Best Overall
97
WH-1000XM6
Highest Sonic Score of every model we cover (97/100).
Ranked by AI
The Best Headphones
of 2026
Winners picked automatically from our scores — no sponsorships, no paid placements. Rankings update every time we publish a review or prices change.
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Best For…
Best Noise Cancelling
97
WH-1000XM6
Top ANC score (98/100): class-leading noise cancelling.
Best Value
91
WH-1000XM4
Highest value score (96/100) — the most performance per dollar at MSRP $349.99.
Best Battery Life
92
Momentum 4 Wireless
Up to 60 hours per charge — Up to 60h with ANC on
Most Comfortable
96
QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)
Top comfort score (98/100) at just 250 g.
Best Sound
97
WH-1000XM6
Highest sound score (95/100) across every model we've analyzed.
Full ranking
Sonic Score Leaderboard
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