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Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I've reviewed 18 pairs of headphones this year so far — and these are the only 3 I recommend
In my line of work as Tom's Guide's Audio Editor, I get my hands on a lot of headphones. In the last eight months, I've had the pleasure of fully testing out 18 pairs with probably another half-dozen more coming down the pipe before the end of the year. I know that 18 pairs of headphones might not seem like all that many, but that averages out at about 2 and a half pairs of headphones every month. Considering most people buy a pair of headphones at most every year, I reckon I'm doing pretty well. It also paints me a lovely picture of what headphones are better than others. There have been some big releases this year, including the Sony WH-1000XM6. Interestingly, though, despite their big name, I'd actually recommend different pairs of headphones instead — and some of them might surprise you. I just can't stop talking about the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3. The old model was already excellent, with a whole host of good reasons to pick them up, but the new version completely blows them out of the water. B&W has always been good at the sound bit, and the PX7 S3 cement the brand's place in the annals of headphone history. When I was testing them earlier this summer, I thought they were the best-sounding pair of headphones before you start spending $1,000 or more, outperforming the competition from Bose and Sony. They're highly comfortable with some of the best premium padding around, and they look sleek thanks to Bowers & Wilkins' design team. They're the only headphones in the price point that actually look like they're worth $449, something I really appreciate. There's a reason they recently took the crown at the Tom's Guide audio awards — they're really, really good, and if you can afford them, you should buy a pair ASAP. I might actually be in love with these headphones. They're about the comfiest pair of cans I've ever worn, and their incredibly sound sets them apart from the competition. They're not cheap, but their premium chassis and excellent ANC put them ahead of Bose and Sony. Perhaps this is recency bias speaking, seeing as I'm just coming off testing them, but I really like the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE. I loved the previous version so that's probably unsurprising, but the minor improvements made here helped me find a greater appreciation for Cambridge Audio's HiFi ANC headphones. For example, the improvements to comfort have meant that I can now wear them for much longer periods of time without the headband pressing on the middle of my head. But it's the sound where the P100 SE really excel and show off the full might of their sonic upgrades. They've got bass impact for days, very well-rounded mids, and some of the best clarity at this price point. Despite lacking spatial audio support, the soundstage is effortless in its width and immersion, so much so that you won't miss the spatial audio implementations of some of the more expensive options. Their battery life remains excellent, so you don't have to worry about them running out at just the wrong minute. Plus, they look cool and they're built incredibly well for their $300 price point. In short, they've done a great job standing up to the likes of Sony and Bose and their more expensive headsets. The Melomania P100 SE make a case for the best headphones at this price thanks to some great sound, a new more comfortable fit, and epic battery life. I love these headphones, and anyone who doesn't want to spend loads of money on the other brands' flagships would do well to give them a listen. When I first tested the Aventho 300, I liked them. But since then, their sound has grown on me to the point where I'm picking them up despite having a dozen other options laying around on my desk. I like to keep a selection of different headphones around me with unique sound profiles so that I can hop between them depending on the mood I find myself in. The Aventho and their excellent bass and fat mids somehow keep reappearing in the pile, and I keep coming back for them for one of my favorite genres of music — Grindcore. Grindcore is not for the faint of heart. I'd say it's possible one of the most unwelcoming genres of music ever — especially when you look at the names of the bands which write it. If you're weak of stomach, don't look it up. Don't say I didn't warn you. There's a habit in Grindcore that emphasizes some of the higher frequencies, but that can make it sound overly harsh. The excellent mids and bass of the Aventho 300 take some of the edge off the highs, and let me enjoy the gore even more. For the same price as the Sony WH-1000XM5, you get a more interesting sound signature, a better protective case, a simpler app, and a more premium feeling set of headphones. I liked them when they released — but now I love them. The Aventho 300 are a fine pair of headphones indeed. I really like their build quality, with their metal hinges and armatures making for a really nice feeling set of cans. Their sound is very good, specifically for sonically challenging genres, and the fit has loosened slightly, making them a more comfortable overall pair of headphones.
