HeadphonesFinderBuying guides: headphones and earbuds
Pick your situation: each guide explains what really matters and opens the selector already set up for you.
By use
Which gaming headset should you buy?Wired, 2.4 GHz wireless or Bluetooth? Boom mic, PS5/Xbox/PC compatibility, comfort: what really matters in a gaming headset, plus our free selector.
How to choose noise-canceling headphonesHow active noise canceling works, which noises it blocks, headphones vs. earbuds, battery life: our guide and free selector for noise-canceling headphones.
What are the best headphones for flying and travel?Noise canceling, long-haul comfort, plugging into the seatback screen, battery life, packability: how to pick headphones or earbuds for flying and travel.
What are the best earbuds for running and working out?Secure fit, sweat resistance (IPX4, IPX7), ambient mode for safety, battery life, bone conduction: what to look for in running and workout earbuds.
What's the best headset for remote work and video calls?Boom or built-in mic, mic noise reduction, PC + phone multipoint, Teams/Zoom certification, all-day comfort: how to pick a headset for work calls.
Which studio headphones for recording and mixing?Closed-back for recording, open-back for mixing, neutral response, impedance and audio interface: how to choose studio headphones for your home studio.
How to choose audiophile headphones for hi-fi listeningOpen-back or closed-back, dynamic or planar magnetic, impedance, DAC and amp, hi-res Bluetooth: our complete guide to choosing audiophile hi-fi headphones.
What are the best earbuds for sleeping?Flat earbuds for side sleepers, Bluetooth sleep headbands, white noise vs. noise canceling for snoring, all-night battery: how to choose sleep earbuds.
What are the best headphones for kids?85 dB volume limiting, sizing, durability, wired or Bluetooth, sharing in the car: how to choose kids' headphones that protect young ears. Free selector.
How to choose cheap wireless headphonesWhat to expect from wireless headphones under $50 or $100: battery life, noise canceling, companion app, and the traps to avoid. Guide and free selector.
Bone conduction headphones: who are they for, and which to buy?How bone conduction works, who it's for (running, cycling, swimming, sensitive ears), sound quality, water resistance: our guide to picking the right pair.
Which wireless TV headphones should you buy?RF or Bluetooth TV headphones, audio lag, optical connection, neck-worn models for seniors, dialogue clarity: how to choose wireless TV headphones.
Understand before you buy
ANC vs passive isolation: which one do you actually need?Active noise cancelling vs passive isolation for headphones: how each works, when ANC is worth it, and how to choose based on your environment.
Over-ear vs on-ear vs in-ear: how to choose your headphone typeCompare over-ear, on-ear and in-ear headphones on comfort, isolation and portability to find the best fit for your use case.
Best headphones for gaming: what actually mattersA practical guide to choosing gaming headphones: connection type, latency, microphone quality and comfort for long sessions.