We hear you loud and clear. CNET readers pick winners for People’s Choice headphones

The perfect pair of Headphones It’s out there, but finding it can seem like a chore. Above the ear or inside the ear? Active noise cancellation or not? Now you can skip the endless research, because CNET readers have you covered.

CNET’s People’s Picks is a survey-based awards program where our readers tell us the products they love and use most. In the past, we’ve asked what factors really matter, like durability, sound quality, and comfort. Did your favorite make the list? Listen, here’s what CNET readers recommend.

CNET People’s Picks

Which headphones should you choose: wired or wireless?

Choose between Wired and Wireless headphones It boils down to how you want to connect to hear the sound. Wired headphones mean you won’t have to worry about Bluetooth connectivity or battery life issues, while wireless headphones give you the freedom to avoid tangled wires and keep your phone in your pocket while using your earbuds. You’ll also need to make sure there’s a headphone jack since most smartphones don’t include it anymore. Based on CNET’s findings, most participants own wireless earbuds.

By brand, Apple is the most popular choice for both wired and wireless earbuds, with popular models including AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Max and AirPods Max 2. Sennheiser won for wired headphones, while Sony won for wireless headphones. Here’s a closer look:

Over-ear or in-ear headphones

Earbuds or headphones may be a popular choice if you want something more compact and lightweight, but if you’re looking for better sound quality or plan to wear headphones for hours and want a secure fit, you might consider over-ear headphones.

Sony is the most popular choice for wireless over-ear headphones, with models like the WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6. Boss He is a close runner-up. For in-ear choices, readers love Apple’s AirPods and AirPods Pro models.

Headphone features that really matter

In addition to choosing between wired and wireless headphones, or whether you want headphones that cover your ears, there are other features that matter to you every day — whether you’re commuting and taking a call or listening to music on a long flight. Here are the most important features, and what CNET readers recommend.

Active noise cancellation

winner: Sony
runner up: Boss

Active noise cancellation can make a big difference whether you’re on a call or listening to music. David Carnoy, executive editor and headphone expert at CNET, has tested dozens of pairs of headphones, and CNET has reviews on some of the most popular picks, like Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Sony WH-1000XM6. It is the purchasing factor that you should pay close attention to.

“Headphones and earbuds with good active noise cancellation can really make a difference when it comes to protecting you from loud noises,” Carnoy says.

When it comes to active noise cancellation, Sony beats out many of CNET’s respondents, scoring 4.39 out of 5, while Bose and Bowers & Wilkins take second place — scoring 4.33 and 4.23, respectively. CNET’s best overall headphones are Sony WH-1000XM6 Over-ear headphones, they also have the best active noise cancellation.

The Sony Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd generation) and Sony WF-1000XM5 – They both cost $300.

Sound quality

winner: Sony
runner up: Boss

Listening to music is one of the most popular uses for headphones, followed by podcasting and audiobooks, so sound quality is important. And while many brands may brag about their sound quality, CNET respondents have a favorite.

Sony It wins again for sound quality, scoring 4.55, with Bose in second place, scoring 4.53 and Beats scoring 4.48. One possible reason for the win is Sony’s LDAC audio codec, which enables high-resolution audio. So, it is definitely one of the features to look for when choosing Sony headphones. the Sony WH-XB910N These over-ear headphones feature extra bass and support the LDAC audio codec. The Sony XM6 and XM5 are two other options.

Battery life

winner: Sony
runner up: JBL

Sony took home another People’s Picks award for battery life, scoring 4.52. The XM5 and XM6 have up to 30 hours of battery life if the volume is set to a moderate level and the noise cancellation feature is turned on. Otherwise, the battery life can last up to 40 hours. JBL is a close runner-up in this category with a score of 4.41 and Beats scores a 4.33.

For comparison, Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 have a battery life of up to 8 hours, and Bose’s Immersive Audio system hurts the battery life of some headphones, such as Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd generation) and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd generation) -Both wireless over-ear headphones.

