The Stuff Gadget Awards 2025: our headphones of the 12 months

There’s nonetheless room for innovation within the headphone market. This 12 months, true wi-fi earbuds lastly cracked the battery life conundrum, with a number of fashions stretching past 30 hours of playtime – no comically outsized circumstances required. Fitness-focused headphone designs advanced too: swimmer-friendly bone conductors acquired an audio high quality glow-up, whereas extremely correct optical coronary heart charge sensors migrated from our wrists to our ears.

Over-ear cans witnessed a premium supplies renaissance in 2025. Titanium drivers grew to become the calling card of luxurious fashions, while carbon fibre and magnetic fluid know-how delivered appreciable enhancements in readability.

The shift from wired to wi-fi reached a tipping level too, with Bluetooth now accounting for the overwhelming majority of gross sales as producers perfected battery life and connectivity. Spatial audio with head monitoring advanced from gimmick to genuinely helpful function, significantly for Dolby Atmos content material, creating immersive soundscapes that transfer together with your noggin.

Budget headphone releases impressed maybe most of all. Sub-£200 buds delivered noise cancellation and spatial sound options as soon as reserved for high-end choices. OnePlus, Nothing and Cambridge Audio proved you don’t want flagship pricing for genuinely participating sonics.

It’s time to disclose which headphones earned 2025’s podium spots.

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True wi-fi headphones of the 12 months: Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

Sound high quality is the defining motive the Pi8 claims this award. Bowers & Wilkins has delivered distinctive sonic precision that leaves rivals trailing behind, with high-frequency readability so refined that rivals appear nearly muffled by comparability.

The secret lies within the 12mm carbon cone driver borrowed from the flagship PX8 over-ears, eliminating crossover distortion solely by ditching the dual-driver setup. Every element shines, from falsetto vocals to aggressive industrial synths, with tight, textured bass that by no means intrudes on the remainder of the frequency vary.

The compact charging case provides real cleverness too, retransmitting high-quality audio from any machine by way of USB-C or 3.5mm – excellent for aircraft leisure techniques. Beyond the stellar audio, these are fantastically comfortable too. The redesigned one-piece form with rubberised wing tip stays safe all day with out fixed adjustment.

While different manufacturers may supply superior noise cancellation or versatility, music lovers received’t care: the Pi8 reigns supreme for pure listening enjoyment.

Highly counseled

Technics EAH-AZ100

If Technics got down to create the final word all-rounder with the AZ80, the EAH-AZ100 lastly delivers on that ambition. The secret weapon is the magnetic fluid driver know-how borrowed from the model’s costly wired earphones, filling the house between magnet and voice coil with oil-like liquid to dramatically diminish distortion. The result’s impressively nuanced sound with crisp treble that by no means turns harsh and bass that punches with out overpowering.

Adaptive noise cancellation has caught up with class leaders, effortlessly muting trains and site visitors whereas producing barely detectable hiss. Battery life jumps to seven hours with hi-res LDAC enabled, or 10 with normal codecs. The redesigned form sits extra flush and comfortably than earlier than, safe sufficient for operating but light sufficient for sleeping.

An eight-band equaliser with three saveable customized modes provides welcome flexibility, whereas Bluetooth LE and Auracast help future-proofs connectivity. It’s a uncommon wi-fi earbud that genuinely shines at all the pieces.

Also shortlisted

Bose Quietcomfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2, JBL Tour Pro 3

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Affordable headphones of the 12 months: Cambridge Audio Melomania A100

Cambridge Audio’s Melomania sequence has lengthy been a refreshing various to generic mainstream true wi-fi earphones; the very good A100s proceed that custom impressively. Building on the earlier M100s however in a extra compact design, these buds sound far dearer than their worth suggests. The listening high quality proves participating throughout music and podcasts alike, while noise cancelling performs admirably for the cash – in our exams, close by conversations remained mercifully inaudible even at reasonable volumes.

The default controls work brilliantly, with the one faucets that between noise cancellation modes accompanied by clear voice confirmations reasonably than cryptic beeps. The companion app has improved considerably too, providing in depth customisation together with equaliser changes, put on detection and devoted sleep and gaming modes.

