The 8 best headphones of 2026: We tested the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and Beats

In 2026, our team of experts rigorously tested a range of headphones, from popular models to new releases and budget picks. Based on their findings, we've compiled a guide to the best headphones for various needs, ensuring accuracy and relevance in purchasing information.

When selecting the best headphones, it's important to note that there isn't a single definitive "best" product. While top audio brands offer high-quality options, each brand has different tiers of products. Some provide better value, while others offer superior hardware and active noise cancellation. Ultimately, the best headphones depend on personal preference and intended use.

Some listeners favor over-ear headphones, while others prefer the convenience of earbuds. Athletes may appreciate waterproof materials, while frequent fliers value long battery life, comfort, and portability. Music enthusiasts and audiophiles often seek premium features like custom equalizers, spatial audio, or top-notch active noise cancellation.

Our testing revealed the top headphones of 2026 across categories such as noise cancellation, music quality, price, and wired connections. Although wired headphones have their dedicated fan base, wireless headphones are typically more convenient for most users. The recently released Bose noise-cancelling wired earbuds will be considered for future updates, assuming they meet our criteria.

In recent testing, we evaluated the Marshall Monitor III, JBL Tour One M3, and Skullcandy Method 360 ANC headphones, but none were deemed worthy of our top spot. Additionally, we examined the Sonos Ace and Dyson OnTrac headphones, which, despite their excellent sound quality and noise cancellation, were not recommended due to their high price points.

Recent updates to our guide include the addition of the second-generation Bose QuietComfort headphones as the best budget pick from Bose. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 earbuds were recognized as the most comfortable ANC earbuds, while the Sony XM6 earbuds were crowned the new best noise-cancelling earbuds. We have replaced the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earbuds, which are no longer available, with the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 sports earbuds.

Furthermore, we removed the Marshall Mode wired earbuds due to frequent stock issues and added the Sony WH-CH720N Noise-Canceling Headphones as the best headphones under $100. The Sony XM5 headphones, originally released in 2022, were included as our honorable mention pick. Lastly, in August 2026, we replaced the Sennheiser Momentum 4 with the Nothing Headphone (a) as our top pick for battery life.