Headphones, speakers, and earbuds worth buying

From noise-cancelling headphones to wireless earbuds and home speakers — we research audio gear across every price point to find what actually sounds great.

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Best Value Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Audio

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Best value noise-cancelling headphones for everyday use

Bose's QuietComfort line has long been the benchmark for comfortable noise-cancelling headphones, and this generation continues that tradition. The lightweight build and plush earcups make them easy to wear for hours, while the ANC performance is among the best available at this price point. A strong pick for anyone who prioritises comfort and quiet over audiophile-grade sound.

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Best Earbuds for Apple Users

Audio

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Premium wireless earbuds built for the Apple ecosystem

Apple's third-generation AirPods Pro refine an already strong formula. The ANC performance is among the best available in a true wireless form factor, and the integration with iPhone, iPad, and Mac is unmatched. USB-C charging brings them in line with the rest of Apple's current lineup. The premium price and ecosystem dependency are the main trade-offs to weigh.

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Best Open-Ear Sport Headphones

Earbuds & Open-Ear

SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2

Best open-ear sport headphones for active users

SHOKZ has refined its bone conduction formula with the OpenRun Pro 2, delivering a sport headphone designed for people who can't afford to tune out the world around them. The open-ear design means you hear both your audio and your environment simultaneously — a genuine advantage for outdoor running, cycling, and commuting. IP55 water resistance handles sweat and light rain, and the battery life is strong enough for long training sessions. The trade-off is that you won't get the sound isolation of traditional earbuds, and the price sits above basic sport options.

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Best Rugged Portable Speaker

Wireless Speakers

JBL Charge 6 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Best rugged portable Bluetooth speaker for outdoor use

JBL's Charge line has long been the go-to for outdoor portable audio, and the Charge 6 continues that reputation. The waterproof and drop-resistant construction makes it genuinely suited to poolside, beach, and trail use — not just splash-proof in name only. Battery life is a standout at up to 28 hours, and the power bank feature means it doubles as a backup charger for your phone. Quick charging gets you back up fast when you do need to plug in. The trade-off is size and weight: this is not an ultra-compact pocket speaker, and the price reflects its feature set.

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Best Premium Home Speaker

Wireless Speakers

Sonos Era 100 Wireless Smart Speaker

Premium home wireless speaker with rich stereo sound

Sonos has long been the benchmark for premium home wireless audio, and the Era 100 continues that tradition in a compact, modern form. The stereo sound is rich and detailed for its size, and the combination of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity gives you flexibility in how you stream. Alexa integration adds smart speaker functionality, and the ability to pair with other Sonos speakers makes it a strong foundation for a whole-home audio system. The trade-offs are price — it sits above most compact speakers — and the fact that it is a plug-in home speaker rather than a battery-powered portable option.

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Best Overall Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Tech

Sony WH-1000XM5

The best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy

Sony's flagship wireless headphones deliver best-in-class noise cancellation, a refined design, and enough battery life to last a transatlantic flight. A few ergonomic trade-offs keep it from perfection, but nothing in this category comes close on the metrics that matter most.

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