The 18 Best Headphones of All Time

Studio workhorses, audiophile grails, cultural icons, and pocket-friendly legends all share this stage, from marble-and-tube dream systems to the buds in everyone's ears. Which reigns supreme?

1. 1
   Sony WH-1000XM5

   The reigning benchmark for wireless noise-canceling headphones with class-leading sound.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Sennheiser HD 650

   A gold-standard open-back reference prized by audiophiles for natural, detailed sound.
   960pts
3. 3
   Beats Studio

   The Dr. Dre-founded headphones that turned personal audio into a fashion statement.
   862pts
4. 4
   Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

   A closed-back studio classic famed for its durability and punchy bass.
   633pts
5. 5
   AKG K701

   An open-back audiophile favorite recognizable by its distinctive white design.
   633pts
6. 6
   STAX SR-009

   A reference electrostatic headphone celebrated for its lightning-fast detail.
   632pts
7. 7
   HiFiMan Sundara

   A midrange planar-magnetic standout that redefined value for the money.
   548pts
8. 8
   Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

   A studio-turned-consumer classic praised as a do-it-all workhorse.
   548pts
9. 9
   Audeze LCD-2

   The 2009 planar-magnetic breakthrough that brought high-end clarity to more listeners.
   448pts
10. 10
    Koss Porta Pro

    A beloved 1984 on-ear budget icon still cherished for its warm, fun sound.
    448pts
11. 11
    Apple AirPods Max

    Apple's premium over-ear headphones with machined aluminum and spatial audio.
    448pts
12. 12
    Sony MDR-7506

    A studio-monitoring staple found in recording booths worldwide since 1991.
    329pts
13. 13
    Sennheiser HD 600

    A revered open-back reference that remains a benchmark for tonal accuracy.
    329pts
14. 14
    Grado SR80

    An entry-level open-back that punches far above its price with lively sound.
    329pts
15. 15
    Sennheiser HE-1 Orpheus

    The $60,000 electrostatic dream system regarded as the ultimate in headphone fidelity.
    329pts
16. 16
    Apple AirPods Pro

    The wildly popular wireless earbuds that made active noise cancellation mainstream.
    183pts
17. 17
    Bose QuietComfort

    The pioneering noise-canceling line beloved by travelers for decades.
    183pts
18. 18
    Sennheiser HD 800 S

    A flagship open-back known for its vast, holographic soundstage.
    183pts