Tom's Guide
05-08-2025
- Tom's Guide
This $300 pair of headphones proves you don't need to spend Sony or Bose money to get epic cans
I recently spent some time writing the review of the Cambridge Audio P100 SE, and beyond being an incredibly good pair of headphones, they've also made me think. I flitted between them, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Sony's WH-1000XM5 during my testing, and I got to thinking. Why do we keep spending upwards of $400 when there are some of the best headphones cost a whole lot less? As the world reaches a financial boiling point and life becomes more expensive than ever, I am glad that Cambridge Audio and other manufacturers stick to lower price points for their flagship audio products. Cambridge Audio's upgraded cans show that you don't have to go for one of the more premium options to get some of the best ANC headphones. They sound excellent, offer some of the best battery life around, and sport a smart design to round out the package. Bose and Sony's headphones both sound good. The Sony options tend to be slightly more sonically refined than Bose's warmer sound, but you won't find anyone complaining when they put either model on their head. But, as the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 show us, they don't quite sound as good as their premium price point might suggest. An extra case in point are the headphones we've got on hand here. The Melomania P100 SE sound undeniably more refined and well-considered than both the Sony XM5 and the QC Ultra — despite those two coming from more established headphone brands. In a single generation of headphones, Cambridge Audio has shown Sony and Bose how it should be done. The bass is impactful and precise, with none of the fuzziness you'll sometimes find with Bose. The highs are clear and bright, more so than the Sony. The mids are wide and all encompassing, bringing together an excellent sound profile that lets you slide into your favorite wingback and enjoy the ride. Where the Melomania manage to really stand out is their excellent soundstage. They sound very wide, and the instruments and their players are very easy to pick out amongst the din. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. That's no mean feat, and it makes sure that the Cambridge Audio headphones really stand out when you compare them against the far more expensive competition. They're a dab hand at every genre I threw at them, from R&B to Metal and Classical. They send a message to Sony and Bose. You can't rest on your laurels in the audio space anymore when cheaper options sound this good. You might expect that the further down the headphone hierarchy you go, the lower the build quality becomes. In some options this is certainly the case, but Cambridge Audio bucks the trend with headphones that feel a darn sight better built than options that cost a whole lot more. As much as I love my QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, they've always been a little rattly and shaky. They don't quite feel like a pair of $450 headphones, and I've always been disapointed by their build quality. While they're slightly heavier, the P100 SE feel a whole lot better built. There's no unwanted rattling if you shake them or bang your head. The materials feel incredibly premium, and there are subtle metal accents that remind you $300 is actually still quite a lot of money. Even when compared to Sony's plastic heroes the P100 SE feel like the more premium headset. All thanks to more substantial plastics and a more premium feel to the earcups. But don't take my word for it. I'm a headphone reviewer — I've used hundreds of pairs of headphones and evaluated their build quality, so perhaps I'm jaded. No, trust the word of my mother, who's used perhaps one pair of headphones in her entire life. I laid out the three pairs in front of her, and asked her to pick out the one she thought cost the most. Here's how it went down: "Hey mom, of these three headphones, which do you think cost the most?" She stroked her chin, looking up from her work. "Why?" "It's for my work, which do you think are more expensive?" She spent a good ten minutes weighing each pair of headphones in her hands, turning them over to see the facets and details at hand. Eventually, she placed the P100 SE down. "These ones" "Why?" "Well, they seem to be made of metal, and they weight more. Can I go back to my work now? "Sure, mom, thanks for helping out." So there you go — if you don't want to believe me about the build quality of the Melomania P100 SE, then you should believe my poor, long suffering mother. At least make sure that she didn't put up with my nonsense for nothing. But it's just another point for the P100 SE in the long run that shows you don't have to spend hundreds more dollars for excellent headphones. The $400+ price point seems to have landed on a battery figure: 30 hours. In my mind that's still plenty of battery life, but there is still part of me that can see the allure of something that you don't have to charge as often. If nothing else, it's something we'd have thought could be an easy stat to pad in the quest to make headphones more buyable than their competitors. But that 30 hour figure stats to feel quite stagnant when you take into consideration the staying power of the likes of the P100 SE. They'll last you 60 hours on a charge with ANC turned on, and then 100 hours with the ANC turned off. That's three times the battery life of almost every single flagship pair of