Best Headphones of 2025 for Every Budget: Top 9 Models Reviewed

Explore the best headphones of 2025 that fit any budget, with expert-tested picks combining stellar sound, comfort, and features.

When it comes to finding the perfect pair of headphones, the sheer number of choices on the market can feel downright overwhelming. But fear not—after years of hands-on testing and passionate listening, I’m here to guide you through the top headphone picks for 2025 that deliver on sound quality, comfort, and value for every budget.

Whether you crave premium wireless noise-cancelling tech, budget-friendly gems, or audiophile-grade wired headphones, this carefully curated list has you covered. So, plug in and let’s dive into the best headphones you can buy this year.

Quick Guide: Top Headphones for Every Need

If you’re short on time, here’s a handy overview of the best headphones categorized by type and feature. Scroll down for deep dives on each model!

Best Overall Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM4

Best Budget Headphones

1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51

Best Premium Headphones

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3

Best ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM6

Best Wireless Sound Quality

Dali IO-8

Best Battery Life

Cambridge Audio Melomania P100

Best Budget Wired Headphones

Austrian Audio Hi-X20

Best Mid-Range Wired Headphones

Sennheiser HD-660S2

Best Audiophile Wired Headphones

Meze Audio Liric

1. Sony WH-1000XM4: Best Headphones for Most People

Sony WH-1000XM4 remains the go-to choice for many in 2025—even though it’s not the newest model. Why? Because it strikes an unbelievable balance between price, sound quality, and noise cancellation, especially with recent price drops.

Pros:

• Lightweight, comfy design
• Excellent sound and noise cancelling for the price
• Great value after price reductions

Cons:

• Sound and ANC less advanced than pricier models
• No head-tracking spatial audio
• Battery life is average

Best for: Those wanting versatile, high-quality sound and strong noise cancellation that won’t break the bank if you catch a sale.

Not for: Gym rats or beachgoers due to lack of water resistance and looser fit; and frequent conference callers who need crystal-clear voice quality.

The WH-1000XM4 delivers a warm, balanced sound with just the right bass thump—not overwhelming but definitely satisfying. The active noise cancellation is still very strong, enough to drown out city noise or a noisy office. Features like Sony’s DSEE Extreme upscaling tech, multipoint Bluetooth connection, and wireless LDAC codec support add to the package.

30 hours of battery life is pretty standard here, though competitors like Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 double that. Still, for overall bang-for-buck, the XM4 is a hard act to beat—provided you snag them for around $200 or less.

"You can find something that excels at any one aspect, but these do many things well at a lower price point." — TechRadar Team

2. 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51: Best Budget Headphones

1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 packs a punch with bass-forward sound ideal for pop, hip-hop, and EDM. The ANC blocks noise better than you'd expect at this price. Plus, a transparency mode means you can stay aware of your surroundings when needed.

Pros:

• Tunable, pleasant sound
• Effective ANC for the price
• Fantastic battery life

Cons:

• App is a bit confusing
• Control buttons feel cheap
• Build quality is a tad flimsy

Best for: Anyone wanting surprisingly strong ANC and long battery life without blowing their budget (under $100).

Not for: Audiophiles craving high-end sound or those wanting a luxurious finish—these are plastic-feeling but functional.

Support for LDAC Bluetooth streaming, multipoint pairing, and a solid mic, these headphones punch well above their weight class. They come with a sturdy carrying case, making them a fantastic budget pick.

3. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3: Premium Sound and Features

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 offers a refined audio experience with expressive mids, crisp highs, and punchy bass. Bluetooth 5.3, aptX Lossless, and 30 hours of battery life complement the package.

Pros:

• Balanced, engaging sound
• Impressive build and finish
• Solid feature set

Cons:

• Sensitive to wind noise
• Limited physical controls
• Some promised features pending updates

Best for: Those who want premium build quality and stellar sound that rivals or beats Sony's best.

Not for: People needing full playback control on headphones or those in windy environments, as wind noise can creep in.

ANC is robust though not quite at Sony or Bose levels. Future updates promise spatial audio and Auracast support, making these a future-ready pick. The sleek, slimmed design with memory foam ear cups means comfort for hours.

4. Sony WH-1000XM6: Best ANC Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM6 combines improved ANC powered by 12 microphones and the QN3 processor with superior sound clarity. Touch controls are polished and intuitive, and charging is quick (3 min for 3 hours playback).

Pros:

• Best-in-class noise cancellation
• Excellent sound quality
• Lightweight and foldable design

Cons:

• Price hike over predecessor
• Average battery life
• Some find them bulky

Best for: Listeners who want unmatched ANC and advanced features like adaptive sound and spatial audio.

Not for: Budget seekers or those wanting longer battery life; better to consider XM4 or 1More Sonoflow Pro for cost savings.

5. Dali IO-8: Best Wireless Sound Quality

Dali IO-8 shines in sound clarity and depth, with a well-balanced neutral tone. Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive ensures quality wireless streaming. ANC is decent but not class-leading, so if noise cancellation is a priority, look elsewhere.

