Best headphones for work, travel & gaming in 2025
Top 10 Picks
Best headphones for music and gaming should balance comfort, sound quality and value. Every headphone on this list was chosen with that in mind: we prioritized reliable noise cancelling (where applicable), strong microphones for calls or chat, and battery life that easily covers a full day.
Finding the right pair in 2025 is simple when you match the model to your use: commute/study with calm ANC, gaming with clear positional audio, or home listening with open-back detail for those who want best headphones for sound quality. This top 10 headphones 2025 list covers budget picks up to more premium audiophile headphones. Use the comparison table to finalize based on connection, battery and price.
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How to read this ranking: The order of this Top 10 balances price, everyday comfort, sound quality and features like ANC or microphones. The editor score (out of 10) shows how strong each headphone is within its own category, not just against expensive flagships. Use the quick dots to scan why we recommend each model, then check the table below to match connection type, battery life and current US pricing.
Conn.: BT (LDAC) • Battery: ~65h • Typical US price: $129
The Space Q45 nails value: long battery life, confident ANC that avoids ear pressure, and LDAC for higher-res wireless on Android. Multipoint and a folding design make it easy to live with on commutes and flights. The tuning is smooth with a warm tilt that flatters pop, podcasts and lofi without fatigue. It isn’t a luxury build, but comfort is great and the app EQ dials in your preference quickly.
If you want one of the best headphones for music and gaming without paying flagship prices, the Space Q45 is an easy top choice in 2025.
Pros
- Excellent battery life that easily covers long trips and work weeks.
- LDAC support for higher-resolution wireless audio on compatible devices.
- Comfortable fit and smooth, warm tuning that works for long sessions.
Cons
- Build feels more mid-range than premium flagships.
- ANC isn’t quite as strong as top-tier Sony/Bose models.
- Sound signature may be too relaxed for detail-obsessed listeners.
Why it’s a strong pick:
- Combines long battery, LDAC and solid ANC at a very fair price.
- Comfort and tuning make it easy to wear all day without fatigue.
- Great travel companion that doesn’t feel fragile in a backpack.
Perfect for: Commuters, students and frequent travelers who want a comfortable, high-value ANC headphone that can handle music, podcasts and flights.
Conn.: BT • Battery: ~35h • Typical US price: $97
Sony’s lightweight budget ANC is an easy daily win. You get comfortable pads, reliable noise reduction for trains and offices, and multipoint for laptop–phone hopping. The tuning is warm and friendly, and Sony’s app gives quick EQ tweaks if you want extra sparkle. Build is simple but durable enough for backpacks. For under $100 in 2025, it’s one of the best gaming headphones for music, calls and focus if you want simple Bluetooth over-ears.
Pros
- Very comfortable, lightweight design for everyday wear.
- Solid ANC performance for the price point.
- Multipoint pairing and Sony app EQ add real convenience.
Cons
- Materials feel more budget than Sony’s XM series.
- No premium codecs like LDAC on all regions/devices.
- ANC won’t fully match high-end flagship models on planes.
Why it’s a strong pick:
- Gives you “real Sony ANC” at an accessible price.
- Light enough for full workdays or long study sessions.
- Balanced, warm tuning that suits pop, podcasts and YouTube.
Perfect for: Budget-conscious listeners who want a comfortable ANC headphone for commuting, office use and general daily listening.
Conn.: 3.5mm + USB dongle • Mic: detachable • Typical US price: $59
A legend for a reason: the Cloud II combines pillowy comfort with a clear boom mic and a sound profile that pops footsteps without sounding thin. Metal forks add durability; the included USB dongle and 3.5mm cable keep it friendly to PC, console and laptops. If you want one wired headset that just works for co-op nights, class calls and streaming, this remains one of the best gaming headphones for music and chat on a budget.
Pros
- Very comfortable fit with soft pads and light clamping force.
- Clear boom mic that works well for comms and calls.
- Includes both USB and 3.5mm for wide device compatibility.
Cons
- Fully wired — no wireless option for couch gaming.
- Sound is tuned for gaming, not critical music listening.
- Design looks more “gamer” than minimalist for office environments.
Why it’s a strong pick:
- Combines comfort, solid mic quality and value in one classic package.
- Works across PC, consoles and laptops without driver headaches.
- Perfect “one headset” for gaming, Discord and casual calls.
Perfect for: Gamers and students who want a reliable wired headset that stays comfortable through long sessions and doesn’t break the bank.
