Life’s too short to settle for bad audio. Commuting on a train or jumping on a lengthy flight with sub-par cans or cheap wireless buds will be a miserable experience – it's a one way ticket to tinny music, muddy bass and lacklustre noise cancellation. Trust us: if you want to get the most from your music, podcasts and calls, you want to invest in quality headphones.

Here at Esquire, we’ve put a multitude of models through rigorous testing to find the best headphones you can buy in 2023, whether you need Bluetooth buds for your next gym session, a set of luxury over-ears to drown out everyone around you or a wired set to live your best audiophile life.

To uncover models worthy of your attention we’ve done our homework. We test audio performance on a number of genres, before sitting back and relaxing with a few podcasts. We analyse their range, noise blocking, how long the battery lasts and whether they are comfortable to wear for a couple of hours.

The Best Headphones of 2023

Best in-ear headphones for most people
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
£230 at John Lewis£220 at Amazon£285 at littlewoods.com

A great pair of buds for everything from your commute, to your Zoom calls and your workout, these come with four ear tip sizes (and three customisable ear fins) that will help you find the perfect fit, a strong battery life and noise cancelling that adapts to your surroundings.

Best ANC headphones for most people
Bose QuietComfort 45

These are our pick for anyone who needs a set of ANC-powered over-ears that puts comfort first. For Bose brilliance in a smaller form factor, get the QuietComfort Earbuds II (we used them on a flight, so can guarantee they deliver peace and quiet).

Best over-ear headphones for most people
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

This luxury set of over-ears demands attention with a premium design and build quality. Plus, you get a consistently excellent listening experience, snazzy carrying case and support for hi-res streaming.

Best wired headphones for most people
Meze 99 Classics
Meze 99 Classics

These are a great option for a unique set of wired headphones to last a long time (there’s no plastic, glue or non-repairable parts here). The self-adjusting headband is unrivalled for all-day comfort, and the audio elevates every track we throw at them.

Best on-ear headphones for most people
Jabra Elite 45h
Jabra Elite 45h
Now 32% Off

Our top pick for anyone searching for a great-sounding on-ear pair of cans that are comfy and convenient. A huge battery life comfy memory foam ear cushions for under £70? Check, and check.

Types of headphones, explained

We know that shopping for new headphones is overwhelming if you don’t know what you need. So here are the main types you’ll encounter.

In-Ear Headphones


In-ear headphones (more commonly known as earbuds) are really popular these days – unlike the larger over-ear models they fit snugly inside your ears and pair wirelessly to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop through Bluetooth. Forget the wires, these come with a portable charging case that extends their battery life by hours and keeps them safe when you’re travelling.

Advanced models have active noise cancellation (ANC), which cancels out ambient sounds around you – think the drone of the tube carriage or light conversations from your colleagues in the office. These are lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions and the best ones are water resistant so you can take them outside in the rain or wear them during sweaty gym sessions. Some have touch or gesture controls, and pair with your phone via an app to launch voice assistance or change the audio mix.

Best in-ear headphones for most people
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3

Work out without the annoying music from those tinny speakers on the gyms’s TV (just us?) and block annoying sounds on your journey to work with ease. These Sennheiser buds are comfortable, with four different sizes of ear tips in the box, and long-lasting.

Best in-ear headphones for bass
Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2

Bring a touch of elegance to your ear holes with the Pi7 S2, luxury in-ear buds that give you top adaptive noise cancellation and loads of bass.

Best in-ear headphones for audiophiles
Final ZE8000
Final ZE8000

The long-stem design and big charging case takes getting used to, but these buds are reaching audiophile performance, and we like the smartphone app.

Best in-ear headphones for sound quality
Beyerdynamic Free Byrd
Beyerdynamic Free Byrd
Now 35% Off

A stylish alternative to Sennheisers and the AirPods, these in-ear buds are ideal if you want detailed and impactful sound quality. And who doesn’t?

Best budget in-ear headphones
Sony LinkBuds S

Don’t want to spend loads of money on your next set of in-ear headphones? Get these – we love the tiny charging case, and that they barely weigh a thing.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones


Perhaps unsurprisingly given the name, these cancel out unwanted noises. Active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones and earbuds are a godsend while travelling or if you need to focus without distraction. Using microphones and speakers, they analyse the sounds around you, then blast opposing soundwaves to cancel “low frequency” noises like light conversations, drones and hums. It’s not like they get rid of everything, mind, and you’ll still hear certain “high frequency” sounds such as phone alerts and louder voices.

We recommend adaptive noise cancellation too. This adjusts the level of cancellation, in real-time, based on the sound levels around you. ANC headphones cost a bit more money, but it’s no longer the case that you have to spend many hundreds of pounds to get the technology. And we like that. ANC headphones and earbuds usually also have a transparency mode that lets in more noise, which is good for spatial awareness if you're walking on a busy road or listening out for an imminent train announcement.

Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds Overall
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Now 19% Off

We use these on our daily train commute, and they do a brilliant job of blocking out drones, hums and the sounds of people eating. They are comfy, too, and thankfully not as large as the prior model.

Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for iOS users
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) ​​​​​​​
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) ​​​​​​​

Apple users will have already made their mind up. Yes, the AirPods Pro 2 are best for iOS devices. Got an iPhone? Just buy these already - they’re brilliant, with top ANC and seamless pairing.

Best ANC Headphones for Most People
Bose QuietComfort 45

These over-ear headphones can be worn for hours without discomfort, so if you fancy a music or podcast binge – these are the ones we recommend. They have foldable cups, so are also great for travel.

Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Travel
Sony WH-1000XM4

Just a brilliant all-round pair of over-ear cans, these give you some of the best ANC around, and fold down to become a perfect travel companion.

Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Apple Fans
Apple AirPods Max

With fantastic build quality and audio performance, these are the over-ear cans for iOS users. Even the lack of a power button can’t hold them back.

Over-Ear Headphones


If you really want to enjoy your music or podcasts, especially while relaxing on the sofa at home, we always recommend investing in a quality set of over-ears. With larger cups that envelop both ears, these are best for audio performance and the highest quality of noise cancelling. You lose out on portability, although many models do fold down into hard cases that fit comfortably in your bag or backpack. The most convenient models will be wireless – connecting via Bluetooth – but some come with a cable to plug into your phone, tablet, console or laptop (more on those below).

You’ll find the largest batteries on these devices, and the sets we’ve chosen are comfortable to wear for hours. While some of the headphones have gesture controls, others still have physical buttons you’ll press to change the volume or switch between listening modes. Extra settings, like changing the sound mix on the go, checking the battery life and adjusting the levels of ANC, can usually be altered via the brand’s smartphone app, too.

Best Over-Ear Headphones For Luxury
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
Now 51% Off

For a taste of luxury at a friendlier price point than ultra high-end B&W models like the PX8, these look great, feel great and yes, sound great.

Best Over-Ear Headphones For Audiophiles
Focal Bathys
Focal Bathys

These hulking audiophile-level headphones may look like they have been transported back to 2023 from the future, but trust us, they sound close to perfection.

Best Over-Ear Headphones For Sleek Design
Bose 700

If you want Bose brilliance with touch controls (anyone?), we recommend the 700s. They’re great for smaller ears, and deliver some of the best ANC around.

Best Over-Ear Headphones For Battery Life
Sennheiser Momentum 4

These last for more than 60 hours from a full charge. Yes, that’s with the noise cancelling switched on. And yes, that’s as impressive as it sounds. They have a lovely bass sound profile, too.

Best Budget Over-Ear Headphones
1More SonoFlow
1More SonoFlow
Now 24% Off

We never feel bad about investing in quality tech, but if you want to save some money and keep it under £100 – these are the best wireless budget over-ears we’ve tried.

Wired Headphones


Serious audio listeners should never discount a pair of wired headphones. What you lose in portability and convenience you gain in pure sound quality. We know, Bluetooth is fantastic for quickly pairing to a phone or laptop, but you know what’s faster, more reliable and never runs out of juice? The trusty 3.5mm audio jack. If you really want to settle down and enjoy hi-res music or get clear voice calls without the possibility of interference or connection drops, you still need that cable.

These come as either small buds, on-ears or large over-ears, and require a headphone jack to connect to audio devices. That means you may need to invest in an adapter if you want to pop them into a phone or laptop lacking that port – you can thank Apple’s “courage” for the current state of jack-less devices. In the view of any music lover or professional, wired headphones are still the desired option for getting a natural audio profile that prioritises sound clarity over loads of bass. It’s no surprise that they remain the only option for anyone working in a music studio and the audiophiles among us. Another bonus is that – unlike battery-powered models – they last for years, with cables and cups being replaceable or repairable.

Best Wired Headphones For Most People
Meze 99 Classics
Meze 99 Classics

The Meze 99 Classics made us feel warm and fuzzy inside. We love the dynamic sound mix that comes with a touch of bass – and the headband is genius.

Best In-Ear Wired Headphones For Music
Sennheiser IE 300
Sennheiser IE 300

Our favourite in-ear wired headphones for listening to music – period. The box includes both foam and silicone ear tips, and the design feels high-end.

Best Over-Ears For Newbie Audiophiles
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X

It may sound rude to describe a sound profile as flat, but in this case it’s a good thing. Hear your tunes with unaltered accuracy and detail, and you may never go back.

