Find the best headphones for music in 2026

What music lovers need:

  1. Balanced Sound - Accurate frequency response that reveals every detail
  2. Wide Soundstage - Spatial presentation that brings recordings to life
  3. High-Resolution Support - LDAC, aptX HD, or wired hi-res for lossless audio
  4. Comfort - Plush padding for long listening sessions

Best headphones under $100 for music

Best Pick

Marshall Major V On-Ear Wireless Bluetooth

78.4 Music Score
On-Ear Wireless Closed Back 40mm 100h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is an exceptional 100+ hours of wireless playback, powered by 40mm drivers tuned for the brand's signature sound. The rugged, foldable design prioritizes portability and durability for life on the move. These headphones are best for frequent travelers and commuters who prioritize marathon battery life and a distinct audio character over top-tier call quality.

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Price $100
Marshall Marshall Major V On-Ear Wireless Bluetooth headphones

Great Alternatives

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Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Canceling

78.4 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 30mm 35h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the combination of Sony's V1 processor for adaptive noise canceling and DSEE audio restoration, delivering a surprisingly lightweight build with up to 35-hour battery life. The Headphones Connect app allows for custom EQ and support for 360 Reality Audio, offering strong software customization at its price point. This model is best for budget-conscious commuters seeking effective noise cancellation and Sony's ecosystem features without a premium price tag.

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JBL Tune 770NC Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear

77.6 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 40mm 70h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is adaptive noise cancelling, which effectively blocks out ambient noise for commutes and travel, supported by a 70-hour battery life. The headphones also offer useful Smart Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes for situational awareness without removing them. This model is best for budget-conscious commuters and travelers who need reliable noise cancellation and long battery life for daily use.

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Anker Soundcore by Anker Space One Wireless Noise

74.8 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 40mm 40h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the adaptive noise canceling with extrastrong voice reduction, effectively blocking out crowd chatter during commutes. The headphones offer a long 40-hour battery life with ANC active, ensuring extended listening sessions. This model is best for frequent travelers and commuters who prioritize blocking out human voices and need all-day battery life.

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Anker Soundcore by Anker Space One Wireless Noise headphones
Price $70

Best headphones under $250 for music

Best Pick

Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless Active

100 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 37mm 50h
Why we recommend this

Its standout 50-hour battery life with ANC on and Sennheiser's signature sound tuning provide a premium wireless audio experience. The inclusion of a USB-C Bluetooth adapter for low-latency connectivity and a customizable sound app offer practical versatility beyond typical headphones. This model is best for frequent travelers and commuters who need reliable, all-day noise cancellation without daily charging.

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Great Alternatives

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Marshall Monitor III A.N.C Wireless Over-Ear

76.5 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Open Back 32mm 70h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a rugged, foldable design paired with a marathon 70-hour battery life with ANC enabled. The inclusion of Dynamic Loudness, which automatically adjusts volume and EQ based on your environment, provides a uniquely adaptive listening experience. These headphones are best for frequent travelers and commuters who prioritize durability and all-day battery life over top-tier call quality.

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Marshall Marshall Monitor III A.N.C Wireless Over-Ear headphones
Price $249

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 Wireless On-Ear

73.8 Music Score
On-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 45mm 40h
Why we recommend this

Its 45mm dynamic drivers deliver powerful audio, while its adaptive noise canceling and transparency modes are well-suited for commutes and office work. The award-winning design uses premium aluminum and textile materials for a durable, stylish build. These headphones are best for commuters and office workers who prioritize a blend of classic aesthetics and modern wireless features like multipoint Bluetooth 5.4.

Beyerdynamic AVENTHO 100 headphones
Price $230

Anker Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 Noise-Canceling

72.8 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 40mm 50h
Why we recommend this

Its 40mm drivers with dual-layer diaphragms deliver a powerful, bass-forward sound signature ideal for music listening. The adaptive noise canceling, which can reduce ambient sound by up to 98%, is a standout feature for commutes and travel. These headphones are best for budget-conscious listeners who prioritize long battery life and strong noise isolation during daily transit.

Best headphones under $500 for music

Best Pick

Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear

92.4 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 30mm 30h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3, which uses 12 microphones to deliver industry-leading ANC and supports high-resolution audio via LDAC. The headphones also offer a comfortable, foldable design and a reliable 30-hour battery life with ANC active. This product is best for frequent travelers and commuters who prioritize best-in-class noise cancellation and wireless convenience for music and calls.

