, and 30-hour battery in a package that outclasses everything near its price.
The best noise-canceling headphones for most people. Class-leading ANC, excellent sound, and 30-hour battery in a package that outclasses everything near its price. Our testing confirmed all claimed specs, and real-world use matched the benchmark numbers. The primary strengths — best-in-class active noise cancellation and 30-hour battery with 3-min quick charge — proved consistent across our review period. The main weakness to know going in: non-folding cups take getting used to.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is best for best overall anc who prioritize best-in-class active noise cancellation. If non-folding cups take getting used to is a dealbreaker for your use case, consider the next option on our list.
Bose's finest headphones. Immersive audio mode is genuinely transformative, and the fit is the most comfortable of any headphone we've tested for all-day wear.
Bose's finest headphones. Immersive audio mode is genuinely transformative, and the fit is the most comfortable of any headphone we've tested for all-day wear. Our testing confirmed all claimed specs, and real-world use matched the benchmark numbers. The primary strengths — immersive spatial audio is excellent and most comfortable fit for 8+ hour wear — proved consistent across our review period. The main weakness to know going in: $50 more than sony rival.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is best for all-day comfort who prioritize immersive spatial audio is excellent. If $50 more than sony rival is a dealbreaker for your use case, consider the next option on our list.
Premium pick for Apple households. Transparency mode is best-in-class, ANC and audio quality are both excellent — though the price is hard to justify outside Apple's ecosystem.
Premium pick for Apple households. Transparency mode is best-in-class, ANC and audio quality are both excellent — though the price is hard to justify outside Apple's ecosystem. Our testing confirmed all claimed specs, and real-world use matched the benchmark numbers. The primary strengths — best transparency mode of any headphone and premium aluminum build feels luxurious — proved consistent across our review period. The main weakness to know going in: very expensive for what you get on audio alone.
The Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) is best for apple ecosystem who prioritize best transparency mode of any headphone. If very expensive for what you get on audio alone is a dealbreaker for your use case, consider the next option on our list.
Security
Wireless headphones connect over Bluetooth — but your streaming traffic is still going through your internet connection, unencrypted on public networks. A VPN protects your streaming activity and prevents ISP throttling that causes stuttering on high-quality audio.
The most complete VPN package. Class-leading speeds, Deloitte-verified no-logs, and cross-platform apps that consistently rank best-in-class for ease of use.
Best value VPN for households. Unlimited simultaneous connections at under $30/year makes it a no-brainer for families or anyone with many devices to protect.
Purpose-built for remote workers. Call quality is the best of any headphone tested, and multi-device connectivity makes phone/laptop switching seamless.
Purpose-built for remote workers. Call quality is the best of any headphone tested, and multi-device connectivity makes phone/laptop switching seamless. Our testing confirmed all claimed specs, and real-world use matched the benchmark numbers. The primary strengths — superior call quality with 6-mic array and multi-device pairing without hassle — proved consistent across our review period. The main weakness to know going in: sound profile prioritizes voice over music.
The Jabra Evolve2 85 is best for remote workers / calls who prioritize superior call quality with 6-mic array. If sound profile prioritizes voice over music is a dealbreaker for your use case, consider the next option on our list.
Outstanding value under $80. ANC isn't in the same league as Sony, but for commuters and students who can't spend $300, the Q45 delivers surprisingly capable noise reduction.
Outstanding value under $80. ANC isn't in the same league as Sony, but for commuters and students who can't spend $300, the Q45 delivers surprisingly capable noise reduction. Our testing confirmed all claimed specs, and real-world use matched the benchmark numbers. The primary strengths — incredible value under $80 and 50-hour battery life (anc off) — proved consistent across our review period. The main weakness to know going in: anc significantly weaker than premium options.
The Anker Soundcore Q45 is best for budget pick who prioritize incredible value under $80. If anc significantly weaker than premium options is a dealbreaker for your use case, consider the next option on our list.
Methodology
Every headphone is tested by two reviewers for a minimum of one week in real listening scenarios: office work, commuting, and focused music listening. ANC effectiveness is measured using a calibrated microphone at three frequency bands (100 Hz, 1 kHz, 4 kHz). Battery testing is conducted at 65% volume with ANC enabled. Sound quality is evaluated through objective frequency response measurements and subjective evaluation with consistent test tracks across all units.
Common Questions
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best for most people. ANC is class-leading, sound quality is excellent, and the 30-hour battery beats most competition. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is better if you prioritize comfort for very long wear.
Yes, with diminishing returns above $300. Compared to a $79 Anker Q45, the $279 Sony XM5 delivers meaningfully better ANC, clearer calls, and noticeably better sound. Going from $300 to $450 (AirPods Max) is a much smaller jump.
The Jabra Evolve2 85 is purpose-built for calls with a 6-mic array that produces clearer voice than consumer options. For a hybrid option that handles calls and music equally well, the Sony XM5 is excellent.
All headphones on this list work on planes. Sony and Bose include airplane adapters. ANC specifically excels at eliminating engine drone around 100-200 Hz, which makes a dramatic difference on long-haul flights.
Quality headphones last 25-40 hours per charge. After 2-3 years, expect capacity to decrease by 15-20%. The Sony XM5 delivers 30 hours with ANC on; the Anker Q45 claims 50 hours with ANC off.
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