Corner A
Apple AirPods Pro 2
$249 · H2 chip / Adaptive Audio / Spatial Audio / Bluetooth 5.3
91
Higher review scoreValue parityLower typical priceNewer release
Featured fight
ANC crown fight
Noise Cancelling decision
Noise Cancelling is close here: Apple AirPods Pro 2 edges it on newer feature runway, not a runaway score gap.
Current edge: Apple AirPods Pro 2
Fight
Side-by-side matchups using current review and price context.
Best picks
Category leaders by review score, value and buyer fit.
Deal watch
See which headphones are fair at retail and which need a discount.
Fit advisor
Start with your listening use case, then compare the best matched headphones.
Compare
Line up scores, release age and value across up to four products.
Just reviewed
New & notable
Earbuds
Razer Hammerhead V3 HyperSpeed
Noise Cancelling
Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless
86
$399.99
Noise Cancelling
Sony 1000X The Collexion
88
$649.99
Gaming
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II
81
$349.99
Wireless
Apple AirPods Max 2
83
$549
Noise Cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM6
92
$399.99
Audiophile
Meze 99 Classics (2nd Gen)
$349
Wireless
Sennheiser HDB 630
88
$499
Gaming
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2
79
$199.99
Noise Cancelling
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
88
$449
Earbuds
Apple AirPods Pro 3
88
$249
Gaming
Sony INZONE H9 II
80
$350
By Metascore
Top rated
Wireless
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
94
$399
Gaming
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
92
$349.99
Noise Cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM5
91
$399
Noise Cancelling
Apple AirPods Pro 2
91
$249
Noise Cancelling
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
91
$249
Noise Cancelling
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
91
$799
Budget
Nothing Ear (a)
91
$99
Earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM4
90
$199
Audiophile
Focal Bathys
90
$699
Earbuds
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
89
$249.95
Noise Cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM4
89
$278
Price-to-performance
Best value
Noise Cancelling
Sonos Ace
89
$449
Noise Cancelling
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
88
$349
Audiophile
Sennheiser HD 560S
88
$229
Noise Cancelling
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
88
$479
Budget
Sony WF-C700N
88
$99.99
Earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM5
87
$299.99
Earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
87
$279.00
Noise Cancelling
Technics EAH-A800
87
$349
Studio
Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X
87
$299
Noise Cancelling
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
86
$429
Workout
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
86
$229
Workout
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
86
$179
This week
Head-to-head
Wireless
Fight
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e has the stronger blended case in this wireless matchup, mainly on stronger critic consensus.
Noise Cancelling
Fight
Noise Cancelling is close here: Apple AirPods Pro 2 edges it on newer feature runway, not a runaway score gap.
Audiophile
Fight
Focal Clear Mg has the stronger blended case in this audiophile matchup, mainly on stronger critic consensus.
Gaming
Fight
Gaming is close here: Audeze Maxwell edges it on the cleaner blended buying case, not a runaway score gap.
Workout
Fight
Workout is close here: JBL Reflect Aero edges it on newer feature runway, not a runaway score gap.
Budget
Fight
Soundcore Space A40 has the stronger blended case in this budget matchup, mainly on stronger critic consensus.
Earbuds
Fight
Earbuds is close here: Sony WF-1000XM4 edges it on the cleaner blended buying case, not a runaway score gap.
Editorial
Buying guides
ANC guide
Best noise-cancelling headphones
Headphones ranked for active noise cancellation, comfort, travel features, call quality, and long-session listening.
Top pickSony WH-1000XM6
92
Earbuds guide
Best wireless earbuds
Earbuds ranked for pocketability, ANC, transparency, calls, app features, battery life, and fit security.
Top pickApple AirPods Pro 2
91
Listening guide
Best audiophile headphones
Open-back, planar, and hi-fi headphones ranked for tuning, detail, staging, comfort, and value.
Top pickFocal Bathys
90
Gaming guide
Best gaming headsets
Headsets ranked for wireless latency, mic quality, comfort, battery life, console support, and positional audio.
Top pickSteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
92
Budget guide
Best headphones under $200
The strongest affordable headphones and earbuds, ranked by review score, practical usefulness, and value pressure.
Top pickSony WF-1000XM4
90
iPhone guide
Best headphones for iPhone users
AirPods and non-Apple alternatives ranked for iPhone pairing, ANC, calls, commuting, comfort, and value.
Top pickSennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
89
Codec guide
Bluetooth codecs explained
A plain-English guide to SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC, LC3, and why the best codec depends on both your headphones and your phone.