Conn.: 2.4GHz + BT (dual) • Battery: ~40h • Typical US price: $169
Dual-wireless lets you blend low-latency game chat with Bluetooth phone audio. Sony’s spatial profiling locks in positional cues, while the gentle clamp and deep pads stay comfy during long scrims. The mic is crisp enough for comms, and setup on PS5/PC is painless. If you want competitive-leaning immersion without flagship pricing, the H7 hits a very sweet spot in 2025.
Pros
- Low-latency 2.4GHz link for competitive gaming plus Bluetooth for calls.
- Comfortable for long sessions thanks to light clamp and deep pads.
- Spatial audio profiling enhances positional cues in shooters.
Cons
- Design is gaming-focused and a bit bulky for commuting.
- No truly “audiophile” tuning for critical music listening.
- More expensive than entry-level wired gaming headsets.
Why it’s a strong pick:
- Great balance of competitive features and comfort for serious gamers.
- Dual-wireless support is ideal for mixing game, chat and phone audio.
- Plays especially nicely with PS5 and modern gaming PCs.
Perfect for: Competitive and casual gamers who want wireless freedom, spatial audio and long-session comfort for PC and console.
Conn.: BT + 3.5mm • Battery: ~50h • Typical US price: $219
The BT2 keeps the studio DNA of the classic M50x but adds great Bluetooth with USB-C, low-latency modes and a handy wired option for tracking. The energetic tuning has punchy bass and lively treble without harshness, and the hinges fold flat for bags. For creators who record at home and commute daily, it’s a flexible one-headphone solution that earns its keep.
Pros
- Retains studio-style sound while adding solid Bluetooth performance.
- Can be used wired for tracking/monitoring and wireless on the go.
- Strong battery life and fold-flat design for travel and commuting.
Cons
- No active noise cancelling for flights or loud offices.
- Clamp and pad feel can be snug for larger heads.
- More expensive than simpler wired studio headphones.
Why it’s a strong pick:
- Ideal “one pair” for creators who record, edit and commute with the same headphones.
- Wireless convenience without losing the M50x’s punchy, energetic sound.
- Versatile for studio-style work and everyday entertainment.
Perfect for: Content creators and musicians who want a hybrid headphone for tracking, mixing and daily wireless listening.
Conn.: 6.3mm + 3.5mm adapter • Type: Open-back • Typical US price: $199
Looking for audiophile clarity at a sane price? The HD 560S delivers a wide, airy stage with tight, articulate bass and honest mids that make instruments pop in their own space. It leaks sound—so it’s for home listening, not trains—but paired with a modest USB DAC/amp it scales beautifully. Among audiophile headphones 2025 buyers love, this is a perfect entry into hi-fi detail that stays relevant as your library grows.
Pros
- Wide, open soundstage with detailed imaging for critical listening.
- Neutral-leaning tuning that suits a wide range of genres.
- Comfortable for long home listening sessions.
Cons
- Open-back design leaks sound in both directions.
- Not ideal for commuting, offices or shared quiet spaces.
- Benefits from a decent source or DAC/amp for best results.
Why it’s a strong pick:
- Great first step into audiophile-style open-back listening.
- Reveals detail and separation that cheaper closed-backs often smear.
- Stays competitive even as you upgrade other parts of your audio chain.
Perfect for: Home listeners and aspiring audiophiles who want open, detailed sound for music, movies and gaming in a quiet room.
Conn.: BT • Battery: ~40h • Typical US price: $100
Space One overdelivers for the money: effective ANC, LDAC support and a comfy fit that survives long study sessions. The sound is balanced with a touch of warmth, and the app’s EQ presets make quick work of taste-tuning. Build isn’t premium, but it’s tidy and lightweight. For a dependable budget daily driver that handles music, podcasts and calls, this is a safe pick.
Pros
- Strong feature set (ANC + LDAC) at around the $100 mark.
- Comfortable and lightweight for long study or work sessions.
- App EQ and presets make it easy to dial in your preferred sound.
Cons
- Build and materials feel mid-range, not premium.
- ANC performance is good but behind top-tier Sony/Bose sets.
- Brand recognition is lower than big-name competitors.
Why it’s a strong pick:
- Delivers “almost flagship” features at a budget-friendly price.
- Very versatile: good for music, calls, studying and commuting.
- Ideal upgrade over cheap no-name ANC headphones.
Perfect for: Students and bargain hunters who want an all-round ANC headphone with modern features for under $100.
Conn.: BT + 3.5mm • Battery: ~50h • Typical US price: $149
Light, foldable and fun out of the box, the 770NC brings a lively bass lift with clean vocals and ANC strong enough for buses and offices. Wired backup is great for laptops and in-flight screens, while the huge battery cuts charging anxiety. A straightforward grab-and-go headphone for students and travelers who want comfort first.
