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. PCMag is here to help since we’ve been reviewing headphones for over two decades. Several products currently deserve our Editors’ Choice award, including the planar magnetic HiFiMan Ananda, the studio-friendly Sony MDR-M1, and the audiophile-quality Grado SR325x. However, your needs may be different, and one of our other recommendations may be a better fit. Be sure to click through to our in-depth reviews for all the details. Don’t forget to scroll down past the list for some category buying advice and important clarifications about different headphone types and technologies.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
December 26, 2025. With this update, we’ve replaced the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones with the second-generation model. Our remaining selections remain unchanged and have been vetted for currency and availability.
- Phenomenal audio performance with superb sense of space, accurate bass, and lovely detail throughout frequency range.
- Comfortable over long listening sessions.
- Ships with two detachable cables.
- Open design leaks audio.
- Cables lack inline remote control or mic.
The wired HiFiMan Ananda headphones are a powerhouse and a rare five-star product—their planar magnetic drivers deliver a detailed, spectacular audio experience that conjures a real sense of soundstage. An open design only heightens this sensation, while detachable cables extend their longevity.
If you are an audiophile who wants superb sound, these headphones are worth the small fortune they command. They do leak audio, however, so make sure to run this purchase by any housemates.
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Stereo 3.5mm
Learn More
HiFiMan Ananda Review
- Neutral sound for studio work
- High-resolution support
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Removable cables
The Sony MDR-M1 headphones may look somewhat utilitarian, but they are incredibly comfortable to wear. Moreover, their superb audio response makes them well-suited to mixing audio in the studio or passing the time listening at home. We’re also fans of their support for high-resolution audio and detachable mini-XLR cable.
Sony’s MDR line has long been the choice of studio dwellers. The M1 works both in the studio and at home thanks to its outstanding comfort and neutral-yet-pleasing sound.
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Stereo 3.5mm
Learn More
Sony MDR-M1 Review
- Outstanding noise cancellation
- Exceptional audio response
- Advanced Bluetooth codec support
- Comfortable fit
- Foldable design
- Expensive
- Average battery life
The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones might be the most well-rounded wireless model we’ve tested: They offer top-tier active noise cancellation and the best possible Bluetooth streaming quality via LDAC. We also like their intuitive controls and full-featured companion app.
If you want the highest streaming quality over a Bluetooth connection and have an Android phone, these headphones are sure to impress.
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Learn More
Sony WH-1000XM6 Review
- Wonderfully wide stereo image
- Rich bass response, accurate mids, and detailed highs
- Iconic design
- Hardwired cable
- Few accessories
- Leaks audio (by design)
Grado’s SR325x open-back headphones produce exceptionally spacious and detailed sound throughout their frequency range. We’re also big fans of how their metallic accents and woven (though irreplaceable) cable combine for a retro look. Note that Grado headphones tend to fit differently than most others, so they might require a bit of adjustment initially.
If you want expansive sound from wired headphones with throwback style, these should be at the top of your list. They’re an excellent entry into the world of high-end open-back audio.
Type
Supra-aural (on-ear)
Connection Type
Stereo 3.5mm
Learn More
Grado SR325x Review
- Solar-powered charging
- Impressive audio performance with rich, deep bass and crisp highs
- Quality noise cancellation for the price
- Stylish design
- No in-app EQ
- Noise cancellation slightly impacts sound signature
The Urbanista Los Angeles headphones make this list because of their innovative ability to charge via solar power—or really, any light source. Otherwise, they offer solid audio and noise cancellation for the price.
If you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint, these headphones can help (even if just a little bit). They might also appeal if you want to get rid of all the extra charging cables around your home.
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Learn More
Urbanista Los Angeles Review
- 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
- 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
Despite some obvious sculpting, the AirPods Max still sound quite good, with robust lows and detailed highs. Spatial audio remains a bit gimmicky, but their noise cancellation mode often delivers excellent results that match those of top-end Bose and Sony models.
If you’re an Apple loyalist who wants a seamless headphone experience with iOS devices, nothing comes close to the AirPods Max. And let’s not forget they’re a bit of a status symbol—if you want to stand out in a crowd, these certainly don’t look like many other headphones out there.
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Learn More
Apple AirPods Max Review
- Affordable
- Excellent accuracy, especially in sub-bass range
- Comfortable fit
- Strong battery life
- A bit light on features
- No AptX support
The name Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but these headphones deliver accurate audio with a realistic sense of sub-bass. That excellent sound quality makes up for a lack of extra features.
If you simply want to hear your music the way the artist or engineer intended, these headphones offer that experience at an affordable price.
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Learn More
Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT Review
- Powerful, bass-forward audio
- Decent noise cancellation for the price
- App includes adjustable EQ
- Supports LDAC codec
- Included cable enables wired listening
- Ineffective button layout
The Anker Soundcore Space One headphones offer respectable noise cancellation for under $100 and support hi-res Bluetooth streaming via the LDAC codec. We’re also fans of the bundled companion app, which has an effective EQ and all the customization features you could want. The included cloth carrying case and audio cable for wired listening are nice bonuses, too.
If you don’t want to spend more than $100 on noise-cancelling headphones, these are for you. They noticeably cut back most environmental sounds, deliver excellent sound, and feel quite premium for the price.
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm
Learn More
Anker Soundcore Space One Review
- Crisp, detailed sound with deep bass
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Lossless audio via USB-C
- Good battery life
- Comfortable to wear
- Quick to power on and connect
- High price
- Basic app with limited EQ
The second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation, and the company has adjusted the sound to offer a more natural audio response while still providing the signature Bose acoustics. We particularly like the pleasing balance of rich lows and crisp highs. Meanwhile, Bose’s outstanding transparency mode makes them a great option for work calls.
If you’re looking for great sound and some of the best noise cancellation available, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are your top over-ear choice.
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)
Connection Type
Bluetooth, Stereo 3.5mm, USB-C
Learn More
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Review
Get Our Best Stories!
All the Latest Tech, Tested by Our Experts
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy
Policy.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
The Best On-Ear/Over-Ear Headphones for 2026
Compare Specs
Buying Guide: The Best On-Ear/Over-Ear Headphones for 2026
What’s the Difference Between Headphones and Earphones?
There’s an endless selection of headphone designs, but you’re essentially choosing between padded over-ear headphones and snug in-ear earphones. Although both have merits, this roundup focuses on the over-the-ear and around-the-ear designs 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 Please
Do 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. This technique is effective 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.
Anker Soundcore Space One (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. Now that many phone manufacturers no longer include 3.5mm audio jacks, wireless connectivity ensures you can connect with all the latest devices.
Recommended by Our Editors
While most Bluetooth codecs are not yet lossless, 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.
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.