Top pickSony WF-1000XM4
90
Deal timing
Headphones to buy now or wait on
A practical buy, wait, or discount-only guide based on review consensus, release age, and target price.
Top pickSony 1000X The Collexion
88
Daily buyer brief
Latest news
What Hi-Fi? · 3d agoDeal
I've handpicked the best expert-approved deals on great-value soundbars, five-star AV receivers and luxury audiophile headphones
Expert-approved deals on audiophile headphones are worth checking if you're looking for high-quality sound at a lower price.
Deals
Headfonics · 4d agoReview
Audeze MM-520 Review
The Audeze MM-520 headphones, featuring planar drivers and SLAM technology, are worth checking if you're considering high-end, $1699 open-back options.
Hi-fi
Trusted Reviews · 3d agoDeal
Skullcandy’s Crusher Evo headphones are more than 50% off today
Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones are worth checking because they offer significant bass and are currently over 50% off.
Deals
What Hi-Fi? · 4d agoNews
Final’s new luxury headphones aim to deliver the “impact and energy” of closed back listening, while overcoming issues that “limit the format”
Final's new luxury DX10000 CL headphones with diamond drivers are worth checking if you seek impactful, closed-back sound.
Hi-fi
What Hi-Fi? · 4d agoNews
Sony's latest wired earbuds are billed as the perfect partners for artists and performers
Sony's IER-M500 wired earbuds are worth checking if you are an artist or performer seeking stage-ready audio.
Earbuds
SoundGuys · 5h agoBrief
Razer spruces up the Hammerhead V3 X HyperSpeed with console editions
Razer spruces up the Hammerhead V3 X HyperSpeed with console editions: worth checking if it changes your headphones shortlist, timing, or feature priorities.
Headphones
TechRadar · 3d agoNews
Razer's new Cinnamoroll headphones feature adorable floppy ears — and they're just too cute to pass up
Razer's new Cinnamoroll Kraken Kitty V2 BT headphones are worth checking if you like cute, character-themed gaming accessories.
Gaming
The Verge · 6d agoDeal
Anker’s noise-blocking earbuds for sleeping are nearly half off
Anker's Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds for noise blocking are nearly half off, a new low price.
Earbuds
The Verge · Jul 7Brief
Nothing’s new earbuds can record calls and what you’re listening to
Nothing’s new earbuds can record calls and what you’re listening to: worth checking if it shifts buying timing or makes older earbuds models better value.
Earbuds
Headfonics · Jun 26Review
MUSE HiFi MUSE 300 Review
The MUSE HiFi MUSE 300, a compact DAC/Amp with streamer, is priced at $439.99, with Kickstarter from $349.99.
Hi-fi
Shop by category
Find your next pair
Scan the top picks in each category, then open one to see its full ranked list.
Cut the cord
Wireless
Wireless
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
94
$399
Noise Cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM6
92
$399.99
Noise Cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM5
91
$399
Noise Cancelling
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
91
$799
Audiophile
Focal Bathys
90
$699
Noise Cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM4
89
$278
Noise Cancelling
Sonos Ace
89
$449
Noise Cancelling
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
88
$349
Noise Cancelling
Sony 1000X The Collexion
88
$649.99
Noise Cancelling
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
88
$479
Wireless
Sennheiser HDB 630
88
$499
Noise Cancelling
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
88
$449
Silence the commute
Noise cancelling
Noise Cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM6
92
$399.99
Noise Cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM5
91
$399
Noise Cancelling
Apple AirPods Pro 2
91
$249
Noise Cancelling
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
91
$249
Noise Cancelling
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
91
$799
Noise Cancelling
Sony WH-1000XM4
89
$278
Noise Cancelling
Sonos Ace
89
$449
Noise Cancelling
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
88
$349
Noise Cancelling
Sony 1000X The Collexion
88
$649.99
Noise Cancelling
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
88
$479
Noise Cancelling
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
88
$449
Noise Cancelling
Technics EAH-A800
87
$349
Pocket-sized
Earbuds
Earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM4
90
$199
Earbuds
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
89
$249.95
Earbuds
Apple AirPods Pro 3
88
$249
Earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM5
87
$299.99
Earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
87
$279.00
Earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
85
$299
Earbuds
Technics EAH-AZ80
85
$299
Earbuds
Nothing Ear
84
$149
Earbuds
Nothing Ear (2)
83
$149
Earbuds
OnePlus Buds Pro 3
82
$180
Earbuds
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
82
$299
Earbuds
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
81
$99
For critical listening
Audiophile
Audiophile
Focal Bathys
90
$699
Audiophile
Sennheiser HD 560S
88
$229
Audiophile
Focal Clear Mg
87
$1499
Audiophile
Grado SR80x
85
$125
Audiophile
Audeze LCD-X
83
$1199
Audiophile
Sennheiser HD 660S2
78
$599
Audiophile
Focal Utopia (2022)
$4999
Audiophile
Hifiman Ananda Nano
$599
Audiophile