Brand loyalty

winner: apple
runner up: Sony

You can consider a brand you are more familiar with, especially if you already own other devices from the same brand. When it comes to brand loyalty, most Apple survey respondents would buy the same brand of headphones, but a newer model. But Sony and Bose headphone users are loyal to their ecosystems, too. Many Sony respondents would buy the same brand and model if they lost their headphones, and most Bose respondents would buy the same brand, but a newer model. Here’s a look at the top five brands.

Call quality

winner: apple
runner up: Sony

Handling calls hands-free is one of the benefits of having the right headphones. However, not being able to hear on the other end, or someone not being able to hear you, can be distressing. If call quality is important, CNET readers highly recommend Apple.

Carnoy has noticed good performance in voice communication recently Apple AirPods 4 headphonesAnd a slight improvement in sound insulation Apple AirPods Max 2 headphonesfor better voice-focused calls and reduced background noise.

comfort

winner: Sony
runner up: Boss

There’s a tendency to think that sound quality is the most important factor when purchasing headphones and earbuds, Carnoy says. However, fit is what’s most important, especially with noise-isolating earbuds that feature silicone eartips. “If you don’t get a tight seal, the sound quality and noise cancellation will suffer,” Carnoy says.

Sony and Bose go head-to-head again as the closest contenders in the convenience arena. The Sony won in comfort with a 4.44 out of 5, while Bose got a 4.25 in comfort and Sennheiser got a 4.15. Some of Sony’s over-ear headphones are lightweight, e.g Sony CH-520, Sony CH-720N and Sony XM4. If you’re OK with using wired headphones,… Sony MDR-7506 It is comfortable for hours and is priced at $115.

CNET editors also consider the Bose headphones to be very lightweight and comfortable, so it’s no surprise that respondents ranked them a close second to the Sony. Both Bose earbuds and headphones are designed with comfort in mind. the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earphones Get the Fit Kit eartips for comfort, while CNET editors also love them Bose QuietComfort headphones Designed with comfort in mind.

Contact

winner: apple
runner up: Sony

If you have any trouble connecting headphones to devices, CNET respondents recommend Apple for headphones that connect easily to devices, with Sony coming in second.

There are two features worth noting when connecting Apple headphones. If you have an iPhone or Apple device, you’ll press and hold a button on your headphones to bring up a pop-up window on your screen, which lets you connect. However, if you have an Android device, you may need to connect via Bluetooth in your device settings. If the device is recognized, the headphones connect automatically when you open the case.

Durability and reliability

winner: apple
runner up: Sony

Choosing well-made, reliable headphones can be difficult just by looking at them. You probably won’t know how well built it is until you put it to the test, whether it’s raining or falling. How well they hold up over time is equally important if you don’t plan to buy new headphones every year.

CNET respondents shared their opinions on how durable and reliable their headphones are. When it comes to durability, most Apple owners kept their headphones for more than three years, and participants from other popular brands kept their headphones for the same amount of time, including Sony and Bose.

However, if you want headphones that are reliable and can withstand accidents, CNET contributors recommend Sony and Apple because of the damage tests the headphones withstand, including heavy rain, heavy sweating, falling on concrete, and being accidentally left in a hot car.

Read more: You should have exactly 3 pairs of headphones. And here’s why

How to use your headphones

winner: apple
runner up: Sony

How you use your headphones may also determine which type you prefer. Apple wins among respondents who primarily listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks on their headphones. Other top contenders include Bose and Sony for the same use cases. When it comes to taking calls on the go, Apple wins again, but Sony comes in second place, especially for video calls, where Apple wins by just one respondent.

There are some categories where Sony shines above all other brands. Sony is the preferred headphone choice for deep focus, creative thinking, sleep, relaxation, and video editing.

methodology

CNET commissioned Alchemer to conduct the People Picks survey to compile the data. The survey was conducted online, and all numbers are from Alchemer. The total sample included 1,071 adults. Figures have been weighted and represent all US adults (age 18+). Fieldwork was conducted from April 6 to April 30, 2026.