headphones. Again, it goes to show that a lot of the real innovation in headphones happens further down the price bracket, where it's more difficult to stand out amongst a busier space. The result is headphones like the P100 SE, which do a standout job of laughing in the boys faces. There are a couple of things that show that there's a $100 price gulf between the Sony and Bose options and the P100 SE. The first is the size of the case. While the more expensive options fold smaller and feature slimmer cases, the P100 SE have a gargantuan carrying case that takes up more space in a bag. It still feels expensive—the magnetic door on the cable compartment is inspired—but it is very, very large. There are also a couple of features missing. Spatial audio fans might be saddened to see no form of Atmos or even a custom variant, but I never found myself worrying. ANC is very good, but still bettered by the Sony and Bose headphones. But in the long run, considering the $100 price difference, the P100 SE prove that you don't have to spend loads and loads of money to get spectacular headphones. Perhaps, instead of moving prices continuously up and up, we might see those prices drop to counter upstarts like Cambridge Audio. Sadly I have my doubts, given how much money the likes of the XM6 and QC Ultra Headphones must make their manufacturers. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Tom's Guide
29-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
Tom's Guide Awards 2025: Our favorite headphones, earbuds, Bluetooth speakers and more
Regardless of whether you're looking for a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones, a soundbar to boost the sound from your TV or even a Bluetooth speaker to kick things off at your next party, the right audio gear can make all the difference when it comes to listening to your favorite music. From wireless earbuds to audiophile headphones, we're constantly on the lookout for new audio gear that will elevate the listening experience while bringing our favorite tunes and content to life. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed all of the latest earbuds, headphones, soundbars and speakers for the Tom's Guide Awards 2025. Below, we highlight the headphones we just can't put down, the speakers we can't help but turn up and the rest of our favorite audio gear from the last 12 months which have brought music to our ears in the best way possible. Bowers & Wilkins has always come close to the Bose and Sony alternatives with its headphones, but there's always been something holding it back. A bulky design, less impressive noise canceling and feature sets. That all changed with the PX7 S3, a pair of headphones that manage to do everything very well, and one thing better than absolutely everything else. The first thing they get right is the design. They're slimmer than previous models, but retain their premium look and feel. There are loads of different textures on display, from the fabric covering the and metal covering the earcups to the soft leatherette that's on the cushioning. They're much more premium looking and feeling than the competition, all the way down to their hard case. ANC is good, bringing them up to par with Sony and just behind Bose. The feature set is improved with customizable EQ, and more are on the way in 2025. It's the sound where the PX7 really shine, however. They are some of the best-sounding wireless headphones around, with a lovely, warm profile. There's detail for days, mids for miles, and bass that wraps all around the world for a sound signature that makes you want to sink into your favorite wingback with a nice drink. I love them. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. When the Sony WH-1000XM6 were announced, we thought we'd be onto a winner in some regard. The XM6 delivered in one key area — noise canceling. This year, we've not had a huge number of big releases, but this pair from Sony has taken the cake when it comes to ANC. That's thanks to some key upgrades over the XM5, mostly in its microphone array. There are now 12 mics as opposed to the XM5's 8 microphones, and when coupled with a new algorithm, the results are extremely impressive. They're better at handling a wider range of noise than the previous model, and they now read the environment on the fly to work out the kind of noise canceling that you require. It works very well, and it's the reason that they've taken home this award this year. Noble started out making wired earbuds for audiophiles, and then moved into the wireless game afterward. The brands other wireless buds have gotten close to being immaculate, but they've always been held back by their price. Now, with the Amadeus, we've got buds that aren't uncomfortably priced but bring some excellent sound and ANC to the table. It's all down to the tips this time around. While the core ANC is good, the flanged tips in the box effectively work like earplugs, increasing the noise canceling from merely good to actually top notch. Add in their good battery life and their game-changing sound, and you've got a pair of buds that do a spectacular job at making a very attractive alternative to the similarly priced competition. There have been some excellent earbuds that have launched this year, but they all pale in comparison to the bargain that is the Sony WF-C710N. They're not cheap, per se, but they are affordable, while still offering flagship sound, ANC and an excellent feature set. They're easily our favorite earbuds of 