Pros:

• Detailed, engaging sound signature
• Can be used wired or wireless
• High standard of build and finish

Cons:

• No companion app for customization
• No vegan leather option
• Tough competition in this segment

6. Cambridge Audio Melomania P100: Best Battery Life

Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 stunned us with its stamina and soundstage. The app comes with a 7-band EQ and presets, letting you tailor sound to your taste.

Pros:

• Energetic, detailed sound
• Exceptional battery life
• Rich feature set including EQ app

Cons:

• ANC could be stronger
• No spatial audio support
• Carry case a bit bulky

7. Austrian Audio Hi-X20: Best Budget Wired Headphones

Austrian Audio Hi-X20 brings studio-grade performance to an accessible price, with precise drivers and a sturdy metal headband. Its wired design is straightforward but effective for those who prioritize sound fidelity.

Pros:

• Fast, detailed, believable sound
• Solid build and finish
• Comfortable for long sessions

Cons:

• May lack bass impact for some
• Long 3m cable can be cumbersome

8. Sennheiser HD-660S2: Best Mid-Range Wired Headphones

Sennheiser HD-660S2 is a refined classic for critical listening. With its wide soundstage and detailed bass textures, it’s a go-to for mixing or pure music appreciation.

Pros:

• Open design with spacious, neutral sound
• Comfortable for extended wear
• Multiple cable options included

Cons:

• No smart features or wireless support
• Requires amplifier for best results

9. Meze Audio Liric: Best Audiophile Wired Headphones

Meze Audio Liric uses custom planar magnetic drivers for jaw-dropping clarity, but you’ll want a high-end DAC or player to unleash their full potential. They’re heavy, luxurious, and demanding—but reward listeners with exceptional insight into every track.

Pros:

• Precise, revealing sound
• Excellent sound control and clarity
• Convincing premium build

Cons:

• Bass may feel light to some
• Demands high-quality source gear
• Large carrying case

Other Headphones We've Tested

Apple AirPods Max. Detailed sound and fantastic spatial audio but pricey and heavy.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones. Solid ANC and comfort, older but still reliable.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. Former ANC champ, now edged out by Sony’s XM6.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8. Stunning design and sound, but Dali IO-8 edges them for pure audio.

Earfun Tune Pro & Wave Life. Great battery and features at budget prices, but sound and comfort vary.

Focal Bathys MG. Premium build and sound without some latest tech features.

Happy Plugs Play Pro. Comfortable with light battery life, ANC lacks.

Meze Audio Poet. Open-back audiophile delight, but sky-high price.

Nothing Headphone (1). Bold design, technical promise, sound still needs work.

Panasonic RB-M600. Affordable and lightweight, but design and features won’t wow.

Sony WH-1000XM5. Loved but edged out by other models in key areas like battery and detail.

How to Choose the Best Headphones for You

Navigating headphone jargon can be daunting. Here’s a quick guide to key terms:

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Tech that cancels external sounds for focused listening.

aptX / LDAC: Wireless codecs improving Bluetooth audio quality.

Auracast: Next-gen Bluetooth sharing that lets multiple headphones connect without pairing.

3.5mm Jack: Classic wired audio connection.

Bluetooth Versions: Higher versions offer better features; 5.3 and 5.4 are common now.

Equalizer (EQ): Customizes bass, mids, and treble to your taste.

Hi-Res Audio: Higher quality audio files that reveal more music detail.

Over-ear / On-ear / In-ear: Different headphone styles for comfort and sound isolation.

Planar magnetic drivers: Premium drivers for audiophile sound, typically heavier and pricier.

Spatial Audio: 3D sound tech that makes music feel immersive.

How We Test Headphones

Our headphone reviews combine critical listening with real-world use. We evaluate:

• Sound quality across genres
• Comfort for long sessions
• Battery life and charging
• ANC performance
• Build quality and design
• Feature set and app support
• Price to performance balance

We test wired and wireless models, from budget to premium, ensuring each recommendation has been thoroughly vetted.

FAQs

• What is active noise cancellation and how does it work?
  It uses microphones to listen to ambient noise and plays inverse sound waves to cancel it out, letting you hear your music clearly at lower volumes.
• Are wireless headphones as good as wired ones?
  Modern wireless headphones with codecs like LDAC or aptX can offer near-wired sound quality, but audiophiles often prefer wired for the purest experience.
• How important is battery life in headphones?
  It depends on usage. For travel and long commutes, longer battery life is a major plus. For home use, shorter battery might be acceptable.
• Can headphones damage your hearing?
  Listening at very high volumes for extended periods can harm your ears. ANC headphones help by allowing lower volume listening.
• What’s the difference between over-ear and on-ear headphones?
  Over-ear headphones surround your ears for better isolation and comfort, while on-ear rest on your ears and may be lighter but less isolating.

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