If you’re in the market for a new set of headphones you know how daunting it can be to make a final decision. It seems like there’s an infinite number of brands, styles, features, and prices to choose from. If your headphone research has taken you down the rabbit hole, we’d like to help narrow the field. So, here’s our list of the best headphones for different needs.
Best Headphones for Zoom Meetings
If you spend a lot of time on the phone or Zoom calls, a good set of noise-canceling headphones is a must. Headphones that filter out background noises can help you focus on the meeting and cut down on distractions.
In a perfect world, the best headphones for virtual meetings would have noise cancellation, a microphone, and Bluetooth connectivity. You also want headphones with a long battery life that aren’t going to die on you in the middle of an important call.
Sony WF-1000XM3 Wireless Earbuds
Not everyone loves wearing over-the-ear headphones all day. So, if you’re one of those people, then check out earbud-style headphones like the Sony WF-1000XM3. It’s rare to find earbud-style headphones that deliver on noise cancellation, but these are more than up to the task.
Features include:
- Industry-leading HD Noise Cancelling Processor
- 24-bit signal processing
- Up to 24 hours on a single charge
- 10 minute in-case charging
- Bluetooth enabled
- Touch-activated controls
- Alexa compatible
Poly UC Series
If you prefer an over-the-ear headset, Poly (formerly Plantronics) makes a range of headphones for a variety of prices designed especially for Zoom meetings and conference calls.
What you’ll pay really depends on what you’re willing to spend and the features you want. But we like the Voyager 4200 Office and UC Series for its features and versatility, including:
- Superior noise cancellation
- Dual microphones that limit outside noise interference
- Up to 300 feet wireless roaming range
- Up to 12 hours talk time and 15 hours listening time on a single charge
- Lightweight
- Call control features for mute, call answer, redial
- Alexa compatible
- Softphone compatibility with Microsoft, Cisco, Avaya, and more
Best Headphones for Gaming
Gaming these days is an immersive experience, and you need the right headphones to do it justice. If you’re looking for gaming headphones, focus on features like:
- High-resolution audio
- Surround-sound capability
- Long battery life
- Wireless connectivity
You probably also want the gaming headphone set you choose to be versatile enough that you can use it to listen to music outside of gaming, so a detachable microphone is ideal.
Audeze Mobius
The Audeze Mobius is one of the best headphones for gaming because of its high-quality audio and powerful connectivity features. At $399, it’s neither the cheapest nor the most expensive headset on the market, but it’s racked up tons of positive reviews in the gaming community for its quality.
If you prefer something a little more affordable, the Audeze Penrose is an excellent runner-up at $299. Just know that with the cheaper price tag you’ll lose surround and spatial audio capabilities.
By all accounts, these headphones provide one of the most immersive and cinematic gaming experiences on the market today. The Audeze Mobius actually tracks your head movements and adjusts the audio to emulate a highly realistic listening experience. You’ll be able to hear your opponent’s movements and position with incredible accuracy, giving you, perhaps, a bit of an unfair advantage.
Features include:
- Detachable boom microphone with separate volume control
- Wired USB, Bluetooth, and Aux connectivity
- 10 hours of battery life
- Customizable room emulation
- Dynamic head tracking
Best Headphones for Audiophiles
If you really care about sound quality, there’s no cutting corners when it comes to headphones. The best headphones for music are over-the-ear models as they offer the most immersive experience as well as the best comfort and overall audio quality.
Sennheiser 800 S
If you really want to splash out and treat yourself or the music lover in your life, the Sennheiser HD 800 S is worth a look. These headphones are professional quality, German-built, and crafted for perfection. Of course, at $1,699 they’re not for everyone, but may be worth the splurge.
Features include:
- Open back design (not noise-canceling)
- Natural, true, and highly detailed sound
- Quality construction
- Comfort for extended listening
Sennheiser HD 560S
In a somewhat more digestible price range, the Sennheiser HD 560S is no slouch in the quality department and an excellent entry-level headphone for music lovers at about $199. Features of the HD 560S include:
- Representing the entire frequency spectrum
- Accurate bass response
- Natural sounding
- Open-back style for an authentic hi-fi experience
- Non-noise canceling
Whether you need headphones for work, play, or listening pleasure, we hope this best headphones list helps narrow your search.
