The Best Audio 2025

1. Apple - AirPods Max - Silver

Works with all devices that have a Lightning connector and support iOS 10 or later, including iPod touch, iPad, and iPhone.

AirPods Max reimagine over-ear headphones. An Apple-designed dynamic driver provides immersive high-fidelity audio. Every detail, from canopy to cushions, has been designed for an exceptional fit. Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, while Transparency mode lets it in. And spatial audio with dynamic head tracking provides theater-like sound that surrounds you.¹

2. Apple - AirPods Max - Green

Works with all devices that have a Lightning connector and support iOS 10 or later, including iPod touch, iPad, and iPhone.

AirPods Max reimagine over-ear headphones. An Apple-designed dynamic driver provides immersive high-fidelity audio. Every detail, from canopy to cushions, has been designed for an exceptional fit. Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, while Transparency mode lets it in. And spatial audio with dynamic head tracking provides theater-like sound that surrounds you.¹

3. Apple - EarPods with Lightning Connector - White

Works with all devices that have a Lightning connector and support iOS 10 or later, including iPod touch, iPad, and iPhone.

Unlike traditional, circular earbuds, the design of the EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other earbud-style headphones. The speakers inside the EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio. The EarPods with Lightning Connector also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.

4. Apple AirPods Max - Space Gray

AirPods Max reimagine over-ear headphones. An Apple-designed dynamic driver provides immersive high-fidelity audio. Every detail, from canopy to cushions, has been designed for an exceptional fit. Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, while Transparency mode lets it in. And spatial audio with dynamic head tracking provides theater-like sound that surrounds you.

AirPods Max Apple-designed dynamic driver provides high-fidelity audio Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise, so you can immerse yourself in music Transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world around you Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking provides theater-like sound that surrounds you Computational audio combines custom acoustic design with the Apple H1 chip and software for breakthrough listening experiences Designed with a knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions for an exceptional fit Magical experience with effortless setup, on-head detection, and seamless switching between devices Easily share audio between two sets of AirPods on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV 20 hours of listening, movie watching, or talk time with Active Noise Cancellation and spatial audio enabled Store in ultra low-power mode with the slim Smart Case Available in silver, space gray, sky blue, green, and pink

5. Apple - EarPods with 3.5mm Plug - White

Control media playback, adjust the volume and answer and end calls on your Apple iPod, iPhone or iPad with these Apple EarPods MD827LL/A, which feature an in-line remote and mic for ease of use.

6. Apple AirPods Pro 2, Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Hearing Aid Feature

AirPods Pro 2—featuring pro-level Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Transparency mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, and a breakthrough in hearing health with a scientifically validated Hearing Test, clinical-grade Hearing Aid capability, and active Hearing Protection (coming Fall 2024).

PIONEERING HEARING—AirPods Pro 2 unlock the world’s first all-in-one hearing health experience: a scientifically validated Hearing Test, clinical-grade Hearing Aid feature, and active Hearing Protection. Coming fall 2024. INTELLIGENT NOISE CONTROL—Active Noise Cancellation removes up to 2x more background noise. Transparency mode lets you hear the world around you, and Adaptive Audio seamlessly blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode for the best listening experience in any environment. And when you’re speaking with someone nearby, Conversation Awareness automatically lowers the volume of what’s playing. IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY—The Apple-designed H2 chip helps to create deeply immersive sound. The low-distortion, custom-built driver delivers crisp, clear high notes and full, rich bass in stunning definition. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. CUSTOMIZABLE FIT—Includes four pairs of silicone tips (XS, S, M, L) to fit a wide range of ear shapes and provide all-day comfort. The tips create an acoustic seal to help keep out noise and secure AirPods Pro 2 in place. DUST, SWEAT, AND WATER RESISTANT—Both AirPods Pro 2 and the MagSafe Charging Case are IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistant, so you can listen comfortably in more conditions. PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO—With sound that suits your unique ear shape along with dynamic head tracking, AirPods Pro 2 deliver an immersive listening experience that places sound all around you. You can also listen to select songs, shows, and movies in Dolby Atmos. A HIGHER LEVEL OF CONTROL—Simply swipe, press, and hold the stem to manage playback functions using Touch control. And with Siri Interactions, simply nod your head yes or shake your head no when Siri asks if you’d like to hear a message, answer a call, or manage a notification. LONG BATTERY LIFE—Get up to 6 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled, using the case. A MORE CAPABLE CASE—Keep track of AirPods Pro 2 with Precision Finding and a built-in speaker. A lanyard loop helps keep your AirPods Pro 2 close. Charge with an Apple Watch or MagSafe charger, USB-C Charge Cable, or Qi-certified charger. Legal 1Compared with AirPods Pro (1st generation) and AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation. 2Device performance and noise control features like Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio, and Transparency can be affected by debris or earwax buildup. Clean the device regularly to maintain performance and full feature functionality. Refer to support.apple.com/102672 for cleaning instructions. 3Spatial Audio works with compatible content in supported apps. iPhone with TrueDepth camera required to create personalized profile. 4The Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features are expected fall 2024. They will be supported on AirPods Pro 2 with the latest firmware paired with a compatible iPhone or iPad with iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 and later. The Hearing Aid feature is also supported on Mac running macOS Sequoia and later. It is pending FDA authorization. 5The Hearing Protection feature works with AirPods Pro 2 with the latest firmware when paired with a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Mac with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia and later. Feature is only available in the U.S. and Canada. See https://support.apple.com/120850 for total attenuation and more information. 6Available on compatible devices running iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia and later when paired with AirPods 4, AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation, or AirPods Pro 2 with the latest firmware. 7AirPods Pro 2 are dust, sweat, and water resistant for non-water sports and exercise, and they are IP54 rated. Dust, sweat, and water resistance are not permanent conditions. 8Testing conducted by Apple in August 2023 using preproduction AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) and software paired with preproduction iPhone 15 Pro units and software. The playlist consisted of 358 unique audio tracks purchased from the iTunes Store (256-Kbps AAC encoding). Volume was set to 50% and Active Noise Cancellation was enabled. With Spatial Audio and Head Tracking enabled, listening time was up to 5.5 hours. Testing consisted of full AirPods Pro battery discharge while playing audio until the first AirPod Pro stopped playback. Battery life depends on device settings, environment, usage, and many other factors. 9Testing conducted by Apple in August 2023 using preproduction AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) and software paired with preproduction iPhone 15 Pro units and software. The playlist consisted of 358 unique audio tracks purchased from the iTunes Store (256-Kbps AAC encoding). Volume was set to 50% and Active Noise Cancellation was enabled. Testing consisted of full AirPods Pro battery discharge while playing audio until the first AirPod Pro stopped playback. The drained AirPods Pro were charged to 100 percent, then audio playback was resumed until the first AirPod Pro stopped playback. This cycle was repeated until both the AirPods Pro and charging case were fully discharged. Battery life depends on device settings, environment, usage, and many other factors. 10Precision Finding requires a U1-equipped iPhone; availability varies by region. 11MagSafe charging requires a compatible MagSafe charger. Wireless charging requires a Qi-certified wireless charger. AirPods Pro 2 charging case also works with the Apple Watch charger or USB-C connector. Technical specifications Go to apple.com/airpods-pro/specs/ for a complete set.

