Which Headphones to Choose in 2025: The Best Models

Finding the perfect pair of headphones can be challenging with so many great options on the market. To make your decision easier, we’ve reviewed some of the standout models of 2025, covering their pros, cons, benefits, prices, and even where you can find discounts. Here are eight of the best headphones this year, tailored to various needs and lifestyles.

Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless

The Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless headphones are a bass lover’s dream. With a haptic bass slider, these headphones let you customize just how much bass you want, whether it’s a subtle thump or an earth-shaking rumble. Perfect for genres like hip-hop, EDM, and rock, they’re designed for those who want to feel their music.

Pros

• Exceptional bass customization through the haptic slider.
• Long battery life of up to 34 hours.
• Durable build with EQ presets for sound customization.

Cons

• Noise isolation is mediocre, making them less ideal for noisy environments like airplanes.
• The ear cups can trap heat during extended use.

Price: Around $200, often discounted to $170 during seasonal sales.

Best For: Bass enthusiasts who prioritize powerful audio and immersive listening.
Comparison: While not as premium as Sony’s WH-1000XM5, the Crusher Evo excels in bass performance at a fraction of the price.

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JBL Tour Pro+ TWS True Wireless

The JBL Tour Pro+ TWS True Wireless earbuds are ideal for professionals on the go. Designed with business users in mind, they deliver solid ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) and a sleek, pocket-friendly design.

Pros

• Effective ANC for blocking out office chatter or city noise.
• Compact design with a neutral sound profile that works for both calls and music.
• Parametric EQ and sound presets through the companion app.

Cons

• Battery life of 4.2 hours per charge is on the shorter side, although the case provides additional charges.
• Mic quality is average for calls.

Price: Priced around $199, with frequent discounts bringing it closer to $170.

Best For: Commuters and professionals looking for versatile earbuds with good noise-cancelling capabilities.
Comparison: While Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) have better integration with iOS, the JBL Tour Pro+ offers more sound customization and is a better choice for Android users.

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Shokz OpenFit True Wireless

If you enjoy staying aware of your surroundings while listening to music, the Shokz OpenFit True Wireless headphones are a fantastic option. Designed with an open-ear fit, they’re perfect for outdoor runners and fitness enthusiasts.

Pros

• Unique open-fit design lets you stay alert while exercising outdoors.
• Comfortable, stable fit with IP54 water resistance.
• Automatic dynamic EQ ensures consistent sound quality.

Cons

• Sound can bleed at higher volumes.

Price: Priced around $179, often discounted to $150.

Best For: Runners and cyclists who want situational awareness during workouts.
Comparison: While similar to Bose Sport Open Earbuds, the Shokz OpenFit delivers better bass and has a more secure fit.

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Shokz OpenFit Air True Wireless

A step up from the OpenFit, the Shokz OpenFit Air True Wireless headphones add multipoint Bluetooth support, allowing seamless switching between devices.

Pros

• Ear-hook design provides a secure fit for active users.
• Multipoint pairing enhances convenience for those juggling multiple devices.

Cons

• Lower water resistance compared to other models, making them unsuitable for heavy sweat or rain.

Price: Around $199, with discounts dropping the price to approximately $160.

Best For: Fitness enthusiasts and multitaskers who value portability and connectivity.

Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless Headphones

The Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless earbuds are a top contender for all-around performance, blending exceptional ANC, sound quality, and portability.

Pros

• Premium noise-cancelling performance, thanks to Sony’s advanced processors.
• Customizable sound through the Sony Headphones Connect app.
• Lightweight design with 9 hours of battery life (ANC on).

Cons

• Memory foam ear tips may feel too snug for some users, causing slight discomfort.
• Price: Around $299, though discounts as low as $250 are available during major sales.

Best For: Travelers and commuters who need premium audio and effective ANC in a portable form.
Comparison: Compared to Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, these earbuds excel in sound tuning flexibility but fall slightly short in comfort for extended use.

Audien Hearing Ion Pro

The Audien Hearing Ion Pro headphones are designed for those who need hearing assistance but don’t want to compromise on modern features. These Bluetooth-enabled headphones allow users with hearing impairments to enjoy music, phone calls, and even streaming with clear audio.

