Which Headphones Are Best? Here's our Top Picks This Year...
Headphones continue to improve year on year with smarter noise cancelling, better sound, longer battery life and more refined design. But with so many options out there, which pair is actually right for you?
At Smart Home Sounds, we hear the same question almost daily: "What are the best headphones to buy? " Unfortunately, there is no single winner that suits every listener. There is, however, a best choice for your needs.
Thankfully, we've spent plenty of time testing the latest and greatest models and in this guide, you will find our top recommendations for this year based on comfort, noise cancelling, battery life, value, sound quality, workout use and overall performance.
Want a more in-depth comparison? Watch our Best Headphones of 2025 comparison video on our YouTube...
Best Headphones 2025: the Quick List
If you just want the headlines first, here’s a quick run through of our top headphone recommendations before we dive into the full breakdown. You can also explore our award-winning headphones or check out our best-sellers if you want to compare even more options.
For a more in-depth look, click here...
Best For Noise Cancelling: Sony WH-1000XM6
Sony’s latest flagship over-ears refine an already class-leading formula with upgraded noise cancelling, improved mic performance and a more balanced, detailed sound. A brilliant choice if you want a pair of headphones to block out the world around you.
Best For Comfort: Sonos Ace
One of the comfiest headphones we’ve tested, with a sleek design, great sound and a clever set of features. Sonos' debut headphone offering are a fantastic option for those longer listening sessions.
Best For Battery Life: Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE
Built for endurance, these over-ears push battery life to new levels without sacrificing sound quality, comfort or design. Ideal if you hate thinking about charging.
Best For Value: Sony WH-CH720N
A long-time SHS favourite that proves you don’t need to spend flagship money for great sound, solid ANC and all-day comfort.
Best For Sound Quality: Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2
Premium build, hi-fi-inspired tuning and reworked internals that deliver some of the best wireless headphone sound we’ve heard.
Best For Workouts: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
Open-ear, bone-conduction headphones designed for runners and outdoor training. Built to keep you aware of your surroundings without sacrificing fun, energetic sound.
Best In-Ear Headphones: Sony WF-C710N
Affordable in-ears with proper ANC, a fun but controlled sound, and the kind of comfort that makes them easy daily drivers. The Sony WF-C710N are multi-award winning for a reason.
Best Over-Ear Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM6
The Sony WH-1000XM6 take the overall top spot for over-ear headphones simply because they handle every situation with ease. They deliver excellent sound, strong noise cancelling, great comfort and a feature set that suits daily use better than anything else we tested this year. If you want one pair that does it all, these are the ones to beat.
Best Headphones 2025: The Complete Breakdown
| Best For Noise Cancelling: Sony WH-1000XM6 |
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  RRP: £399.00 (see latest pricing) When it comes to noise cancelling, the Sony WH-1000XM6's are the best headphones we've tested this year. The older XM5 already sat near the top of this category but Sony has pushed things even further with a suite of meaningful upgrades throughout. The change that makes the biggest difference to ANC though is the completely redesigned microphone system. The XM6 now uses twelve microphones in total, up from eight on the XM5, giving this model far stronger control over surrounding noise. This hardware also works in tandem with their new QN3 processor which reacts faster to sudden changes in your environment and filters distractions with a higher level of accuracy. Sony has also added a protective mesh over the outer microphones which reduces wind noise more effectively than the previous model. Together, these improvements create a cleaner experience in busy spaces without dulling the character of your music. |
| Reasons To Consider: ✓ Top tier noise cancelling with upgraded mic system ✓ More natural sound during ANC use compared to the competition ✓ Strong balance of features for travel, work or daily use |
| Runner Up: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) |
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| RRP: £450.00 (see latest pricing) Bose has always been a go to choice for anyone who wants things as quiet as possible, and the QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) feels like their strongest effort yet. They don't quite match the warmth of the Sony WH-1000XM6 in our opinion, but the noise cancelling is still superb with excellent control over background chatter and low level hum in busy environments. |
