The Best Headphones for Gaming, Traveling, and Music 2023

The WH-1000XM5s (“XM” for short) are over-ear, closed-back and wireless. They’re comfortable, not too tight, mushy in all the right spots, and the touch-sensitive buttons and voice control (Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant) are as good as it gets. This model replaces Sony's best-selling WH-1000XM4 and the WH-1000XM5 boasts a handful of upgraded features. They have a slightly larger carrying case, with a storage case inside for cables or a portable headphone amplifier. The XM5s come with a USB-C to USB-A for charging and a 1/8" analog audio cable. They've got a different form factor - a lay-flat design, more soft material of the top of the band to go further down and the band is thinner, while weighing slightly less than the XM4s. Sony improved the touch reaction and controls with the XM5s, too.

The WH-1000XM5s last around 30 hours with noise-cancelling switched on, or around 40 hours with the tech switched off. The USB-C port is for charging only, and a 3-minute quick-charge will give you three hours of playtime - that alone makes these headphones worth a look. The new WH-1000XM5s feature 4 noise-cancelling sensors on each earcup, which means more environmental data Sony can use to increase performance. The WH-1000XM5 come equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX HD for processing hi-resolution audio up to 24bit/96kHz – Sony’s own best-in-category proprietary format.

But the biggest two reasons they made our “best” list: they sound absolutely incredible – and after years of incremental progress, Sony’s noise-cancelling tech now rivals their competitors. So yes, it’s a tough choice, but easily solved with a coin toss.

Also check out our in-depth Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Canceling Headphones review.

These headphones aren’t just designed for music. They’re built to increase your enjoyment of music. Fitting over your ears and with active noise cancellation, the Tune 660NCs do as much to help you tune out distractions as they do to give you fantastic sound. At one-third of a pound, they’re light enough on your noggin' to encourage you to wear them for hours — and the 44-hour battery life will let you do so. When you do need to recharge, you can do it in less time than it takes to brew a good cup of coffee and get back to your tunes.

Between the Voice Assistant and the mic and buttons on the ear cup (not too ugly to view and not too hidden to use), you can go from Lady Gaga to gossiping and back again without breaking stride — and with low impedance, these cans are optimized to work with your smart phone. When it’s time to give your ears a rest, the Tune 660NCs fold up and won’t hog space in your pocket or bag. If on-ears fit with your listening lifestyle — and even more so if you have outfits that need to be matched — don’t miss out on these and their four-color options.

For those who want a pair of no-frills headphones that support high-resolution audio files — without dropping the big bucks — look to Sony’s MDR-1AM2. Featuring massive custom 40mm HD drivers, Sony ensured these over-ears deliver a clear and powerful soundstage. From the aluminum-coated LCP diaphragm to the silver-coated copper cables, it’s the finer details that work in tandem to deliver an audio experience that is precise, accurate, and as close to the artist’s original recording as possible. These cans were built for long listening sessions, thanks to its lightweight frame and pressure-relieving ear pads.

The MDR-1AMs feature a "swivel" design that allows them to lay flat and be tucked away in the included pouch. If you look closely, you’ll notice the grills have a Fibonacci-inspired pattern, which Sony says “ensures no frequency is boosted or cut.” Pretty cool.

Sony MDR-1AM2 on display at our Montgomeryville, PA Showroom

Focal headphones are a statement piece; they stand out visually just as much as they do audibly. And the Bathys are no exception. They are both fashionable and functional. Making the Bathys travel-friendly was a primary concern for Focal. They had a target weight of 350g, so components were designed and decided on specifically for that point. The Bathys are made with a Black/Silver aluminum and magnesium construction and have been designed to share the same aesthetics as their fellow Focal closed-ear headphones, like the Celestee or Stellia. 

For the sound, they chose to invest in magnesium for the driver and then use aluminum mechanical construction. The Bathys are tuned to the Focal sound so the naturally are dynamic. They reproduce a nice full sound and when the bass hits it’s present but not too boomy. You can listen to them for hours at end without feeling ear fatigue. However, you don’t have to listen to them loud to enjoy them.

Technologically, the Bathys are Bluetooth 5.1 with multipoint (meaning it can connect to multiple devices so you can pick up a call from your phone and listen to music from your computer) and they’ve moved to some of the latest Bluetooth Codecs. The Bathys have the standard SBC connection (which is universal among Bluetooth headphones), AAC for iPhone connectivity, and AptX as well as AptX Adaptive for Android devices (with AptX Adaptive being capable of up to 24bit/96kHz sources). The Bathys have 8 microphones for their Active Noise Canceling and they can be used for phone calls or virtual meetings. There (4) mics per ear cup. (1) for Bluetooth. (1) for ANC and (2) set inside to monitor the output of headphones to reduce total harmonic distortion per ear cup.

The Bathys are an exceptional set of Bluetooth headphones and sound great wirelessly. But if you want to be extra, Focal created a DAC mode. Just connect the Bathys to your phone or computer via a USB-C cable, and you can listen to music up to 24bit/192kHz. Focal wanted to make sure they weren’t just making one of the best Bluetooth headphones on the market, but they wanted to make sure the Bathys didn’t disappoint if you went deep into listening to them.

