10 Best Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones are over-ear headphones designed to offer strong noise cancellation, making them a great choice for anyone wanting to block out outside noise during travel, work, or relaxation. They feature active noise cancellation combined with passive sound isolation, and offer two listening modes—Quiet and Aware—so you can either immerse yourself fully in music or stay alert to your surroundings when needed. Sound quality is high with balanced armature drivers and an adjustable equalizer via the Bose app, letting you customize bass, mids, and treble to your liking. Battery life is impressive, providing up to 24 hours of wireless playtime with a fast USB-C charge option that adds 2.5 hours after just 15 minutes.

Comfort-wise, the plush over-ear cushions and padded headband make them suitable for long listening sessions without discomfort. They also include a detachable cable with an inline microphone and controls, so you can switch to wired use if the battery runs out or if you prefer a wired connection. Multipoint Bluetooth lets you easily connect to multiple devices without hassle. On the downside, these headphones are not water-resistant, so they may not be ideal for intense workouts or wet conditions. Their price might be higher than some competitors, reflecting the premium features and brand reputation.

If your priorities are noise cancellation, comfort, and long battery life in wireless over-ear headphones, the Bose QuietComfort offers a strong option, especially well-suited for music lovers and frequent travelers.

The Beats Studio Pro are over-ear wireless headphones designed for users seeking high-quality sound and effective noise cancellation. They use Beats' custom acoustic platform and dynamic drivers to deliver rich, immersive audio across a frequency range of 20-20,000 Hz, ensuring music and calls sound clear and detailed. One standout feature is the personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, offering a 360-degree listening experience that can make you feel like you're inside the music. The headphones provide two listening modes: active noise cancellation (ANC) to block outside noise, and Transparency mode so you can hear your surroundings when needed.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 40 hours on a single charge, with a quick 10-minute charge providing an extra 4 hours, making them great for long use during travel or workdays. They connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3, offering a strong, stable connection up to 100 meters, and also include a detachable 3.5mm cable for wired use if preferred. Comfort-wise, the over-ear design with faux leather ear cushions is meant to fit well for extended wear, though comfort can vary by individual. Call quality is enhanced by voice-targeting microphones that reduce background noise, and controls are easy to use with touch and physical buttons, plus voice assistant support like Siri.

The headphones are foldable and come with a fabric carrying case for portability, though they aren’t water-resistant, so they’re not ideal for heavy sweating or rain. In terms of durability, the build uses quality materials but faux leather may wear over time with heavy use. These headphones suit users who want a premium wireless experience with excellent sound, noise cancelling, and long battery life, making them ideal for music lovers, commuters, and remote workers. However, if you need water resistance or are looking for a very budget-friendly option, these might not fully meet those needs.

The Apple AirPods Max are premium over-ear wireless headphones designed to deliver high-quality sound with their Apple-designed dynamic drivers and advanced computational audio. They excel in sound clarity and offer personalized spatial audio that adapts to your ear shape, creating an immersive listening experience. The headphones feature pro-level active noise cancellation that effectively reduces background noise, while Transparency mode allows you to stay aware of your surroundings when needed. Battery life is solid, providing up to 20 hours of listening or talk time, which covers most day-to-day uses comfortably.

Comfort is a highlight thanks to memory foam ear cushions and a breathable knit-mesh headband, although the headphones are somewhat heavy compared to typical models, which might feel noticeable during extended wear. Controls are very user-friendly, with a Digital Crown allowing precise volume, playback, and call management, plus easy switching between Apple devices. The build is sturdy and premium, but the included Smart Case offers minimal protection and some users may find it awkward to carry.

Charging uses USB-C now, which is convenient for Apple device owners, but the lack of water resistance means they’re not ideal for heavy outdoor or sports use. The AirPods Max are suited for Apple users seeking top-tier audio quality, seamless integration, and effective noise cancellation in daily commuting, travel, or home listening. The high price and weight might be a consideration for those wanting a lighter or more budget-friendly option.