The Best Headphone Deals This Week*
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Stereo headphones have been around since before the first Sony Walkman, and that’s roughly how long we’ve had to put up with tangled wires for on-the-go music listening. That’s long enough if you ask us. Fortunately, wireless headphones now exist.
They’re convenient for all those times you don’t want to deal with dangling cables, such as at the gym or on public transportation. And now that many phone makers are ditching the headphone jack, wireless headphones are a great way to ensure cross-device compatibility. Wireless no longer means poor sound, either. Bluetooth headphones still compress hi-res audio, but new codecs preserve quality much better than in the past.
Below, you can find our top picks for wireless headphones and earphones across a wide range of prices and feature sets. And make sure to read through to the end for relevant buying advice.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Best Earphones for iPhone Users
Why We Picked It
The second-gen AirPods Pro deliver impressive noise cancellation, wiping out deep low rumble and dialing back complex higher-frequency sounds. Their adaptive transparency mode also successfully tamps down any audio spikes from your surroundings that exceed 85dB. Oh yeah, their audio performance is excellent, too.
Who It’s For
These earphones should suit anyone who wants seamless integration with Apple devices. Pairing is as simple as opening the case, and the iOS settings menu has an AirPods section that allows you to test the in-ear fit, personalize the spatial audio experience, and adjust the on-ear controls. We’d love to see a customizable EQ and a more robust waterproof rating, but these are still your best bet in Apple’s current audio lineup.
PROS
- Rich, well-balanced audio performance
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Adaptive Transparency mode is genuinely impressive
- Charging case has a useful built-in speaker
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
CONS
- No hi-res codec support
- Offers only non-adjustable EQ presets
Bose QuietComfort 45
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Why We Picked It
The Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones deliver the best active noise cancellation you can get. They also sound quite good and live up to their name in the comfort department.
Who It’s For
If you want the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market, begin and end your search here. These are the quintessential travel companion.
PROS
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- Sculpted audio with rich bass and crisp highs
- Exceptionally comfortable
CONS
- ANC can’t be adjusted
- Sound signature isn’t accurate for true audiophiles
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Best Noise-Cancelling Earphones
Why We Picked It
The QuietComfort Earbuds II offer the best noise cancellation you can get from earphones. They nearly make all deep, low-frequency rumble disappear and cut back highs extensively, too. Their audio drivers also sound pretty great, producing rich bass and sculpted (but balanced) highs.
Who It’s For
These are for people who want the most effective noise-cancelling earphones. And, unlike with the AirPods Pro, you get an adjustable EQ in the companion app. That’s helpful for dialing down a bit of the sculpting, though plenty of listeners are sure to enjoy the default sound signature.
PROS
- Engaging audio performance with deep lows and bright highs
- Fantastic low- and high-frequency noise cancellation
- Useful Active Aware mode
- Water-resistant build
CONS
- No way to turn off noise cancellation altogether
- Case doesn’t support wireless charging
Sony WH-1000XM5
Best for Audiophiles
Why We Picked It
Although Bose takes a slight victory in active noise cancellation, Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones offer an edge in audio quality. Their sound signature is a bit more accurate and they support the hi-res-capable LDAC codec.
Who It’s For
These headphones cost a lot, but excellent audio performance, an adjustable EQ, and highly effective active noise cancellation are all points in their favor. Other premium options might have an advantage in other categories, but these offer the best overall experience.
PROS
- Excellent audio performance with robust bass depth and crisp highs
- Top-notch active noise cancellation
- Intuitive on-ear controls
- App offers an adjustable EQ and other customization settings
- Comfortable, stylish design
Anker Soundcore Space A40
Best $100 Earphones
Why We Picked It
The noise-cancelling Anker Soundcore Space A40 earphones offer the best sound quality below $100. Anker’s companion app is another bright spot, with an intuitive interface, noise cancellation controls, and a customizable EQ.
Who It’s For
If your budget tops out at $100, these earphones are worth your attention. They cancel noise more effectively than similarly priced competitors and their battery life is above average, so they’re a great choice for frequent commuters or travelers who don’t want to spend a ton. They don’t sacrifice sound quality either, and even support the high-end LDAC codec.