Battery life represents the principle compromise in comparison with pricier rivals, however at this low of a worth level that’s solely forgivable. It’s not in need of critical rivals, however the A100 holds its floor via sheer sonic functionality.

Highly counseled

Nothing Ear 3

Nothing brings maturity to its clear earbud vary, alongside genuinely helpful improvements. The metal-trimmed design represents Nothing’s most grown-up effort but, while bigger dynamic drivers and refined construct high quality justify the slight worth improve over the Ear 2.

Spatial sound joins improved antenna design, decreasing Bluetooth dropouts in crowded places even when streaming hi-res LDAC codec. Pinch controls stay splendidly intuitive, stopping unintentional triggers that plague touch-sensitive options, whereas the match stays safe throughout train because of intelligent angle changes. 

The standout addition, although, is the Super Mic constructed into the charging case, that includes microphones considerably bigger than something discovered inside earbuds themselves. Hold the Talk button throughout calls and readability improves noticeably – in exams, we discovered pronunciation sounded sharper with extra pure sibilance. Compatibility represents the principle limitation presently – solely sure apps recognise the Super Mic correctly and conventional telephone calls get no profit, although the function works brilliantly over Wi-Fi calling providers.

Apple AirPods 4

Apple ultimately brings Pro-level options to its base AirPods 4, remodeling them from merely acceptable cost-savers to one thing rather more compelling. The redesigned form boosts consolation by offering a snugger match, although essentially the most vital improve for us is the introduction of lively noise cancellation. Previously unique to premium fashions, blocking out background blabber now prices significantly much less – although sadly transparency mode and computerized switching stay Pro territory for now.

The case good points wi-fi charging alongside Find My compatibility, in addition to built-in audio system for taking part in location chimes when misplaced. Across buds and case mixed, a good 30 hours complete battery life appears achievable.

At $129/£119 with out ANC or $179/£169 with it, these buds symbolize wonderful worth inside Apple’s ecosystem. The stems shrink nearer to Pro proportions while sustaining that immediately recognisable silhouette and the 4th-gen refinements show significant reasonably than superficial, lastly delivering correct competitors in opposition to premium options while undercutting them considerably.

Also shortlisted

OnePlus Buds 4

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When you’re already king of the noise-cancelling headphone hierarchy, pushing issues additional appears inconceivable. Yet Sony has managed precisely that with the WH-1000XM6, delivering refinements to handle each grievance in regards to the XM5 whereas elevating the bar for audio efficiency.

The headline change is the return of travel-friendly foldability, disappointingly deserted within the XM5. The new twisting hinge mechanism feels reassuringly strong. Elsewhere, refined design tweaks enhance wearability: an asymmetrical headband helps you establish which manner spherical they go, decreased facet gaps remove the ‘Mickey Mouse ears’ impact, and a magnetic case flap replaces the fiddly zip.

Sound high quality is outstanding, formed via collaboration between Sony’s engineers and mastering professionals from Battery Studios. The upgraded 30mm carbon fibre driver delivers exact readability throughout each style. But the true magic occurs with noise cancellation: 12 microphones and a brand new processor create jaw-dropping ANC efficiency that eradicates aircraft engines and workplace chatter with out that disorientating vacuum feeling.

Highly counseled

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3

The PX7 S3 delivers audio efficiency match to rival headphones costing considerably extra. The redesigned 40mm drive models, now powered by devoted amplifiers, produce stunningly wealthy sound with exceptional readability. Even at excessive volumes, distortion stays basically non-existent.

The noise cancellation will get a significant glow-up too. An eight-microphone array blocks out exterior sound so successfully that you just’ll need transparency mode enabled when navigating busy streets. On flights, conversations and drinks trolley noise fades to nothing.

Bowers & Wilkins’ refined design tweaks enhance usability. The smaller earcups scale back bulk, whereas revised bodily controls make the essential play/pause button simpler to establish by contact. 

