Best headphones for 2018
Budget, investment buy, wireless, wired -- here are our top picks for headphones.
Jennifer Bisset
CNET editors pick the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones II
Bose's upgraded QuietComfort 35 are excellent Bluetooth and noise-cancelling headphones. A comfortable fold-up design, user-friendly controls and integrated Google Assistant make them a worthy buy.
They sell for AU$499.
Apple AirPods
Apple's wireless Bluetooth AirPods are well-balanced and deliver a decent amount of bass. With above average sound quality similar to the wired EarPods, Apple fans will be happy.
They sell for AU$229.
BeatsX
More traditional than the AirPods, BeatsX are a fresh take on the neckband-style Bluetooth headphone. They pair with Apple devices, charge quickly and won't fall out of your ears.
They sell for AU$200.
Bose SoundSport Wireless
Bose's SoundSport Wireless Bluetooth headphones have great battery life for their smaller type. They're comfortable, sweat-resistant and work smoothly all-round.
They sell for AU$230.
Beats Ep
Beats' Ep are affordable, wired on-ear headphones. Simple in a good way, they're sturdy, comfy and deliver great sound for the price.
They sell for AU$139.
Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless
Sennheiser's PXC 550 Wireless Bluetooth headphones deliver impressive noise-cancelling to match their premium class. Lightweight and featuring touch-control technology, they're an excellent headset.
They sell for AU$500.
Beats Solo 3 Wireless
Beats Solo 3 Wireless headphones look great. With dramatically improved battery life and Apple's new custom Bluetooth chip, allowing easy pairing with Apple products, they're an easy buy.
They sell for AU$399.
Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless
Sennheiser's Momentum 2.0 Wireless headphones fold excellent noise-cancellation, a wired connection option and dual microphones into a sturdy, fold-able design. These are great Bluetooth headphones.
They sell for AU$699.
Bose QuietControl 30
Bose's QuietControl 30 are pleasant-sounding Bluetooth headphones with full bass and good detail. They're one of the better in-ear models out there.
They sell for AU$449.
Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II
Bose's SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphone II are comfy headphones with excellent Bluetooth and battery life. They look good too.
They sell for AU$329.
Plantronics BackBeat 500
Plantronics' BackBeat 500 are affordable, on-ear, wireless Bluetooth headphones that deliver good sound for entry-level buyers.
They sell for AU$119.
Bose SoundTrue Ultra
Bose's SoundTrue Ultra are in-ear headphones for audiophiles. But with their clean, well-balanced sound, they're ideal for anyone who wants comfortable in-ear headphones.
They sell for AU$179.
Bose Soundsport In-Ear Headphones
Bose's SoundSport sweat-resistant headphones have high levels of comfort and an "open" design ideal for those who don't want to jam the tips into their ear canals.
They sell for AU$139.
Plantronics BackBeat Fit
Plantronics' BackBeat Fit wireless headphones have an ultralight feel perfect for the gym and everyday use.
They sell for AU$179.
Jaybird X3
Jaybird's X3 are bigger than their predecessor, the X2, with improved battery life. They're sweat-resistant and sound excellent for an in-ear Bluetooth headphone.
They sell for AU$199.
Beats Powerbeats3
Beats' Powerbeats3 deliver great sound for a Bluetooth sports headphone. They're reliable and have long battery life thanks to Apple's W1 chip, which makes pairing with iOS, as well as Android, dead simple.
They sell for AU$259.
Beats Studio3 Wireless
Beats' dependable flagship Studio3 Wireless noise-cancelling headphones have a sturdy design, Apple's W1 chip for easy pairing with Apple devices and several colour options.
They sell for AU$449.
Skullcandy Grind On-Ear Headphone
Skullcandy's Grind headphones are lightweight and comfy and come with a detachable cable and cool metal headband. These are good headphones for a modest price.
They sell for AU$59.
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Plantronics' BackBeat Pro 2 are excellent full-size wireless noise-cancelling headphones that cost less than comparable models from Bose, Sony or Sennheiser.
They sell for AU$299.
JBL E55BT
JBL's E55BT Bluetooth headphones fill your ears with dynamic sound and give great value for their price.
They sell for AU$120.
Skullcandy Ink'd Wireless
Skullcandy's Ink'd Wireless are an affordable, lightweight neckband-style headphone with surprisingly good sound.
They sell for AU$70.
Plantronics BackBeat Sense SE
Plantronics' BackBeat Sense SE are lightweight, comfortable on-ear wireless headphones with great sound for Bluetooth. Bonus, they can sense when you're wearing them, are water-resistant and have good battery life.
They sell for AU$199.
Sony H.ear On Wireless NC
Sony's excellent H.ear On Wireless NC Bluetooth headphones have 20 hours of battery life. With their natural sound, they achieve near-wired headphone quality.
They sell for AU$499.
AKG N60NC Wireless
AKG's N60NC Wireless on-ear headphones are compact, comfortable and well-designed. Smaller and lighter than others of their style, they're impressive compact wireless headphones with active noise-cancellation.
They sell for AU$349.
Jabra Elite Sport
Jabra's Elite Sport earbuds are strong rivals to Apple's AirPods with their built-in heart-rate monitor, water resistance and long battery life.
They sell for AU$349.
Sony WH-1000XM2
Sony's WH-1000XM2 are excellent-sounding, comfortable wireless headphones with effective noise canceling. Bonus, they have some nifty extra features geared toward frequent travelers.
They sell for AU$499.
Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC Wireless
Sennheiser's HD 4.50 BTNC Wireless are effective noise-canceling headphones that have decent battery life. and work well as a headset.
They sell for AU$295.