Wireless headphones are the default these days, and there are roughly one gazillion of them (and counting). We do our best to test them all, but not everything can make the big list. Here are some other great options worth trying.
Sonos Ace for $449: The Sonos Ace (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are a pricey but impressive first effort from Sonos, with fantastic noise canceling, great sound, and one of the comfiest designs (if not the comfiest) you’ll find in the game. A few initial software bugs hinder their performance upon release, including trouble with the TV Swap feature that lets you pass sound from a Sonos soundbar to the Ace, but I expect Sonos to address this via firmware update.
Technics EAH-AZ80 for $298: The AZ80 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are great earbuds. Their most noteworthy feature is conveniently pairing to three devices at once, but they finish strong with good noise-canceling tech, top-tier sound quality, and seven different ear tip options for a remarkably comfy fit.
Beats Studio Pro for $250: The Studio Pro (7/10, WIRED Recommends) offer quality performance, including surprisingly clear sound, good noise canceling, and refreshingly natural transparency mode. The design feels a bit cheap, and they skip features like auto-pause, but extras like Hands-Free Siri and head tracking with spatial audio help pad their value—especially since their sale price sometimes drops to around half of the original $350 MSRP.
Sony WH-CH720N for $150: These Sony cans may have a silly name, but their sheer value makes up for it. They’re not as pliable as top options and don’t come with a case, but their sound quality and noise-canceling are excellent for the money. They are also built to last and have battery life that goes on and on, making them a great option for prudent shoppers.
Sony WH-1000XM4 for $267: Sony’s XM4 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) remain a top headphone, even after being supplanted by the fancier XM5. For a fairly sizable price reduction, you’ll get still-fabulous noise-canceling tech, great sound, and luxe comfort in a supremely portable package.
Master and Dynamic MH40 for $399: M&D’s second-gen MH40 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) pack gorgeous sound into an equally gorgeous design, with luxurious trappings like lambskin leather and metal parts in place of plastic. Their lack of advanced features, excluding even noise canceling, makes them a pricey portal to minimalism, but they’ve got style for days.
Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2 for $300: These slim and comfy headphones from B&W (9/10, WIRED Recommends) have been updated in the newer S2e ($399), which provides advanced digital processing to improve audio. We already adored the sound of the original, and while they can’t equal the features or noise canceling of our top pick, either option is a solid choice—especially on sale.
Audio Technica ATH-M50xBT for $199: The original ATH-M50X (9/10, WIRED Recommends) provide balanced sound and great durability, making them ubiquitous in music and film studios. But what if you want to take them with you between takes? Enter the ATH-M50XBT, which partner a wired studio connection with Bluetooth for wireless freedom. They don’t offer noise canceling or other advanced features but they’re great for melding art and play.
Sony Linkbuds for $128: The Linkbuds (8/10, WIRED Recommends) have a neat trick: speakers with holes in the middle that let in the world around you for environmental awareness. They’re not so hot for noisy environments, making them something of a one-trick pony, but they’re among the best options in the growing open-ear trend.
JLab Jbuds Mini for $40: These micro-buds from JLab offer so-so sound, but their adorably teensy design that fits on a key ring makes them a fun accessory for those who need some cheap buds to take on the go.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2 for $160: Samsung’s top Galaxy buds (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are getting a bit long in the tooth, but they’re still among the best buds for Galaxy phones, offering solid noise canceling, clear and vivacious sound, and a few Samsung-only features. Their app won’t work with non-Samsung phones, though, and their battery life of just five hours is now bottom of the barrel.