Battery life sits at 30 hours with noise cancellation lively, which feels enough reasonably than distinctive given what some rivals now supply. Spatial audio help will arrive by way of a future updates reasonably than at launch, however these sensible headphones stay amongst our 2025 favourites regardless.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2

Bose has lavished its flagship headphones with exactly the enhancements jet-setting travellers wanted most. The headline improve to the QuietComfort Ultra 2 is battery life, leaping to 30 hours with noise cancellation lively – sufficient for even the longest of hauls. Automatic start-up eliminates fumbling for energy buttons, and put on detection has been given a reliability replace. The plush reminiscence foam cushions and light-weight construct guarantee all-day consolation, even throughout 24-hour journey marathons.

Noise cancellation stays distinctive, effortlessly shushing aircraft engines and practice rumbles with minimal background hiss. Retuned 40mm drivers ship deeper bass with out sacrificing midrange readability, whereas Immersive Audio creates convincing spatial sound. A brand new Cinema mode proves significantly efficient for video content material. And lossless USB-C listening lastly arrives at 16-bit/48kHz.

While some greater frequencies sometimes slip via the ANC the place the unique blocked them utterly, these are excellent cans for anybody prioritising consolation and calm on the transfer.

Also shortlisted

Dali IO-8, B&O Beoplay H100, Austrian Audio The Composer

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Fitness headphones of the 12 months: Shokz OpenFit 2

The unique OpenFit left loads of room for enchancment, and Shokz has rung the adjustments for this second-generation mannequin. Its twin drivers ship considerably stronger sound, plus there’s enhanced battery life and improved consolation. 

If you’re caught quick, a fleeting 10-minute cost yields two hours of listening time. The companion app stays refreshingly streamlined, prioritising important options reasonably than overwhelming customers with bells and whistles. IP55 safety handles sweat and rain reliably (although swimming stays off-limits) and whereas the silicone-and-metal development picks up mud readily, it’s a cinch to wash.

Fitness fanatics trying to soundtrack their exercises will wrestle to seek out something that sounds higher on this class. Like most open match buds there’s a scarcity of low-end heft, however we beloved the presence these convey – there’s loads of oomph and not one of the thinness we normally anticipate. All whereas giving the wearer greater than sufficient situational consciousness to remain protected whereas exercising.

Highly counseled

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

The first new set of Powerbeats in 4 years get a complete refresh to make the wait worthwhile. Redesigned earhooks, bolstered with nickel-titanium alloy, ship flexibility and a safe match throughout even the wildest exercises, while 5 ear tip sizes guarantee correct becoming it doesn’t matter what form of lughole you possess.

Apple’s H2 chip brings with it AirPods Pro options like lively noise cancellation, transparency mode, adaptive EQ and spatial audio with head monitoring. The case now helps Qi wi-fi charging. The key new addition, maybe, is built-in coronary heart charge monitoring, which makes use of LED optical sensors to precisely monitor blood circulate.

While iOS customers face app limitations – coronary heart charge performance works completely with chosen health functions like Nike Run Club and Peloton – Android customers get pleasure from system-wide entry via the Beats software, which appears slightly odd given Beats’ guardian firm. But these are critical health headphones for these prepared to pay for the very best.

Suunto Aqua

These bone-conductors are excellent for aquatic fanatics. Ultra-lightweight and constructed to face up to critical submersion, they’re waterproof all the way down to 5m and provides a cushty, comfortable and hair-friendly match.

Through the Suunto app, you may change between Normal, Outdoor and Underwater sound modes, with music performed by way of Bluetooth or from the 32GB of built-in storage. We discovered the audio high quality wonderful, with potent bass regardless of the bone-conduction know-how. 

Charging is fast: 10 hours of battery life in below an hour, or three hours from a 10-minute top-up. The easy bodily buttons work properly, however the true magic is within the head controls: a fast nod or shake of your noggin skips songs or solutions calls.

Post-swim evaluation can also be very good, with detailed suggestions despatched to the app and AI teaching figuring out strokes and offering method effectivity information. While primarily for swimmers, in addition they function considerate out-of-water features like a neck fatigue alert for cyclists.

Also shortlisted

Huawei FreeArc, Suunto Sonic

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