Find the best headphones for music in 2026

What music lovers need:

  1. Balanced Sound - Accurate frequency response that reveals every detail
  2. Wide Soundstage - Spatial presentation that brings recordings to life
  3. High-Resolution Support - LDAC, aptX HD, or wired hi-res for lossless audio
  4. Comfort - Plush padding for long listening sessions

Best Headphones under $100 for music

Best Pick

Marshall Major V On-Ear Wireless Bluetooth

83.2 Music Score
On-Ear Wireless Closed Back 40mm 100h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is an extraordinary 100+ hours of wireless playback, powered by Bluetooth 5.3 and 40mm drivers tuned for the brand's signature sound. The rugged, foldable design enhances its portability for daily commutes and travel. This headphone is best for listeners who prioritize marathon battery life and durable build quality over premium call performance.

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JBL Tune 670NC Wireless Noise-Cancelling On-Ear

79.3 Music Score
On-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 30mm 70h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is an exceptionally long 70-hour battery life, making it ideal for extended travel without frequent charging. The inclusion of Adaptive Noise Cancelling and a Smart Ambient mode provides practical flexibility for commuting or office use. This headphone is best for budget-conscious travelers and commuters who prioritize battery endurance and situational awareness over audiophile-grade sound quality.

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TOZO Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones,

77.7 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC 40mm 60h
Why we recommend this

Its 60-hour battery life and hybrid ANC system with three microphones provide strong noise isolation for travel and commutes. The headphones offer a versatile wired/wireless connection and a comfortable, foldable design with protein leather ear cups. This product is best for frequent travelers and commuters who prioritize long battery life and effective noise cancellation over call quality.

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ChanGeek Wireless Headphones for TV Watching, 2.4G RF

77 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless 40mm 48h
Why we recommend this

Its 2.4GHz RF connection provides a reliable, zero-lag wireless range up to 100 feet, making it a dedicated solution for television audio. The 48-hour battery life and lightweight, foldable design support extended, comfortable viewing sessions. This headset is best for seniors or household members who need private, high-quality TV audio without disturbing others.

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Best Headphones under $250 for music

Best Pick

Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless Active

100 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 37mm 50h
Why we recommend this

Its standout 50-hour battery life with ANC on and Sennheiser's signature sound tuning provide a premium wireless audio experience. The inclusion of a USB-C Bluetooth adapter for low-latency connectivity and a customizable sound app offer practical versatility beyond typical headphones. This model is best for frequent travelers and commuters who need reliable, all-day noise cancellation without daily charging.

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Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Canceling

85.5 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 30mm 35h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the combination of Sony's V1 processor for adaptive noise canceling and DSEE audio restoration, delivering a surprisingly lightweight build with up to 35-hour battery life. The Headphones Connect app allows for custom EQ and support for 360 Reality Audio, offering strong software customization at its price point. This model is best for budget-conscious commuters seeking effective noise cancellation and Sony's ecosystem features without a premium price tag.

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Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 Wireless Over-Ear

85 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 50h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the powerful 45mm Stellar.45 drivers, which deliver studio-quality audio alongside adaptive noise canceling and transparency mode. The headphones also offer a unique spatial audio experience with Dolby Atmos and head tracking for immersive listening. This product is best for commuters and home users seeking premium wireless sound with high-end driver technology and immersive audio features.

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Bowers & Wilkins - Px7 S2 Wireless Active Noise

83.9 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 40mm 30h
Why we recommend this

Its redesigned angled drive units and powerful motor system deliver exceptionally detailed audio with increased clarity. The headphones combine 30-hour battery life with a comfortable, lightweight build using technical fabrics for all-day wear. This model is best for frequent commuters and travelers who prioritize premium sound quality and effective noise cancellation during long journeys.

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Best Headphones under $500 for music

Best Pick

Sony - WH-1000XM6- Best Wireless Noise Cancelling

97.3 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 30mm 30h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3, which uses 12 microphones to deliver industry-leading ANC and supports high-resolution audio via LDAC. The headphones also offer a comfortable, foldable design and a reliable 30-hour battery life with ANC active. This product is best for frequent travelers and commuters who prioritize best-in-class noise cancellation and wireless convenience for music and calls.

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Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C) - Midnight

86.9 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 40mm 20h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the enhanced active noise cancellation and a 20-hour battery life, housed in a premium build with a knit mesh canopy for comfort. The seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and the Digital Crown control for audio are significant differentiators. These headphones are best for Apple users seeking a high-fidelity, all-day listening experience for both focused work and immersive music.

