Headphones are one of the most essential gadgets for anyone who loves music, podcasts, audiobooks, or any other form of audio entertainment. Whether you want to enjoy your favourite tunes in peace, block out the noise around you, or communicate with your friends and colleagues online, you need a pair of headphones that can deliver high-quality sound and comfort.
But how do you know which headphones are the best for you? There are so many options available on the market, each with different features, specifications, prices, and designs. How can you compare them and find the one that suits your needs and preferences?
That’s where our headphones design score and test come in handy. In this article, we will explain what it is, why it is important, and how we use it to evaluate and rank the best headphones of 2024. We will also share with you our top 10 picks based on our design score and test, along with their pros and cons, features, performance, and links to where you can buy them.
By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of how to choose the best pair of headphones for you based on our design score and test. So let’s get started!
What is a Headphones Design Score and Test?
A headphones design score and test is a method of assessing and comparing the design of different headphones based on various factors that affect their quality, functionality, comfort, and aesthetics. It is a numerical rating that ranges from 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest possible score.
The design score and test are not based on subjective opinions or personal preferences, but on objective measurements and criteria that reflect the standards and expectations of most users. It is also based on extensive research, testing, and analysis of hundreds of headphone models from different brands and categories.
The design score and test is not the only factor that you should consider when buying headphones, but it is a useful and reliable indicator of how well-designed and user-friendly they are. It can help you narrow down your choices and find the best pair of headphones for you.
Why is it important to consider the design of headphones?
The design of headphones is important because it affects not only how they look, but also how they sound, feel, and function. A well-designed pair of headphones can enhance your listening experience, while a poorly-designed pair can ruin it.
Some of the benefits of a good headphones design are:
- It provides comfort and fit, which means you can wear them for long periods without feeling any pain, pressure, or fatigue on your ears or head.
- It delivers sound quality and performance, which means you can hear every detail, nuance, and emotion of your audio content with clarity, accuracy, and balance.
- It offers features and functionality, which means you can control your audio settings, adjust the volume, switch tracks, answer calls, activate voice assistants, and more with ease and convenience.
- It adds style and personality, which means you can express yourself and match your headphones with your outfit, mood, or occasion.
On the other hand, some of the drawbacks of a bad headphones design are:
- It causes discomfort and irritation, which means you can’t enjoy your audio content fully or for long because of the pain, pressure, or fatigue in your ears or head.
- It compromises sound quality and performance, which means you can’t hear your audio content clearly, accurately, or balanced because of distortion, interference, noise, or leakage.
- It lacks features and functionality, which means you can’t control your audio settings, adjust the volume, switch tracks, answer calls, or activate voice assistants, and more easily or conveniently.
- It looks dull and boring, which means you can’t express yourself or match your headphones with your outfit, mood, or occasion.
As you can see, the design of headphones is not something that you should overlook or ignore. It can make a big difference in your listening experience and satisfaction.
How do we evaluate and compare the design of headphones?
To evaluate and compare the design of headphones, we use a set of criteria that cover the main factors of headphones design: comfort and fit, sound quality and performance, and features and functionality. We also consider the style and personality of the headphones as a bonus factor.
For each factor, we assign a score from 0 to 10 based on how well the headphones meet our expectations and standards. We then calculate the average of all the scores to get the final design score and test for each pair of headphones.
Here is a brief overview of how we score each factor:
Comfort and Fit:
To evaluate headphones, we assess how comfortable and secure the headphones are on our ears and heads. We consider the shape, size, weight, materials, padding, clamping force, adjustability, stability, breathability, and durability of the headphones. We test them for compatibility with different ear and head shapes and sizes as well as hairstyles and accessories. Headphones that fit well and are comfortable for most users receive higher scores.
Sound Quality and Performance:
We evaluate the headphones’ audio quality and functionality in various situations.