PROS
- Rich, detailed audio performance
- Quality active noise cancellation for the price
- App includes customizable EQ and controls
- Strong battery life
- Water-resistant build
CONS
- Light on sub-bass
- Noise cancellation mode slightly affects sound signature
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
Best Waterproof Earphones
Why We Picked It
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro earphones are fully waterproof and thus ideal for exercise. Their active noise cancellation is very effective for the price and we’re also fans of the excellent companion app that includes both EQ and ANC customization options.
Who It’s For
These earbuds roughly split the cost difference between the standard AirPods and the AirPods Pro, but they are hardly a compromise. On the contrary, they are our top pick for Apple users who don’t want to spend more than $200 (the lack of AptX support limits their appeal to Android phone owners).
PROS
- Powerful audio performance with deep bass and crisp highs
- Adjustable ANC and EQ settings
- Excellent mic intelligibility
- Fully waterproof, dust-resistant earpieces
CONS
- Tunable ANC requires more work than other models
- Sculpted sound signature not for purists
Urbanista Los Angeles
Best for Eco-Conscious Music Lovers
Why We Picked It
The innovative Urbanista Los Angeles headphones use a Powerfoyle material on their exterior to charge via light—not just sunlight, but even light bulbs. Additionally, they produce rich sound and offer competent active noise cancellation. They aren’t outstanding in either regard, but a competitive showing here is a huge step forward for eco-friendly tech.
Who It’s For
These headphones are a great choice if you want to shop in an eco-conscious way. But even if you don’t care about green tech, the 80-hour battery life (if you even manage to drain them more quickly than ambient light can recharge them) makes them ideal for extended listening sessions. Yes, they have a USB-C port and ship with a charging cable, but if you rely on the solar battery tech, you won’t ever have to clutter your desk with that wire.
PROS
- Solar-powered charging
- Impressive audio performance with rich, deep bass and crisp highs
- Quality noise cancellation for the price
- Stylish design
CONS
- No in-app EQ
- Noise cancellation slightly impacts sound signature
Anker Soundcore Sport X10
Best Budget-Friendly Earbuds for Exercise
Why We Picked It
Although we’re partial to the Anker Soundcore Space A40, the company’s Sport X10 earbuds are even less expensive and still somehow offer quality active noise cancellation. Their wraparound design; energetic, bass-forward sound; and waterproof build make them ideal for trips to the gym, too.
Who It’s For
If your budget tops out at $70, these earphones are an excellent choice. Whether you like the ear hook design is a matter of preference (runners in particular might enjoy the extra bit of fit security), but the better-than-average noise cancellation, fully waterproof rating, and Anker’s excellent companion app are all sure to win fans.
PROS
- Powerful, sculpted, and bass-forward audio
- Impressive ANC for the price
- App features adjustable EQ and customizable controls
- Waterproof build
CONS
- Ear hook design makes docking process annoying
- On-ear control array could be more intuitive
Apple AirPods Max
Best Headphones for iPhone Users
Why We Picked It
Everything about the AirPods Max is a bit over the top, from their size to their price. And yet their quality is undeniable. They’re visually stunning and fit right within Apple’s sleek design aesthetic. Additionally, they deliver an excellent listening experience and powerful active noise cancellation.
Who It’s For
These are best for Apple users who want wireless headphones that seamlessly integrate with their devices. There are some downsides—the price is high, the fit isn’t universally comfortable, and the ANC circuitry uses an aggressively adaptive approach. But the drivers still produce a crisp, detailed listening experience and enable head-tracking spatial audio.
PROS
- Excellent audio performance with rich lows and crisp, detailed highs
- High-quality active noise cancellation, especially for low-frequency rumble
- Stunning, unique design
- Adaptive EQ and Spatial audio
- Hands-free Siri access
CONS
- Expensive
- Sound signature and Adaptive EQ/spatial audio aren’t for purists
- No user-adjustable EQ
- Button placement makes it easy to misfire when adjusting fit
- Smart Case does little to protect the headphones
Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
Best for Affordable, Accurate Sound
Why We Picked It
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT headphones focus on accuracy, but still manage to faithfully reproduce sub-bass—a rare feat. They’re a bit light on features and don’t support any high-end Bluetooth codecs for Android users, but if you mainly listen on an iOS device (or use the wired audio cable), they offer fantastic sound for the price.
Who It’s For
If you want transparency, detail, and deep bass from your headphones, we highly recommend these for under $100. They don’t ship with many extra features or accessories, but the refreshingly clear sound signature makes up for all that. The wired functionality also adds versatility.
