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Best Headphones/Earphones in 2024 for Music, Gaming, and More
By Himani Jha | Updated Dec 17, 2024, 4:03 PM IST
Whether you're a casual music lover, a dedicated gamer, or someone who just wants to escape the world with immersive audio, finding the perfect pair of headphones can make all the difference. In 2024, the headphone market is more diverse than ever, offering something for everyone. Check out top-picked headphones here.
Best headphones in 2024
Whether you’re a music lover, a gamer, a frequent traveler, or simply someone who enjoys high-quality audio, 2024 has brought an impressive array of headphones to cater to every need and budget. From premium noise-canceling models designed to immerse you in sound, to affordable wireless options that balance performance and price, there’s something for everyone this year. The ever-growing demand for exceptional sound quality, comfort, and durability has pushed manufacturers to innovate, offering headphones that blend cutting-edge technology with stylish designs.
In 2024, we’re seeing advancements across the board—active noise cancellation that adapts to your surroundings, longer battery life for all-day listening, and improved wireless connectivity for a smoother experience. Brands like Sony, Bose, Apple, and Sennheiser continue to lead the charge, while newer contenders are emerging with unique offerings. Whether you’re a casual listener who wants a no-fuss pair of headphones for everyday use, or a gaming enthusiast in search of the ultimate immersive sound experience, the options are endless.
For audiophiles, high-fidelity sound is now more accessible than ever, with headphones that deliver crystal-clear audio, deep bass, and precise treble. On the other hand, for those who value convenience, wireless models have become a staple, providing freedom of movement without compromising on sound quality. And let’s not forget about comfort—ergonomically designed ear cups, customizable features, and lightweight frames ensure that you can enjoy your music or podcasts for hours without discomfort.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the best headphones of 2024, helping you find the perfect pair that meets your specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
Best headphones/earphones in 2024
1. Sony New WH-1000XM5
In 2024, we’re seeing advancements across the board—active noise cancellation that adapts to your surroundings, longer battery life for all-day listening, and improved wireless connectivity for a smoother experience. Brands like Sony, Bose, Apple, and Sennheiser continue to lead the charge, while newer contenders are emerging with unique offerings. Whether you’re a casual listener who wants a no-fuss pair of headphones for everyday use, or a gaming enthusiast in search of the ultimate immersive sound experience, the options are endless.
For audiophiles, high-fidelity sound is now more accessible than ever, with headphones that deliver crystal-clear audio, deep bass, and precise treble. On the other hand, for those who value convenience, wireless models have become a staple, providing freedom of movement without compromising on sound quality. And let’s not forget about comfort—ergonomically designed ear cups, customizable features, and lightweight frames ensure that you can enjoy your music or podcasts for hours without discomfort.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the best headphones of 2024, helping you find the perfect pair that meets your specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
Best headphones/earphones in 2024
| 2024's top picked cameras | Playback time |
| Sony New WH-1000XM5 | 40-hours |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 | 60 hours |
| Soundcore by Anker Q20i | 40-hours |
| Bose New Quietcomfort | 8.5 hours |
| OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro | 44 hours |
| Beats Studio Buds | 24 hours |
1. Sony New WH-1000XM5
If you are looking for over-ear headphones and money is no bar, then the Sony WH-1000XM5 is the best suited option for you. The wearable device comes with improved sound quality and active noise cancellation over its predecessor. They are equipped with an integrated processor V1 along with the noise cancelling processor QN1. For connectivity, the Sony WH-1000XM5 supports Bluetooth 5.2 along with SBC, AAC, and LDAC Bluetooth codecs. The device also has multi-point connectivity supporting two devices simultaneously. They feature 30 mm dynamic drivers and are said to provide a battery life of up to 30 hours.
User’s review: The headphones feel lightweight and comfortable to wear for longer durations. You can hear every small musical instrument in great details.
2. Sennheiser Momentum 4
User’s review: The headphones feel lightweight and comfortable to wear for longer durations. You can hear every small musical instrument in great details.
2. Sennheiser Momentum 4
Looking for headphones that go the distance? The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless delivers an incredible 60 hours of battery life, making them the ultimate endurance champion. But that's just the beginning. These headphones combine superb sound quality, enhanced bass, and crystal-clear treble with exceptional comfort for long listening sessions.
While their premium features come at a price, the Momentum 4 outshines competitors like Bowers & Wilkins in comfort and edges closer to Sony and Bose in noise cancellation. Lightweight and fatigue-free, they’re perfect for extended wear. Despite minor quirks, these headphones are a top-tier choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Users' feedback: Customers appreciate the headphones' sound quality, build quality, and value for money. They find the music great, with clear vocals and good bass. The ear cushions are soft and comfortable, making them ideal for long hours of listening.