Check out Brian's full review of the Bathys for more details and nerdy specs.

We’ve said it before: Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) is the luxurious, beautifully crafted, music-is-your-life alternative to industry mass producers like Sony. And though a pair of B&W Px7 S2s is typically a little more expensive than Sony – and not as good at noise cancelation (though still excellent) – they soar, musically, by comparison. Some B&W fans claim their Px7 S2s are on par with headphones that cost three and four times as much, and they may have a case.

The Px7 S2’s ear-cups are made with memory foam and do a good job of walling-off noise from the outside world. The buttons are easy to find by feel, and they’re tactile as opposed to “touch,” which many customers prefer. Also, according to B&W, Px7 S2s are the first headphones to support Qualcomm's aptxHD Adaptive codec, which is designed to deliver robust, low latency, high resolution wireless technology. Meaning: higher fidelity music overall (compared to Bluetooth) and no stalling when gaming or streaming hi-res, 4K video. (See the complete spec list on our Px7 S2 product page.)

Though it’s hard to describe how music sounds under different headphones, we listened to Cody Fry’s “Want Me Back" on B&W’s Px7 S2s and they were so clear, rich, and spacious – there’s no going back.

Also check out our B&W Px7 comparison review. 

The Sennheiser Momentum 3 earbuds stand out as the best true wireless earbuds in the market right now due to their exceptional sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, comfortable fit, intuitive controls, long battery life, and smart assistant compatibility.

The Sennheiser Momentum 3 true wireless earbuds have some of the best noise cancelling that our experts have experienced, yet they don’t isolate you from the world when you need to be aware of what’s happening around you. These earbuds combine Sennheiser's renowned audio expertise with cutting-edge technology, delivering unparalleled sound quality, comfort, and convenience. 

The Momentum 3 earbuds offer seamless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a stable and reliable wireless connection. They also support aptX and AAC codecs, enabling high-quality audio streaming with minimal latency. The earbuds have intuitive touch controls, allowing you to manage music playback, adjust volume, and answer calls effortlessly.

Another standout feature is the impressive battery life. With up to 7 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, the Momentum 3 earbuds last long enough for extended listening sessions. The included charging case provides an additional three full charges, extending the total listening time to a remarkable 28 hours. Furthermore, quick charging capabilities allow you to gain 1.5 hours of playtime with just a 10-minute charge.

The Sennheiser Momentum 3 earbuds also offer a companion mobile app, which enables you to personalize your listening experience. The app provides access to an equalizer, allowing you to fine-tune the audio to your preferences. It also includes additional features such as firmware updates and customization of touch controls.

With exceptional sound quality, comfortable fit, effective noise cancellation, and advanced features, these earbuds deliver an immersive listening experience that is hard to match. Whether you're a casual listener or an audiophile, the Momentum 3 earbuds offer a premium and versatile solution for all your audio needs.

Made for music, the Focal Celestees have a sound that is on par with headphones that cost much more. The closed-back cups are lined with soft leather, so they’re comfortable yet secure on your ears, and won’t leak your music to the person at the next table in the café — though you’ll meet them anyway, because they’ll ask you what is up with these gorgeous navy blue cans with copper highlights.

Focal’s driver design is innovative and brings out the detail in your tunes with a generous 40mm driver with a unique shape and made from top-end materials. Low impedance means you’ll enjoy full performance from these headphones whether you’re listening though your home theater amplifier or your smart phone on the go. And they do like being out and about, with a rigid case that’s made for traveling. You don’t have to learn a new voice assistant or worry about re-charging the Celestees: Just enjoy the music.

Focal Celestee Closed-Back Headphones on display at our Montgomeryville, PA Showroom

Who wouldn’t like to have a concert hall around their ears? How about a front-row seat while you’re at it? Here you go. Focal Clear headphones are all about giving your ears not only the music, but space and detail as well. Open-back headphones let the music surround you without claustrophobic containment, and the intent of the Clear is to deliver a premier experience along with that design. Large magnesium electro-dynamic drivers are part of the reason these headphones sound so good (and why they’re at the pricier end of the spectrum), and since they have a slightly higher impedance level than most of the headphones in this guide, our experts would recommend you consider a headphone amplifier as well, which will really let you hear every detail these headphones have to offer.

You’ll be wired to your device with these — that’s key to the high quality of the sound — but even so, you’ll likely turn heads when you wear them in public, as their design is as striking as they are comfortable.

Also check out our Focal Clear review. 

Focal Clear MG Open-Back High-Fidelity Headphones on display at our Montgomeryville, PA Showroom

Sennheiser is practically synonymous with pro audio and music production. They’ve been creating audio gear for the professional world for decades and there’s hardly a Grammy given to a project that didn’t involve their stuff.

