The best headphones in 2022: Sony, Bose, and more
Figure of The best headphones in 2022
The best headphones in 2022s in every style and price range
The best headphones in 2022 require for anyone who enjoys music, podcasts, and movies. Headphones are also necessary if you travel frequently, make a lot of video calls at work, or need music while working out.
Despite the numerous options and types available, finding the best headphones or earbuds is simple, even if you are unfamiliar with brands and features. We’ve tested hundreds of different earbuds and headphones, including most of the market’s top and most popular models, so we know what we’re looking for.
Choosing the best headphones for you determine by several factors, including your budget, the features you value, and any aesthetic or fit preferences you may have. And our guide below will help you make sense of it all as well as find the best headphones for your needs, no matter what your budget is.
Many of the headphones and earphones on this list may appear different. Still, they all share key characteristics: a comfortable design, class-leading audio performance, and a variety of great extra features such as built-in voice assistants and wireless connectivity. You won’t disappoint with any of these choices, whether you listen on your smartphone, laptop, or one of the best MP3 players.
1. The best headphones in 2022: Sony WH-1000XM4
| SPECIFICATIONS | Acoustic design: Close Weight: 253g Frequency response: 4Hz to 40kHz Drivers: 1.57-inch dome-type Battery life: 30 hours |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Noise cancellation has improved over the previous model. DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Multipoint pairing is possible. |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | It is not water-resistant. |
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones also support Sony’s 360 Reality Audio format, which provides spatial audio on stereo headphones, as well as the LDAC codec, which can transmit data at up to 990 kbps. However, it no longer supports aptX or aptX HD, so your mileage with high-resolution audio may vary.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-canceling headphones are an excellent choice. They deliver on all fronts, thanks to their exceptional noise cancellation and cutting-edge codec support.
2. The best headphones in 2022: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
| SPECIFICATIONS | Acoustic design: Close Weight: 293g Frequency response: 6Hz-22,000Hz Drivers: 42mm dynamic Battery life: 60 hours |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Neutral, crisp, detailed sound Excellent ANC and transparency Extremely long battery life even with ANC enabled |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | A little plain in appearance The design does not fold up into the headband |
We predicted that Sennheiser’s welcome update to its 2019 Sennheiser Momentum third-generation Wireless headphones would soon include in this buying guide, and they have arrived. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless are Sennheiser’s newest August 2022-release wireless over-ear headphones, and if Sony (listed above and below) isn’t concerned, it should be.
These headphones have an incredible 60-hour battery life, a user-friendly app, a robust feature set, simple on-ear controls, talented adaptive noise cancellation, and a zealous sound that will have you nodding your head happily wherever you go. Yes, they’re a little plain on the outside, but the proof is in the pudding, and these headphones sound ridiculously good for the price.
3. The best headphones in 2022: Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus
| SPECIFICATIONS | Acoustic design: Closed Weight: 4.6g each Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz Drivers: 5.8mm Dynamic with Graphene-enhanced Diaphragm Battery life: Up to 50 Hours |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Neutral, crisp, detailed sound Excellent ANC and transparency Extremely long battery life even with ANC enabled |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | No ANC |
The Cambridge Audio Melomania 1 Plus is a much more appealing option now that they’ve received a permanent price cut, bringing the price down to more than half its original price. Not that they weren’t already at their original price, with our review awarding them a coveted five-star rating. These are a clear step up from their predecessors, with excellent audio performance, a helpful app, and simple controls. We discovered during testing that they have a lot of dynamism and character, with a lively presentation, high accuracy, and a lot of detail.
4. The best headphones in 2022: Sony WH-1000XM5
| SPECIFICATIONS | Acoustic design: Closed Weight: 250g Frequency response: 4Hz to 40kHz Drivers: 1.18-inch dome-type Battery life: 40 hours / 30 with ANC on |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Excellent noise cancellation Excellent audio performance Helpful ambient features |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | More expensive Not a significant improvement over the XM4s |
We stated in our Sony WH-1000XM5 review that the XM5s are “the best headphones in the world due to their class-leading noise-canceling features and well-balanced audio.” “A steeper price point and similar functionality to earlier models make the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones an ever-so-slightly tougher sell than before,” according to the reviewer.
The new design is more elegant and has slightly smaller drivers than the previous model, but the trade-off is that they do not fold neatly like the previous model. The noise cancellation is best-in-class, excelling the higher-pitched sounds that ANC headphones tend to struggle with, and the sound quality is excellent.
