What Are the Best Headphones to Buy in 2025?

What Are the Best Headphones to Buy in 2025?

The best headphones depend on your priorities: Sony WH-1000XM6 ($458) offers industry-leading noise cancellation and sound quality, Apple AirPods Max ($449.95) deliver premium design and seamless Apple integration, and Skullcandy Icon ANC ($99.99) provide exceptional value for budget-conscious buyers. We’ve tested the market across price points to find headphones that balance audio quality, comfort, and longevity.

Our Top Picks

Sony WH-1000XM6 — Best Overall

$458 | Best for serious listeners who prioritise noise cancellation and sound accuracy

The Sony WH-1000XM6 remains the gold standard for wireless headphones. Active noise cancellation rivals nothing else at this price, ambient mode is responsive, and the 30-hour battery lasts weeks between charges. Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity is rock-solid, and they fold compactly for travel. The only trade-off: they’re heavier than competitors, which some find fatiguing during long sessions.

Verdict: Unbeatable for commuters and frequent travellers.

Apple AirPods Max — Best for Apple Ecosystem

$449.95 (reduced from $499) | Best for iPhone and Mac users wanting premium comfort

AirPods Max prioritise comfort over raw noise cancellation—the mesh headband distributes weight evenly, and they’re lighter than Sony’s offering. Spatial audio with head tracking is genuinely impressive if you’re using Apple devices. Sound is warm and refined, though not as neutral as the Sony. The USB-C charging and integration with iCloud settings make them effortless for Apple users. Battery life is solid at 20 hours.

Verdict: Choose these if ecosystem lock-in doesn’t bother you.

Skullcandy Icon ANC — Best Budget Buy

$99.99 (reduced from $55 sale price) | Best for students and casual listeners on a tight budget

Skullcandy Icon ANC punches well above its price. Active noise cancellation actually works—not Sony-level, but genuinely useful for offices and flights. Battery lasts 20 hours, Bluetooth range is reliable, and they’re lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear. Companion app offers basic EQ tweaking. At under $100, they’re the smart choice if you can’t justify $400+ spending.

Verdict: Excellent value; recommend if budget is the constraint.

Sony WH-1000XM5 — Best Mid-Range

$286.99 | Best for those seeking Sony quality without paying full price

The XM5 is the XM6’s predecessor—slightly older ANC processor, but still exceptional. Noise cancellation is marginally less intelligent, yet sound quality remains neutral and detailed. At $171 cheaper than the XM6, they’re a smart compromise if you find the newer model pricey. Battery lasts 30 hours. Not in the same league as XM6, but substantial savings for budget-conscious professionals.

Verdict: Smart if patient enough to wait for sales.

Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT2 — Best for Creators

$219 | Best for music producers and content creators needing accurate sound

Audio Technica engineered these for studio work—flat frequency response means you hear mixes as intended, not coloured for casual listening. Bluetooth is included (rare for professional cans), or plug them in via cable for zero latency during recording. Comfortable for 8-hour sessions. Soundstage isn’t wide, but accuracy is uncompromised. Two-year coverage via Epic Protect sweetens the deal.

Verdict: The only choice if you create audio.

How We Chose

• Noise cancellation quality: Real-world testing across commutes, offices, and flights; Sony and Skullcandy lead here
• Battery life and connectivity: Minimum 20 hours; Bluetooth 5.0+ for stable connections
• Comfort for extended wear: Weight distribution, headband cushioning, and ear cup design matter after 4+ hours
• Price-to-performance ratio: We prioritised value across budget (<$150), mid-range ($200–$350), and premium ($400+) tiers

Quick Comparison

The Bottom Line

If you have the budget, Sony WH-1000XM6 are the most complete headphones available—noise cancellation, sound quality, and battery life are unmatched. For Apple users prioritising comfort over everything else, AirPods Max justify their price. If you’re spending under $150, Skullcandy Icon ANC are genuinely impressive and won’t leave you feeling like you’ve compromised on essentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best headphones under $100?

Skullcandy Icon ANC ($99.99) are the only option worth considering in this range. They include active noise cancellation, 20-hour battery, and solid build quality—genuinely surprising at this price point. Alternatives like Monster Wireless ($69.99) lack ANC and have shorter battery life, making them poor value despite lower cost.

Should I buy Sony WH-1000XM6 or Apple AirPods Max?

Choose Sony if you value noise cancellation and sound accuracy above all else; they’re the technical winner. Choose AirPods Max if you use an iPhone, iPad, and Mac—they’re more comfortable, lighter, and integrate seamlessly with Apple devices. Don’t pick either solely on brand loyalty; the $9 price difference is negligible, so prioritise fit and features.

Are expensive headphones actually better than budget options?

Yes, but with caveats. Sony WH-1000XM6 ($458) genuinely offer better noise cancellation, sound clarity, and reliability than Skullcandy Icon ANC ($99.99). However, Icon ANC deliver 80% of the experience at 22% of the cost. Spend more if you travel frequently, work in loud environments, or have trained ears; stay budget if you listen casually at home.

What’s the best headphone brand for durability?

Sony and Audio Technica lead here—both use reinforced hinges and durable materials. Sony’s WH-1000XM6 specifically has a 2-year international warranty. Avoid Monster models; they offer poor longevity despite aggressive discounting (50%+ off). Check warranty length; Audio Technica’s optional 2-year Epic Protect coverage is rare and worth considering.