10 Best Low Latency Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are well-suited for those looking for low-latency headphones with a mix of advanced features. These earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable and quick connection, which is essential for low latency. The H2 chip contributes to excellent sound quality, providing clear highs and rich bass, making them great for music enthusiasts.

Active Noise Cancellation is impressive, reducing up to twice the background noise compared to previous models, and the Transparency mode is useful for staying aware of your surroundings when needed. The personalized spatial audio feature enhances the listening experience by tailoring sound to your ear shape with dynamic head tracking, which is a unique advantage for immersive audio experiences.

Comfort is well addressed, with four different silicone tip sizes ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for various ear shapes. The customizable fit helps in maintaining an acoustic seal, which enhances both noise cancellation and sound quality. The AirPods Pro 2 are also dust, sweat, and water-resistant, making them a reliable choice for workouts and outdoor activities. Battery life is decent, offering up to 6 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on, and up to 30 hours total with the charging case. Charging options are versatile, including USB-C, MagSafe, and Qi-certified chargers. However, these earbuds are quite specific to the Apple ecosystem, offering optimal performance with Apple devices, which might be a drawback for non-Apple users. The price point is on the higher side, which may not fit everyone's budget.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are a solid choice for anyone looking for premium noise-canceling over-ear headphones. Their noise cancellation is excellent, using advanced technology with multiple microphones and processors to effectively block out background noise, making them perfect for travel or busy environments. The sound quality is rich and clear, supporting a wide frequency range that music lovers will appreciate.

They offer a long battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge, plus a quick charge feature that gives 3 hours of playback from just 3 minutes of charging—great if you’re often on the go. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.2 and a good 100-meter range, but the audio latency is about 150 milliseconds, which is higher than ideal for serious gaming or extremely fast audio-visual syncing, so these might not be the best pick if very low latency is your priority.

Comfort-wise, the lightweight design and soft leather ear cups allow for long listening sessions without discomfort. Touch controls and voice assistant support add convenience, letting you manage music and calls easily. On the downside, these headphones are not water-resistant and may not be ideal for workouts or outdoor use in wet conditions. The WH-1000XM5 excels in noise cancellation, sound quality, battery life, and comfort, making them a great option for casual listeners, frequent travelers, and professionals needing clear calls, but they fall a bit short on low-latency performance needed for gaming or video editing.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are renowned for their superior sound quality, with many audio professionals and engineers commending their performance. They feature large 45mm drivers that offer clear audio across a wide frequency range, coupled with deep bass, making these headphones ideal for those who prioritize sound quality above all else. The circumaural design provides excellent sound isolation, which is advantageous in noisy environments, although it's more about sound isolation than active noise cancellation.

These headphones are wired, meaning there's no latency involved, which is perfect for anyone looking to use them in situations where low latency is crucial, such as professional studio work or gaming. However, being wired means you won't have the freedom of wireless connectivity, which could be a drawback for users seeking more mobility.

Comfort and fit are highlighted through professional-grade earpads and headbands designed for durability and comfort, critical for extended use. The earcups can swivel 90 degrees, which is practical for single-ear monitoring and also adds flexibility in usage. The ATH-M50x does not come with a built-in battery, as it relies on a wired connection, so battery life is not applicable here. This eliminates the need for charging, but it ties you down to a cable. If battery-free operation and outstanding sound quality are your primary objectives, these headphones are a great choice. However, if wireless connectivity or active noise cancellation is what you're after, you might want to explore other options. The ATH-M50x shines most in settings where sound fidelity and low latency are paramount, making them a solid pick for professionals and audiophiles alike.