PROS
- Affordable
- Excellent accuracy, especially in sub-bass range
- Comfortable fit
- Strong battery life
CONS
- A bit light on features
- No AptX support
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Most Stylish Headphones
Why We Picked It
We can safely say that the Bose and Sony flagship models lead the pack of noise-cancelling headphones, but the Sennheiser Momentum 4 over-ears look more stylish while also delivering top-notch audio and high-quality active noise cancellation.
Who It’s For
For fashionistas, these sophisticated headphones sport a premium gray fabric lining on the headband and a streamlined exterior. You also get a robust audio performance with support for the AptX Adaptive codec. And their active noise cancellation is still within the upper echelons of the market.
PROS
- Excellent audio performance with robust bass, detailed highs
- Effective noise cancellation
- Strong Bluetooth codec support
- Handsome design with easy-to-operate on-ear controls
CONS
- Underwhelming in-app EQ
- App sometimes has trouble connecting to headphones
Buying Guide: The Best Wireless Headphones for 2022
Should You Get Wireless Earphones or Headphones?
Earphones (or earbuds, or in-ear headphones) offer a slightly different sound profile compared with conventional headphones. Generally, you get better sound from a full set of “cans” around your head than from buds in your ears, but earphones now offer excellent sound quality. More importantly, they are much more appropriate for exercise because they are smaller and usually somewhat water resistant. Headphones, on the other hand, turn into a nasty mess if you start sweating. For our top exercise picks, check out the best earphones, the best headphones for running, and the best true wireless earphones for running.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
(Credit: Tim Gideon)
At this point, most wireless earphones don’t have a connecting wire like earlier iterations. Instead, you get two discrete earpieces and a charging case. Originally, this type of setup wasn’t very reliable, but you aren’t likely to have any connection issues now. All of the earphones on this list are true wireless earphones.
If you aren’t primarily looking for a set of wireless earphones for the gym (be sure to should check the IP rating for water and sweat resistance), conventional headphones offer a very good listening experience. You still have to choose between on-ear and over-ear models, however. On-ear headphones rest against your ears but don’t surround them, while over-ear headphones completely enclose them. The latter block out the most outside noise and usually provide more powerful, richer sound, but on-ear models are less bulky and distracting to wear away from your desk.
And if you’re shopping for your little one, we also have a collection of the best wired and wireless headphones for kids.
What’s Noise Cancellation?
Bose QuietComfort 45
(Credit: Tim Gideon)
Headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) use outward-facing microphones to pick up and analyze noise, which their internal circuitry then cancels by generating an inverse wave. This was previously an expensive, cumbersome technology, but advances in battery life and miniaturization mean you have more affordable options than ever. The top-end models are still quite pricey, but not everyone needs the absolute best performance. For more options, check out the best noise-cancelling headphones and the best noise-cancelling true wireless earphones.
Do You Need Apple’s H2 Chip? What About Bluetooth Codecs?
If you’re an iPhone user, consider buying a model with Apple’s proprietary H2 (or older H1 or W1) chip. It makes Bluetooth pairing even easier—there’s no need to open the Settings menu because your phone automatically prompts you to connect whenever the headphones are nearby. The chip also improves connection stability and increases the wireless range. Currently, only Apple and Beats (which Apple owns) make headphones with this component.
Everyone needs to pay attention to which Bluetooth codecs their headphones support, however. Codecs determine how your device compresses audio streams before sending them to your headphones (Bluetooth doesn’t currently support lossless audio streaming). You need to make sure that your headphones and phone support the same high-end codecs if you want the best listening experience. Our guide to Bluetooth codecs details everything you are likely to encounter and our reviews note which ones each model supports.
Recommended by Our Editors
Sony WH-1000XM5
(Credit: Tim Gideon)
How Much Should You Spend on Wireless Headphones?
Although many entries in this roundup cost more than $100, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get quality audio. If you’re shopping on a budget, head over to our roundup of the best headphones under $50 or under $100 for options that won’t break the bank.
You’re bound to find something that fits well, sounds great, and—above all—doesn’t tie you up in knots. Once you pick the perfect pair, check out these five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and the eight ways you’re using your headphones wrong. And if you want to share your tunes with others, look no further than our favorite wireless speakers.
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