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Best headphones for 2025
If you’re shopping for new headphones, we’ve made choosing your next pair really straightforward
From workout motivation to morning playlists, music plays a huge part in our lives, and a decent pair of headphones is an essential accessory. We’ve picked out some of the very best headphones for different needs, be it every day listening, all action gaming or sweat inducing exercise.
The best all rounder
Need a nudge in the right direction? This pair has you covered for the day-to-day. With a 50-hour battery, you won’t need to keep topping it up and they’re super comfortable for all those long listening sessions. They even have active noise cancellation, so you can zone out whenever you need to. Just connect to your phone and you’re off.
Click below to bag our expert's top pick the Sony Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones.
Best wireless headphones
If you need a pair of headphones you can easily pop in your pocket, our top pick definitely fits the bill - literally. They’re perfect for a busy life on the move as they’re completely wireless to save you finding yourself in a tangle.
Expert's pick: Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Active Noise Cancelling
Best Bluetooth headphones
Wherever the music takes you, a reliable connection that’s free from cables is just what you’re after. This pair’s completely wireless with a wide compatibility, so you’ll have no trouble linking up your phone and listening without a care in the world.
Expert's pick: Soundcore Q21i NC True Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones
Best over ear headphones
Honing in or zoning out, our fave over-ear headphones come with amazing sound quality and noise cancellation, letting you banish the background buzz. And they’re super comfortable for those longer playlists.
Expert's pick: Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones
Best on ear headphones
Our top on-ear headphones are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for taking on the go. Add in realistic surround sound and you’ve really got a winner here - they haven’t been handpicked by AO’s experts for nothing.
Expert's pick: Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
Best in ear headphones
After some power in your pocket? This pair’s super portable and they sit securely in your ears - perfect for movers and shakers. With active noise cancellation and a long battery, you’ll have a soundtrack for every workout or journey.
Expert's pick: Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Active Noise Cancelling
You might like
AO Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds - Black
AO Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds - White
Sony Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones - Black
Soundcore Space One Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones - Jet Black
Apple AirPods 4 - White
Apple AirPods 4 and Active Noise Cancelling - White
Apple AirPods Max and Active Noise Cancelling - Midnight
Apple AirPods Max and Active Noise Cancelling - Starlight
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds - Graphite
Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-ear Headphones - Blue
FAQs
- What are the best headphones to buy right now?
It depends on what you’re after. Apple make some incredible in-ear headphones that are ideal for active lifestyles, while Bose, Sony, and Beats have top-notch options for over-ear and on-ear models. Check out the product pages to find out which features suit you best.
- What’s the difference between over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear headphones?
The main difference is how they sit. Over-ear headphones cover your ears completely, while on-ear models sit on top. In-ear headphones are also known as earphones or earbuds because they fit in your ears instead
- Are noise-cancelling headphones worth it?
If you’re after a pair of headphones that help you focus on the music and banish the background chatter, then a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will be right up your street
- What should I look for when buying headphones?
When you’re shopping for headphones, check out which fit will suit you best. After that, compare features to figure out what you’re after. Noise cancelling, transparency mode, and clever audio tech that delivers great sound are all brilliant features to look out for too.
- Can I use wireless headphones with any device?
Most wireless headphones work with a wide range of Bluetooth-enabled devices, but it’s always worth checking compatibility before you buy and, of course, older tech might not be up to date enough to work with brand-new headphone technology.
- What are the best headphones for working out?
It depends on what you’re after, but in-ear headphones are usually best suited to workouts since they’re wireless and sit securely in your ears. Some models have water resistance that’s ideal if you’re out in the rain or getting a bit warmer and it’s worth looking out for a long battery life, so you’ll never be without your motivational playlist