| Best For Comfort: Sonos Ace |
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 RRP: £449.00 (see latest pricing) The Sonos Ace takes the win for comfort simply because they're the pair most of us at our SHS HQ reach for during long sessions. No, they're not the lightest headphones on this list, but the way their weight is distributed around your head makes a huge difference. The headband balances everything nicely, the memory foam pads feel soft from the moment you put them on, and the earcups sit around your ears rather than pressing against them which helps avoid listening fatigue. They also have that close fitting, streamlined shape that stays comfortable over time. The clamping force is well judged which means no annoying pinch points during longer listening. It's clear Sonos considered comfort from day one with Ace, especially since features like TV Audio Swap encourage multi-hour use. They feel natural to wear for films, music or work, and we fully get the appeal. |
| Reasons To Consider: ✓ Soft memory foam pads with a balanced fit that stays comfortable for long sessions ✓ Spacious, refined sound that suits music, films or everyday use ✓ Premium, stylish build that feels more refined than most rivals |
| Runner Up: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless |
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| RRP: £169.00 (see latest pricing) The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless stays very close behind for comfort. They sit a little lighter on the head which makes them a great choice for travel or full work days, and the cushioning holds up well over longer sessions. The only reason they come in second place for us is that the Ace feels a touch more luxurious which makes a difference when you're listening for hours on end. |
Read: Sonos Ace Review: Worth The Wait?
| Best For Battery Life: Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE |
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  RRP: £249.00 (see latest pricing) If battery life is your priority, the Cambridge Audio Melomania P1000 SE are miles ahead of everything else we tested this year. Cambridge claims up to 100 hours with ANC off and roughly 60 hours with it on which already sounds impressive on paper. The surprise we found in testing though, is how close they get to those figures in real use. They comfortably lasted through a full week of daily listening without a single charge which puts them firmly in top spot when it comes to endurance. Fast charging also helps. A quick five minute charge gives around two hours of playback with ANC active which is perfect for those classic last minute situations where you realise you've forgotten to charge before heading out. What we love about the P100 SE though, is that they don't sacrifice other areas to achieve this stamina. They deliver clean, enjoyable sound, look smart, feel well built and remain comfortable over longer sessions which makes their battery life feel like a genuine bonus rather than a trade off. |
| Reasons To Consider: ✓ Class-leading stamina that outlasts every rival we tested ✓ Fast charge that delivers useful top ups in minutes ✓ Strong sound quality with a clean, enjoyable tuning |
| Runner Up: Marshall Major V |
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| RRP: £129.00 (see latest pricing) When it comes to battery life, the Marshall Major V puts up the strongest fight. Being an on ear model, they don't offer ANC, so they will not be right for everyone, but if pure endurance is your priority they are still a great option. They reach the same 100 hour mark as the Melomania P100 SE which makes them ideal for anyone who wants a simple, premium design with serious staying power. |
| Best For Sound Quality: Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 |
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 RRP: £629.00 (see latest pricing) If sound quality sits at the top of your priority list, the Bowers and Wilkins Px8 S2 are the pair we keep coming back to. Bowers and Wilkins refreshed the entire over ear lineup in 2025, and it was great to see one of our long-time favourites get even better. The updated 40mm Carbon Cone drivers have been completely reworked with a new chassis, voice coil, suspension and magnet which gives them a cleaner, more precise presentation than the original model. The tuning is exactly what you would expect from a brand with proper hi-fi roots. Bass is tight and controlled rather than boosted, the midrange has plenty of detail, and the treble stays crisp too. We really like how the Px8 S2 bring out texture in vocals and instruments that a lot of wireless headphones tend to gloss over. The premium build plays a part too. The soft Nappa leather, metal accents and slightly firmer clamp create solid isolation which helps the soundstage stay focused during longer listening sessions. Noise cancelling is solid although not quite as strong as something like the Sony XM6, but the trade-off is worth it. Sure, they sit at a higher price point, but if you value clarity, detail and a proper hi fi style presentation, these are a great pick. |