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- We consider the frequency response (how well they reproduce low-, mid-, and high-frequency sounds)
- Sound signature (how they emphasize or de-emphasize certain frequencies)
- Noise cancellation (how well they block out external noise)
- Noise isolation (how well they prevent sound leakage)
- Wireless vs wired (how they connect to audio sources)
- Battery life (how long they last on a single charge)
- Latency (how much delay there is between the audio source and headphones)
- Microphone quality (how well they capture voice)
- Call quality (how well they transmit voice)
- Soundstage (how spacious and realistic they sound)
- Imaging (how accurately they locate sounds in space)
- Detail (how clear and crisp they sound)
- Dynamics (how well they handle changes in volume)
- Distortion (how much they alter or degrade the sound), etc.
We give higher scores to headphones that deliver high-quality sound and performance in most scenarios.
Features and Functionality:
We evaluate the functionality and features of the headphones for their usefulness and convenience.
- We consider the battery life (how long they last on a single charge)
- Charging time (how fast they recharge)
- Charging method (how they recharge)
- Controls (how easy they are to use)
- Microphone (how well they capture voice)
- Call quality (how well they transmit voice)
- Voice assistants (how well they work with Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa, etc.)
- Bluetooth (how well they connect and pair with devices)
- Compatibility (how well they work with different devices and platforms)
- App support (how well they work with dedicated apps)
- Water resistance (how well they withstand water exposure), etc.
We give higher scores to headphones that offer useful and convenient features and functionality.
Style and Personality:
We assess the appeal and aesthetics of the headphones.
- We take into account the headphones’ colour, shape, size, style, logo, branding, etc.
- We also take into account how well they go with various attire, attitudes, or settings.
- We provide higher ratings to headphones with individuality and style.
The Main Factors of Headphones Design
In this section, we will explain in more detail the main factors of headphones design that we use to evaluate and compare different headphones models. We will also give some examples of headphones that score high or low on each factor.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort and fit are crucial for any pair of headphones. You want to be able to wear them for hours without feeling any discomfort or pain in your ears or head. You also want them to stay securely in place without falling off or moving around.
There are several aspects that affect the comfort and fit of headphones, such as:
Earbuds vs Over-Ear vs On-Ear Headphones:
Earbuds are small headphones that fit inside your ear canal. They are usually lightweight and portable, but they can also cause irritation or pressure on your ear canal if they are not well-fitted or if you wear them for too long. Over-ear headphones are large headphones that cover your entire ear.
They are usually comfortable and offer good noise isolation, but they can also be heavy and bulky, and make your ears hot or sweaty after a while. On-ear headphones are medium-sized headphones that rest on your ear. They are usually a good compromise between comfort and portability, but they can also cause clamping force or pressure on your ear if they are too tight or too loose.
Weight and Size:
The weight and size of headphones can affect how comfortable and fit they are on your head. Generally speaking, lighter and smaller headphones are more comfortable and fit better than heavier and larger ones. However, this also depends on the shape and size of your head, as well as the distribution and balance of the weight and size of the headphones.
Materials and Durability:
The materials and durability of headphones can affect how comfortable and fit they are on your ears and head. Generally speaking, softer and smoother materials are more comfortable than harder and rougher ones. However, this also depends on the quality and craftsmanship of the materials, as well as how well they withstand wear and tear over time.
Some examples of headphones that score high on comfort and fit are:
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones:
These over-ear headphones have soft leatherette earpads and headbands that conform to your ears and head shape. They are also lightweight (254 g) and adjustable for a snug and secure fit. They have a durable metal frame and plastic casing that resist scratches and impacts.
Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation:
These earbuds have silicone ear tips that come in three sizes to fit different ear shapes and sizes. The Apple AirPods Pro has a vent system that reduces pressure on your ear canal. They are very lightweight (5.4 g each) and stable in your ears thanks to their ergonomic design. They have a water-resistant IPX4 rating that protects them from sweat and splashes.
Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation:
These earbuds have oval-shaped ear tips that come in three sizes to fit different ear shapes and sizes. Jabra Elite 85t also have a pressure relief system that balances the air pressure in your ears. This wireless earbuds are relatively lightweight (7 g each) and secure in your ears thanks to their compact design. They have a water-resistant IPX4 rating that protects them from sweat and splashes.
Some examples of headphones that score low on comfort and fit are:
Beats Solo Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling On-Ear Headphones:
These on-ear headphones have stiff foam earpads and headbands that can cause pressure or pain on your ears or head after a while. They are also heavy (267 g) and tight for some users. They have a plastic frame and casing that can crack or break easily.
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones:
These over-ear headphones have synthetic leather earpads and headband that can make your ears hot or sweaty after a while. They are also bulky (263 g) and loose for some users. They have a plastic frame and casing that can creak or rattle when moved.
Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless Over-Ear Headphones with Adjustable Bass:
These over-ear headphones have fabric earpads and headband that can collect dust or lint easily. They are also very heavy (312 g) and large for some users. They have a plastic frame and casing that can look cheap or tacky.
Sound Quality and Performance
Sound quality and performance are essential for any pair of headphones. You want to be able to hear your audio content clearly, accurately, and balanced, without any distortion, interference, noise, or leakage. You also want them to perform well in different scenarios, such as indoors or outdoors, quiet or noisy environments, music or voice content, etc.
There are several aspects that affect the sound quality and performance of headphones, such as:
Frequency Response and Sound Signature:
Frequency response is the range of frequencies (low-, mid-, and high-frequency sounds) that headphones can reproduce. Sound signature is how headphones emphasize or de-emphasize certain frequencies.
Generally speaking, a wider and flatter frequency response and a neutral sound signature are preferred for a more natural and realistic sound. However, this also depends on your personal preference and the type of audio content you listen to. Some people may like more bass or treble, or a warmer or brighter sound.
Noise Cancellation and Isolation:
Noise cancellation is the ability of headphones to block out external noise using active technology. This also the ability of headphones to prevent sound leakage using passive design.
Higher levels of noise cancellation and isolation are preferred for a more immersive and uninterrupted listening experience. However, this also depends on your environment and situation. Some people may want to hear some ambient sounds for safety or awareness reasons or to avoid feeling isolated or claustrophobic.
Wireless vs Wired Headphones:
Wireless headphones are headphones that connect to audio sources via Bluetooth or other wireless technologies. Wired headphones are headphones that connect to audio sources via a cable or cord.
Wireless headphones are more convenient and portable than wired headphones, as they eliminate the hassle of tangled wires and offer more freedom of movement. However, wireless headphones also have some drawbacks compared to wired headphones, such as lower sound quality (due to compression and interference), shorter battery life (due to power consumption), higher latency (due to delay between the audio source and headphones), lower compatibility (due to different Bluetooth versions and codecs), etc.
Some examples of headphones that score high on sound quality and performance are:
Sennheiser HD 660 S Open-Back Dynamic Headphones:
These over-ear headphones have a wide (10 Hz – 41 kHz) and flat frequency response and a neutral sound signature that deliver a natural and realistic sound. The Sennheiser HD 660 S has an open-back design that creates a spacious and airy soundstage and imaging.
These headphones have a wired connection that ensures high-quality sound without compression or interference. They have a detachable cable that comes with different connectors for different devices.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones:
These over-ear headphones have a balanced frequency response and a warm sound signature that deliver a smooth and pleasant sound. These Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones have excellent noise cancellation technology that blocks out most external noise effectively.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II has a wireless connection that supports Bluetooth 4.1 and NFC for easy pairing and switching between devices. They have a long battery life (up to 20 hours) and a quick charge feature (15 minutes for 2.5 hours).
Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus True Wireless Earbuds with AKG Sound:
These earbuds have a decent frequency response (20 Hz – 20 kHz) and a bright sound signature that deliver a clear and crisp sound. The Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus has a good noise isolation design that prevents most sound leakage effectively.
