Best Headphones Better Than AirPods to Buy in January 2026
HAOYUYAN Wireless Earbuds, Sports Bluetooth Headphones, 80Hrs Playtime Ear Buds with LED Power Display, Noise Canceling Headset, IPX7 Waterproof Earphones for Workout/Running
- IPX7 WATERPROOF & SECURE FIT: PERFECT FOR WORKOUTS & OUTDOOR ADVENTURES.
- IMMERSIVE SOUND & NOISE CONTROL: POWERFUL AUDIO QUALITY WITH NOISE CANCELLATION.
- 80-HOUR PLAYTIME & FAST CHARGING: STAY POWERED UP AND READY FOR ACTION!
kurdene Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3 in Ear Buds Light Weight Headphones,Deep Bass Sound,Built in Mics Headset,Clear Calls Earphones for Sports Workout
- EXPERIENCE POWERFUL DEEP BASS WITH OVERSIZED 8MM DRIVERS.
- ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN ENSURES A COMFORTABLE FIT FOR SPORTS.
- ENJOY CLEAR CALLS WITH ADVANCED NOISE-CANCELING TECHNOLOGY.
Monster Clarity 101 AirLinks Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.0 in-Ear Headphones with Charging Case, Stereo Earphones Deep Bass Sound, IPX5 Waterproof, Built-in Mic, Clear Call, Secure Fit for Sports
- WIRELESS FREEDOM: MOVE FREELY DURING WORKOUTS WITH TANGLE-FREE SOUND.
- INTUITIVE TOUCH CONTROLS: EASILY MANAGE MUSIC AND CALLS WITH A TOUCH.
- SMART CHARGING CASE: CONVENIENT POWER ON-THE-GO WITH AUTO ON/OFF FEATURE.
Soundcore P30i by Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Strong and Smart Noise Cancelling, Powerful Bass, 45H Playtime, 2-in-1 Case and Phone Stand, IP54, Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4 (Green)
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HANDS-FREE VIEWING ANYWHERE: ENJOY SHOWS WITH 2-IN-1 CHARGING CASE.
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SMART NOISE CANCELLING: UP TO 42DB REDUCTION FOR IMMERSIVE SOUND.
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LONG PLAYTIME: 10 HOURS PER CHARGE; QUICK 10-MIN CHARGE OFFERS 2 HOURS.
JBL Vibe Beam 2 - True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds with JBL Pure Bass Sound & Smart Ambient technology, 4mics for crisp, clear calls, up to 40Hrs of Playback, IP54 Dust & Water resistant (Black)
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EXPERIENCE THRILLING JBL PURE BASS SOUND WITH POWERFUL 8MM DRIVERS.
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SMART AMBIENT NOISE CONTROL LETS YOU STAY AWARE WHILE USING EARBUDS.
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ENJOY 40 HOURS OF PLAYBACK AND QUICK CHARGING FOR NON-STOP LISTENING!
sajawass Wireless Earbuds, Sports Bluetooth Headphones, 75Hrs Playtime Ear Buds with LED Power Display, Noise Canceling Headset, IPX7 Waterproof Earphones for Workout/Running
- ENJOY 3X FASTER AND STABLE CONNECTIVITY WITH BLUETOOTH 5.3 TECH.
- EXPERIENCE IMMERSIVE SOUND WITH HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO AND ENC NOISE REDUCTION.
- GET 75 HOURS OF PLAYTIME AND SMART TOUCH CONTROLS FOR ULTIMATE CONVENIENCE.
There are several headphones that are considered better than AirPods in terms of various features and performance. One of the popular options are the Sony WF-1000XM4, which offer exceptional sound quality, active noise cancellation, and longer battery life compared to AirPods. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are another great alternative, known for their comfortable fit and excellent noise cancellation. The Jabra Elite 85t is also highly regarded, offering impressive sound, customizable EQ, and a great fit. For audiophiles, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 stand out, with their incredible sound reproduction and effective noise isolation. Other notable options include the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, Beats Powerbeats Pro, and JBL Free X. Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal preference and specific requirements such as sound quality, comfort, battery life, or noise cancellation.
How to select the best noise-canceling headphones?
When selecting the best noise-canceling headphones, there are several factors to consider:
- Research reputable brands: Consider brands known for their expertise in audio technology and noise cancellation, such as Bose, Sony, or Sennheiser.
- Determine your budget: Noise-canceling headphones are available at various price points, so decide how much you are willing to spend. High-end models often offer superior noise cancellation and sound quality.
- Type of noise cancellation: There are two types of noise cancellation: passive and active. Passive noise cancellation relies on the physical design of the headphones to block out noise, while active noise cancellation uses built-in microphones and electronics to actively eliminate external sounds. Active noise cancellation is generally more effective.