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
$3999
Audiophile
HIFIMAN Arya Stealth Magnet Version
$1299
Audiophile
Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Noire
$899
Audiophile
Hifiman Edition XS
$499
Low-latency headsets
Gaming
Gaming
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
92
$349.99
Gaming
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)
84
$199.99
Gaming
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
84
$199.99
Gaming
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro
83
$329.99
Gaming
Audeze Maxwell
82
$329
Gaming
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro II
81
$349.99
Gaming
Sony INZONE H9 II
80
$350
Gaming
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless
80
$179.99
Gaming
Corsair HS80 MAX Wireless
80
$179.99
Gaming
Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT
80
$269
Gaming
Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless
79
$149.99
Gaming
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 Wireless Gen 2
79
$199.99
Sweat-ready
Workout
Workout
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
86
$229
Workout
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
86
$179
Workout
JBL Reflect Aero
84
$149
Workout
Shokz OpenRun
83
$129
Workout
Beats Fit Pro
82
$199.99
Workout
Powerbeats Pro 2
82
$249
Workout
Jaybird Vista 2
82
$149
Workout
Shokz OpenRun Pro
80
$179
Workout
Bose Sport Earbuds
79
$149
Workout
Jabra Elite 7 Active
78
$179
Workout
Sennheiser Sport True Wireless
74
$129
Workout
Jabra Elite 8 Active
$199
Most for your money
Budget
Budget
Nothing Ear (a)
91
$99
Budget
Sony WF-C700N
88
$99.99
Budget
Anker Soundcore Life Q30
85
$79.99
Budget
Anker Soundcore Space One
84
$99
Budget
Soundcore Space A40
83
$99.99
Budget
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
81
$99.99
Budget
Jabra Elite 3
79
$79.99
Budget
EarFun Air Pro 3
79
$79.99
Budget
JLab Go Air Pop
78
$20
Budget
Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
69
$79
Budget
Moondrop Aria 2
$90
Budget
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE
$150
Demand signals
What buyers are checking, by category
🎧 Wireless
Open- 1
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
$399 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 2
Apple AirPods Max
$549 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 3
Sennheiser HDB 630
$499 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 4
Apple AirPods Max 2
$549 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 5
Sony WH-CH520
$59.99 · review and store context · 2 stores
◐ Noise Cancelling
Open- 1
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
$349 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 2
Sony WH-1000XM5
$399 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 3
Sony WH-1000XM4
$278 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 4
Sony 1000X The Collexion
$649.99 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 5
Apple AirPods Pro 2
$249 · review and store context · 2 stores
♬ Audiophile
Open⌁ Gaming
Open- 1
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
$349.99 · 1 fresh review · 2 stores
- 2
Audeze Maxwell
$329 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 3
Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023)
$199.99 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 4
HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless
$199.99 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 5
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro
$329.99 · review and store context · 2 stores
◈ Workout
Open- 1
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
$229 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 2
Beats Fit Pro
$199.99 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 3
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
$179 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 4
Powerbeats Pro 2
$249 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 5
Jaybird Vista 2
$149 · review and store context · 2 stores
$ Budget
Open- 1
Nothing Ear (a)
$99 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 2
Sony WF-C700N
$99.99 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 3
Soundcore Space A40
$99.99 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 4
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
$99.99 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 5
Anker Soundcore Space One
$99 · review and store context · 2 stores
• Earbuds
Open- 1
Sony WF-1000XM4
$199 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 2
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
$249.95 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 3
Sony WF-1000XM5
$299.99 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 4
Nothing Ear (2)
$149 · review and store context · 2 stores
- 5
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
$299 · review and store context · 2 stores
A demand proxy based on recent review activity, review score, and in-stock retailer availability; not a unit-sales ranking.
Review Radar network
Using Apple gear?
For AirPods, iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple accessory buying advice, visit Mac To iPhone.
Open Mac To iPhoneReview graph
Aggregated from audio specialists and major tech publications, weighted into a clean 100-point review score.
Elite
Strong
Mixed