Headphones
Over-ear, DJ, noise-canceling, and studio headphone guides. Every recommendation based on real specs and user feedback.
The 5 Best Over-Ear Headphones in 2026
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the best over-ear headphones pick in 2026 on its listing: 12 mics, QN3 processor, 30 hours. Four alternatives, from $99.99 to $429.
Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QC Ultra: Which Should You Buy? (2026)
The Sony WH-1000XM6 wins the Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Bose QC Ultra matchup on listed battery and mics. The Bose costs $50 less and has more ratings.
Time to Upgrade Your Sony WH-1000XM4? (2026 Guide)
The Sony WH-1000XM5 at $198 is the sensible upgrade from the Sony WH-1000XM4 in 2026. The XM6 costs $378; the Soundcore Space One is $99.99.
Best DJ Headphones for Loud Clubs in 2026
The Sennheiser HD 25 is the best DJ headphones for loud clubs pick in 2026 at $130.34: closed-back, 4.6 stars. The HDJ-X10 is the flagship at $449.
Best DJ Headphones for Glasses Wearers (2026)
The Pioneer DJ HDJ-X7 is the best DJ headphones for glasses wearers shortlist pick in 2026 on its swivel earcups. Fit over frames is yours to try.
Best Headphones for Long Studio Sessions (2026)
The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is the best headphones for long studio sessions pick in 2026 on rating (4.6 stars, 17,547 ratings). Two $50 semi-open alternatives.
Best Headphones for Small Heads (2026)
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are the best headphones for small heads shortlist pick in 2026 on rating (4.5 stars, 22,011 ratings). Fit is yours to try.
Best Headphones for Glasses Wearers (2026)
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the best headphones for glasses wearers shortlist pick in 2026 on owner volume (20,128 ratings) and price. Fit is yours to try.
Best Headphones That Don't Leak Sound (2026)
The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is the best headphones that don't leak sound pick in 2026 by design: closed-back, built for recording without bleed. Four closed-back picks.
Best DJ Headphones Under $200 (2026)
The Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5 is the best DJ headphones under $200 in 2026 at $119: swivel earcups, 40mm drivers, 4.5 stars on 1,810 ratings.
Best DJ Headphones Under $100 (2026)
The OneOdio Pro-50 is the best DJ headphones under $100 in 2026 at $45.99: swiveling cups, 50mm drivers, 4.5 stars. The Tascam TH-02 costs $21.99.
Best Mixing Headphones Under $200 (2026)
The AKG K240 Studio is the best mixing headphones under $200 pick in 2026 at $52.95: AKG lists it for mixing and mastering. The DT 770 Pro is $199.99.
Best Portable Music Player in 2026 (MP3 Players Compared)
The SnowSky / FiiO Echo Mini is the best portable music player in 2026 at $59.99, sold by FiiO direct. Five MP3 players and DAPs from $39.99 to $249 compared.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Studio Headphone Showdown (2026)
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x wins the DT 770 vs M50x matchup in 2026 on price and ratings: $159 against $199.99, 33,859 ratings at 4.7 against 17,547 at 4.6.
Sony MDR-7506 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Studio Classics (2026)
The Sony MDR-7506 wins the MDR-7506 vs ATH-M50x matchup in 2026 on price: $98 against $159, both rated 4.7. The M50x has a detachable cable and 45mm drivers.
Sony MDR-7506 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M40x: Budget Studio Shootout (2026)
The Sony MDR-7506 wins the MDR-7506 vs ATH-M40x matchup in 2026 on price and rating: $98 and 4.7 stars against $109 and 4.6. The M40x has a detachable cable.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 vs DT 990: Closed or Open? (2026)
The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro vs DT 990 Pro: both are $199.99 and rated 4.6. The DT 770 is closed-back at 80 ohm; the DT 990 is open-back at 250 ohm.
Best Noise Canceling Earbuds for Commuting in 2026
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 is the best noise canceling earbuds for commuting pick in 2026: 4.7 stars on 28,782 ratings. The Sony WF-1000XM5 is rated 3.7.
Best Wireless Earbuds for Running in 2026
The Soundcore Sport X20 is the best wireless earbuds for running pick in 2026 at $69.99: ear hooks, IP68 and 16,195 ratings. Three alternatives compared.
Best Open-Back Headphones Under $200 in 2026
The Sennheiser HD 560S is the best open-back headphones under $200 in 2026 at $179.99. The HIFIMAN HE400SE is $109; the DT 990 Pro is $199.99.
How Much Should Good Headphones Cost in 2026? The Honest Price Guide
How much should good headphones cost in 2026? From $99.99 to $429, here is what four noise-canceling over-ears cost and what the makers say you get at each tier.
Best Open-Back Headphones for Gaming in 2026
The Sennheiser HD 560S is the best open-back headphones for gaming pick in 2026 at $179.99. The HIFIMAN HE400SE ($109) is the cheaper way in.
Sennheiser HD 560S vs Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X: Which Open-Back Wins? (2026)
The Sennheiser HD 560S wins the HD 560S vs DT 900 Pro X matchup in 2026 on price: $179.99 against $279.99, with the same 4.5-star rating.
Best IEMs Under $100 in 2026
The 7Hz Salnotes Zero is the best IEM under $100 in 2026 on its listing: $22.99, 4.4 stars on 2,703 ratings. Three alternatives from $22.99 to $89.99.
Which Sony Headphones Leak the Least Sound? A Design Guide (2026)
Which Sony headphones leak the least sound? The Sony MDR-7506 is the closed-design pick at $98; open-ring LinkBuds Open leak by design. No leakage tests, only listings.
AirPods Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM5: Which Wins in 2026?
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 wins the AirPods Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM5 matchup in 2026 on owner data: 4.7 stars versus 3.7. The Sony costs $66 less.