So, it’s almost no surprise that the Momentum 4 headphones sound completely clear, transparent, and natural. Sometimes, headphones that offer Bluetooth connectivity and noise cancellation can sometimes have bass that’s boosted and vocals that are emphasized, the Momentum 4 delivers music the way it was intended by its producers and engineers. Highs and lows are perfectly balanced. Center elements such as guitar solos and vocals are right where they should be: Comfortably nestled in the mix. That right there is why we’re calling the Momentum 4 the Best Headphones for Music Production.

You’re not going to want to take them off when you leave your studio, however. The adaptive hybrid circuitry and four-mic noise cancelling system deliver a new level of quiet, analyzing your surroundings and quite literally making the world go away. Your commute will turn into an opportunity for close listening, rather than simply rocking out. The latest Bluetooth technology makes the Momentum 4’s wireless connection unbelievably clear, especially when you’re making phone calls. It also lets you stream high-definition audio in aptX and AAC formats — something pro mixers, audiophiles, and YouTube addicts alike will appreciate.

The sleek industrial design isn’t just attractive, it also facilitates some advanced touch technology for controlling settings and accessing features. Like a multi-touch tablet, the right ear cup has a touch pad that responds to single- and two-finger gestures to control volume, noise cancelling vs. transparency ratios, playback controls, phone controls, and other handy functions. The touch pad is pretty cool, but it may take a bit of practice to get just the right swipe distance or double-tap strength. Sennheiser’s Smart Control app gives you a very powerful set of controls to adjust the sound to your liking, though you may fall in love with the sound you get the moment you first put the Momentum 4s on.

Pros: Classic Sennheiser pro audio sound. Superior noise cancellation. Smart Control app very thorough and useful.

Cons: Touch control is very clever, but can take time to master.

Similar items to consider: Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Over-Ear Noise Canceling Headphones. Meze Audio 99 Classics Over-Ear Headphones.

Sennheiser is known for creating the highest quality headphones that cater to the audiophile. The Sennheiser IE 900 Wired In-Ear Headphones continue the legacy of providing high fidelity audio, the way music is meant to be heard. The Sennheiser IE 900 are the best sounding headphones because of the brand new X3R technology, quality & precision due to Sennheiser’s hand-assembled process, and comfortability options to ensure you have the perfect fit for your listening experience.

The X3R technology combines the German-made 7mm TrueResponse transducer, triple-chamber absorber system, and single dynamic driver. This technology allows you to listen to your favorite music at Hi-Fi levels on mobile devices (if supported). To assist with compatibility with your mobile device, these headphones come with balanced para-aramid reinforced cable with 2.5mm or 4.4 mm cable & an unbalanced para-aramid reinforced cable with a 3.5mm connector.

While listening to music at the highest quality is great, you always want to look great while doing it! These headphones are designed, engineered, and manufacturer in Germany. The engineering, hand-assembled, process creates a truly beautiful product that will have everyone asking about your headphones.

Picture this: You're out for a run, doing laps, and about to set a new personal record. You've got your favorite playlist on; it's rainy (but who cares, a little rain never hurt anyone). After a couple of weeks of trying, you're about to finally best your number one competitor: yourself. One of your earbuds falls out right into a puddle as you're finishing your last lap. Now, you're faced with choosing between beating your record or stopping to (hopefully) save the earbud that fell out. You shouldn't have to worry about making that choice.

Enter: The JBL Reflect Flow Pro Waterproof True Wireless Noise Canceling Active Sport Earbuds.

The JBL Reflect Flow Pro are the greatest earbuds for working out; boasting an IP68 water and dust proofing, multiple ear tip and ear fin sizes, an app full of customizable options, and Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient that work together seamlessly to give you our pick for the best earbuds to workout in.

Thanks to the 6.8mm dynamic drivers that deliver that incredible JBL Signature Sound, they sound as good as they look. You can enjoy that high-quality audio experience for up to 30 hours (battery life of 10 hours of power in the earbuds and 20 in the case). When the time comes, enjoy easy charging thanks to QI-compatible wireless charging. 

Rain or shine, through dust and sweat, these earbuds were made to last without sacrificing any sound quality.

There are two certainties in life: taxes and kids not listening when their parents tell them to turn their music down. The JBL JR460NC Wireless Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Kids Headphones have a max volume set under 85dB to ensure that kids can use these and enjoy JBL sound quality safely.

These headphones were designed with kids in mind from the ground up. In addition to the max dB level, there’s Active Noise Cancelling to help them stay focused whether they’re learning online or listening to their favorite music. Google Fast Pair, a detachable audio cable, and Bluetooth capabilities make switching between devices a breeze. The built-in mic makes communicating with friends, classmates, or family easy. The controls are easy to use, and the battery has up to 20 hours of playtime with Active Noise Cancelling and 30 hours without.

These features are wrapped in child-friendly, safe materials that won’t damage or break. For parents and kids alike, these headphones are a clear winner for the best headphones under $100 for kids. As JBL says, “It’s never too early to appreciate JBL Safe Sound: quality sound has no age.”