8 Brands You Can Trust When Buying Headphones

When it comes to headphones, everyone has their own criteria. Many people want top-notch sound quality, comfort, and features like noise cancellation. But finding the perfect pair of headphones can be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

So, after much digging, comparison charts and probably more spec sheets than anyone would ever want to voluntarily read, here are some of the standout brands you can trust!

8. Anker Soundcore

Anker's Soundcore line earns a spot on this list. The company has found a way to combine affordability with premium features. You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to get truly effective noise cancellation. Testing out the Space One and Space One Pro gives you a good idea of ​​Soundcore's best features, and also showcases some of the cool features in the best budget headphones.

7. Bose

Mid-flight, somewhere above the clouds, Dr. Amar Bose, founder of Bose Corporation, became frustrated with the constant noise of the airplane engine interrupting his music listening. At that moment, he was inspired and began sketching what would become noise-cancelling headphones. In 1989, Bose introduced the first commercial noise-cancelling headphones for the airline industry. A decade later, the technology was on consumer shelves, and Bose had established itself as a major force in the headphone space.

6. Sony

The WH-1000XM series (currently the Sony XM5 at the time of writing, with the rumored XM6 coming in mid-2025) represents everything we love about Sony headphones. They have industry-leading noise cancellation that creates a personal bubble wherever you go, combined with thoughtful features like Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention, which automatically pauses your music when you start talking.

With Sony DSEE HX, up to 30 hours of battery life, fast charging, and even some recycled materials in the construction, it's clear that the brand sets high standards for itself. Alongside the WH-1000XM series, Sony's lineup also includes models like the Extra Bass-focused WH-XB910N and the more affordable WH-CH720N, providing great alternatives depending on your needs.

5. JBL

The appeal of JBL is its signature balanced sound, tuned to the Harman curve (no coincidence, Harman owns JBL), and it makes them versatile across a wide range of genres. If you're trying to stick to a tighter budget, the Tune line is a good place to start, especially the 520BT, which costs a lot more than it should. But if you want more features without breaking the bank, the Tour line is where you'll find it. The original Tour One was pretty impressive when it launched about four years ago, and now the new Tour One M3 at CES 2025 continue that tradition with even more refinement.

4. Beats

If you're already deep in the Apple ecosystem, chances are you'll love Beats headphones. And that's because models with the W1 chip (like the Beats Solo3 and Studio3) or the newer H1 chip (you'll find it in the Solo Pro) pair seamlessly with Apple devices. This tight integration also means impressive battery efficiency and a stable, low-latency connection.

One feature that really stands out – and might just make you want to – is Fast Fuel charging: Charge in under 10 minutes for hours of playback. Of course, the usual suspects are here too – active noise cancellation does the job, and Transparency mode for when you don't want to completely shut out the world. They're also designed to fit snugly on your head, so you can wear them for hours without feeling like your ears are being squeezed.

3. Bang & Olufsen

If you're looking for iconic headphones, Bang & Olufsen should be at the top of your list. The Danish brand has an almost unfair knack for combining sleek, minimalist design with truly exquisite sound. Their flagship models – like the Beoplay H95 and HX – are covered in buttery soft lambskin and cushioned with memory foam so soft you'll feel like you're getting a spa treatment. There are also some other gems, like the Beoplay Portal (aimed at gamers), the H9 and the H8i – all with B&O's signature elegance and attention to detail.

2. Shure

Shure's headphone line is pretty broad, with the SRH and AONIC lines each tuned to have very different vibes. The SRH line is aimed at the world of listening to music and working in the studio – think mixing, mastering and analyzing every nuance. Most models have the kind of frequency response that sound engineers crave, with crisp highs and warm, natural bass. It doesn't change the sound too much, which is exactly what you want when accuracy is important.

The best part is how customizable they are. The ShurePlus PLAY app gives you EQ controls and noise-canceling tweaks that take effect no matter what app you're listening to— Spotify , Apple Music, whatever. You can even upload your own lossless tracks if you're bothered by the compression. It's all very well-tuned without feeling overly fussy.

1. Audio-Technica

Like Shure, Audio-Technica has a strong presence in the headphone world, especially if you're into studio or DJing. And if there's one pair of headphones that really grabs your attention, it's the flagship model, the ATH-M70x. With powerful 45mm drivers underneath, it delivers studio-grade sound that's both powerful and precise.

You can expect deep, clear bass and crisp highs. The 90° rotating earcups are handy for one-ear monitoring, and the entire headphone folds up neatly, making it great for throwing in a bag without a second thought. You also get both a detachable coiled and straight cable, so it sounds great in the studio and on the go.

Lesley Montoya

Update 25 May 2025