The Best Headphones of 2026

If you're ready to upgrade your audio and you're searching for a new pair of headphones, Abt's best headphones of 2026 can act as your guide. Whether you desire earbuds, noise-cancellation technology, wireless models, on-ear, over-ear or open-ear designs, we're sure to have a perfect pair fit to your lifestyle at our store. Keep reading to see our picks for the best headphones of 2026. One of these high-quality pairs is bound to become the next product on your wishlist.

Starting off our best headphones of 2026 list is the Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones. These over-ear headphones have earned their spot due to their ability to effectively block out unwanted background sounds, regardless of where you are. The Adaptive NC Optimizer automatically adjusts playback based on the surrounding noise level, air pressure and how you wear the headphones. To ensure you remain completely undisturbed, the advanced processors work with 12 microphones to adapt your music in real time. This means you can move from a quiet space to louder one without sacrificing your audio's quality. Precise Voice Pickup Technology is another perk of the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones, further earning this device a spot on our best headphones of 2026 list. This technology uses an AI-optimized algorithm to filter out external sounds during calls. Combined with a six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, you're guaranteed to be heard clearly, even in noisier environments. To top it off, this model provides up to 30 hours of battery life. For a quick boost, just three minutes of charging gives you an additional three hours of playback. Before you leave the house, remember to grab these over-ear headphones so you can answer calls and enjoy your favorite songs all day long.

The second model on our best headphones of 2026 list is perfect for the earbud lover looking to save a bit on their audio investment: the Soundcore P25i True Wireless Earbuds. These earbuds deliver top-notch, detail-rich sound and with help from the 10mm drivers, you'll also get a booming bass performance. If you download the Soundcore app, you can take this audio experience even further and optimize the sound using one of 22 preset EQs. While you can take advantage of basic controls by tapping on your earbuds, these controls can be customized to your liking on the app too. Some users may or may not use music to help focus on their school or work projects. Others may find music to be distracting. If the latter sounds like you, activate the White Noise feature on the Soundcore app to help improve productivity, sleep and other tasks. The Soundcore P25i True Wireless Earbuds can be used for more than just music though. Next time you play your favorite video game, just pop the headphones in and activate Gaming Mode on the app. This feature will amplify the in-game soundtrack and other ambient sounds so you can be truly immersed in the world of your game. Need to pause your music or your game for a quick phone call? Your voice is guaranteed to sound crystal clear every time, thanks to dual built-in mics and an advanced AI algorithm. No matter what you use the earbuds for, they'll rely on an ultra-stable Bluetooth 5.3 connection for fast and easy one-step pairing. You can even multitask your listening with Single Earbud mode, which lets your music or your phone call play in one ear while the other is open to your surroundings. While you can enjoy 10 hours of playtime on average with the Soundcore P25i True Wireless Earbuds, using the charging case will increase your listening to a solid 30 hours. The greatest part of this best headphones of 2026 pick is that the earbuds are IPX5-rated for splash resistance, so you can always listen outside, rain or shine.

If you prefer earbuds but are willing to make a larger investment in one of our best headphones of 2026, we recommend the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 In-Ear True Wireless Earbuds. These earbuds are engineered with Carbon Cone drive units, which improve high-frequency details and reduce distortion. In turn, the earbuds will deliver precise audio with far more nuance than a standard pair of headphones. No matter how you choose to stream your music or podcasts, the earbuds will use a 24-bit connection to ensure sound quality of the highest resolution. One type of Bluetooth technology the headphones use is aptX Lossless. This codec allows your audio to adjust dynamically to optimize connection reliability and performance. While all of this engineering and extra technology is already enough to take your audio to the next level, you can do even more with the Bowers & Wilkins Music app. From the app, you can enjoy industry-first music streaming from services like SoundCloud, Pandora, TIDAL, Deezer and more. You can also tweak your earbuds settings and take advantage of more intuitive smart controls. The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 In-Ear True Wireless Earbuds even allow you to pair your headphones with multiple devices so you can switch your music between a smartphone, laptop or other electronics. Adjusting your earbuds as you listen is simple; just press the single button control and you'll gain access to several functions. This best headphones of 2026 model comes with a convenient charging case too, which boosts the battery life by up to 20 hours. Plus, just a 15-minute charge will gain you two more hours of playback when you need it most.

For customers seeking a truly premium product, the best headphones of 2026 are the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 over-ear noise canceling headphones. These headphones feature a 24-bit DSP that improves the detail in high-frequency audio for the most outstanding resolution. They also have a Carbon Cone, a breakthrough drive unit technology that lowers unwanted noise and reduces distortion for improved clarity. If you use these Bowers & Wilkins headphones to listen on your tablet, phone or computer, the built-in aptXTM Adaptive wireless technology will automatically optimize the wireless transmission of your music. To take your high-quality audio even further, these best headphones of 2026 also use six microphones to perform noise-cancellation. The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 headphones are built with luxurious materials, too. The arms are made of a lightweight yet durable cast aluminum and the memory foam earpads are covered in Nappa leather for elevated style and all-day comfort. The diamond-cut metal detailing pulls the design together for a truly sophisticated look. That's right: these best headphones of 2026 don't just sound good, they look good, too.

The Shokz OpenFit 2+ wireless earbuds are the ideal workout companion for any fitness enthusiast, and complete our best headphones of 2026 list. These compact earbuds feature a flexible ear hook design, ensuring a stable, secure fit until you take them out. The unique over-ear design lets you enjoy your favorite songs while remaining connected with the world around you. Let those motivating songs play as you patriciate in group workout sessions or shoot baskets with your friends. As you listen, Shokz DualBoost Technology produces balanced playback for mid and higher frequencies. The brand's advanced OpenBass 2.0 algorithim adds a new layer of depth to lower notes, delivering powerful bass for your most upbeat tunes. The IP55 rating means you can wear the Shokz OpenFit 2+ earbuds during intense workouts without worrying about sweat, dust or water affecting the audio quality. Even a light rain won't stop your music from playing. Listen to all of your motivating songs, podcasts and more with these Shokz earbuds and keep up with all of your fitness goals.

This is just the beginning of the wide headphones selection we have to offer here at Abt. Our picks for the best headphones of 2026 are designed to accommodate all listening habits, whether you love music, podcasts or streaming movies. Not sure which of these five winners to choose from? Take advantage of our headphones buying guide, which will take you through all of the most important audio factors to consider before investing. If you have any other questions about our best headphones of 2026 picks, speak to our very own audiophiles at 800-860-3577.