10 Best Headphones For Music Listening 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Max are premium wireless over-ear headphones designed mainly for music lovers who value top-notch sound and comfort. They deliver high-fidelity audio thanks to Apple’s custom dynamic drivers and advanced software, including personalized spatial audio that adjusts sound based on how your head moves, making music and movies feel more immersive. The active noise cancellation is powerful, blocking out twice as much background noise as many competitors, while Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings when needed, which is great for staying aware in busy places.

Comfort is well thought out with soft memory foam ear cushions and a breathable knit-mesh canopy, providing a secure yet gentle fit for long listening sessions. Battery life is solid, offering up to 20 hours on a single charge even with noise cancellation and spatial audio enabled. The inclusion of USB-C charging is convenient, matching modern Apple devices. The build quality feels premium with a sturdy metal frame and precise controls via the Digital Crown, making it easy to manage music and calls.

The headphones are a bit heavier (about 13.6 ounces), which might feel noticeable over extended periods, and the Smart Case offers limited protection. They are not water-resistant, so they require some care in wet conditions. Featuring Bluetooth 5.0, they provide hassle-free connection, especially within the Apple ecosystem, including seamless switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Although priced on the higher side, those who prioritize excellent sound quality, strong noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit for everyday listening will find these headphones a worthy investment.

The Beats Solo 4 wireless on-ear headphones are designed with music enthusiasts in mind. They boast impressive sound quality thanks to custom acoustic architecture and updated drivers, delivering powerful Beats sound that's further enhanced by Personalized Spatial Audio and dynamic head tracking. Comfort is a key feature, with an ultralight ergonomic design, flex-grip headband, and adjustable ear cups ensuring a stable and pleasant fit for extended listening sessions. The ear cushions are both comfortable and durable, adding to the appeal for long-term use.

Battery life is a standout feature with up to 50 hours of listening time on a single charge, and a quick 10-minute charge providing up to 5 hours of playback—perfect for those on the go. While they lack active noise cancellation, the sound isolation feature helps to reduce ambient noise. These headphones offer versatility with both wireless Bluetooth connectivity and wired options via USB-C or a 3.5 mm audio cable, making them compatible with a range of devices, including both Apple and Android.

The high-quality built-in microphone supports clear call performance and voice assistant interaction. The Class 1 Bluetooth technology ensures an extended range and fewer dropouts, contributing to a reliable wireless experience. Durability and build quality are solid, though they are not water-resistant, so caution is necessary in wet conditions. Weighing 7.65 ounces, they strike a good balance between sturdiness and portability, making them easy to carry around. The protective case adds an extra layer of convenience for travel. The Beats Solo 4 headphones are a strong choice for anyone seeking high-quality sound, comfort, and long battery life in a stylish and portable package.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones are a solid choice for music enthusiasts. They feature advanced spatial audio and CustomTune technology, which provides a personalized and immersive sound experience. The active noise cancelling capabilities include multiple modes like Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, and Immersion Mode, ensuring you can enjoy music without external distractions.

These headphones are incredibly comfortable with soft ear cushions and an evenly distributing headband, suitable for long listening sessions. With a wireless Bluetooth 5.3 connection, they offer up to 24 hours of battery life for standard use and 18 hours with immersive audio, which is quite impressive. Quick charge capabilities provide up to 2.5 hours of playback from just a 15-minute charge. The built-in microphones ensure clear phone calls by filtering out background noise.

The headphones also feature touch controls for convenience, and the Bose app enhances functionality with updates and additional features. However, these headphones are not water-resistant, which might limit their use in certain environments. They are on the heavier side at 252 grams, but they come with a hard plastic carrying case for portability. The build quality is decent, made primarily from plastic, which may not feel as premium as some competitors. They are well-suited for music, calling, gaming, and travel, making them versatile for various uses. Despite some minor drawbacks, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra offers a high-quality listening experience that many users will appreciate.