5. The best headphones in 2022: Sony WF-1000XM4 Wireless Earbuds
| SPECIFICATIONS | Acoustic design: Closed Weight: 7.3g Frequency response: 20-40,000Hz Drivers: 6mm Battery life: 8 hours (earbuds) 16 hours (charging case) |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Excellent noise cancellation Excellent audio performance Helpful ambient features |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | More expensive Not a significant improvement over the XM4s |
Sony has combined performance, ergonomics, and build quality more effectively than ever before in a noise-canceling true wireless package with the Sony WF-1000XM4s. During our testing, we discover that, when compared to their predecessors, the Sony WF-1000XM3, the newer wireless earbuds provide enough quality-of-life features to warrant an upgrade, even if they are slightly more expensive. Auto-pause and the ability to tune the buds to the shape of your ears are extremely useful features.
6. The best headphones in 2022: 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Headphone
| SPECIFICATIONS | Acoustic design: Closed Weight: 18g Frequency response: 20-40,000Hz Drivers: Dynamic Battery life: N/A |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Lush sound Excellent build and design Unrivaled value |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | The remote feels cheap. |
After a few weeks of testing, we’re confident that the 1More Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones deliver fantastic sound and equally fantastic value for money. As a result, we believe they are the best headphones for those who prefer wired earbuds. It’s difficult to find a better-sounding and more well-built pair of earphones for $100 / £100 than the 1MORE Triple Drivers though if you want a little extra refinement and more luxurious materials, the same firm’s 1MORE Quad Drivers are even more impressive, albeit at twice the price.
7. The best headphones in 2022: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Wireless Headphones
| SPECIFICATIONS | Acoustic design: Closed Weight: 18g Frequency response: 20-40,000Hz Drivers: Dynamic Battery life: N/A |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Lush sound Excellent build and design Unrivaled value |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | The remote feels cheap. |
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Wireless Headphones are well worth considering if you’re looking for wireless headphones with active noise cancellation and aren’t put off by the $399 / £349 / AU$600 price tag. Sony retains the title of best wireless headphones, but there isn’t much of a difference between Sony’s cans and those from Bowers & Wilkins. With sophisticated noise cancellation, much-improved sound quality, and a stylish design, we found the PX7s a joy to test and believe they could compete with any of the headphones on this list.
8. The best headphones in 2022: SoundMAGIC E11BT
| SPECIFICATIONS | Acoustic design: Closed Weight: 24.7g Frequency response: 20 – 20,000Hz Drivers: 10mm dynamic neodymium Battery life: 20 hours |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Excellent value Elegant style Convenient with ergonomic tips |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | Treble tones can be harsh. |
Treble frequencies are also sharp and clear, with a good level of attack. However, we discovered that they may be a little harsh for anyone looking for a very warm soundstage.
We thought these headphones were stylish and comfortable to wear, thanks to their ergonomically designed ear tips. They attach to a flat neckband that didn’t irritate our skin while we were running or exercising. They have an IPX4 rating, which means they should be able to withstand sweaty workouts, making them an excellent choice as a backup pair of workout earbuds.
9. The best headphones in 2022: Plantronics BackBeat Go 810
| SPECIFICATIONS | Acoustic design: Closed Weight: 289g Frequency response: N/A Drivers: 40mm dynamic Battery life: 24 hours |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Warm, balanced sound Reliable wireless connection Excellent build quality |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | When there is no music playing, there is a hiss. |
Plantronics now sells the Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 for $150 / £140 / AU$240. These over-ear headphones are made of less expensive materials, but during our testing, we discovered that the sound quality was nearly identical to that of their more expensive predecessor – and they have an equally stylish design.
While the active noise cancellation is average, the headphones provide mostly warm and balanced sound, which is impressive for headphones in this price range. Battery life is approximately 20 hours with ANC on and up to 28 hours with it turned off.
10. The best headphones in 2022: Lypertek PurePlay Z3 2.0
| SPECIFICATIONS | Acoustic design: : Closed Frequency response: : 20Hz – 20kHz Drivers:: Graphene, 6mm dynamic Battery life: 10 hours (earbuds) 70 hours (charging case) |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Excellent sound Affordable price Excellent battery life |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | The ambient mode is inadequate. |
That price gets you everything we like about the original PurePlay Z3, including detail-balanced sound, a whopping 80 hours of total battery life from its small USB-C charging case, and a comfortably fitting bud with physical buttons. The Z3 2.0 earbuds, on the other hand, include wireless charging, a powerful new LDX Audio mode, enhanced app functionality, and a hear-through ambient mode.
