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10 Best Headphones For Music 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Beats Studio Pro - Premium Wireless Over-Ear Headphones- Up to 40-Hour Battery Life, Active Noise Cancelling, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatible - Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,205
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Noise Isolation and Cancellation

Most important from
25214 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is excellent, delivering crisp highs, deep bass, and an overall immersive experience.
Comfort and Fit
Comfortable to wear for extended periods, with soft ear cushions and a snug yet non-restrictive fit.
Noise Isolation and Cancellation
The noise cancellation is impressive, effectively blocking out background noise and allowing for focused listening.
Battery Life
Battery life is outstanding, lasting hours on a single charge with the convenience of USB-C charging.

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are designed for music lovers seeking high-quality sound and comfort. One of their standout features is the custom acoustic platform that delivers rich and immersive audio, making it great for listening to various music genres. The personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking enhances the experience, placing you at the center of a 360-degree soundscape, which is a fantastic addition for those who enjoy an immersive listening environment.

Comfort is another strong point, thanks to the over-ear design that helps create a snug fit for extended listening sessions. The active noise cancelling (ANC) feature effectively blocks out distractions, allowing you to fully enjoy your music or calls. The option for a transparency mode is a thoughtful addition, letting you hear your surroundings when needed.

Battery life is impressive, boasting up to 40 hours of playback on a single charge, with the Fast Fuel feature providing a quick charge that adds up to 4 hours of listening time in just 10 minutes. This is ideal for users who are on the go and may not always have the time to fully charge their headphones. They are not water-resistant, which may be a drawback for those looking to use them during workouts or in wet conditions. While they offer wired and wireless options, the headphones might be heavier than some competitors, which could affect long-term comfort for some users. In terms of build quality, they feel durable, but the faux leather material may wear over time. Additionally, while they are compatible with both Apple and Android devices, those who are not part of the Apple ecosystem may not fully utilize all features, such as the seamless pairing experience. The Beats Studio Pro headphones cater well to music enthusiasts looking for superior sound quality, comfort, and impressive battery life, though they may not be the best fit for users needing water resistance or those outside the Apple ecosystem.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,205
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Noise Isolation and Cancellation

Most important from
25214 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is excellent, delivering crisp highs, deep bass, and an overall immersive experience.
Comfort and Fit
Comfortable to wear for extended periods, with soft ear cushions and a snug yet non-restrictive fit.
Noise Isolation and Cancellation
The noise cancellation is impressive, effectively blocking out background noise and allowing for focused listening.
Battery Life
Battery life is outstanding, lasting hours on a single charge with the convenience of USB-C charging.
#2

beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones - Open-Back Stereo Construction, Wired (80 Ohm, Grey)

Rating
8.5
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
19471 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is incredible, with crystal-clear highs and a spacious soundstage.
Comfort and Fit
They're incredibly comfortable – I can wear them for hours without any discomfort.
Durability and Build Quality
The build quality feels incredibly solid. I have had these for 2 years now and I have no doubt these will last for many more years.

The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO headphones are positioned as a solid choice for anyone serious about music, whether you're mixing, mastering, or simply enjoying your favorite tracks at home. Their open-back design provides a spacious soundstage, making your music feel more immersive with clear highs and a strong bass response. This makes them particularly appealing for those who appreciate detailed audio quality, such as musicians and audiophiles. One of the standout strengths is the comfort, thanks to plush velour ear pads that are not only soft but also replaceable, ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance. Their durable build quality is another plus; these headphones are crafted in Germany, reflecting high standards of workmanship.

There are a few things to consider. Being wired, you may find yourself limited in mobility compared to wireless options, which might not suit everyone’s lifestyle. Additionally, the open-back design means they don’t offer noise isolation, so they may not be the best fit if you’re in a noisy environment or need to block out distractions. Battery life isn't a concern here since they are wired, but this can also mean you need to stay close to your audio source. For casual listeners who just want a pair of headphones for everyday use, the DT 990 PRO might feel overly specialized.

The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO headphones are excellent for serious music applications and offer fantastic comfort and sound quality. However, if you prioritize portability or noise isolation, you might want to explore other options.

