
It has been an exhilarating year for audio technology and headphones. There has never been a more opportune time to invest in top-notch headphones, earbuds, or soundbars. In this article, we are reviewing the best headphones of the year 2024 so far. You can choose as per your choice.
Best headphones
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones have risen as the leading selection of consumers this year. What distinguishes these headphones is their extraordinary 60-hour battery longevity, which sets a new benchmark.
Alongside their cozy wear, Sennheiser's distinctive sound quality and effective noise cancellation make the Momentum 4 headphones one of the most convenient wireless options we have come across.
While last year's winner, the Sony WH-1000MX5, remains an overall favorite of customers, Sennheiser has acquired Tom’s Guide’s prestigious Editor's Pick endorsement by raising the bar this year for other brands.
Best noise-canceling headphones: Apple AirPods Pro 2
When it comes to noise-canceling technology, brands like Bose and Sony often come to mind. However, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 earbuds rival over-ear headphones in their ability to provide extended periods of tranquility.
With the forthcoming new features of an ambient audio mode that accommodates your surroundings, these earbuds are poised to make an even greater impact.
Even without this feature, the AirPods Pro 2 proves to be an excellent partner for extended journeys, and vigorous workouts in loud fitness centers and other bustling surroundings. Furthermore, their dynamic transparency feature intelligently leverages active noise cancellation (ANC) to restrict excessive surrounding auditory distraction.
Best wireless earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 shines as the best wireless earbuds Tom’s Guide assessed this year, presenting adjustable sound, exceptional ANC, and a revamped design.
With a scaled-down by one-third compared to their forerunners, the second-generation QC Earbuds elevate the wireless listening experience in every aspect.
The elegant and harmonious sound quality is genuinely astounding, and the call performance is top-notch. Exclusive technologies like ActiveSense and CustomTune exceed at balancing sound and noise elimination, setting Bose's latest earbuds apart in the competitive industry. For those seeking a premium pair, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 come enthusiastically recommended.
Best value earbuds: JLab Epic Air Sport ANC (2nd Gen)
JLab consistently furnishes versatile earbuds with extraordinary battery performance, making them excellent great bang for the buck.
While we appreciate the original $79 Epic Air Sport ANC earbuds, the JLab Epic Air Sport ANC (2nd Gen) launched last year and went beyond what was anticipated. Valued at $99, these geared-for workouts earbuds feature a dependable ear-hook design for a snug fit, IP66-certified protection against dirt and moisture, and active noise cancellation (ANC).
With invigorating and harmonious sound delivery, they are placed among the top budget-friendly wireless earbuds we have tested. These earbuds are well suited to both frequent audio consumers and those pursuing physically active lifestyles.
Best audiophile headphones: Bowers & Wilkins Px8
Harmonizing luxurious design and premium sound, Bowers & Wilkins continues to amaze with their latest release.
The-top-of-the-line Bowers & Wilkins Px8 ANC over-ear headphones, launched in late 2022, embody the zenith of audiophile headphones.
They kept all the qualities we cherished about last year's acclaimed Px7 S2 while integrating deluxe materials for enriched comfort and updated drivers that deliver ideal audio quality.
The Px8 headphones offer an incredibly nimble and captivating wireless listening experience, making them a must-have for audiophiles who place importance on sound quality.
Feature | Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless | Apple AirPods Pro 2 | Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 | JLab Epic Air Sport ANC (2nd Gen) | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $399 | $299 | $249 | $79 | $660 |
Noise Cancellation | Excellent | Excellent | Very good | Good | Good |
Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Battery Life | Up to 7 hours (ANC on) | Up to 4.5 hours (ANC on) | Up to 6 hours (ANC on) | Up to 8 hours (ANC on) | Up to 30 hours (ANC off) |
Size and Weight | Each earbud is 0.7 oz and 0.86 inches | Each earbud is 0.19 oz and 0.86 inches | Each earbud is 0.3 oz and 0.75 inches | Each earbud is 0.2 oz and 0.7 inches | Each earbud is 0.5 oz and 0.8 inches |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Water Resistance | IPX4 rated | IPX4 rated | IPX4 rated | IPX4 rated | IPX4 rated |
Other Features | Active EQ, aptX Adaptive | Spatial audio, adaptive EQ | Adaptive noise cancellation, hear-through mode | Ambient sound passthrough, volume control on earbuds | High-Resolution Audio, adjustable ANC |
Pros | Excellent sound quality, active EQ, long battery life | Excellent noise cancellation, spatial audio, comfortable fit | Excellent noise cancellation, adaptive noise cancellation, hear-through mode | Good sound quality, affordable price, long battery life | Excellent sound quality, high-resolution audio, adjustable ANC |
Cons | Expensive | Expensive, fit can be inconsistent | Expensive, touch controls can be finicky | Bulky charging case | Expensive |