With so many great options out there, it's hard to narrow things down into a best-of-the-best headphones list, especially since it's impossible to review every model on the market. But I'll try anyway. We tend to focus on wireless headphones, and true wireless in particular -- yes, Apple's AirPods have been insanely popular the last few years -- but this list of best headphones also includes over-ear headphones, on-ear models and even some more affordable headphones as "budget" standouts for those of you who don't want to spend an arm and a leg for comfort and great sound.
These are our current favorites (with waterproofing ratings included for in-ear models). Just note that in 2020, we expect to see a deluge of new models, many of which we saw previewed at CES in January.
Sony WH-1000XM3
Sony's WH-1000XM3, the third generation of Sony's excellent wireless noise-canceling headphones, has a more comfortable fit and features even better performance than its predecessor, perfect sound quality for listening to music. With strong battery life, these over-ear wireless headphones are currently our top-rated pick for the best headphones for the noise canceling, slightly edging out the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, which are more expensive. Read our Sony WH-1000XM3 review. Read our Sony WH-1000XM3 review.
Apple AirPods Pro
Water-resistant: Yes (IPX4 rating -- splashproof).
Even if they don't sound as magical as you'd hope a $249 model would, the Apple AirPods Pro still manages to be a great pair of true wireless earphones. That's largely due to their winning design and fit, improved bass performance and effective noise canceling. They are an excellent choice for when you want to make a call or listen to music during your workout. Yeah, they're expensive at $250, but the good news is you'll use them so much you'll probably wear the battery down -- it does degrade over time and isn't replaceable -- and have to buy a new pair in 18 to 24 months if you don't lose them first. Read our Apple AirPods Pro review.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, the long-awaited successor to its Quiet Comfort 35 II models, may not be a quantum leap forward but these wireless headphones offer slightly better sound quality, call, and noise-canceling quality. Alas, these over-ear headphones cost $400, but they're a strong all-around performer with up to 20 hours of battery life for listening to podcasts, music and more. I slightly prefer the Sony WH-1000XM3's design and fit (and lower price tag), and while you can argue about which pair of headphones sound better, one thing is certain: This Bose Noise Cancelling model works significantly better as a headset for making calls. For some people that may be worth the extra cost. Read our Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 review.
Jabra Elite 75t
Water-resistant: Yes (IP55 rating -- can withstand heavy sprays of water).
At first glance, the Elite 75t, which was originally supposed to cost $200 but now sells for $180 (£170 and AU$299), seems more like an evolutionary upgrade from the highly-rated Elite 65t. But the updates turn out to be a little more substantial than I first thought. The Elite 75t's smaller size (the pair of earbuds and case are 20% smaller than the Elite 65t's), its boosted battery life and USB-C charging are significant upgrades. And then there are the smaller changes, like the new charging case design with magnets inside it that make it easier to open and close and to keep the buds inside. While the Elite 75t isn't quite as comfortable to wear as the AirPods Pro and doesn't have active noise canceling, it does sound better for listening to your music, with the clearer overall sound and better bass definition, so long as you get a tight seal. Just note that the Jabra Elite Active 75t arrives in February, adding slightly better water resistance for $20 more. Read our Jabra Elite 75t review.
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