The Best Wireless Headphones for 2026

The third-generation AirPods Pro deliver top-quality noise cancellation, wiping out deep, low-frequency rumble and more complex, higher-frequency sounds. Beyond the improved ANC, Apple's Adaptive Audio mode gives you a more natural way to monitor your surroundings without letting loud noises harm your hearing. The retuned audio is still rich but more balanced than before, providing a first-class listening experience. In addition, they include advanced features such as live language translation, heart rate monitoring, workout tracking, and a range of hearing health tools—all for the same price as the previous model.

iPhone owners: The AirPods Pro 3 are ideal if you're invested in the Apple ecosystem and use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

People who want peace and quiet: The AirPods Pro 3 offer some of the best in-ear active noise cancellation we've experienced.

Fitness fanatics: Paired with advanced features like heart rate monitoring and fitness tracking, the AirPods Pro 3 let you track workouts without a smartwatch.

Sony's latest over-ear headphones lead the pack in multiple areas. They effectively cancel noise, produce excellent audio, and are more comfortable than their predecessors. Moreover, they play high-res audio thanks to LDAC codec support and can charge via USB-C while you listen. This makes the WH-1000XM6 our top pick for noise-cancelling headphones.

Noise cancellation maximalists: Sony has noise cancellation down to a fine art, slightly besting Bose.

Android audiophiles: If you use an Android phone, Sony's support for the high-end LDAC codec can help you make the most of high-res streaming services.

Knob turners: If you like to change how your headphones sound, Sony's companion app (with its adjustable EQ) offers more flexibility than most.

The second-gen Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds produce impressive results through a combination of calibration tests and subtle adaptive noise-cancelling tweaks. They're even more effective against low and high frequencies than the first generation, representing some of the best ANC you can get from earbuds, along with the AirPods Pro 3. The Bose earbuds have an Active Aware mode that tamps down louder environmental noises while still allowing you to hear your surroundings. Support for the AptX Adaptive codec adds value, as does the new charging case, which can now recharge wirelessly.

Bose fans: If you're into the Bose sound, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds have a finely tuned audio profile that's sure to make you happy.

Android phone users: If you want earphones with the most effective noise cancellation and have non-Apple devices, consider the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for their impressive ability to silence nearly everything.

The EarFun Air Pro 4+ true wireless earphones offer clean, detailed audio, effective noise cancellation for the price, and top-notch connectivity. They also have a long battery life.

Bargain hunters: If you only want to spend around $100 on noise-cancelling earbuds, EarFun delivers. These earbuds offer impressive sound quality and battery life, intuitive controls, and an adjustable equalizer.

Gymgoers: The earbuds feature an IP55 rating, ensuring they can withstand sweaty sessions on the treadmill or in the weight room. Given their low price, if you accidentally drop a dumbbell on them, it won't ruin your day entirely.

Sony's WF-1000XM6 earphones deliver superb audio and excellent active noise cancellation, ranking at the top of our list alongside the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and the AirPods Pro. What distinguishes them is a full-featured companion app with a customizable EQ, support for the high-end LDAC codec, and hybrid eartips for enhanced passive isolation. The mic array is also among the best we've tested.

Audiophiles: The WF-1000XM6 earbuds are ideal if you want the best-in-class audio quality, noise cancellation, and mic clarity.

High-resolution audio fans: Because they work with the LDAC codec, the XM6s should be particularly attractive to Android users who prioritize high-bit-rate streaming audio.

EQ lovers: If you like to customize your sound, the XM6s feature a 10-band EQ for fine-tuning, which is superior to most competing earphones.

The second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones deliver some of the most consistently excellent noise cancellation available, effectively reducing complex mids and highs while mitigating the lows. AptX Adaptive support, immersive (spatial) audio modes, and multipoint connectivity make the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones competitive in other aspects, too. We also appreciate the improved audio quality, extended battery life, and advanced wired playback options.

Audiophiles who prefer wired listening: The updated version of the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones supports lossless audio over USB-C, which isn't something you see on a lot of Bluetooth headphones.

Bose loyalists: We think Sony has a slight edge these days when it comes to noise-cancelling abilities, but anyone looking for the best noise-cancelling headphones from Bose won't be disappointed with these.

Everything about the AirPods Max 2 is a bit over the top, from their size to their price. And yet their quality is undeniable. They're visually stunning and fit right within Apple's sleek design aesthetic. Additionally, they deliver an excellent listening experience and powerful active noise cancellation.

Apple folk: Like the AirPods Pro 3, the AirPods Max 2 offer the most benefit to people who use other Apple products, like iPhones, iPads, and Macs, thanks to their seamless integration.

Lossless audio listeners: Apple's over-ear cans support lossless audio playback via USB-C.

Marshall Headphones' highly stylized noise-cancelling, over-ear cans not only look good and sound great, but they have surprisingly long battery life: 70 hours of listening with ANC on or 100 hours with ANC off. They also offer solid noise cancellation and include plenty of extras.

Hard rock aesthetes: These headphones are a great choice if you like Marshall's tolex-inspired, rock-n-roll aesthetic.

Those who want it all: If you desire good sound, want solid noise cancellation, and, above all else, require extra-long battery life, these headphones are a solid choice.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earphones are designed for fitness enthusiasts, offering a well-rounded set of features, including noise cancellation, wireless charging, and heart rate monitoring. They can withstand sweaty workouts and deliver punchy bass to keep you motivated. Moreover, their over-ear hooks keep them stable whether you're jogging or cycling. Other highlights include up to 10 hours of battery life and native integration with Apple's iPhone.

Fitness enthusiasts: Runners and other athletes should feel confident using these earbuds, thanks to their over-ear hooks and sweat- and rain-resistant design. They also sound good enough that you won't mind using them for more casual listening.

iPhone owners: Like the AirPods, the Powerbeats Pro 2 feature system-level integration with iPhones, giving you broad control over their settings.

JBL's Tour One M3 noise-cancelling headphones do it all. They offer full sound, long battery life, and you won't mind wearing them all day. Most importantly, they come with a transmitter that lets you connect to almost any source for the ultimate in flexibility.

Frequent travelers: The wireless transmitter lets you connect to a wide range of audio sources, including seatback entertainment systems on airplanes.