7. Sony - ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones - Black

AUDIO-TECHNICA ATH-M30x On-Ear Headphones: 40mm drivers; sound isolation; circumaural design; collapsible design; contoured earcups; single-side cable exit

These Sony ZX Series MDRZX110/BLK headphones feature neodymium magnets and 30mm drivers for powerful, reinforced sound. Enjoy your favorite songs with lush bass response thanks to the Acoustic Bass Booster technology.

8. Sony - ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones - White

AUDIO-TECHNICA ATH-M30x On-Ear Headphones: 40mm drivers; sound isolation; circumaural design; collapsible design; contoured earcups; single-side cable exit

These Sony ZX Series MDRZX110/WHI headphones feature neodymium magnets and 30mm drivers for powerful, reinforced sound. Enjoy your favorite songs with lush bass response thanks to the Acoustic Bass Booster technology.

9. Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)

AirPods (3rd generation) feature Personalized Spatial Audio that places sound all around you,1 as well as longer battery life.2 It’s sweat and water resistant and delivers an experience that’s simply magical.3

Features Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you1 Single fit Force sensor lets you control your entertainment and answer or end calls Sweat and water resistant for AirPods and charging case3 Lightning Charging Case or MagSafe Charging Case Up to 6 hours of listening time2 Up to 30 hours total listening time2 Quick access to Siri by saying “Hey Siri”4 Easy setup, in-ear detection, and automatic switching between devices5 Audio Sharing between two sets of AirPods on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV6 Find My with proximity view for AirPods Legal Spatial Audio works with movies, TV, and video in supported apps. iPhone with TrueDepth camera required to create personalized profile. Battery life varies by use and configuration. See apple.com/batteries for details. AirPods (3rd generation) are sweat and water resistant for non-water sports and exercise, and they are IPX4 rated. Sweat and water resistance are not permanent conditions. Siri may not be available in all languages or in all areas, and features may vary by area. Internet access required. Cellular data charges may apply. Requires an iCloud account and a compatible Apple device running the latest operating system software. Works with iPhone 8 or later and iPod touch (7th generation) with the latest version of iOS; and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation or later), 11-inch iPad Pro, 10.5-inch iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation or later), iPad Air (3rd generation or later), and iPad mini (5th generation or later) with the latest version of iPadO

10. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Over-the-Ear Headphones with Google Assistant - Black

Sony’s intelligent industry-leading noise canceling headphones with premium sound elevate your listening experience with the ability to personalize and control everything you hear. Get up to 30 hours of battery life with quick charging capabilities, enjoy an enhanced Smart Listening feature set, and carry conversations hands-free with speak-to-chat.

• Industry-leading noise canceling1 with Dual Noise Sensor technology • Next-level music with Edge-AI, co-developed with Sony Music Studios Tokyo • Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (10 min charge for 5 hours of playback) • Touch Sensor controls to pause/play/skip tracks, control volume, activate your voice assistant, and answer phone calls • Speak-to-chat technology automatically reduces volume during conversations • Superior call quality with precise voice pickup • Wearing detection pauses playback when headphones are removed • Seamless multiple-device pairing • Adaptive Sound Control provides a personalized listening experience • Updated design relieves pressure for long-lasting comfort