# 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?

*By YPB Team · Published July 9, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/the-18-best-headphones-of-all-time*

---

## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Sony WH-1000XM5** — score 1000/1000
   The reigning benchmark for wireless noise-canceling headphones with class-leading sound.
2. **Sennheiser HD 650** — score 960/1000
   A gold-standard open-back reference prized by audiophiles for natural, detailed sound.
3. **Beats Studio** — score 862/1000
   The Dr. Dre-founded headphones that turned personal audio into a fashion statement.
4. **Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro** — score 633/1000
   A closed-back studio classic famed for its durability and punchy bass.
5. **AKG K701** — score 633/1000
   An open-back audiophile favorite recognizable by its distinctive white design.
6. **STAX SR-009** — score 632/1000
   A reference electrostatic headphone celebrated for its lightning-fast detail.
7. **HiFiMan Sundara** — score 548/1000
   A midrange planar-magnetic standout that redefined value for the money.
8. **Audio-Technica ATH-M50x** — score 548/1000
   A studio-turned-consumer classic praised as a do-it-all workhorse.
9. **Audeze LCD-2** — score 448/1000
   The 2009 planar-magnetic breakthrough that brought high-end clarity to more listeners.
10. **Koss Porta Pro** — score 448/1000
   A beloved 1984 on-ear budget icon still cherished for its warm, fun sound.
11. **Apple AirPods Max** — score 448/1000
   Apple's premium over-ear headphones with machined aluminum and spatial audio.
12. **Sony MDR-7506** — score 329/1000
   A studio-monitoring staple found in recording booths worldwide since 1991.
13. **Sennheiser HD 600** — score 329/1000
   A revered open-back reference that remains a benchmark for tonal accuracy.
14. **Grado SR80** — score 329/1000
   An entry-level open-back that punches far above its price with lively sound.
15. **Sennheiser HE-1 Orpheus** — score 329/1000
   The $60,000 electrostatic dream system regarded as the ultimate in headphone fidelity.
16. **Apple AirPods Pro** — score 183/1000
   The wildly popular wireless earbuds that made active noise cancellation mainstream.
17. **Bose QuietComfort** — score 183/1000
   The pioneering noise-canceling line beloved by travelers for decades.
18. **Sennheiser HD 800 S** — score 183/1000
   A flagship open-back known for its vast, holographic soundstage.

Tags: brands, tech, headphones, audio