With the holidays approaching at breakneck speed, it’s time to take a look back at some of the best headphone brands to be released this year. We have seen major launches of widely known brands, and some from some lesser known brands in this market. This year we’re seeing new heavy hitters from the likes of two audiophile brands, as well as new iterations from mainstream headphones. Here are some of the best ones to buy in 2025.
Sony WH-1000XM6
Hailed as the flagship of Sony’s 1000X series, the WH-1000XM6 further refines the comfort, tuning, and technology from the XM5, offering class-leading ANC powered by Sony’s new QN3 processor and 12 dynamic microphones. Battery life exceeds 30 hours with ANC active, and fast charging delivers several hours in minutes. The sound signature is warm and rich, adjustable with EQ, and supports spatial modes like 360 Reality Audio. The foldable design, improved hinge, and magnetic closure case improve portability.
Sennheiser Momentum 5
MOMENTUM 5 continues Sennheiser’s approach to putting music first rather than brutal studio neutrality. Its sound signature is warm and inviting, with a soft, smooth low-end response, and a midrange that gives vocals and instruments a full-bodied sound. Compared to the previous generation, the new model improves detail detection and separation while maintaining the inviting presentation that made the series so popular in the first place. It’s one of the lightest wireless headphones you can enjoy for hours at a time, aided by excellent comfort and exceptional battery life.
Sennheiser HDB 630
The HDB 630 feels less like a consumer ANC headphone and more like true wireless hi-fi. Its biggest strength is its technical performance and photography ability. The HDB 630 delivers the largest and most accurate soundstage available in Bluetooth headphones, producing an impressive sense of depth and separation that rivals some closed-loop headphones. Its tuning is more neutral than the MOMENTUM 5, prioritizing detail recovery and spatial accuracy over warmth or excitement. If your priority is critical listening rather than easy portability, the HDB 630 remains one of the strongest options on the market.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3
The PX7 S3 is B&W’s wireless ANC upgrade of the PX7 S2e. It features redesigned 40 mm biocellulose drivers and individual cup head amplifiers for sonic clarity and scale. Active noise cancellation, powered by eight mic elements, is powerful without affecting tonal integrity. Features include aptX Adaptive/Lossless support, 30 hours of battery life, and five EQ bands with the Bowers & Wilkins app. Comfort is improved thanks to smaller earcups and refined grip strength.
Beyerdynamic Aventho 300
Launched in late 2024, the Aventho 300 delivers “studio-grade” sound with STELLAR.45 drivers made in Germany, Dolby Atmos Head Tracking, multipoint Bluetooth 5.4, and up to 50 battery life with ANC on. Their surround sound experience is immersive, although ANC performance lags compared to Sony or Bose at this price point (~$400). The sound is balanced with strong bass and detailed highs that can turn bright—but can be adjusted with EQ. Comfort is generally good, but the cushions may feel firm during extended wear. A solid choice if found discounted.
Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2
The original Px8 already established itself as one of the best wireless headphones available, and the Px8 S2 refines that formula rather than reinventing it. Improvements in comfort, imaging, and overall technical performance result in a headphone that feels more sophisticated than the Px7 S3. Bass remains strong and powerful, while the treble presentation remains clean and natural without fatigue. The sound stage is very impressive with the closed Bluetooth design, offering excellent range and depth that comes remarkably close to dedicated wired audiophile headphones. If the HDB 630 represents audiophile performance, the Px8 S2 represents luxury listening done very well.
Focal Bathys
Focal is best known for its selection of high-end audiophile headphones, but the Bathys are put in a class of their own. Bathys’ aim is to offer the purest sonic detail available in most of their headphones, and they completely succeed. In addition, you get great ANC and a companion app that gives you EQ. In its wired DAC mode, the Bathys stand up to some of the best closed-back headphones on the market.
Focal Bathys MG
An upgrade from the original Bathys, the Bathys MG features luxurious materials, magnesium drivers, and a wired USB-DAC mode for audiophile fidelity. Over 30 hours of battery life (longer in wired/DAC mode), multi-point Bluetooth pairing, and fast charging, the top option is $1,499 USD. The sound is more refined than its predecessor, with strong bass, a wide soundstage, smooth treble, and wired mode unlocks rival Hi-Res reference headphones. Design-wise, it has nice chestnut/brass finishes, LED logos, and very comfortable, compliant pads. The ANC is polite but indigestible.
Mark Levinson No.5909
Focal isn’t the only audiophile brand releasing wireless headphones. Mark Levinson’s products are mostly high-end audio systems, but this year, they released their first wireless headphones. It’s one of the more expensive options on this list, but the No.5909 is more than worth it if you’re willing to shell out the cash. Of course, the sound quality is the best feature of the headphones, but the No.5909 offers some of the most powerful ANC. It’s also up against the performance of the Sony, which is one of the quietest headphones I’ve heard in a long time. You’ll also get smooth, adjustable bass, and a wide soundstage that rivals other closed-back headphones in the region.
DALI IO-12
An audiophile wireless flagship, the DALI IO-12 are widely regarded as the best sounding wireless ANC headphones to date. They include DALI’s patented SMC (Soft Magnetic Compound) driver system for ultra-low distortion and crystal clear clarity, even in Bluetooth mode. Users appreciate the acoustic realism and balanced but engaging tuning. With up to 35 hours of ANC playtime, Hi-Fi and Bass modes, as well as three levels of ANC, are designed for discerning listeners on the go. Comfort is excellent, including deep ear cups for glasses wearers.