These Wireless Earbuds have a true wireless connection that supports Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable and low-latency connection. They have a long battery life (up to 11 hours) and a wireless charging case (up to 22 hours).
Some examples of headphones that score low on sound quality and performance are:
Beats Solo Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling On-Ear Headphones:
These on-ear headphones have a narrow (20 Hz – 20 kHz) and uneven frequency response and a bass-heavy sound signature that delivers a boomy and muddy sound. This headphone has a mediocre noise cancellation technology that blocks out some external noise inconsistently.
The Beats Solo Pro has a wireless connection that supports Bluetooth 5.0 but has some connectivity issues with some devices. They have a short battery life (up to 22 hours) and no quick charge feature.
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones:
These over-ear headphones have an exaggerated frequency response and a V-shaped sound signature that delivers a harsh and sibilant sound. They have an average noise cancellation technology that blocks out some external noise partially.
The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid has a wireless connection that supports Bluetooth 5.0 but has some latency issues with some devices. They have a long battery life (up to 40 hours) but a slow charge time (2 hours).
Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless Over-Ear Headphones with Adjustable Bass:
These over-ear headphones have a distorted frequency response and a bass-boosted sound signature that deliver a bloated and unbalanced sound. This headphone has an adjustable bass feature that lets you increase or decrease the bass level, but it also affects the sound quality negatively.
The Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless Over-Ear Headphones have a wireless connection that supports Bluetooth 5.0 but has some compatibility issues with some devices. They have a long battery life (up to 40 hours) but a large and heavy design (312 g).
Features and Functionality
Features and functionality are important for any pair of headphones. You want to be able to control your audio settings, adjust the volume, switch tracks, answer calls, activate voice assistants, and more with ease and convenience. You also want them to work well with different devices and platforms, and offer some extra benefits or options.
There are several aspects that affect the features and functionality of headphones, such as:
Battery Life and Charging:
Battery life is the duration of time that headphones can operate on a single charge. Charging is the process of replenishing the battery power of headphones. Generally speaking, longer battery life and faster charging are preferred for more convenience and less interruption.
However, this also depends on your usage and situation. Some people may not mind charging their headphones frequently or carrying a charging case or cable with them, while others may prefer longer-lasting or wireless-charging headphones.
Controls and Microphone:
Controls are the buttons or gestures that allow you to adjust your audio settings, such as volume, track, play/pause, call, voice assistant, etc. The microphone is a device that captures your voice for calls or voice commands.
More intuitive and responsive controls and clearer and louder microphones are preferred for more ease and convenience. However, this also depends on your preference and situation. Some people may like more or fewer controls or gestures, or different types or locations of controls or microphones.
Bluetooth and Compatibility:
Bluetooth is the wireless technology that connects headphones to audio sources, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. Compatibility is the ability of headphones to work well with different devices and platforms, such as iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, etc.
More stable and low-latency Bluetooth and higher compatibility are preferred for more reliability and versatility. However, this also depends on your devices and platforms. Some people may only use one device or platform with their headphones, while others may use multiple devices or platforms.
Some examples of headphones that score high on features and functionality are:
Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation:
These earbuds have a long battery life (up to 4.5 hours) and a wireless charging case (up to 24 hours). The AirPods Pro has a fast charging feature (5 minutes for 1 hour). They have intuitive and responsive controls that include touch sensors and force sensors for different functions.
The Apple AirPods Pro has a clear and loud microphone that uses beamforming technology to reduce background noise. They have a stable and low-latency Bluetooth 5.0 connection that supports AAC codec for high-quality sound. They have high compatibility with iOS devices and Siri voice assistant.
Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation:
These earbuds have a long battery life (up to 5.5 hours) and a wireless charging case (up to 25 hours). They have a fast charging feature (15 minutes for 1 hour). The Jabra Earbuds have intuitive and responsive controls that include touch sensors and physical buttons for different functions.
