Noticed lately that some people could do with a refresher course in social etiquette? West End shows are complaining of rowdy crowd behaviour during performances, while cinemas are plagued with movie-goers continually scrolling their phones?

On the train and the bus, there’s a proliferation of people who are more than happy to share and blare every reel, no matter how inappropriate for those around them. Call us old-fashioned, but we believe in keeping our music and entertainment choices to ourselves in public. And, to do this, there’s this fantastic invention called headphones.

Like most electronics, you can choose from super cheap to very expensive. How much you spend will usually be dictated by budget and what you intend to use them for. Obsessed with your vinyl collection? Premium tech can give you a radically improved listening experience (although, to be fair, wired headphones still rule for the true audiophile). Work in a loud environment or spend a lot of time on video calls? Noise-cancelling varieties will help you get stuff done, let you watch late-night shows without disturbing your partner, and rest more easily while flying. Going running? You’ll want water-resistant headphones that adjust on the go and keep you aware of your surroundings but won’t make you a moving target for would-be muggers.

In our opinion, the best headphones can improve daily life, whether that’s quietening the commute to a less stressful level, helping to boost productivity for important tasks or increasing the enjoyment and pleasure we get from listening to music and streaming shows. It’s worth spending the most you can afford on a model that offers maximum comfort, enhanced sound quality, long battery life and, importantly, looks good.

Below are 11 pairs that fit the bill.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95

Bang & Olufsen stands for peerless style and unparalleled sound quality. With superior looks, the Beoplay H95 is so comfortable you’ll forget you’ve got them on. The choice of colours, such as the very swish gold and smooth lambskin ear cushions, will send envious looks your way to remind you.

The sound experience is a standout, powered by 40mm titanium drivers and a versatile manual equaliser in the B&O app, which allows customisation to suit your preference. The headphones deliver a rich, detailed, and balanced audio experience, especially excelling in clarity for genres like classical, jazz and vocals. While the bass is initially understated, it can be adjusted via the app to cater to different tastes.

The adaptive, active noise cancellation is effective, and the transparency mode allows for adjustable external sound input so you won’t miss the doorbell. Battery life is another strength, giving 38 hours with noise cancellation and up to 50 hours without.

Any snags? It’s Bang & Olufsen, so expect a punchy price tag to match. The H95 is Bang & Olufsen’s mid-range headphone model, but it is still priced at the top end of the market, so it’s suited to those who appreciate aesthetics and high-fidelity sound. And the carry case, while protective, is pretty hefty.

While definitely not budget-conscious, the Beoplay H95 combines style and performance, making it a luxurious choice for status-loving audiophiles.

Buy now at Bang & Olufsen

Sonos Ace

At roughly half the outlay of the Beoplay H95, the Sonos Ace also delivers on the style front. It marks the first entry into headphones for the home audio brand. With premium features, high comfort and a cool, minimal design, the Sonos Ace gives other high-end competitors a run for their money.

Easy to set up, lightweight and supremely comfortable, the headphones provide excellent noise cancellation, 30-hour battery life and fast charging capabilities that deliver three hours of playback in just three minutes, so you won’t be left twiddling your thumbs. The sound quality is impressive, delivering a balanced yet dynamic listening experience, particularly excelling in bass-heavy tracks and spatial audio with head tracking for a cinema-like effect.

Are there any snags? Some people, particularly Android users, find the integration with wider Sonos products like the Soundbar limited. In contrast, others say this can be easily worked around by simply using a different app like Spotify.

Overall, the Sonos Ace headphones are a strong debut, offering excellent sound and comfort for long listening sessions.

Buy now at Amazon

BOSE QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

At a price point similar to the Sonos Ace, we have the QuietComfort Ultra by BOSE, which has long been regarded as one of the best noise-cancelling headphones out there. The QuietComfort Ultra headphones deliver exceptional sound quality, blending immersive audio with advanced noise cancellation. This adaptive feature effectively minimises external distractions, making them ideal for travel, work or relaxation.

The headphones are light and comfortable, featuring plush (replaceable) ear cushions and a slick design suitable for long wear.

These headphones also support advanced spatial audio, providing an engaging listening experience for music and films. The controls are intuitive, with touch-sensitive panels and customisable options via the app and Siri. Battery life is good, lasting up to 24 hours on a single charge, while fast-charging capabilities offer quick top-ups.