The bad news is that we found app connectivity to be patchy, and the ambient hear-through mode isn’t up to par with Sony’s noise canceling WF-1000XM4. The lack of a hear-through mode is unfortunate, but these earbuds remain very impressive in terms of sound quality, endurance, and affordability.
11. The best headphones in 2022: NuraLoop headphones
| SPECIFICATIONS | Acoustic design: Closed Weight: 25g Frequency response: 20Hz – 20 kHz Drivers: 8.6mm dynamic Battery life: 16 hours |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Rich, adaptive audio ANC and social mode Rugged, sweatproof design |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | A stiff neckband can be inconvenient |
NuraLoop has distilled everything good about the company’s first product, the Nuraphone, into a much more compact, rugged, and affordable package, without sacrificing much.
When we reviewed these headphones, we discovered that the adaptive audio technology, which automatically creates a customized listening profile and feeds you well-balanced, lush sound tailored to your ears, was the star of the show. It’s visually stunning and immersive.
Although this is the main selling point of these earbuds, they also have active noise cancellation, social mode, an IPX3 rating, Immersion mode, a long battery life, and the ability to connect an analog cable for 3.5mm headphone jacks.
12. The best headphones in 2022: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
| SPECIFICATIONS | Acoustic design: Closed Weight: 25g Frequency response: N/A Drivers: N/A Battery life: 20 hours |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Excellent noise cancellation Funny, lively sound Elegant design |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | Battery life is only 20 hours. |
If the Sony WH-1000XM4s are the current noise-canceling headphones kings, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are the next in line. We think the Sonys sound slightly better, but the Bose noise cancellation is superior – so if you’re a frequent flyer, these may be the better option.
Bose has made significant advances in the field of noise-canceling headphones by applying noise cancellation to both phone calls and music. We were impressed by the sound quality, which had a vibrant, lively character and a well-balanced soundstage.
13. The best headphones in 2022: AKG N60NC
| SPECIFICATIONS | Acoustic design: Closed Weight: 198g Frequency response: 10 – 20,000 Hz Drivers: 40mm Battery life: 15 hours |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Battery life of 15-30 hours Lossless audio support Excellent sound |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | The on-ear form can be uncomfortably tight |
We found their noise cancellation to be very effective at blocking out engine noise and other similar sounds on flights, and like other AKG headphones, there’s solid bass without the low end overpowering the midrange and treble. Every time, the music sounds crisp and distinct. If you’re used to on-ear rather than over-ear headphones, they’re also most comfortable, which is important if you’re going to use them while traveling.
The battery life is adequate for low-cost noise-canceling headphones, with 15 hours of Bluetooth playback. If you only want full noise cancellation, you’ll get a whopping 30 hours of peace before needing to find a charger, making these a great option for long-haul travel.
14. The best headphones in 2022: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
| SPECIFICATIONS | Acoustic Design: Closed Weight: 8.5g Frequency Response: N/A Drivers: N/A Battery onboard: 6 hours (earbuds) 12 hours (charging case) |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Superior ANC +Rich, clear sound |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | Inadequate on-board volume control Bumpy charging case |
The design of these earbuds has greatly improved, and the noise cancellation is also exceptional. There are ten levels of ANC available here. At its most extreme, you’re practically cut off from the rest of the world, cocooned in a cocoon of sound compose entirely of your favorite songs. Only the highest frequency sounds, such as sirens, will be audible, and even they will be muffled to a large extent.
The Bose headphones aren’t as bassy as Sony’s competitors, but we were impressed with their superb clarity and consistently impressive sound quality. We found these noise-canceling earbuds to be incredibly comfortable and well-balanced during our testing, and while we expected their bulky form factor to be an issue, they’re much more comfortable than they appear.
15. The best headphones in 2022: Jabra Elite 45h
| SPECIFICATIONS | Acoustic design: Closed Weight: 160g Frequency response: 20Hz-20,000Hz Drivers: 40mm Battery life: 50 hours |
| REASONS TO PURCHASE | Impressive battery life Balanced sound |
| AVOIDANCE REASONS | Sound balance Long battery life |
Voice control is available through Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. When compares to others in this price range, Jabra’s Sound+ control app even walks you through a brief hearing test to determine exactly how the EQs should be set to best suit your ears. The Elite 45h are feature-rich by the standards of overtly affordable headphones.
