Buying a pair of headphones in 2026 is not simply about sound quality anymore. Active noise cancelation, battery life, comfort, microphone performance, and sound customization can all make a huge difference to the overall experience. But don’t fret, we have hand-picked seven of the best headphones you can look at, across segments and features.

How to buy a headphone in 2026

Choose a pair of headphones by first considering your budget, then the features you want and the sound you like. If you’re a regular public transport user, work in noisy environments or just want to focus on your music without distractions then active noise cancelation (ANC) is worth investing in.

The sound quality is also important, but the best audio profile is based on your listening habits. Some headphones have more bass, which is good for electronic music and hip-hop, others are more balanced with clear vocals and details in the instruments.

Battery life is another factor to consider, especially if you travel frequently or use your headphones throughout the day. Comfort also matters, as tight headbands, heavy earcups or insufficient cushioning can become uncomfortable during long listening sessions.

If you regularly attend online meetings or take calls on the go, look for headphones with good microphone performance and effective background noise reduction. Features like Multipoint connectivity are useful if you switch between your smartphone and laptop, while support for wired listening can come in handy when the battery runs out or you want to connect to a compatible device.

Finally, check for app support, equaliser settings and audio codec compatibility if you want greater control over your listening experience. The idea is to find a pair that offers the right balance of sound, comfort and features for your budget, rather than paying extra for features you may rarely use.

7 best headphones in 2026

Soundcore Anker Q20i

The Soundcore Anker Q20i is a good starting point for those looking for wireless headphones with ANC without stretching their budget. Its hybrid noise cancellation, customisable EQ through the Soundcore app, and battery life of up to 40 hours with ANC enabled make it suitable for long hours of usage. It also supports transparency mode, letting you hear your surroundings when needed.

JBL Tune 770NC

If you enjoy bass-heavy music and do not want to charge your headphones frequently, the JBL Tune 770NC is worth considering. Its JBL Pure Bass sound, adaptive ANC and foldable design make it a practical everyday option, while the battery life reaches up to 44 hours with ANC on and 70 hours with it off. It also supports Multipoint connectivity, which is useful for switching between your phone and laptop.

Sony ULT Wear WH-ULT900N

Sony takes a different approach with the ULT Wear series compared to its regular pair of headphones. Instead of aiming for a restrained sound, these headphones put bass in the spotlight. A dedicated ULT button boosts the low end, making them a good fit for electronic music, hip-hop and bass-heavy playlists. They also offer ANC, an ambient sound mode, multipoint connectivity, and LDAC support for compatible devices. Battery life reaches up to 30 hours with ANC enabled. If you want your music to have more weight and impact, the ULT Wear is a compelling option.

Nothing Headphone (1)

The Nothing Headphone (1) doesn’t look like most other wireless headphones, and that’s part of its appeal. Its distinctive design is paired with tactile controls and audio tuned in collaboration with KEF. You get 40mm drivers, adaptive ANC, LDAC support and sound customisation. Battery life is rated at up to 35 hours with ANC on and 80 hours with it off. USB-C audio and a 3.5mm jack give you wired listening options, too. The Nothing Headphone (1) is worth considering if you want something that stands out visually but still offers the features expected from a premium wireless pair.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

Bose has built its reputation on noise cancellation, and the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are aimed at listeners who want to shut out the world around them. They combine advanced ANC with plush ear cushions, personalised sound and Immersive Audio for a more spacious listening experience. The second generation adds USB-C lossless audio and Cinema Mode for films, while battery life reaches up to 30 hours with ANC enabled and Immersive Audio switched off. These headphones make the most sense for frequent flyers, commuters and anyone who spends long stretches listening to music. They’re a premium purchase, but comfort and noise cancellation are the main reasons to consider them.

Sony WH-1000XM6

Sony WH-1000XM6 is the most versatile option on this list. Its advanced noise cancellation, fuller sound, LDAC support, and multipoint connectivity make it suitable for everything from music and movies to work calls and long-haul flights. Battery life is rated at up to 30 hours with ANC on and 40 hours with it off, which means you can pretty much carry them everywhere you go. Sony also offers plenty of control over sound and ambient listening settings through its companion app.

Sennheiser HDB 630

The Sennheiser HDB 630 is for listeners who want more control over how their music sounds. Its 42mm drivers are paired with a parametric equaliser and crossfeed feature, giving you more room to fine-tune the listening experience. It supports high-resolution audio over USB-C and wired connections, and comes with the BTD 700 Bluetooth USB-C dongle. Features like adaptive ANC and a claimed battery life of up to 60 hours make it practical for everyday use. Unlike headphones that lean heavily on boosted bass or immersive effects, the HDB 630 focuses on detailed playback and sound customisation. It’s an expensive option, but one worth considering if audio quality takes precedence over everything else.

Which are the best budget headphones in 2026?

The Soundcore Anker Q20i is the best budget headphone you can buy right now, as it offers a combination of ANC, app-based sound customisation and long battery life.

Which are the best overall headphones in 2026?

The Sony WH-1000XM6 is our best overall pick for its great sound, excellent noise cancellation, customisation options, and versatile everyday features.

Which are the best premium headphones in 2026?

The Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are our top premium picks, with Sony offering extensive sound customisation and Bose excelling at noise cancellation and comfort.

Which are the best audiophile-grade headphones in 2026?

The Sennheiser HDB 630 is the best audiophile-grade headphone on this list, offering detailed sound, high-resolution audio support, and advanced equaliser controls for listeners who want greater control over their listening experience.

So, which of these headphones is your pick? Let us know in the comments below.

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