If you're serious about music, a quality pair of headphones can make a huge difference in your listening experience. But with so many choices, finding the right model can be tough. We've highlighted our top picks below, from inexpensive cans to budget-busting masterpieces.
What's the Difference Between Headphones and Earphones?
There's an endless selection when it comes to headphone design but you're basically choosing between padded over-the-ear headphones and snug in-canal earphones. Both have their merits but, for this roundup, we focus on the over-the-ear and around-the-ear design of traditional headphones.
Generally, headphones can reproduce richer low-end audio because they have larger drivers than earphones and don't rely on an in-ear seal to deliver sound. Some listeners also find headphones more comfortable to wear than earphones. This naturally means that headphones are bulkier and less suitable for the gym.
If you prefer the in-ear design, we have separate lists for the best earphones and the best true wireless models for running.
4 ways you're using your headphones totally wrong — Clarification PleaseDo You Need Noise Cancellation?
You might try to dismiss the din of the outside world by cranking up the volume, but the best solution for saving your sanity—and your hearing—is to invest in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, so you can enjoy your audio at much lower volumes.
Active noise-cancelling headphones use microphones on the earcups to measure outside noise and adjust the signal to cancel it out. It's an effective technique but requires a fair bit of power. For more, check out our picks for the best noise-cancelling headphones and see how we test noise cancellation.
If you just want to block out sound without active noise cancellation, all over-ear headphones naturally do that to some extent through a process called noise isolation. Essentially, outside noise can't get in if the earcups form a good seal over your ears. It's not as effective as the active method, but it's inherent to the design (meaning you don't have to pay extra for it) and doesn't require power.
Sony WH-1000XM5 (Credit: Tim Gideon)What Are the Different Types of Wireless Headphones?
Wireless headphones can be convenient for any situation in which you don't want to deal with dangling cables—like the gym, for example. And now that many phone manufacturers no longer include 3.5mm audio jacks, wireless connectivity ensures you can connect with all the latest devices.
While the data signal containing Bluetooth audio is compressed, headphone and earphone manufacturers have found ways to enhance the signal to compensate for its deficiencies in a way that even audiophiles can appreciate. We've included some wireless options here, but if you're really keen on cutting the cord, check out the best wireless headphones. And if you want to go completely wireless (with no cord at all connecting the two earpieces), check out the best true wireless earbuds—just keep in mind these are about as far from over-ear headphones as you can get.
No matter what type of headphones you want, you can't go wrong with any of the options here. That said, you don't need to spend top dollar for a quality pair of cans. If you're shopping on a budget, take a look at our picks for the best headphones under $50. Once you've found the right pair, check out our five easy tips to extend the life of your headphones and eight ways you're using your headphones wrong.
