The world of audio technology is more vibrant and competitive than ever, making the task of choosing the perfect pair of headphones a delightful yet daunting challenge. In 2021, we’ve seen incredible advancements in active noise cancellation, wireless connectivity, and audio fidelity, all packed into designs that cater to every lifestyle imaginable. Whether you’re a daily commuter seeking solace from a noisy train, a remote worker needing crystal-clear call quality, an athlete demanding a secure and sweat-proof fit, or an audiophile chasing the purest sound, there is a pair of headphones made just for you. This guide is designed to cut through the noise and help you find the best headphones of 2021. We’ll explore the different types of headphones, break down the essential features you need to know about, and present our top picks across various categories to ensure you make an informed decision and invest in an audio experience that truly elevates your day-to-day life.
Understanding Headphone Types: Finding Your Perfect Fit
Before diving into specific models, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental differences between the main headphone styles. Your primary use case will heavily influence which form factor is the best choice for you. Each type offers a unique combination of comfort, portability, and sound characteristics.
Over-Ear Headphones
As the name suggests, over-ear (or circumaural) headphones have large earcups that completely enclose your ears. This design makes them the champions of comfort and passive noise isolation. By creating a seal around your ears, they naturally block out a significant amount of ambient sound even before active noise cancellation is turned on. This design also allows for larger audio drivers, which often translates to a more expansive and immersive soundstage, giving music a sense of space and depth. They are typically divided into two sub-categories:
- Closed-Back: This is the most common type. The outer shell of the earcup is solid, trapping sound inside. This prevents audio from leaking out (so you won’t disturb others) and provides excellent noise isolation. They are ideal for office use, commuting, and recording studios.
- Open-Back: These headphones have a perforated or grilled outer shell, allowing air and sound to pass through. This results in a more natural, spacious, and “airy” sound, similar to listening to speakers in a room. However, they leak sound and offer very little noise isolation, making them best suited for quiet, private listening environments where audio fidelity is the top priority.
On-Ear Headphones
On-ear (or supra-aural) headphones rest directly on your ears rather than enclosing them. This makes them generally smaller, lighter, and more portable than their over-ear counterparts. While they can be comfortable, some users may experience pressure on their ears during long listening sessions. Because they don’t create a complete seal, they offer less passive noise isolation than over-ear models, meaning you’ll hear more of your surroundings. They represent a good middle ground for those who want better sound quality than typical earbuds but don’t want the bulk of an over-ear set.
In-Ear Headphones (Earbuds)
In-ear headphones are the kings of portability and convenience. They fit directly into your ear canal, offering excellent noise isolation and a secure fit, especially for active use. In recent years, this category has been dominated by True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, which have no connecting wires whatsoever. This technology offers unparalleled freedom of movement, making them perfect for the gym, running, and daily commutes. Other variations include wired earbuds, which are becoming less common but offer battery-free listening, and neckband-style wireless earbuds, which provide a secure fit and longer battery life for those who worry about losing a tiny TWS bud.
Key Features to Consider in 2021
Modern headphones are packed with technology. Understanding the most important features will help you narrow down your options and find the pair that best suits your needs.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Active Noise Cancellation has become a must-have feature for many users. It uses microphones to detect ambient sounds around you and then generates an inverse sound wave to “cancel out” the noise before it reaches your ears. This technology is incredibly effective at reducing low-frequency, constant noises like the hum of an airplane engine, the rumble of a train, or the drone of an air conditioner. In 2021, the best ANC headphones offer multiple modes, allowing you to adjust the level of cancellation or activate a “transparency” or “ambient” mode, which uses the microphones to let you hear your surroundings without taking your headphones off—perfect for ordering coffee or listening for station announcements.
Wireless Connectivity and Bluetooth Codecs
The vast majority of headphones sold today are wireless, relying on Bluetooth to connect to your devices. However, not all Bluetooth is created equal. The audio quality of a wireless connection depends on the codec used to transmit the sound. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- SBC: The standard, universal codec. It offers decent quality but is the most basic option.
- AAC: The default for Apple devices. It provides better sound quality than SBC and is well-suited for iPhones and iPads.
- aptX / aptX HD: Common on Android devices and high-end headphones. It offers higher-fidelity, “CD-like” quality and lower latency, which is great for watching videos.