Rating
8.5
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Durability and Build Quality

Most important from
19471 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is incredible, with crystal-clear highs and a spacious soundstage.
Comfort and Fit
They're incredibly comfortable – I can wear them for hours without any discomfort.
Durability and Build Quality
The build quality feels incredibly solid. I have had these for 2 years now and I have no doubt these will last for many more years.
#3

Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 Microphones, Adaptive NC Optimizer, Mastered by Engineers, Studio-Quality, 30-Hour Battery, Midnight Blue

Rating
8.2
Sound Quality
Comfort
Noise Isolation/Noise Cancellation

Most important from
1615 reviews

Sound Quality
This is Sony's best headphone yet, with sound quality nearly matching much more expensive premium models.
Comfort
Comfort is excellent with a wider headband and balanced clamping force that allows long listening sessions without discomfort.
Noise Isolation/Noise Cancellation
The noise cancellation is improved and comes closest to blocking ambient noise, though no headphones block 100%.
Battery Life
Battery life of up to 30 hours is solid and practical for most users, though some wish it were longer.
Durability
Build quality is good but not premium, with some users noting the absence of metal parts despite the higher price point.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are a top choice for music lovers who want high-quality wireless listening with excellent noise cancellation. Thanks to advanced processors and 12 microphones, these headphones provide one of the best noise-canceling experiences available, making them ideal for use in noisy environments like planes or busy streets. Sound quality is impressive, as they’re co-designed with mastering engineers to deliver clear, balanced audio with rich vocals and detailed instruments. The support for High-Resolution Audio and Sony's LDAC technology means you get better wireless sound than many competitors.

Comfort is another strong point—soft ear cushions and an adjustable, pressure-free headband let you wear them for hours without discomfort. Battery life is generous, lasting up to 30 hours per charge, with a quick-charge feature that gives 3 hours of playback after just 3 minutes of charging. They fold up neatly into a compact case, making them easy to carry and fairly durable thanks to metal parts. On the downside, these headphones are not water resistant, so they require care in wet conditions. Also, while the price can be higher than average, the features and quality justify it for serious listeners.

Wired connection is possible for times when the battery runs out, but the main benefit is wireless convenience with Bluetooth 5.3. For those seeking comfortable, high-fidelity wireless headphones with industry-leading noise cancellation and long battery life, the WH-1000XM6 represents an excellent fit.

Rating
8.2
Sound Quality
Comfort
Noise Isolation/Noise Cancellation

Most important from
1615 reviews

Sound Quality
This is Sony's best headphone yet, with sound quality nearly matching much more expensive premium models.
Comfort
Comfort is excellent with a wider headband and balanced clamping force that allows long listening sessions without discomfort.
Noise Isolation/Noise Cancellation
The noise cancellation is improved and comes closest to blocking ambient noise, though no headphones block 100%.
Battery Life
Battery life of up to 30 hours is solid and practical for most users, though some wish it were longer.
Durability
Build quality is good but not premium, with some users noting the absence of metal parts despite the higher price point.

Buying Guide for the Best Headphones For Music

Choosing the right headphones for music can greatly enhance your listening experience. It's important to consider various specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Whether you're a casual listener or an audiophile, understanding these key specs will help you make an informed decision.
Sound QualitySound quality is crucial for music headphones as it determines how well you can hear the details in your music. This includes clarity, bass, treble, and overall balance. Headphones with high sound quality will provide a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience. Look for headphones with a wide frequency range (20Hz to 20kHz is standard) and good reviews on sound performance. If you enjoy bass-heavy music, consider headphones with enhanced bass features.
ComfortComfort is important, especially if you plan to wear your headphones for extended periods. Comfortable headphones will have soft ear pads, adjustable headbands, and lightweight designs. Over-ear headphones tend to be more comfortable for long listening sessions, while in-ear headphones are more portable. Consider your usage habits and choose headphones that won't cause discomfort during your typical listening duration.
Noise Isolation/Noise CancellationNoise isolation and noise cancellation are features that help reduce unwanted ambient sounds. Noise isolation physically blocks out external noise, while noise cancellation uses technology to cancel out background sounds. If you often listen to music in noisy environments, noise-canceling headphones can significantly improve your listening experience. For quieter settings, noise isolation may be sufficient.
Wireless vs. WiredWireless headphones offer the convenience of no cables, making them ideal for on-the-go use. They connect via Bluetooth and often have built-in controls for easy access. Wired headphones, on the other hand, typically provide better sound quality and don't require charging. If you prioritize convenience and mobility, go for wireless. If sound quality is your main concern, wired headphones might be the better choice.
Battery LifeBattery life is a key spec for wireless headphones. It determines how long you can use your headphones before needing to recharge. Longer battery life is beneficial for extended listening sessions and travel. Look for headphones with at least 20 hours of battery life for a good balance. If you frequently use your headphones throughout the day, prioritize models with longer battery life.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the headphones can withstand wear and tear. High-quality materials and solid construction will ensure your headphones last longer. If you plan to use your headphones frequently or take them on the go, choose models known for their durability. Look for features like reinforced cables, sturdy headbands, and water resistance if you need extra protection.
PortabilityPortability is important if you need to carry your headphones around. Lightweight and foldable designs make it easier to transport your headphones. In-ear headphones are the most portable, while over-ear headphones can be bulkier but often come with carrying cases. Consider how often you'll be traveling with your headphones and choose a model that fits your lifestyle.

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