10 Best Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are in-ear wireless earbuds designed to deliver high-quality sound and strong active noise cancellation, making them great for users who want to block out distractions on the go. They remove twice as much noise as the previous model, which helps you stay fully immersed whether you're commuting or working out. Sound quality is a major strength here, with a new design that boosts bass and clarity, along with spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience.

Battery life is solid, offering up to 8 hours with noise cancellation turned on, and 10 hours if you use the transparency mode for hearing ambient sounds. The earbuds come with five different ear tip sizes, so you can find a secure and comfortable fit, though some might find in-ear styles less comfortable during extended use compared to over-ear headphones. They have useful extras like built-in heart rate monitoring and live translation, which are unique features that add value beyond typical earbuds.

Controls are handled via touch and voice commands, including Siri integration, making it easy to manage music or calls without pulling out your device. The AirPods Pro 3 are sweat and water-resistant, suitable for exercise, and the build quality feels premium, matching Apple's usual standards. The package does not include a charging cable, so you need to provide your own USB-C cable. These earbuds are especially suitable for Apple users seeking convenient wireless earbuds with smart features, prioritizing noise cancellation and sound quality in a compact design, while those preferring larger headphones or wired connections might consider other options.

The Apple AirPods Max are premium wireless over-ear headphones designed to deliver high-quality sound with a custom dynamic driver and Apple's advanced audio processing. Their active noise cancellation is impressive, reportedly blocking out twice as much background noise compared to many others, making them great if you want to immerse yourself fully in music or calls. Transparency mode is handy too, letting you hear surroundings without removing the headphones. The personalized spatial audio feature adds a unique, immersive 3D sound experience tailored to your ears, especially when using Apple devices.

Comfort is a strong point here; the knit-mesh canopy and memory foam cushions provide a snug and secure fit that seals sound well but might feel warm during long use. Battery life stands at around 20 hours, which is solid for wireless ANC headphones, and quick USB-C charging is a plus, especially for Apple users who can share cables across devices. Controls are intuitive with a Digital Crown for volume and playback, plus easy device switching within the Apple ecosystem. Their weight (a bit over 1 pound) and size might be less comfortable for smaller heads or extended wear sessions.

These headphones are not water or sweat resistant, so they’re less ideal for intense workouts or outdoor use in wet conditions. The AirPods Max work best for those heavily invested in Apple products, as some advanced features rely on Apple software, and using them with non-Apple devices may limit functionality. If you want top-tier sound quality, excellent noise cancellation, and seamless integration with Apple gadgets, these headphones deliver, but they come with a premium price and might not suit everyone’s comfort or durability needs.

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones are over-ear wireless headphones designed to deliver a premium listening experience, especially for blocking out distractions. Their active noise cancellation effectively reduces outside noise, making them ideal for travel, work, or noisy environments. An "Aware Mode" allows users to stay connected to their surroundings when desired. The sound quality is clear and balanced, with adjustable equalizer settings enabling customization of bass, mids, and treble.

With up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge and quick charging that provides hours of playtime in just 15 minutes, these headphones are convenient for all-day use. Comfort is enhanced by plush ear cushions and a padded headband, suitable for long listening sessions. They also offer the option to use wired connections if the battery runs out, adding flexibility. Multipoint Bluetooth lets users switch easily between devices like phones and laptops. Controls are intuitive and integrated into the headphones, and the built-in microphone performs well for calls.

The headphones have a sturdy yet lightweight build, combining leather and plastic materials, and include a protective case for safe storage. While the price is on the higher side, this reflects the solid noise cancellation and comfort provided. For those seeking wireless headphones that deliver a balanced combination of sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and comfort, the Bose QuietComfort headphones represent a compelling choice.