- LDAC: Developed by Sony, this codec can transmit audio at the highest resolution, approaching lossless quality. It requires both the headphones and the source device (many Android phones support it) to be compatible.
Battery Life and Charging
For wireless headphones, battery life is a critical factor. For over-ear models, the standard in 2021 is around 20-30 hours of playback with ANC enabled. For true wireless earbuds, look for around 5-7 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case providing an additional 20-25 hours. Also, consider charging features. USB-C has become the standard for faster and more convenient charging. Many premium models also offer a quick-charge feature, where just 10-15 minutes of charging can provide several hours of playback.
Microphone and Call Quality
In an era of remote work and endless video calls, the quality of your headphone’s microphone is more important than ever. The best models use multiple microphones and sophisticated software algorithms to isolate your voice and suppress background noise, ensuring you come through loud and clear to your colleagues and clients. If you plan to take a lot of calls, this is a feature worth investing in.
Our Top Picks for the Best Headphones of 2021
After extensive testing and research, here are our recommendations for the best headphones you can buy in 2021, catering to different needs and budgets.
Best Overall Over-Ear Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 continues its reign as the king of noise-cancelling headphones. It offers an unbeatable combination of industry-leading ANC, exceptional sound quality, and a suite of smart features. The noise cancellation is simply phenomenal, capable of silencing everything from airplane cabins to busy cafes. The audio is rich and detailed, with a warm, engaging sound signature that can be customized via Sony’s companion app. Smart features like Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses your music when you start talking, and multi-device pairing make them incredibly convenient for daily use. With 30 hours of battery life and a supremely comfortable design, the XM4 is the complete package for travelers, commuters, and anyone seeking an immersive escape.
Best Overall True Wireless Earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro
For those in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Pro are an easy recommendation. Their magic lies in their seamless integration with Apple devices, making pairing and switching between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac an effortless experience. The active noise cancellation is highly effective for their small size, and the transparency mode is one of the most natural-sounding on the market. They offer a comfortable, secure fit and a balanced sound profile that works well for all genres of music and podcasts. The addition of Spatial Audio creates a theater-like surround sound experience for supported content, making them more versatile than ever. They are the perfect companion for everyday use, from workouts to work calls.
Best for Audiophile Sound Quality: Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
If your top priority is pure, unadulterated sound quality, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless should be at the top of your list. While their noise cancellation is good, it doesn’t quite reach the isolating heights of the Sony WH-1000XM4. Where they truly excel is in their audio reproduction. The Momentum 3 delivers a dynamic, detailed, and beautifully balanced sound that will delight audiophiles. The bass is deep and controlled, the mids are clear and present, and the highs are crisp without being harsh. Built with premium materials like genuine leather and stainless steel, they look and feel as luxurious as they sound. These are for the discerning listener who values musicality above all else.
Best for Fitness and Active Lifestyles: Jabra Elite Active 75t
For athletes and gym-goers, the Jabra Elite Active 75t are the ultimate workout partners. Their key feature is their durability and secure fit. With an IP57 rating, they are fully waterproof and sweat-proof, so you can push yourself without worry. The compact design and ergonomic shape ensure they stay locked in your ears, no matter how intense your workout gets. Jabra’s MySound app allows for extensive EQ customization, so you can dial in the perfect bass-heavy sound to power you through your session. They also feature solid ANC (added via a firmware update) and a great transparency mode (HearThrough) for staying aware of your surroundings while running outdoors.
Final Considerations: How to Make Your Choice
Choosing the right headphones is a personal journey. While our recommendations cover the best options in their respective categories, the perfect pair for you depends on your individual priorities.
- Define Your Primary Use Case: Are you mostly listening at a desk, on a plane, or at the gym? Your environment and activity should be the primary driver of your decision.
- Set Your Budget: Great audio is available at almost every price point. Determine what you’re comfortable spending, but be aware that premium features like top-tier ANC and high-resolution audio codecs often come at a higher price.
- Comfort is Key: If you plan on wearing your headphones for hours at a time, no amount of features can make up for an uncomfortable fit. Pay attention to materials, weight, and clamping force for over-ear models, and look for multiple ear tip options for in-ear models.
Ultimately, the best headphones of 2021 are the ones that seamlessly integrate into your life and bring you joy through sound. By considering your lifestyle, prioritizing the features that matter most to you, and using this guide as your starting point, you’re well on your way to finding your perfect audio companion.