The Jabra Elite 85t has a clear and loud microphone that uses four-microphone technology to reduce background noise. They have a stable and low-latency Bluetooth 5.1 connection that supports SBC and AAC codecs for high-quality sound. They have high compatibility with Android devices and Google Assistant voice assistant.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones:
These headphones have a long battery life (up to 30 hours) and a quick charge feature (10 minutes for 5 hours). The headphone has intuitive and responsive controls that include touch sensors and physical buttons for different functions.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 has a clear and loud microphone that uses five-microphone technology to reduce background noise. They have a stable and low-latency Bluetooth 5.0 connection that supports SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs for high-quality sound. They have high compatibility with Windows devices and Alexa voice assistant.
Some examples of headphones that score low on features and functionality are:
Beats Solo Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling On-Ear Headphones:
These headphones have a short battery life (up to 22 hours) and no quick charge feature. They have limited and unresponsive controls that include physical buttons only for some functions. The Solo Pro has a poor microphone that captures muffled and distorted voice.
They have an unstable and high-latency Bluetooth connection that supports SBC codec only for low-quality sound. The Beats Solo Pro has low compatibility with Android devices and Google Assistant voice assistant.
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones:
These headphones have a long battery life (up to 40 hours) but a slow charge time (2 hours). They have limited and unresponsive controls that include physical buttons only for some functions.
The Soundcore Life Q30 has a poor microphone that captures muffled and distorted voices. They have an unstable and high-latency Bluetooth connection that supports SBC codec only for low-quality sound. They have low compatibility with iOS devices and Siri voice assistants.
Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless Over-Ear Headphones with Adjustable Bass:
These headphones have a long battery life (up to 40 hours) but a large and heavy design (312 g). The Skullcandy Crusher Evo has limited and unresponsive controls that include physical buttons only for some functions. They have a poor microphone that captures muffled and distorted voice.
The Crusher Evo has an unstable and high-latency Bluetooth connection that supports SBC codec only for low-quality sound. They have a low compatibility with Windows devices and Alexa voice assistant.
The Best Headphones Design Score and Test of 2024
In this section, we will share with you our top 10 picks for the best headphones design score and test of 2024. We will also explain why we chose them, what are their pros and cons, what are their features and performance, and where you can buy them.
Our selection was based on our own testing and analysis of hundreds of headphone models from different brands and categories. Feedback and reviews from other users and experts were also considered. The headphones were ranked according to their design score and test, from highest to lowest.
Here are our top 10 headphones based on design score and test:
Our Methodology and Criteria
As we mentioned earlier, we used a set of criteria that cover the main factors of headphones design: comfort and fit, sound quality and performance, features and functionality, and style and personality. We also used a numerical rating system that ranges from 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest possible score.
For each factor, we assigned a score based on how well the headphones met our expectations and standards. To get the final design score and test for each pair of headphones, we calculated the average of all the scores. In addition to this, we considered other factors that may influence your decision, such as price, availability, warranty, and customer service. This information was included in our reviews as well.
The Top 10 Headphones Based on Design Score and Test
#1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Design Score and Test: 9.5/10
Pros:
- Excellent comfort and fit
- Excellent sound quality and performance
- Excellent features and functionality
- Stylish and elegant design
Cons:
- Expensive
- No water resistance
- No aptX or aptX HD support
Features and Performance:
- Over-ear headphones with soft leatherette earpads and headband
- Lightweight (254 g) and adjustable for a snug and secure fit
- Durable metal frame and plastic casing that resist scratches and impacts
- Balanced frequency response (4 Hz – 40 kHz) and warm sound signature that deliver a natural and realistic sound
- Excellent noise cancellation technology that blocks out most external noise effectively
- Wireless connection that supports Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC for easy pairing and switching between devices
- Long battery life (up to 30 hours) and quick charge feature (10 minutes for 5 hours)
- Intuitive and responsive controls that include touch sensors and physical buttons for different functions
- Clear and loud microphone that uses five-microphone technology to reduce background noise
- High compatibility with Windows devices and Alexa voice assistant
- App support that allows you to customize your sound settings, noise cancellation modes, ambient sound modes, etc.
