In 2023, headphones have never been more diverse or exciting. No matter who you are – a gamer, a music lover, or just someone watching their wallet – this is the year of audio perfection. Welcome to our guide, where we’ll walk you through the best headphones to fit your unique needs.

We’ve got everything covered, from gaming and music to budget-friendly options. When you finish reading, you’ll be ready to choose your perfect audio sidekick for 2023.

So, if you’re a gamer searching for that competitive edge, a music fan seeking audio nirvana, or just a savvy shopper, this is the place to be.

__Best Headphones for gaming__

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro is a strong and comfy headset. It’s built with a tough aluminum frame and an elastic-like suspension band, sort of like ski goggles. Unlike other headsets with fixed bands, you can adjust the tightness of the Arctis Pro using a velcro patch. I adjusted it once, and it stayed just right on my head without causing any discomfort. The ear pads are made of something called airweave fabric, which is between leather and velour in terms of flexibility.

They’re very comfy and don’t get as hot as leather, making them great for long use. However, if you wear glasses, you might prefer velour pads.

On the left earcup, there’s a retractable microphone on a flexible wire, a mute button, a volume dial, a port for the Game DAC cord, and a 3.5mm jack.

If you prefer wireless gaming headset, here is the SteelSeries Arctic Pro Wireless

__Best Headphones for listening music __

The Sony WH-1000XM4 looks almost the same as its previous model, but it has some hidden new features. One handy addition is Bluetooth multipoint, which allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously. This means you can smoothly switch between, for example, listening to music at your desk and watching a YouTube video on your phone, all without fiddling with Bluetooth settings. Just keep in mind that both devices must support the AAC Bluetooth codec for this to work.

Additionally, if you use the Sony Headphones Connect app, you can access more features like “speak to chat.” This feature pauses your music when the headphones detect that you’re talking. While it does work, it can be a bit finicky and may toggle between useful and annoying due to its sensitivity.

__Best budget Headphones__

The Sony’s WH-CH520 headphones are the latest affordable on-ear wireless option, priced at just $60 (or the equivalent in your local currency). While they lack features like active noise cancellation and Hi-Res Audio support, which is reasonable considering their low price, they offer quality, well-balanced sound and some handy features, making them a fantastic value. These are our favorite budget on-ear headphones.

The bass provides depth and is enjoyable, particularly with electronic or dance music. The mid-range allows vocals to shine, making dense instrumentals stand out, though you might miss some finer details compared to pricier models. The trebles also do a good job and give your music some breathing space.

REASONS TO BUY

REASONS TO AVOID

__Best budget Earbuds__

The JBL Tune 230 NC TWS headphones are a good choice for commuting and travel. They're lightweight, easy to carry around, and offer a comfortable fit. With a battery life of over eight hours and three additional charges from the carrying case, they can easily last through long travel days. However, their active noise cancellation (ANC) system doesn't do a great job of blocking out low-frequency sounds like the rumble of bus and plane engines.

Pros:

+ Comfortable and well-built design.

+ 8.7 hours of continuous playback time.

Cons:

- ANC struggles to block out low-frequency noise, especially bass-range sounds.

__Best headphones overall__

Sony WH-1000XM4

Specifications:

Weight: 253g

Frequency response: 4Hz to 40kHz

__How to choose the best headphones for you__

Is it bad for your ears to use noise cancelling?

Nope! In fact, some people opt for them because they can help preserve your hearing over time. Active noise cancellation employs a technique known as "anti-noise" to block external sounds. It essentially uses external microphones to capture the sounds in your environment, then calculates and adds the opposite frequencies to your audio to "cancel out" the surrounding sounds. This makes it easier to hear what your headphones are playing, allowing you to keep the volume at a lower level. This is how they can safeguard your hearing in the long run. Listening to loud music with headphones for extended periods is a significant concern, but with ANC headphones, you can maintain a lower, safer volume.

What are the best headphone quality brand?

Bose and Sony enjoy excellent reputations, and it's well-deserved. They consistently deliver high-performance products, and despite their plastic construction, they maintain good build quality, which comes with the added benefit of being lightweight and comfortable.

Beats is undeniably a renowned brand known for well-crafted products, and their sound quality has improved significantly in recent times. Apple's headphones, particularly the AirPods Pro 2, are beloved for their exceptional quality and competitive pricing compared to other premium earbuds.

Which type fits me the best?

When you're in the market for new headphones, the design is a critical consideration. It doesn't just determine their appearance but also affects the features they offer, how comfortable they are to wear, and how you'll use them in your daily life.

In-ear headphones, often referred to as earbuds or earphones, are typically the most affordable and convenient way to deliver audio to your ears. They snugly fit in or just outside your ear canal, creating a tight seal that keeps external noise out and your music in. These designs are incredibly discreet, making them ideal for portability, and a popular choice for athletes.

On the other hand, over-ear headphones provide an exceptional depth and richness of sound, allowing you to dissect individual instruments and sounds with ease. These circumaural headphones encircle your ears and feature generous padding for comfort.

In contrast, on-ear headphones sit lightly against your ears, offering a more breathable seal. However, their noise isolation is less effective compared to in-ear or over-ear options.

There are also headphones that don't even touch your ears. Bone-conducting headphones transmit vibrations through your cheekbones and jaw to reach your inner ear, leaving your ears uncovered. These headphones are perfect for activities like running and swimming.