10 Best Music Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Beats Studio Pro wireless Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones offer a rich, immersive sound experience thanks to BEATS' custom acoustic platform. They excel in personalized spatial audio, making you feel at the center of a 360-degree listening environment. These headphones are highly versatile, with seamless compatibility for both Apple and Android devices, and come with intuitive on-device controls for easy handling of calls, music, and voice assistants like Siri.

The active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes allow you to choose between isolating yourself from ambient noise or staying aware of your surroundings, which can be useful in various situations like commuting or working in a busy environment. Comfort is a priority with the over-ear design and faux leather material, making them suitable for extended wear. However, they are slightly heavier at 260g, which might be noticeable during long listening sessions.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 40 hours on a single charge, and the Fast Fuel feature provides 4 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge, ensuring you won't be left without music for long. Durability is bolstered by a woven carrying case, although the headphones are not water-resistant, which limits their use in wet conditions. The voice-targeting microphones enhance call clarity, but some users might find the lossless audio feature via USB-C a bit complicated to use if they are not familiar with wired connections. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Beats Studio Pro is a strong contender for anyone looking for high-quality music headphones with excellent sound, comfort, and versatile connectivity options.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are a strong choice for anyone looking for premium music headphones, especially if noise cancellation is a priority. They feature advanced noise cancelling technology with multiple microphones and processors that do an excellent job of blocking out background noise, making them ideal for travel, office, or noisy environments. The sound quality is clear and balanced, delivering a great music experience.

Comfort is another highlight; these headphones are lightweight with soft leather ear pads, allowing for long listening sessions without discomfort. With up to 30 hours of battery life, they easily support all-day use, and a quick 3-minute charge adds about 3 hours of playback, which is convenient when you're short on time. Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.2 provides a stable connection within about 30 feet, and multipoint connection lets you pair with multiple devices at once. The touch controls on the earcups are intuitive, allowing easy adjustment of volume, playback, calls, and voice assistant activation. Speaking of calls, the headphones have four microphones that help your voice come through clearly even in noisy places.

On the downside, these headphones are not water-resistant, so they should be kept away from moisture or intense sweat. They are also on the pricier side, which might not suit casual listeners or those on a tight budget. Wired listening is possible but requires carrying a cable, which might reduce convenience. The build uses a combination of plastic and metal, providing a solid feel, though some may prefer more rugged options if they need heavy-duty durability. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a well-rounded set of wireless headphones offering excellent noise cancellation, sound, and comfort, making them a great fit for frequent commuters, professionals, or serious music lovers.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are a strong choice for anyone looking for top-tier wireless noise-canceling headphones for music listening. They deliver excellent sound quality, thanks to collaboration with audio engineers and a specially designed driver that keeps music clear, balanced, and rich in detail. The advanced noise cancellation technology stands out with 12 microphones and a fast processor that adapt in real time, effectively blocking out unwanted sounds while allowing important ones through when needed. Comfort is well addressed with a wider headband and soft padding designed for all-day wear, plus easy adjustments and a foldable design for portability. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 30 hours of playback and fast charging that gives 3 hours of use from just 3 minutes of charging. The headphones also include a high-quality microphone system that works well for clear calls even in noisy environments.

On the downside, while these headphones are wireless and convenient, they do support wired use only through a cable included in the package, which may not satisfy users who prefer fully wired setups for zero latency or certain audio preferences. They are also on the pricier side, reflecting their premium build and features. The build quality is solid with a sturdy yet lightweight design, making them durable for regular use. These features make the WH-1000XM6 ideal for users who want premium sound, excellent noise cancellation, long battery life, and comfortable wear in wireless headphones, especially for frequent travelers or commuters who value immersive sound and quiet environments.