Pros
- Foldable, lightweight design that’s easy to pack and carry.
- Fun, bass-forward sound that suits modern pop and EDM.
- Long battery life plus wired backup for flights and older devices.
Cons
- Not as refined or detailed as higher-end ANC headphones.
- Plastic build feels more casual than premium.
- ANC is solid but not on the level of Sony/Bose flagships.
Why it’s a strong pick:
- Great middle-ground travel headphone with good battery and ANC.
- Foldable design works well for backpacks and carry-on bags.
- Wired option keeps it useful on planes and older audio sources.
Perfect for: Travelers and students who want a fun-sounding, comfortable headphone that’s easy to toss into a bag and take anywhere.
Conn.: 3.5mm (detachable) • Typical US price: $99
The M40x aims for honest monitoring: a neutral-leaning balance that keeps edits translating between speakers. Detachable cables, swiveling cups and rugged hinges stand up to backpacks and dorm life. It’s less hyped than consumer sets—and that’s exactly why creators love it. If you need reliable reference on a tight budget, this is a no-drama workhorse.
Pros
- Neutral-ish tuning that’s great for mixes and edits.
- Detachable cables and robust build for daily studio or school use.
- Good value reference headphone around the $100 mark.
Cons
- No wireless or ANC — strictly wired studio-style use.
- Clamp can feel firm out of the box for some head shapes.
- Sound may be too flat for listeners who want big bass.
Why it’s a strong pick:
- Trusted by many creators as an affordable, reliable reference headphone.
- Durable design that handles daily bag life and studio use.
- Excellent choice if you’re moving up from consumer-only listening gear.
Perfect for: Creators, students and home studio users who want an honest, durable wired headphone for editing, recording and focused listening.
Conn.: BT + multipoint • Battery: ~50h • Typical US price: $218
If your playlists live on the low end, the XB910N leans into sub-bass slam while keeping vocals smooth and ANC competitive for travel. Multipoint pairing and quick charge make it a convenient daily carry. The app EQ lets you tame bass if needed. It’s a fun, modern wireless pick for EDM, hip-hop and pop without muddying the mids.
Pros
- Huge, punchy bass response for bass-head listeners.
- Good ANC for travel plus multipoint wireless convenience.
- App EQ allows you to fine-tune low end and overall balance.
Cons
- Bass emphasis may overwhelm for neutral or classical listeners.
- Not as refined overall as Sony’s WH-1000XM line.
- Price can overlap with more balanced competitors.
Why it’s a strong pick:
- Tailor-made for listeners who want club-level bass on the go.
- Balances bass fun with usable ANC and long battery life.
- EQ flexibility makes it more versatile than its “Extra Bass” name suggests.
Perfect for: Bass lovers who want a fun, modern ANC wireless headphone for EDM, hip-hop and pop playlists at home or on the move.
Do you want more deals? Check Amazon’s best-sellers for quick deals and easy wins:
Best headphones for music and gaming – comparison table
| # | Model | Connection | Use | Battery | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soundcore Space Q45 | BT (LDAC) | Travel | ~65h | $129 |
| 2 | Sony WH-CH720N | BT | Music/Commute | ~35h | $97 |
| 3 | HyperX Cloud II | 3.5mm + USB | Gaming | — | $59 |
| 4 | Sony INZONE H7 | 2.4GHz + BT | Gaming | ~40h | $169 |
| 5 | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 | BT + 3.5mm | Hybrid | ~50h | $219 |
| 6 | Sennheiser HD 560S | Wired | Open-back | — | $199 |
| 7 | Soundcore Space One | BT | Value | ~40h | $100 |
| 8 | JBL Tune 770NC | BT + 3.5mm | Portable | ~50h | $149 |
| 9 | Audio-Technica ATH-M40x | 3.5mm | Studio | — | $99 |
| 10 | Sony WH-XB910N | BT | Wireless/Bass | ~50h | $218 |
Final verdict: best headphones for music and gaming
For everyday listeners, the Soundcore Space Q45 is the best all-round pick thanks to LDAC, long battery and comfy ANC. Budget ANC? Sony WH-CH720N. Gamers: HyperX Cloud II or INZONE H7 for some of the best gaming headphones for music and chat. Travelers who want stamina should pick Q45. For critical listening at home, Sennheiser HD 560S opens the stage like few closed sets can. Overall, these are some of the best headphones for music and gaming in 2025 across budgets, from studio classics to audiophile headphones 2025 buyers love.