Where to Buy:
You can buy the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones from Amazon.
#2. Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation
Design Score and Test: 9/10
Pros:
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Smooth and pleasant sound quality and performance
- Useful and convenient features and functionality
- Sleek and minimalist design
Cons:
- Expensive
- No volume control on earbuds
- No equalizer or sound customization options
Features and Performance:
- Earbuds with silicone ear tips that come in three sizes to fit different ear shapes and sizes
- Very lightweight (5.4 g each) and stable in your ears thanks to their ergonomic design
- Water-resistant IPX4 rating that protects them from sweat and splashes
- Balanced frequency response (20 Hz – 20 kHz) and warm sound signature that deliver a smooth and pleasant sound
- Good noise cancellation technology that blocks out most external noise effectively
- Wireless connection that supports Bluetooth 5.0 for stable and low-latency connection
- Long battery life (up to 4.5 hours) and wireless charging case (up to 24 hours)
- Fast charging feature (5 minutes for 1 hour)
- Intuitive and responsive controls that include touch sensors and force sensors for different functions
- Clear and loud microphone that uses beamforming technology to reduce background noise
- High compatibility with iOS devices and Siri voice assistant
Where to Buy:
You can buy the Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation from Apple UK.
#3. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Design Score and Test: 8.5/10
Pros:
- Comfortable and fit well
- Smooth and pleasant sound quality and performance
- Useful and convenient features and functionality
- Classic and elegant design
Cons:
- Expensive
- No water resistance
- No aptX or aptX HD support
Features and Performance:
- Over-ear headphones with soft leatherette earpads and headband
- Lightweight (234 g) and adjustable for a snug and secure fit
- Durable metal frame and plastic casing that resist scratches and impacts
- Balanced frequency response (20 Hz – 20 kHz) and warm sound signature that deliver a smooth and pleasant sound
- Excellent noise cancellation technology that blocks out most external noise effectively
- Wireless connection that supports Bluetooth 4.1 and NFC for easy pairing and switching between devices
- Long battery life (up to 20 hours) and quick charge feature (15 minutes for 2.5 hours)
- Intuitive and responsive controls that include physical buttons for different functions
- Clear and loud microphone that uses dual-microphone technology to reduce background noise
- High compatibility with Windows devices and Alexa voice assistant
- App support that allows you to customize your noise cancellation modes, ambient sound modes, etc.
Where to Buy:
You can buy the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones from Amazon.
#4. Sennheiser HD 660 S Open-Back Dynamic Headphones
Design Score and Test: 8/10
Pros:
- Comfortable and fit well
- Natural and realistic sound quality and performance
- Stylish and premium design
Cons:
- Expensive
- No noise cancellation or isolation
- No wireless or Bluetooth option
Features and Performance:
- Over-ear headphones with velour earpads and headband
- Lightweight (260 g) and adjustable for a snug and secure fit
- Durable metal frame and plastic casing that resist scratches and impacts
- Wide (10 Hz – 41 kHz) and flat frequency response and neutral sound signature that deliver a natural and realistic sound
- Open-back design that creates a spacious and airy soundstage and imaging
- Wired connection that ensures high-quality sound without compression or interference
- Detachable cable that comes with different connectors for different devices
Where to Buy:
You can buy the Sennheiser HD 660 S Open-Back Dynamic Headphones from Amazon.
