When selecting the right headphones, deciding which one is the best becomes very difficult. There are high-end noise-cancelling headphones, affordable ones, and everything in between, for all types of listeners. As a result, I’ve decided to create a ranking of some of the most popular headphones of 2024, which will help you determine which are worth the money. From the best audio quality to comfort during extended gaming sessions or the best bang for your buck, this list has it all. Here are the 20 best headphones of 2024, and let’s find out which models are worth paying attention to.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5 – Great Tier
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a good noise-cancelling headphone that offers great sound quality and is now even more stylish than before. It has features like multi-point pairing and 360 Reality Audio which are contemporary. However, it costs about $400 and is not foldable, which is not convenient for travelling. Ideal for offices or for those who use public transport but maybe not so cost-effective.
For a cheaper alternative checkout our review of Sony ULT Wear.
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra – Great Tier
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is an excellent choice if you prioritize comfort and noise cancellation. The new spatial audio feature adds an extra layer of immersion, but its battery life is shorter than competitors, and the price is steep at $429. Despite these issues, it’s a top pick for frequent travellers and office workers.
3. Apple AirPods Max – Good Tier
Apple lovers will enjoy the AirPods Max because of its compatibility with Apple devices and the quality of sound it produces. But they are very bulky and are the most expensive on the market, costing $549. Other disadvantages include no 3.5 mm audio port and an ungainly carrying case. It is good for those with Apple products, but not the most economical for those who don’t.
4. Sony WH-1000XM4 – Great Tier
The Sony WH-1000XM4 still stands as a great choice, especially given that the headphones have become cheaper in the wake of the XM5. It provides excellent noise isolation, sound quality, and functionalities such as connection to two devices at once. It may not look like the most modern design, but it’s affordable.
5. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless – God Tier
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless has a battery life of 60 hours and boasts good sound. It is comfortable and offers excellent active noise cancellation, which is perfect for long drives, and travelling. It’s not the most attractive device, but for the price it is often sold at, there is nothing better out there.
6. Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 – Good Tier
The Soundcore Life Q30 is an affordable device that offers good ANC and allows you to tweak the sound through the app. It does have the V-shaped sound profile right out of the box which might not be as neutral as some might prefer. It’s quite large but for this price, it’s a great product with some drawbacks.
7. Master & Dynamic MW75 – Great Tier
The MW75 is one of the best-looking headphones with a very well-built design. Its warmth, combined with an ability to envelop the listener, makes it ideal for audiophiles. It is quite efficient, but the problem is its cost, which can be a major drawback since other similar products are way cheaper.
8. Sennheiser x Drop HD 6XX – Great Tier
Sennheiser HD 6XX is a cheaper version of the HD 650 that was produced in cooperation with Drop. It gives a good balance of neutrality which is perfect for those who love their music. But it is not portable and does not have any noise cancelling feature. However, given the price and the efficiency of the product, it is a real bargain.
9. Focal Bathys Wireless – Great Tier
The Focal Bathys Wireless is the most unique with high-resolution audio support and superior sound quality. Boasting a very good build quality, it is also very big, very expensive and slightly heavy. Still, for the price it costs, the performance corresponds to the great tier.
10. Sennheiser HD 800S – God Tier
Sennheiser HD 800S headphones are one of the most popular headphones simply because they create a clear and open sound. It is suitable for classical, jazz and acoustic music, but has no subwoofer and is not suitable for noisy surroundings. It’s costly but if you have the means, then it is worth every single penny that you will spend.
11. Sony WH-CH720N – Good Tier
The Sony WH-CH720N offers decent features for that price, including effective noise cancellation and comfort. However, its bass-heavy sound profile and congested midrange are drawbacks. It’s a decent value but not outstanding.
12. Sennheiser Accent – Average Tier
The Sennheiser Accent is one of the good mid-tier headsets with a long battery life and an average ANC level. It should have a deep and powerful bass but the mid-range is not so clear. All in all, for the price, it is quite affordable, but that carrying case is a problem.
13. AKG K72 – Good Tier
If you’re a newcomer to quality studio headphones, the AKG K72 is a decent option. Its tight, managed low-end makes it ideal for both residential and studio settings. Still, the cable is not detachable, and the device lacks portability features which lowers its flexibility.
14. Sony WH-CH520 – Great Tier
The Sony WH-CH520 is a budget-friendly option with balanced sound and impressive battery life. While it lacks ANC and feels a bit cheap, it exceeds expectations for casual listeners on a budget.
15. Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X – God Tier
The Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X is a leading selection among studio professionals and audiophiles. This model provides a neutral sound configuration that delivers extensive detail and minimal distortion, thus creating great listening conditions for longer durations. Though its quality is superb enough to place it at the top of its category, it is not an item that is very easy to carry.
16. Grado SR325X – Good Tier
For fans of a fiery, argumentative sound, the Grado SR325X is just the right headphone. The outstanding clarity provided by the metal body and fourth-generation driver is excellent; still, prolonged use could cause discomfort due to overheating. Presented at $295, it’s a great choice for capitalizing on its distinctive features.
17. Yamaha YH-5000SE – Great Tier
Yamaha’s leading model, the YH-5000SE, has a price of $5,000. The sound quality is tremendous, sharp and clear with excellent quality, but the design doesn’t convey a sense of luxury. It’s a lightweight and comfortable option, but given the price, it ought to be perfect—still, it doesn’t quite meet expectations.
18. Bowers & Wilkins PX8 – Great Tier
The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 combines luxury design with great sound quality. Even with that, priced at $699, it isn’t exactly affordable, and its ANC performance could use some improvement. Despite some small issues, it looks lavish and belongs in the superior class.
19. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e – Good Tier
The PX7 S2e makes improvements on the PX7 by delivering better sound and DSP enhancements. It may be that the design is visually appealing and the comfort is exceptional, but the quality of noise cancellation does not compare to that of rivals like Bose and Sony. Whether it’s the beach, the office, or the kitchen, make sound quality your jam.
20. Edifier W820MB Plus – Average Tier
With the ANC feature and a battery life of up to 14 hours, the Edifier W820MB Plus can be bought for under $100. The sound is good but not outstanding, and the installation of the product is relatively complex. It’s the best budget hotel with some drawbacks.