- Consider the battery life: If you opt for active noise-canceling headphones, check the battery life. Some models may offer longer battery life than others, ensuring longer periods of noise cancellation.
- Test the headphones: If possible, try out different models before purchasing. This will allow you to gauge their sound quality, comfort, and the effectiveness of the noise cancellation. Pay attention to comfort, as some headphones may put too much pressure on the ears, leading to discomfort during prolonged use.
- Read reviews: Look for reviews and ratings of the specific models you are considering. Pay attention to feedback on noise-canceling effectiveness, sound quality, durability, and overall user experience.
Ultimately, choosing the best noise-canceling headphones comes down to personal preference and requirements. It's important to weigh factors such as price, features, sound quality, and comfort to find the headphones that best suit your needs.
What is the best headphone brand for hip hop and rap music?
There are several headphone brands that are popular among hip hop and rap music enthusiasts. Some of the top brands known for delivering excellent bass response, strong audio quality, and durability are:
- Beats by Dre: Beats headphones are widely used in the hip hop and rap community for their heavy bass response and stylish designs. They offer a wide range of models, including the Beats Studio and Beats Pro.
- Sony: Sony headphones are known for their powerful sound performance and deep bass. Models such as the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sony MDR-7506 are popular among hip hop and rap listeners.
- Sennheiser: Sennheiser is a widely respected brand known for its audio quality. Their headphones, like the Sennheiser HD 650 and Sennheiser HD 280 Pro, are praised for their accurate sound reproduction that works well with various music genres, including hip hop and rap.
- Audio-Technica: Audio-Technica is renowned for its professional-grade headphones. Models like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Audio-Technica ATH-M40x offer excellent sonic performance, thumping bass, and isolation, making them suitable for hip hop and rap music.
Ultimately, the best headphone brand for hip hop and rap music depends on personal preference and budget. It is recommended to try out different models and find the one that suits your specific musical tastes.
How to clean headphones properly?
To clean headphones properly, you can follow these steps:
- Start by unplugging the headphones and removing any detachable parts (such as ear pads or silicone tips) if possible.
- Wipe the headphones down using a soft, lint-free cloth or microfiber cloth. Gently remove any dust, dirt, or smudges from the surfaces.
- For removable silicone tips, rinse them with warm water and mild soap. Use your fingers to gently clean them, ensuring all debris is removed, and then rinse them thoroughly. Allow the tips to air dry completely before reattaching them.
- If the ear pads are detachable and made of fabric, check if they are machine washable. If they are, follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing and drying. If not, use a mixture of mild soap and warm water to dampen a cloth, then gently wipe the ear pads, being careful not to soak them. Finally, use a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture.
- Pay attention to the headphone jack and make sure it is clean. You can use a cotton swab gently dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the edges of the jack. Ensure the headphone jack is completely dry before plugging in the headphones.
- Avoid using excessive liquid or cleaning solutions directly on the headphones, as this can damage the electronics or cause the sound quality to degrade.
- In case of stubborn dirt or grime, you can use a small brush with soft bristles, such as a toothbrush, to gently sweep away any debris or dirt.
Remember to consult the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for specific cleaning recommendations for your headphones, as different brands and models may have different cleaning requirements.
How to choose headphones with the best microphone quality?
When choosing headphones with the best microphone quality, there are several factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you make a decision:
- Research the microphone specifications: Look for headphones with microphone specifications that suit your needs. Check for features like noise cancellation, frequency response, sensitivity, and signal-to-noise ratio. Generally, a wider frequency response range and higher sensitivity will ensure better microphone quality.
- Read reviews and customer feedback: Look for reviews and feedback from other users who have tested the headphones' microphone quality. Pay attention to the clarity, background noise cancellation, and overall performance of the microphone.
- Consider the microphone type: There are various types of microphones used in headphones, such as boom microphones, inline microphones, or in-ear microphones. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that best suits your preferences and needs for the intended purpose of use.
- Look for noise-canceling features: Headphones with noise-canceling technology can reduce background noise, providing clearer audio during calls or recording. This is especially important if you plan to use the headphones in noisy environments.
- Check compatibility with your devices: Ensure that the headphones you choose are compatible with the devices you intend to use them with. Check if the microphone is compatible with your computer, smartphone, gaming console, or other devices.
- Try before you buy (if possible): If you have the opportunity, test the headphones in person to check the microphone quality and see if it meets your expectations. Pay attention to how well the microphone captures your voice, as well as any possible distortions or abnormalities.
Remember, the microphone quality may vary depending on the price range and brand, so consider your budget and prioritize the features that matter most to you.