2025 as a result. The best bit? The transparent blue colorway. There's nothing that comes close in the color department, and it helps set them apart physically from other buds that cost around the same. Not that they need to, there's plenty inside to set them apart. The sound is up there with models that cost double, the ANC is on par with the more expensive Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, and the battery life of 8.5 hours is going to last you plenty. They might not be the most premium, but they're the pair of buds to buy in 2025. This is always a tricky one for me, given that audiophile headphones become something of a 'do these sound better, or different' case. But there's one pair of premium, audiophile headphones that have stood out to me as the best thing of the year. The extremely expensive, but also extremely good, Final D8000 DC have taken the audiophile effortlessly detailed, but pack in some truly incredible bass depth to match. They sing when you give them ample amplification, and connect them to a decent DAC and you're in sonic heaven. I've tested some very expensive headphones already, and yet still, the DC8000 made me cry with some of the most impressive sonic imaging I've ever experienced. It's all wrapped up in a simple but attractive design. I really like the audio scaffolding vibes, but my favorite thing is the ballistic briefcase with locks and keys they come packed in. The whole thing feels and sounds amazing — just get your checkbook ready. Marshall made a soundbar — and it's excellent! The Heston 120 might not have the expandability of the likes of the Arc Ultra, but it more than makes up for it in sheer sonic weight and musicality. There's more bass on offer in the bar itself than pretty much any other soundbar that I've tested, and it lends the bar a more 'standalone' feel. You won't need a subwoofer for medium rooms thanks to the pair of built in drivers, and then the Dolby Atmos performance more than holds its own. Music is where it's at, though, with some excellent stereo separation. It sounds better than any other soundbar for music, and that makes it more a jack of all trades than the competition. It also happens to look really cool — Marshall's first soundbar is a massive success. Marshall is back again this year. The consumer audio division of one of Britain's most well-known amplifier makers just keeps going from strength to strength, and the Marshall Kilburn III is perhaps the best Bluetooth speaker that I've seen for some time — and it's topped our list. It takes home this award because it sounds so good. There's incredible bass here, but it doesn't overtake the rest of the music. The mids are wide, the highs clear. There's little more we could ask for. Mix in helpful placement tuning and some very clever Bluetooth connection modes, and you've a recipe for delicious it in a retro amp-like design that conjures images of the poast and you've a 3-course meal from a Michelin-star restaurant. Or a massive burger from your favorite ma and pa place — either way, the Kilburn III is an excellent Bluetooth speaker that outperforms the competition with epic battery life and stunning sound. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Tom's Guide
29-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
I've tested hundreds of headphones — and these 3 options are the most comfortable
At this point I've tested countless headphones, each one with their own set of weaknesses and strengths. But beyond sound, feature set, and noise canceling, there's one very important parameter to me that I believe is more important than almost everything else: Comfort. Because it doesn't matter if the best headphones sound amazing and block out loads of noise, if they're not comfortable, you're not going to want to wear them. It's why some of the most popular headphones don't rank in my personal rankings as with other people. The Sony XM5 headband is too thin and hurts my head after a while, for example. So which headphones are the most comfortable that I've tested? Here are the three options you should think about buying if you're looking for the most plush, comfortable experience around. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 are my favorite headphones right now not just because of their excellent sound and handsome good looks — they're also incredibly comfortable. The headband is nice and wide, spreading the weight of the cans across the top of your head instead of focusing on one spot. That's what makes other headphones feel uncomfortable. The earpads are thick and soft, with plenty of give to make them feel comfortable over longer periods of time. While they're not the lightest pair of headphones around, you don't feel it while wearing them because they do such a good job of spreading themselves over your head. A firm but not invasive clamping force rounds out the headphones and their fit. They're not going to fall off with vigorous headbanging, and neither are they too tight. They're just right. The Goldi-headphones as it where. Vegans delight — the soft leather here is animal product free. The PX7 S3 are our favorite headphones here at Tom's Guide. They sound excellent and block out plenty of noise — but it's the comfort that will keep you coming back for more. Luxurious vegan leather keeps them feeling premium, while also providing a soft surface for the lovely foam to sit behind. I've worn them for hours and hours on end thanks to their well judged comfort levels. Pretty much