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Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Noise-Canceling Wireless

89.2 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 42mm 60h
Why we recommend this

Its standout 60-hour battery life and large 42mm dynamic drivers provide extended, high-fidelity listening sessions. The headphones offer a premium, comfortable build with fold-flat earcups and a hard travel case for excellent portability. This model is best for frequent travelers and commuters who prioritize long-lasting battery and strong noise cancellation for music and calls.

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Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Closed-Back

85 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 40mm 20h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the enhanced active noise cancellation and a 20-hour battery life, housed in a premium build with a knit mesh canopy for comfort. The seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and the Digital Crown control for audio are significant differentiators. These headphones are best for Apple users seeking a high-fidelity, all-day listening experience for both focused work and immersive music.

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Apple AirPods Max headphones
Price $450

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 Wireless Noise-Canceling

81.4 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 40mm 30h
Why we recommend this

Its eight-microphone active noise cancellation system and support for aptX Lossless codec deliver high-fidelity wireless audio with effective isolation. The headphones offer an elegant design and up to 30 hours of playback, prioritizing comfort for extended wear. This model is best for commuters and travelers seeking premium, detailed sound quality and clear call performance in a stylish package.

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Best headphones under $1000 for music

Best Pick

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Over-Ear Wireless

84 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 40mm 30h
Why we recommend this

Its 40mm carbon cone drivers and dedicated DAC deliver high-resolution audio with exceptional clarity, while the Nappa leather and memory foam earpads provide a premium, comfortable fit. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Lossless support ensures high-quality wireless streaming for compatible devices. These headphones are best for audiophiles seeking a luxurious, over-ear listening experience with top-tier build quality and sound fidelity.

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Cisco 730 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headset

67.9 Music Score
On-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 40mm 22h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is deep integration with Cisco applications and devices, making it a seamless extension of a Cisco-based office infrastructure. The headset also offers 22-hour battery life and adaptive active noise cancellation using four microphones for clear calls. This product is best for enterprise users and remote workers who rely heavily on Cisco Webex and other Cisco collaboration tools for daily communication.

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Cisco Cisco 730 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headset headphones
Price $920

Focal Bathys Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear

67.3 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 40mm 30h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is a built-in DAC and amplifier, enabling high-resolution 24-bit/192 kHz wired audio playback that's rare for wireless headphones. The 40mm aluminum-magnesium drivers and active noise cancellation provide precise, dynamic sound for over 30 hours of wireless use. This product is best for audiophiles who prioritize high-fidelity sound in a portable, wireless package for travel or home listening.

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Edifier STAX SPIRIT S5 Wireless Over-Ear

57.3 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless Closed Back 80h
Why we recommend this

Its planar magnetic drivers and 2μm film, powered by Snapdragon Sound, deliver high-fidelity, lossless audio for discerning listeners. The inclusion of multiple HD codecs like LDAC and aptX Lossless, plus an 80-hour battery, provides exceptional wireless versatility. This headphone is best for audiophiles who prioritize detailed sound reproduction over active noise cancellation for critical home listening.

Premium headphones for music

Best Pick

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 Wireless

64.8 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless ANC Closed Back 40mm 38h
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is its ultra-detailed sound from 40mm titanium drivers paired with auto-adjusting active noise cancellation. The build is exceptionally luxurious, using lambskin leather and memory foam cushions for premium comfort during long listening sessions. This headphone is best for audiophiles seeking a high-end, comfortable wireless experience, though its call quality is notably weak.

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Focal Bathys MG Wireless Noise-Canceling Over-Ear

63.6 Music Score
Over-Ear Wireless Closed Back 40mm 30h
Why we recommend this

Its 40mm magnesium drivers with M-shaped domes, crafted in France, provide a precise and natural audiophile-grade sound signature. The headphones offer three active noise-cancellation modes and a high-quality build with a leather headband and memory foam earpads for extended comfort. This product is best for discerning listeners who prioritize high-fidelity audio and premium materials in a wireless, noise-canceling package.

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Audeze AUDEZE LCD-XC Closed-Back Over-Ear Planar Magnetic

25.8 Music Score
Over-Ear Closed Back
Why we recommend this

Its planar magnetic drivers deliver exceptional detail and a defined bass lift, housed in durable carbon fiber cups with excellent noise isolation. The premium package includes balanced cables and a travel case, enhancing its value for professional use. This headphone is best for audio engineers and producers who need accurate, isolated monitoring in studio or on-location recording environments.

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