Latest Audio Innovations: premium headphones leading the market in 2025
In the ever-evolving world of audio technology, several headphones have emerged as standout contenders for the title of the best. Whether you're seeking premium over-ear headphones, top-tier earbuds, or the best options for travel and noise-cancelling, this guide will help you navigate the market.
Best Overall Headphones: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 has earned the title of the best overall headphones for its exceptional build quality, superb sound, and impressive features. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 and aptX Lossless, these over-ear headphones offer multipoint connectivity and an impressive battery life of 30 hours. TechRadar's reviewers and T3's contributor have praised the Px7 S3 as the top overall pick for sound quality and value.
Best Noise-Cancelling / Travel Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM6
For those who frequently travel or need excellent noise-cancellation, the Sony WH-1000XM6 is the go-to choice. This model features upgraded design and comfort, improved noise cancelling, and sound quality. It also boasts a powerful QN3 chip, excellent voice-calling performance, and spatial audio with head tracking. CNET has recognised the WH-1000XM6 as the Editors' Choice for its significant improvement over its predecessor, the WH-1000XM5, and for its exceptional noise cancellation and call quality.
Notable Mentions: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
While not quite reaching the heights of the Sony WH-1000XM6, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones retain strong noise-cancellation performance and excellent voice call quality. They also boast new immersive audio features, making them a strong alternative, particularly for call quality.
Best Earbuds: Technics EAH-AZ100 and Sony WF-C710N
For true wireless earbuds, the Technics EAH-AZ100 and Sony WF-C710N are the top choices. The Technics EAH-AZ100 is highlighted for its sleek design, comfort, and outstanding sound quality, while the Sony WF-C710N earns praise for its musicality, comfort, battery life, and noise cancellation at a competitive price.
In summary, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 leads the pack for overall sound and build quality in over-ear headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM6 takes the crown for comprehensive noise cancelling and travel use. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones remain a strong alternative, particularly for call quality. For earbuds, the Technics EAH-AZ100 and Sony WF-C710N are the top choices.
- The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3, with its high-quality build, superior sound, and advanced features, is a standout gadget in the realm of technology-driven headphones, making it a perfect choice for discerning audio enthusiasts.
- In the selection of earbuds, both the Technics EAH-AZ100 and Sony WF-C710N have been highlighted for their exceptional sound quality, design, and noise-cancellation features, ensuring they are worthy additions to one's gadget collection.