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Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 Wireless Noise-Canceling

86.3 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 40mm 30h
Why we recommend this

Its eight-microphone active noise cancellation system and support for aptX Lossless codec deliver high-fidelity wireless audio with effective isolation. The headphones offer an elegant design and up to 30 hours of playback, prioritizing comfort for extended wear. This model is best for commuters and travelers seeking premium, detailed sound quality and clear call performance in a stylish package.

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Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC Wireless Over-Ear

77.1 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC 60h
Why we recommend this

Its standout 60-hour battery life and premium 6-microphone adaptive noise cancellation provide exceptional endurance and sound isolation. The inclusion of THX Spatial Audio with head tracking offers a uniquely immersive listening experience for movies and games. This headphone is best for commuters and multimedia enthusiasts who prioritize long battery life and immersive, cinematic audio over critical studio monitoring.

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Best Headphones under $1,000 for music

Best Pick

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Noise-Canceling Wireless

94.6 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 40mm 35h
Why we recommend this

With 40-hour battery life and adaptive noise cancellation, these headphones offer excellent longevity and environmental sound management. Premium materials like memory foam and lambskin earpads prioritize long-term comfort over pure portability. They are best suited for listeners who value extended, comfortable listening sessions and prioritize build quality in a wireless headphone.

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Price $544
Bang & Olufsen Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Noise-Canceling Wireless headphones

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Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Over-Ear Wireless

88.1 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 40mm 30h
Why we recommend this

Its 40mm carbon cone drivers and dedicated DAC deliver high-resolution audio with exceptional clarity, while the Nappa leather and memory foam earpads provide a premium, comfortable fit. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Lossless support ensures high-quality wireless streaming for compatible devices. These headphones are best for audiophiles seeking a luxurious, over-ear listening experience with top-tier build quality and sound fidelity.

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Bowers & Wilkins Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Over-Ear Wireless headphones
Price $799

Focal Bathys Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear

74 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 40mm 30h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a built-in DAC and amplifier, enabling high-resolution 24-bit/192 kHz audio playback for audiophile-grade wireless sound. The headphones also offer over 30 hours of battery life and active noise cancellation for extended, immersive listening sessions. This product is best for discerning listeners who prioritize studio-quality audio fidelity in a portable, wireless package.

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Audeze LCD-2 Classic Over-Ear Open Back Headphone

68.9 Music Score
Over-Ear Open Back
Why we recommend this

Its 100mm planar magnetic drivers deliver exceptional bass response and realistic sound, supported by a warm, vintage-inspired tonality. The handcrafted build in California includes a steel suspension headband and glass-infused nylon rings for durability and improved audio quality. This headphone is best for studio professionals and audiophiles seeking a detailed, warm reference sound for critical listening and mixing.

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Premium Headphones for music

Best Pick

Focal Bathys MG Wireless Noise-Canceling Over-Ear

74.1 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless Closed Back 40mm 30h
Why we recommend this

Its 40mm magnesium drivers with M-shaped domes, crafted in France, provide a precise and natural audiophile-grade sound signature. The headphones offer three active noise-cancellation modes and a high-quality build with a leather headband and memory foam earpads for extended comfort. This product is best for discerning listeners who prioritize high-fidelity audio and premium materials in a wireless, noise-canceling package.

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Price $1,445
Focal Focal Bathys MG Wireless Noise-Canceling Over-Ear headphones

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Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 Wireless

70 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 40mm 38h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is its ultra-detailed sound from 40mm titanium drivers paired with auto-adjusting active noise cancellation. The build is exceptionally luxurious, using lambskin leather and memory foam cushions for premium comfort during long listening sessions. This headphone is best for audiophiles seeking a high-end, comfortable wireless experience, though its call quality is notably weak.

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MEZE AUDIO | LIRIC 2nd Generation | Wired Over-Ear

53.8 Music Score
Over-Ear Wired Closed Back
Why we recommend this

Its planar magnetic drivers deliver a detailed, immersive sound with a less fatiguing high-end, housed in a serviceable build with Macassar ebony wood cups. The design prioritizes longevity with fully replaceable components and detachable magnetic earpads for easy maintenance. These headphones are best for audiophiles and critical listeners seeking a refined, durable closed-back reference headphone for home listening.

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Sonos Ace Wireless Noise-Canceling Over-Ear

50.6 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 30h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the unique ability to swap Dolby Atmos audio from a compatible Sonos soundbar directly to the headphones, offering a seamless transition from shared to private listening. They also deliver up to 30 hours of battery life and support lossless audio over Bluetooth for high-fidelity streaming. These headphones are best for users deeply invested in the Sonos home audio ecosystem who want a premium, feature-rich companion for both travel and immersive TV watching.

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