AirPods Max 2
After a minor USB-C update, Apple finally have its priciest headphones a proper second-gen version with the AirPods Max 2 in 2026. The upgrade to the current (for now) H2 chip delivered a host of new features, from Adaptive Audio to Conversation Awareness and Live Translation. The company improved sound quality and ANC performance as well, but the design remains the same and so does the $539 price.
Dyson On-Trac
The On-Trac headphones have an almost infinitely customizable design, and that’s what’s most unique about them. The sound profile offers some nice detail, but lacks dynamic range overall. ANC is average at best and there aren’t any advanced features that will make your life easier. Well, except for the hearing health monitor which is actually handy. All told, that’s not a lot in a set of $500 headphones.
Sonos Ace
The Sonos Ace is an excellent debut for the company’s first headphones. The combination of refined design, great sound quality and home theater tricks creates a unique formula. However, ANC performance is just okay and key functionality is still in the works for many users.
Sony ULT Wear
If most headphones don’t have the level of bass you desire, the ULT Wear is an option to consider. The low-end thump isn’t for everyone, but there are also plenty of handy features and a refined look to make the $200 set more compelling than many in this price range.
Sony WH-CH720N
While the WH-CH720N are a great affordable option, we prefer the Audio-Technica in the budget category. Sony’s cans are lightweight with good sound quality, but ANC struggles at times and they’re made with a lot of plastic.
Beats Studio Pro
The Studio Pro lacks basic features like automatic pausing, and multipoint connectivity is only available on Android. Moreover, they’re not very comfortable for people with larger heads. Overall sound quality is improved, though, and voice performance on calls is well above average.
Master & Dynamic MH40 (2nd gen)
The MH40 are a great set of headphones if you favor crisp, clear and natural sound that isn’t overly tuned. This pair showcases the company’s affinity for leather and metal too, but limited customization and short battery life for non-ANC cans kept this set from making the cut.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Bowers & Wilkins’ gave its most premium headphones a substantial update in late 2025 with the Px8 S2. The company improved the already luxurious design with new touches and its track record for stellar sound quality is still intact. However, the feature set remains limited and the $799 price tag remains high.
Bowers & Wilkin Px7 S3
Bowers & Wilkins also updated its more affordable headphones in 2025. With the Px7 S3, the company made changes to its sound platform alongside modest improvements to ANC. But with a higher price, I expected more in terms of new additions. Plus, the location of the onboard controls is awkward and affects the overall experience.
Fender Mix
Fender Audio, a collaboration between the Fender Corporation and Riffsound, dropped its first headphones in early 2026. Despite some excellent design choices, the lack of an app at launch meant you had to contend with the stock tuning on the Fender Mix, which wasn’t great unless you employed lossless mode.
JBL Live 680NC and 780NC
JBL has a massive lineup of headphones, including both on-ear and over-ear models. The JBL Live 680NC and 780NC are both decent options, but neither really left a lasting impression with their sound quality. Voice performance on calls was also lacking, and you have to use an app to disable ANC and ambient sound modes.
Sony 1000X The Collexion
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of its highly-regarded 1000X headphone line, Sony built a more luxurious model dubbed 1000X The Collexion. While the design (and higher price) were certainly more premium, the overall performance was not. You’re better off sticking with the WH-1000XM6 in terms of both ANC and sound quality.
Sennheiser Momentum 5
Sennheiser made us wait almost four years for an update to its workhorse Momentum Wireless Headphones. With the Momentum 5, the company offers excellent audio and improved ANC performance alongside long battery life and a few small but meaningful design tweaks. This model is more expensive than its predecessor though, and the Dolby Atmos integration is a work in progress.
Marshall Milton ANC
Marshall’s Major headphones have been around as long as the iPad, but until now, the company’s on-ear headphones lacked ANC. The Milton model fixes that, and the noise-canceling performance is respectable for the wear style. Long battery life and a comfy fit are also benefits, but there are caveats too — like the lack of aptX support.
Skullcandy Crusher 1080 ANC
Skullcandy’s Crusher line is known for its haptic bass that you can literally feel. The Crusher 1080 ANC gets some audio and noise canceling help from Bose, which makes for an improved overall package. The Crusher design remains mostly the same though, and these headphones start to feel heavy during long listening sessions.
staff@engadget.com (Billy Steele)
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