| Reasons To Consider: ✓ Hi-Fi inspired tuning with outstanding detail ✓ Premium materials with a secure, comfortable fit ✓ Clear, textured sound that suits critical listening |
| Runner Up: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 |
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| RRP: £399.00 (see latest pricing) Also refreshed in 2025, the Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3 sit just behind the Px8 S2 and remain a brilliant choice if you want that signature Bowers and Wilkins sound at a more affordable price. They share a lot of the same character with a clean, expressive midrange, punchy bass and a wide, spacious presentation that works well for both music and films. No, they don't quite reach the same level as the Px8's, but for the money they deliver a great balance of build quality, sound performance and everyday usability. |
Read More: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Review & Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 First Look
| Best Value: Sony WH-C720N |
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 RRP: £99.00 (see latest pricing) The Sony WH-CH720N have been a favourite of ours for a long time, and even in 2025 they still offer some of the best value in the entire headphone market. They sit in the sweet spot of Sony’s range, above the more basic Sony WH-CH520 but well below flagship models like the XM6, and the performance holds up surprisingly well. For the price, you get proper ANC, a lightweight build that stays comfortable all day and that familiar Sony sound profile which is fun, energetic and easy to listen to. They lean slightly bass heavy out of the box, although you can tune that easily in the Sony Headphones app. The ANC is actually very capable too. It won't give you the same level of quiet as Sony’s flagship models, but it does a solid job at cutting down office noise, rumble on commutes or general background distractions. Battery life is also good with up to 35 hours with ANC on or closer to 50 hours with it off which makes them a very easy recommendation for under £100. |
| Reasons To Consider: ✓ Excellent value with proper ANC at this price ✓ Lightweight comfort suitable for daily or all day use ✓ Fun, energetic sound with easy EQ control |
| Runner Up: Sennheiser Accentum Plus Wireless |
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| RRP: £199.00 (see latest pricing) The Sennheiser Accentum Plus are a great step up option if you want something still affordable but with a cleaner, more neutral tuning. They sound great for the money, remain comfortable over long sessions and offer strong battery life which makes them a very solid alternative to the Sonys. |
Read More: Sony WH-CH720N vs Sony WH-CH520: Best Budget Headphones?
| Best For Workouts: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 |
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 RRP: £169.00 (see latest pricing) When it comes to training, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are our top pick. Shokz have made a name for themselves in the fitness space, and this latest version of their open-ear headphones is a great example of why. The OpenRun Pro 2 use a mix of bone conduction and air conduction drivers which gives you a more balanced, fuller sound than older Shokz models while still keeping you aware of what is happening around you. Bass has impressive weight, vocals feel clear and the overall sound is much closer to what you would expect from a good pair of in ears, just without the blocked off feeling. The design works brilliantly for outdoor sessions. You get up to 12 hours of battery life, quick charging that gives you a couple of hours from a short top up, easy physical controls and an IP55 rating that handles sweat or light rain. Of course, if you want isolation or love bass-heavy music, you might be better suited to a pair of in-ears. However, for running, cycling or gym sessions where awareness matters, they are very hard to beat. |
| Reasons To Consider: ✓ Open ear design that keeps you aware during outdoor training ✓ Lightweight fit with easy controls and an IP55 rating ✓ Sound quality that pushes in ear headphones close |
| Runner Up: Shokz OpenFit 2 |
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| RRP: £169.00 (see latest pricing) The Shokz OpenFit 2 are a great option if you like the idea of open ear headphones but prefer a more traditional ear hook fit. They feel lighter in day to day use, with a wireless charging case that makes them easy to carry around. |
Read More: Shokz Headphone Range Overview: Which Model is Right for You?