anything you buy from the 'QuietComfort' line is going to be really comfortable — it's in the name for goodness sake. But the line toppers, the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, are where it's really at for comfort. They're super light, and feature some lovely plush cushioning to make sure that they don't get uncomfortable should you wear them for a long flight. As with the previous set of cans, part of it comes down to their lovely, wide headband that stretches the weight of the headphones out better than a slim headband. That means you don't get anything pressing down too much on top of your head, making them more comfortable. Clamping force is a little loose, which makes them more comfortable overall. It also means they're more likely to fly off if you start to bang your head too much. So keep it still. There's lovely vegan leather here as we, so the global cow population doesn't have anything to fear from Bose. The QuietComfort Ultra Headphones bring a lovely light construction to the table to go with their ample padding and vegan leather covering. That makes them a very comfortable pair of headphones overall, and one that you'll happily wear for long flights and other travel. If only the battery lasted a bit longer. The Focal Bathys MG aren't a cheap pair of headphones — but my word are they a comfortable one. Just look at those massive, deep ear cushions and tell me you can't imagine melting into them as you listen to your favorite jazz albums. They can get really big as well, so they'll fit on a wider range of head shapes and sizes. The leather that covers those earpads is soft and breathable, making sure that your ears don't get hot over long periods of time. I wore them for a whole day of work and then a few hours afterwards to listen to some music, and I didn't want to take them off the entire time. The headband is slightly slimmer than those above, but thanks to some excellent padding and the microfibre covering it never becomes too tight on the top of your headphones. Clamping force is strong too, so you can bang your head to your hearts content. Alas, no luck for vegans here — there's some very high quality standard leather all over the earcups. Focal's updated version of their popular Bathys headphones might cost an arm and a leg, but they're super comfortable thanks to some thick, plush padding. They also sound excellent, and the noise canceling is great too. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Tom's Guide
04-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
The AirPods Max have a great deal on at the moment — but here's what you should buy instead
The AirPods Max, Apple's venerable over-ear noise cancelers, look unlike anything else you can buy for the price. They pack good sound, good comfort and excellent controls into a package that few can afford. The price has just dropped, meaning you can now pick up a pair with an $80 discount at Amazon, where they're now $479. But I think you should still buy something else. There's a much better pair of headphones for less that are just as premium, but cost less, sound better, and arguably give you much better value for money. The AirPods Max are Apple's flagship headphones, and despite a recent USB-C update they've remained mostly the same since their initial release. They're a weighty, well built pair of headphones that sound really good — earning 4 stars in our review — but they're starting to get a bit long in the tooth at this point. While I can't deny that the AirPods Max are, indeed, a very attractive pair of headphones, their other merits are starting to wear off as they get older and older. Bluetooth 5.0 feels distinctly out of date, even with Apple's magic pairing and interoperability. They still sound very good, but cheaper alternatives are cropping up with better sound. Even their looks are starting to slip, with the likes of the Nothing Headphone (1) coming out. USB-C audio mode? Headphones that cost half as much pack that in now. The AirPods lustre is starting to show some tarnish. Even at this deal price, the best thing you're getting is the sumptuous build quality and wonderful dial-like control on the right earcup. If you're looking for something worth the $449 you'll spend, look no further than my favorite headphones of 2025. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 are my favorite pair of headphones. They're extremely comfortable, look the part with loads of premium materials on display, and they sound monumental. Since testing them earlier this year, they've become my no. 1 most used pair of headphones by far. They're better than the AirPods Max in loads of ways too — and even though they're full price at the moment, they're still cheaper than the reduced AirPods Max. Bowers & Wilkins brought its A-game when making the PX7 S3. They sound impeccable, with a great sound signature that does a better job with detail and mid-range grunt than the AirPods Max. I gave them a 4.5 star review when I tested them earlier this year thanks to their good protective case and solid battery life. These cans feature better battery life, with 10 hours more on tap than the AirPods. While perhaps less visually interesting, I'd argue they're a more handsome option than Apple's headphones. The protective case is better, their features are more useful, and charging quicker. There are so many reasons to buy what are my pick for the best headphones you can buy today — and if you wait for Prime Day, you might even see a reduction.