3. Soundcore by Anker Q20i
While their premium features come at a price, the Momentum 4 outshines competitors like Bowers & Wilkins in comfort and edges closer to Sony and Bose in noise cancellation. Lightweight and fatigue-free, they’re perfect for extended wear. Despite minor quirks, these headphones are a top-tier choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Users' feedback: Customers appreciate the headphones' sound quality, build quality, and value for money. They find the music great, with clear vocals and good bass. The ear cushions are soft and comfortable, making them ideal for long hours of listening.
3. Soundcore by Anker Q20i
Looking for headphones that go the distance? The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless delivers an incredible 60 hours of battery life, making them the ultimate endurance champion. But that's just the beginning. These headphones combine superb sound quality, enhanced bass, and crystal-clear treble with exceptional comfort for long listening sessions.
While their premium features come at a price, the Momentum 4 outshines competitors like Bowers & Wilkins in comfort and edges closer to Sony and Bose in noise cancellation. Lightweight and fatigue-free, they’re perfect for extended wear. Despite minor quirks, these headphones are a top-tier choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Users' feedback: Customers appreciate the headphones for their good sound quality and noise cancelling. They find the earbuds easy to use, with a balanced mid-range and high-frequency sound, as well as customizable bass.
4. Bose New Quietcomfort
While their premium features come at a price, the Momentum 4 outshines competitors like Bowers & Wilkins in comfort and edges closer to Sony and Bose in noise cancellation. Lightweight and fatigue-free, they’re perfect for extended wear. Despite minor quirks, these headphones are a top-tier choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Users' feedback: Customers appreciate the headphones for their good sound quality and noise cancelling. They find the earbuds easy to use, with a balanced mid-range and high-frequency sound, as well as customizable bass.
4. Bose New Quietcomfort
As expected from Bose, these earbuds deliver impressive audio quality with deep, booming bass, clear mids, and bright highs, creating a dynamic and immersive soundstage. Whether the active noise cancellation (ANC) is on or off, the sound remains rich and well-separated. Designed with a bass-forward profile, they excel in noisy environments like commuting or working out. The redesigned companion app enhances the experience, offering customizable EQ settings and intuitive touch controls for seamless operation. Voice commands also let you easily switch between noise control modes, although they require clear enunciation for smooth functionality.
Users' feedback: Customers appreciate the headphones for their good sound quality and noise cancelling. They find the earbuds easy to use, with a balanced mid-range and high-frequency sound, as well as customizable bass.
5. OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro
Users' feedback: Customers appreciate the headphones for their good sound quality and noise cancelling. They find the earbuds easy to use, with a balanced mid-range and high-frequency sound, as well as customizable bass.
5. OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro, priced at Rs 3,299 with a one-year warranty, offers solid value with enhanced features like better ANC, wear detection, and dual-pairing—justifying the slight price bump over the Nord Buds 2. While its performance and customization options make it an attractive choice, the competition in this segment is fierce. The battery backup is impressive, offering 20 to 40 hours of playback, depending on ANC usage. With fast charging, a 10-minute charge delivers 11 hours of playtime, and a full charge takes less than an hour. It's a solid option for those seeking great performance on a budget.
Users' feedback: Customers appreciate the headphones' sound quality, build quality, and value for money. They find the sound clear and with a bass wave feature for extra bass. Many consider them durable and worth the price. The fit is good, the size is compact, and they have a premium design. Customers also appreciate the performance, connectivity, and clarity of vocals.
6. Beats Studio Buds
Users' feedback: Customers appreciate the headphones' sound quality, build quality, and value for money. They find the sound clear and with a bass wave feature for extra bass. Many consider them durable and worth the price. The fit is good, the size is compact, and they have a premium design. Customers also appreciate the performance, connectivity, and clarity of vocals.
6. Beats Studio Buds
The Beats Studio Buds+ wireless earbuds have officially claimed the top spot for most consumers, building on the success of their predecessors. The latest iteration offers superior sound quality, enhanced noise cancellation, a more comfortable fit, and longer battery life—all while keeping the same sleek, timeless design. Available in black, ivory, and a new transparent finish, these earbuds are both functional and stylish. Testing the Studio Buds+, I appreciated the excellent out-of-the-box sound and noise cancellation, and how effortlessly they integrate with Android, Chrome OS, and Apple devices. My only gripe? The lack of wireless charging for the case.
Users' feedback: Customers find the headphones have a snug fit and comfortable design. However, some customers have issues with call quality.
Users' feedback: Customers find the headphones have a snug fit and comfortable design. However, some customers have issues with call quality.
Disclaimer: Times Shopping Guide is committed to bringing you the latest products from the best brands. Our selection is based on market research and positive consumer feedback. Times Shopping Guide is also a part of an affiliate partnership. In line with this, we may receive a portion of the revenue from your purchases. Please note that the product prices are subject to change based on the retailer's deals.