| Best In-Ear Headphones: Sony WF-C710N |
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 RRP: £99.99 (see latest pricing) If you prefer something smaller, lighter and easier to travel with, the Sony WF-C710N are our top in-ear pick for 2025. Sony has been on a strong run with its budget earbuds, and this latest pair feels like a genuine step up from the already excellent WF C700N. For under one hundred pounds, you get good active noise cancelling, a more refined tuning and that familiar Sony fit which stays secure without becoming uncomfortable. They are slightly chunkier than the previous model although that actually helps them sit more confidently in the ear. Plus, the new Glass Blue finish also looks great in person. Sony has packed in plenty of handy extras too. You get IPX4 weather resistance, responsive touch controls, Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC or AAC support, plus wear detection that pauses your music when you take them out. Sony has also added an extra microphone to each earbud which gives the ANC a noticeable boost. Sound quality is impressive for the price. Bass is full and controlled, vocals sit clearly in the mix and the treble stays crisp without getting sharp which makes these ideal for everyday listening. Battery life sits at around eight and a half hours from the earbuds, rising to roughly 30 hours with the case. Overall, the WF-C710N deliver exactly what good budget in ears should. They are simple, solid and offer performance that punches well above their price tag. |
| Reasons To Consider: ✓ Fun, balanced tuning with full but controlled bass ✓ Secure fit with practical features like wear detection ✓ Strong battery life with multipoint support |
| Runner Up: Apple AirPods Pro 3 |
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| RRP: £219 (see latest pricing) Our runner up is the Apple AirPods Pro 3. Refreshed in 2025, they're another solid effort from Apple with seamless connection, easy pairing, a great feature set and that classic Apple finish. The only reason they don't take the top spot is that, while they're perfect for iPhone users, they're a bit less flexible for everyone else. That said, if you are already in that ecosystem, they remain one of the best everyday earbuds you can pick up right now. |
If you want to look at more options, you can check out our range of dedicated sports and running headphones.
| Best Over-Ear Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM6 |
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 RRP: £399.00 (see latest pricing) The Sony WH-1000XM6 take the top spot for best over ear headphones because they really do everything well. Sony has taken what already worked across the last few generations and refined it again. You get class-leading noise cancelling, a balanced, detailed sound profile and comfort that holds up all day. They feel light, fold flat for travel and are very easy to live with day to day. The sound carries that familiar Sony character too, dynamic with plenty of texture but still smooth enough for long listening sessions. Call quality is another strong point which helps make them a true all-round option. |
| Reasons To Consider: ✓ Excellent all round performance with strong sound and ANC ✓ Light, comfortable design suitable for long sessions ✓ Travel friendly with fold flat hinges and great battery life |
| Runner Up: Sonos Ace |
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| RRP: £449.00 (see latest pricing) The Sonos Ace take the runner up position. It was a close call since there have been several strong contenders this year from Bowers and Wilkins, Sennheiser and Bose. But the Ace stand out because they work brilliantly within the Sonos ecosystem while also holding their own as a standalone pair. They don't quite match the XM6 for outright noise cancelling, but the wide soundstage, premium build and features like TV Audio Swap make them a fantastic alternative, especially now that the price has become more competitive. |
Why Buy Your Headphones from Smart Home Sounds?
Choosing the right pair of headphones is only half the journey. Where you buy them from matters just as much.
At Smart Home Sounds, our team lives and breathes audio. Whether you are choosing your first pair or upgrading to something more premium, you will get honest, expert advice from people who test this gear every day.
We offer FREE next-day delivery on orders over £99, a lowest price guarantee so you never pay more than you should, plus 0% finance to make upgrading easier.
If you want to try before you buy, you can also visit our Cheltenham Experience Store where you are welcome to test a wide range of headphones in person.
Other Useful Content
Watch: Headphone Buying Guide: Don't Watch Before Watching This!
Read: Best Bowers & Wilkins Headphones 2025: Ultimate Buyer's Guide
For more information about any of the soundbars mentioned in this article, get in touch and one of our Tech Guides would be happy to help!
Why buy from Smart Home Sounds? We offer Lowest Price Guarantee, Free Next Day Delivery* & 0% Finance Options. Looking for more personal advice? Contact our team of experts today. Shop Headphones