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Pros

• A2 Max Sound Chip amplifies sound while reducing background noise.
• Directional microphones enhance clarity in conversations.
• Bluetooth compatibility enables music streaming and hands-free calls.
• App-based controls allow users to customize volume and sound modes.

Cons

• Bluetooth streaming reduces battery life to 8 hours, while regular use lasts up to 24 hours.
• Price: Priced at $689, the Ion Pro offers a 45-day risk-free trial and lifetime customer support.

Best For: Those needing hearing assistance while enjoying modern features like Bluetooth streaming.
Comparison: Unlike traditional hearing aids, the Ion Pro blends hearing assistance with modern headphone functionality.

Special Offers:

• Visit the Audien Hearing official website to learn more about the Ion Pro.
• Save money with current discounts on the Audien Hearing coupon page.

Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless

For those on a budget but still looking for solid noise-cancelling performance, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless is a standout option. These over-ear headphones pack a surprising number of features for their price point, making them a great choice for budget-conscious users.

Key Features: The Q45s come equipped with adjustable ANC, allowing you to control the level of noise cancellation based on your surroundings. Their companion app also offers customizable EQ settings, letting you fine-tune the sound to your liking. Multi-device pairing is another big plus, making it easy to switch between your laptop and phone without hassle.

Pros

• The Q45s deliver great value for the price, often outperforming competitors in the same price range.
• The adjustable ANC is effective at blocking out most ambient noise, whether you’re in a coffee shop or commuting.
• The customizable EQ offers a tailored listening experience, allowing users to tweak bass, treble, and mids.

Cons

• The ANC feature can occasionally produce a faint white noise, which might bother users sensitive to such sounds.

Price: Retailing at approximately $150, the Q45s frequently go on sale for as low as $120, making them an excellent budget-friendly option.

Best For: Budget-conscious users who want reliable ANC and customizable audio features without breaking the bank.

Comparison: While they don’t match the ANC quality of premium models like the Sony WH-1000XM5, the Anker Soundcore Q45s offer similar functionality at a fraction of the cost. They’re a strong alternative for those who value affordability over premium branding.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) are the ultimate earbuds for iOS users, offering seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and class-leading noise cancellation.

Key Features: Equipped with the H2 chip, these earbuds ensure smooth pairing and device switching across Apple devices, making them a breeze to use with an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook. The Spatial Audio feature creates an immersive 3D sound experience with compatible content, while active noise cancellation (ANC) effectively blocks out background noise.

Pros

• The ANC is among the best in its class, rivaling Sony and Bose models.
• The earbuds are water- and dust-resistant, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use.
• The lightweight, comfortable fit ensures a snug feel, even during extended listening sessions.

Cons

• Sound customization options are limited compared to some competitors, as there’s no built-in EQ.
• Some users report that the fit may become loose during activity, depending on ear shape.

Price: Priced at around $249, these earbuds occasionally see discounts that bring the price closer to $200, especially during Apple product sales or holiday promotions.

Best For: iOS users who want top-tier noise-cancelling earbuds that integrate perfectly with their devices.

Comparison: Compared to competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM5, the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) shine in terms of ease of use and Spatial Audio, but they lack the same level of customization offered by Sony’s app. That said, for those in the Apple ecosystem, the seamless compatibility is unmatched.

Emerging Trends in Headphones

2025 has brought exciting innovations to the headphone market:

Immersive Audio Technologies: Features like 360 Reality Audio and Spatial Audio continue to enhance the listening experience.

Improved ANC: Adaptive ANC systems now block a broader range of frequencies, improving comfort in noisy environments.

Multipoint Bluetooth Connectivity: Increasingly common, this feature allows seamless switching between devices.

Conclusion

From the premium Bose QuietComfort Ultra to the affordable yet capable Anker Soundcore Space Q45, there’s something for everyone in 2025. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, fitness enthusiast, or casual listener, the options above balance quality, price, and performance. Consider your needs and preferences carefully before choosing the headphones that best suit your lifestyle.