The Best Headphones of 2024 (2024)

TL;DR: The Sennheiser Momentum 4 is a rich-sounding pair of headphones that does well with noise canceling and offers plenty of audio customization.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little surprised to see Sennheiser’s latest flagship headphones topping the list. That’s not a slight against the brand, which is known for top-tier audio.

However, Sony and Bose flagships fare better across all everyday-use categories. For the Momentum 4 headphones, there was a variety of quality that I couldn’t ignore.

First is the sound quality—these headphones punch well above their weight in the wireless category (with Bluetooth compatibility in the less lossy aptX codec) and are wired (offering both auxiliary connectivity and a USB DAC that delivers decent audio).

These headphones sounded both punchy and powerful, well-rounded, and rich in the low-to-mid spectrum. This was particularly apparent when listening to Top 40 music, but it was also pleasant with spoken word and podcasts.

The Sennheiser app is also one of the most customizable apps I’ve experienced. It offers more control over equalization and has built-in presets to set the sound quality you want.

The noise canceling here is adequate, though I think the edge would be the Bose, Sony, or Apple headphones at a similar price. However, this is an acceptable drawback when considering the adaptability and how Momentum’s ANC works with sound quality in practice.

I also love the look and feel of these headphones—with that signature two-tone cloth touch that’s made Sennheiser’s latest consumer headphones so unique. The cloth texture on the outside feels premium and welcoming, while the matte rubber and various colors to choose from feel pretty opulent.

The ear cups are also quite a bit roomier than some of the other headphones at this level, which is great for my larger ears and allows for long listening sessions.

And the class-leading 60-hour battery life (which trended in the high 50s for me) doesn’t hurt either. Overall, the Sennheisers are topping my list for sound quality first and “the full package” second.

• Who else recommends it? The Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones are well-liked but have more technical publications, garnering high ratings on RTINGS.com, The Sound Guys, and more.
• What do buyers think?With over 4,000 reviews on Amazon, buyers tend to love the top-tier battery life and the wearable comfort.

TL;DR: If noise cancellation and rich, Bose-style sound are what you’re after, then the QuietComfort Ultras are a solid pick.

Bose always takes a similar approach to their headphones: They nail the fundamentals of class-leading noise cancellation and deliver consistent sound commensurate with the Bose EQ style.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are a return to form, with their design language mirroring the QC35s made famous in past years rather than the departing 700-series.

While most of these headphones, when considered “flagship,” would be a good bet for many different listeners, I think the QC Ultras are a culmination of many things.

First, the noise cancellation is truly remarkable. Wearing these headphones—whether competing with the dull roar of an aircraft or dealing with transient distractions in a coffee shop—is quiet and isolating.

I found particular value in using the QC Ultras on a commuter train. They drowned out the transient chug of the engine, letting me ease into focus.

I found this pleasing and well-rounded when paired with the sculpted Bose sound. I like the Bose sound character, but it's somewhat limited if you want more customization, even with the app.

It is nice to see Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec for less lossy transmission, but the Bose did seem to lack a bit of the balanced sound I grew accustomed to with other brands like Sony or my top choice, the Sennheiser Momentum 4s.

Bose answered the call and returned to a collapsible design with a (slightly) more portable case than last generation’s 700 series. However, the package is still a bit bulkier than some other offerings.

While I like the comfort of these headphones and the satisfying, click-free headband expander, the leather-esque padding gets hot during extended sessions.

On paper, the connectivity here is excellent. Still, I have noticed that many Bose products occasionally struggle with Bluetooth interference in hectic environments with many other Bluetooth users (say, a busy train station).

But perhaps the best thing about the QC Ultras is how predictably great they are. You’ll find quality, comfort, and solid sound on tap—so if you want a great-sounding pair of headphones right out of the box, you can do way worse.

• Who else recommends it? The Verge, CNET, and Unbox Therapy all mark the QC Ultra headphones as among their top choices for wireless, over-ear cans.
• What do buyers think?The Soundcore Motion X600 sits with a 4.7-star user rating on Amazon, with nearly 1,000 customers weighing in.

TL;DR: The ATH-M50x headphones from Audio-Technica are capable and classic for professional use and even plug-and-play value while working at a desk.

When you’re in the market for headphones, it’s natural to default to the flagship, consumer wireless space for its convenience and all the bells and whistles these headphones tend to provide.

But there’s a whole other side of the headphone market—where headphones connect via wires, like the old days—that provides options for those with more specific needs. The ATH-M50x from Audio-Technica is a pair of headphones that’s become famous in the DJ space but is now a popular choice for those who want lossless sound.

When plugged into an audio interface or a digital-to-analog converter, the ATH-M50x provides balanced, full-bodied sound beyond the human hearing spectrum. I’ve used my M50x for years as my main studio monitors, but with the recent release of the Ice Blue colorway and the comfortable, rich sound, this product is also an excellent choice for everyday use.

In my listening, I found the sound was particularly effective for mixes with many components—like indie rock or classical—to let the detail and sound stage shine through.

Though rugged and long-lasting, the build quality can feel utilitarian, leading to rigid joints, slightly harder clamping, and shallower earcups.

Because Audio-Technica has prioritized flat sound quality, there aren’t any bells or whistles here, such as noise cancellation, wireless connectivity, and plush, luxurious materials. But for the price and the performance, there’s a truly impressive balance of sound quality, style, and usability here.

• Who else recommends it? PCMag, RTINGS.com, and Sound On Sound laud the ATH-M50x headphones for their flat response and studio-grade reliability.
• What do buyers think?With 26,000 reviews and counting, the ATH-M50x headphones provide excellent value without sacrificing balanced sound quality.

Headphones We Tested