Best productsThe best headphones in 2026: Lab-tested by experts
Wired or wireless, open or closed-back, on-ear or over-ear—we’ve tested it all.
Adam Birney2w ago
Adam Birney2w agoOver-ear headphones buying guides
47 articles
Our buying guides for over-ear headphones: a shortlist per use case, per budget. Every pick is a set we've had in the lab.
Most picked right now
the products this page's guides keep converging onIn 6 guides
$390
- Best wireless headphones — Best headphones in 2026
- ANC pick — Best headphones for music
- Our pick — Best wireless headphones in 2026
- Best for most — Best noise canceling headphones
- Our pick — Best noise canceling headphones for work
- Best alternative — Best noise canceling headphones for airplanes
In 6 guides
$399.99
- Best headphones for comfort — Best headphones in 2026
- Best for travel — Best wireless headphones in 2026
- ANC pick — Best headphones for travel
- Runner-up — Best noise canceling headphones
- The alternative pick — Best noise canceling headphones for work
- Best for most — Best noise canceling headphones for airplanes
In 6 guides
$99.99
- Best under $100 — Best headphones in 2026
- Alternative under $100 — Best budget noise canceling headphones
- Best value — Best headphones for working out in 2026
- Our pick — Best headphones under $100
- Best budget pick — Best wireless headphones in 2026
- Best value — Best noise canceling headphones for airplanes
In 4 guides
$449.95
- Best feature-packed headphones — Best headphones in 2026
- Battery life pick — Best headphones for travel
- Best features — Best noise canceling headphones
- Best for parents — Best noise canceling headphones for airplanes
In 4 guides
$509.99
- Best noise canceling headphones — Best headphones in 2026
- Best for iPhone — Best wireless headphones in 2026
- iPhone pick — Best noise canceling headphones
- The Apple pick — Best noise canceling headphones for work
In 3 guides
$489.95
- Best for most — Best headphones for music
- Sound Quality pick — Best wireless headphones in 2026
- Sound quality pick — Best noise canceling headphones
Best productsBest budget noise canceling headphones
Avoid the noise without breaking the bank.
Christian Thomas5mo ago
Christian Thomas5mo ago
With so many options, you don't need to compromise your workouts.
Tom Triggs5mo ago
Tom Triggs5mo ago
Comfort, IP ratings, and bass-heavy sound profiles are vital considerations.Tom Triggs5mo ago
Tom Triggs5mo ago
Best productsBest headphones for music
We didn't hear this list through the grapevine — we tested them.Adam Birney5mo ago
Adam Birney5mo ago
Best productsBest headphones under $100: Don't spend more
If you were wondering what one Ben Franklin could get you, we've got the list for you.
Lil Katz5mo ago
Lil Katz5mo ago
Best productsThe best wireless headphones in 2026
We tested hundreds of wireless headphones to determine which is worth your money, including top picks for travel, gaming, and more.
Chase Bernath5mo ago
Chase Bernath5mo ago
Best productsBest headphones for travel
From noisy plane cabins to crowded trains, here are the headphones that make any journey better.Adam Birney5mo ago
Adam Birney5mo ago
Best productsBest audiophile headphones
If you're serious about sound quality, give these a listen.Adam Birney5mo ago
Adam Birney5mo ago
Best productsBest noise canceling headphones
If you're trying to block out the noise, go with one of these.Christian Thomas5mo ago
Christian Thomas5mo ago
Best productsBest noise canceling headphones for work
Too much noise at work? Not anymore!Adam Birney5mo ago
Adam Birney5mo ago
Best productsBest noise canceling headphones for airplanes
Ensure you have a quiet flight ahead.
Jasper Lastoria6mo ago
Jasper Lastoria6mo ago