After the smartphone, headphones are the gadget we reach for most often in our daily lives. Here, The Verge tracks the best headphones for every budget and purpose, whether they be wireless, noise cancelling, in-ear, or over-ear. With all the big brands — from Bose and Beats to Sony and Sennheiser — and a few of the over-performing smaller ones, there's a perfect pair of headphones out there for everyone, and we'll have it covered.
8.5
Verge Score
Beats Fit Pro review: sporty AirPod Pros with better sound
The latest Beats earbuds are the company’s best product since the Powerbeats Pro
8.5
Verge Score
Bose QuietComfort 45 review: comfortably familiar
A masterclass in going back to what works
8.5
Verge Score
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 review: nailing the basics with style
When the entry-level earbuds are this good, why go Pro?
7
Verge Score
Nothing Ear 1 earbuds review: almost something
Standout design, noise cancellation, and wireless charging for $99
8
Verge Score
Bose Frames Tempo review: the specs to beat
Bose’s sporty shades offer good sound, a steady fit, and total awareness
6.5
Verge Score
V-Moda M-200 ANC review: $500 headphones can’t be this unpolished
V-Moda’s first noise-canceling headphones are built well and have balanced sound, but they fall short on features
8.5
Verge Score
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro review: the right balance
They don’t win at any one thing, but they strike a great mix in terms of sound quality, ANC, and comfort
8.5
Verge Score
Apple AirPods Max review: luxurious sound for a luxury price
Apple’s over-ear headphones have tremendous build quality and sound, but there’s no denying they’re expensive
8.5
Verge Score
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds review: noise-canceling champion
Good sound quality and best-in-class noise cancellation come in an awkwardly big case
7.5
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UE Fits review: a fit that’s lit
They fit better than any consumer earbuds I’ve ever tried, but they aren’t without shortcomings
7.5
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Beats Flex review: wireless earbud basics done right
Beats’ first earbuds with a USB-C connector are only $50
7
Verge Score
Google Pixel Buds review: second time’s the charm
Google’s new earbuds finally go truly wireless and have improved sound quality
9
Verge Score
Sony WH-1000XM4 review: the best noise-canceling headphones get better
Sony didn’t change much, but it made the improvements we’ve been waiting for
8
Verge Score
Samsung Galaxy Buds Live review: cool beans
An unconventional design turns out to be a winner
7.5
Verge Score
Sony WF-SP800N review: noise cancellation for your workouts
With longer continuous battery life than the 1000XM3s — and proper sweat resistance
8
Verge Score
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 review: perfect for work-from-home life
Now at a much more sensible price
7
Verge Score
Microsoft Surface Earbuds review: comfort at a cost
They’re super comfortable and have lengthy battery life, but the style won’t be for everyone
7
Verge Score
Google Pixel Buds review: second time’s the charm
Google’s new earbuds finally go truly wireless and have improved sound quality