Best Wired Headphones For Analytical Listening
Sennheiser HD 560S

We tested the best high-end digital audio players using these headphones, and love the clean, detailed sound profile that was blast into our eardrums. Ideal for anyone looking for a set of reference-grade cans.

Best Budget Wired Headphones
Audio Technica ATH-M20X
Audio Technica ATH-M20X

Seen around the necks of studio engineers and podcasters the world over, these wired cans sound fantastic, and cost less than a round of pints in London.

On-Ear Headphones


On-ear headphones sit on top of your ear rather than covering them completely or fit inside. They’re the middle ground between buds and over-ears, and they’re a great option if you want to balance listening to music while letting in some sounds from your surroundings – like jogging down a busy road at night, working in an office with colleagues or waiting to get updates about a delayed flight.

Most pairs lack active noise cancellation, but turn up the volume and you’ll still hear lots of clarity from your music, even if some of that audio is likely to leak out (blast it, and you’ll get annoyed stares from every other passenger) due to the less secure seal and isolation. On-ear models are generally more portable than over-ears as they have more compact designs and foldable cups, so they won’t add too much weight inside your bag.

Best On-Ear Headphones For Most People
Jabra Elite 45h
Jabra Elite 45h
Now 32% Off

For less than £100, you get a battery that lasts ages, a great microphone and a minimalist design. There’s no ANC and some sound leakage, but that’s not a dealbreaker for us.

Best On-Ear Headphones For Battery Life
Marshall Major IV

Inspired by the brand’s legendary guitar amplifiers, Marshall’s Major IV on-ears have a unique square design and give you 80-plus hours of playtime. We like the leather build, although admit the design isn't for everyone.

Best Budget On-Ear Headphones
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2
House of Marley Positive Vibration 2

These are an ideal set of on-ears for travel as they offer top comfort and a foldy design, but with a price of just under £50 – they’re a bargain, too.

Best On-Ear Headphones For The Gym
Adidas RPT-02 SOL
Adidas RPT-02 SOL

Like Superman himself, these on-ear headphones charge up using the power of sunlight – and the fabric coating makes them ideal for the gym. We particularly like that the fabric covers can be washed, and are easily replaceable.

Best On-Ear Headphones For Sound Quality
Beyerdynamic Aventho
Beyerdynamic Aventho

You pay for the high-end build and bold futuristic design, but this is one of the best-looking sets of over-ear headphones around and the audio quality is superb, although we admit they are a tad expensive for a set of on-ears.

The Need-to-Know


So, by this stage you’ve probably got an idea what type of headphones you like – but if you’re still not sure what specs are important to make note of, here's a breakdown of everything to look out for.

Portability: Travel man? Make sure your headphones can come with you. Glance at the weight to make sure they won’t be a burden in a backpack. Then check if the earcups are foldable, which reduces the amount of space you’ll need to transport them and means they’ll have a smaller case.

Noise cancellation: While ANC won’t completely silence the outside world, it is a must-have if you’re planning on using your headphones on a train or a plane. This blocks out annoying hums and drones and lets you focus on the movie or tunes you’re listening to without distractions. We also use it for music or podcasts at home, and it’s invaluable while working, too.

Voice assistants: Lots of us use Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant these days to access information or control tech with our voice. Loads of headphones let you use these assistants to skip tracks, answer calls or adjust the volume. We recommend checking if your buds or cans work with your assistant of choice.

Battery life: Going on a mountain hike? How about a quick walk to the shop to pick up a Snickers? In either case, you’ll need to know how long your earbuds or headphones will last without needing a top-up charge. Over-ears usually come with more in the tank than buds due to the larger size, while wired headphones are able to draw power from the audio source. Models on our list last from 20 to 60 hours. With the earbuds, the carry case holds power so popping them in extends the battery life.

Connectivity: It goes without saying, but wireless headphones and earbuds do not pair to your devices with a cable – they use Bluetooth – while wired models come with a cable for connecting them to a phone or laptop. That’s not to say that there’s no wires involved. Even the portable cases that hold earbuds need to be charged up, and even premium wireless over-ears will eventually need to be connected to a power source, whether that’s using the supplied cable or a wireless charger. Here's one top tip for free: you may need to buy a Lightning to 3.5mm or USB-C to 3.5mm adapter if you’re connecting wired headphones to some phones.

Water resistance: Sweating it out at the gym or heading to a beach? Make sure the elements aren't damaging your headphones by checking if they’re water and dust resistant. You’ll see this described as an IP rating. If you see IPX7 or IPX8 on the box, they should survive submersion for 30 minutes. IPX5-6 means they are resistant to sprays. IPX4 is not resistant, but should be able to withstand splashes of liquids, so that's enough for workouts.