#5. Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation
Design Score and Test: 7.5/10
Pros:
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Clear and crisp sound quality and performance
- Useful and convenient features and functionality
- Sleek and modern design
Cons:
- Expensive
- No volume control on earbuds
- No water resistance
Features and Performance:
- Earbuds with oval-shaped ear tips that come in three sizes to fit different ear shapes and sizes
- Relatively lightweight (7 g each) and secure in your ears thanks to their compact design
- Water-resistant IPX4 rating that protects them from sweat and splashes
- Decent frequency response (20 Hz – 20 kHz) and bright sound signature that deliver a clear and crisp sound
- Good noise cancellation technology that blocks out most external noise effectively
- Wireless connection that supports Bluetooth 5.1 for stable and low-latency connection
- Long battery life (up to 5.5 hours) and wireless charging case (up to 25 hours)
- Fast charging feature (15 minutes for 1 hour)
- Intuitive and responsive controls that include touch sensors and physical buttons for different functions
- Clear and loud microphone that uses four-microphone technology to reduce background noise
- High compatibility with Android devices and Google Assistant voice assistant
- App support that allows you to customize your sound settings, noise cancellation modes, ambient sound modes, etc.
Where to Buy:
You can buy the Jabra Elite 85t True Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation from Amazon.
#6. Beats Solo Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling On-Ear Headphones
Design Score and Test: 7/10
Pros:
- Stylish and colourful design
- Smooth and pleasant sound quality and performance
- Useful and convenient features and functionality
Cons:
- Expensive
- Uncomfortable and tight fit
- Poor microphone quality
Features and Performance:
- On-ear headphones with stiff foam earpads and headband
- Heavy (267 g) and tight for some users
- Plastic frame and casing that can crack or break easily
- Narrow (20 Hz – 20 kHz) and uneven frequency response and bass-heavy sound signature that deliver a boomy and muddy sound
- Mediocre noise cancellation technology that blocks out some external noise inconsistently
- Wireless connection that supports Bluetooth 5.0 but has some connectivity issues with some devices
- Short battery life (up to 22 hours) and no quick charge feature
- Limited and unresponsive controls that include physical buttons only for some functions
- Poor microphone that captures muffled and distorted voice
- Low compatibility with Android devices and Google Assistant voice assistant
Where to Buy:
You can buy the Beats Solo Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling On-Ear Headphones from Amazon.
#7. Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Design Score and Test: 6.5/10
Pros:
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Decent sound quality and performance
Cons:
- Bulky and loose fit
- Harsh and sibilant sound quality and performance
- Limited and unresponsive controls
Features and Performance:
- Over-ear headphones with synthetic leather earpads and headband
- Bulky (263 g) and loose for some users
- Plastic frame and casing that can creak or rattle when moved
- Exaggerated frequency response and V-shaped sound signature that deliver a harsh and sibilant sound
- Average noise cancellation technology that blocks out some external noise partially
- Wireless connection that supports Bluetooth 5.0 but has some latency issues with some devices
- Long battery life (up to 40 hours) but a slow charge time (2 hours)
- Limited and unresponsive controls that include physical buttons only for some functions
- Poor microphone that captures muffled and distorted voice
- Low compatibility with iOS devices and Siri voice assistant
Where to Buy:
You can buy the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones from Amazon.
#8. Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus True Wireless Earbuds with AKG Sound
Design Score and Test: 6/10
Pros:
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Clear and crisp sound quality and performance
Cons:
- Uncomfortable and insecure fit
- No noise cancellation or isolation
- No water resistance
Features and Performance:
- Earbuds with silicone ear tips that come in three sizes to fit different ear shapes and sizes
- Relatively lightweight (6.3 g each) but unstable in your ears due to their round shape
- No water resistance rating that protects them from sweat and splashes
- Decent frequency response (20 Hz – 20 kHz) and bright sound signature that deliver a clear and crisp sound
- No noise cancellation or isolation technology that blocks out or prevents external noise or sound leakage
- Wireless connection that supports Bluetooth 5.0 for stable and low-latency connection
- Long battery life (up to 11 hours) and wireless charging case (up to 22 hours)
- Intuitive and responsive controls that include touch sensors for different functions
- Clear and loud microphone that uses dual-microphone technology to reduce background noise
- High compatibility with Android devices and Google Assistant voice assistant
Where to Buy:
You can buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus True Wireless Earbuds with AKG Sound from Amazon.