Any snags? Well, they could be a bit cheaper. However, the expense of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones is justified by their stellar performance, build quality and accessories such as a useful in-flight jack, making them an excellent choice for both audiophiles and frequent flyers.

Buy now at Bose

Bowers & Wilkins Px8

From another premium player, Bowers & Wilkins, the Px8 headphones offer stunning build quality, excellent sound performance and effective noise cancellation in similar, sophisticated colour choices to the B&O Beoplay H95.

Made with fine Nappa leather, cast aluminium arms and well-padded ear cups, the Px8 delivers durability and comfort during extended use. Sound quality is a highlight, with angled carbon cones delivering exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and musical detail. The headphones provide a controlled bass response, crisp midrange and articulate highs, making them well-suited for critical listening.

The Px8 also supports Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive for high-quality audio streaming and includes intuitive on-ear controls. Battery life is solid at 30 hours, with a quick charge providing seven hours of playback in just 15 minutes.

Any snags? A sizeable price tag. Noise cancellation is effective, though not quite at the level of some competitors, and transparency mode could benefit from greater adjustability. The Bowers & Wilkins Music app enhances the user experience but lacks extensive EQ customisation. They perform particularly well at higher volumes but some say they lose some sparkle at lower levels.

Overall, while the Px8 retails above other comparable models, it looks superb and offers exceptional sound and a refined listening experience.

Buy now at Amazon

Apple AirPods Max

Given the high likelihood of owning compatible products, Apple AirPods are an obvious choice. The AirPods Max stand out for their seamless integration with Apple devices, impressive audio quality and effective noise cancellation.

With a design-conscious look and a unique mesh canopy feature, they come in a tantalising range of colours and fit comfortably despite their relatively heavy build. The custom 40mm drivers deliver clear, spacious sound with strong bass and adaptive EQ that adjusts to the user’s fit, making them an excellent choice for a high-end listening experience.

Any snags? They probably appeal less to non-Apple users, as some features don’t extend beyond own-brand products. Battery life is decent at 20 hours but shorter than other makes within the same price bracket. The contour case is light and economical but offers less protection than a hard shell case, also the headphones use a Lightning connector, which may feel outdated compared to a USB-C alternative. Additionally, some users report sound leakage, meaning they might not be the quietest choice for someone trying to get to sleep next to you.

Still, these headphones excel in noise cancellation, effectively silencing ambient noise without introducing pressure or hissing, while offering a natural-sounding transparency mode. Their spatial audio capability is particularly notable, creating a surround-sound-like experience for supported content. And, you can always add emojis or initials for that personal touch.

Buy now at Apple

Sony WH-1000XM5

Having scooped a number of industry awards, Sony is living up to its claim that the WH-1000XM5 are the company’s best noise-cancelling headphones. Indeed, the WH-1000XM5 is a very good choice for those seeking exceptional sound quality, impressive noise cancellation and long-wear comfort.

With a sleek look and a stylish choice of shades on par with the most expensive brands, it also boasts a respectable battery life of 30 hours, and just a three-minute charge enables three hours of playback.

30mm carbon fibre-composite drivers deliver outstanding clarity and dynamic audio across various genres. The noise-cancelling technology is world-class and especially effective on the move, with adaptive sound control adjusting automatically to your surroundings. Supporting features like multi-device connectivity, excellent call quality, and compatibility with voice assistants add to their versatility.

Any snags? To get the most out of the WH-1000XM5, you’ll need to spend a little time adjusting the equalizer settings in the app. Also, they are not water-resistant, and some users find the soft-fit leather a little sweaty over time.

Overall, the WH-1000XM5 stands out as a solid option for anyone prioritising premium audio performance and advanced features in a wireless headphone at a more affordable price than the designer models.

Buy now at John Lewis

JBL Tour One M2

Are you happy to opt for a lesser-known name? JBL Tour One M2 headphones are another all-rounder, offering excellent sound quality, advanced customisation features, and effective noise cancellation. Powered by 40mm dynamic drivers, they deliver a balanced audio profile that suits various genres, with customisable settings through the JBL Headphones app.

Features like the Personi-Fi calibration and a ten-band graphic equalizer allow users to fine-tune their listening experience. Noise cancellation is solid, effectively blocking most ambient noise, and the 30-hour battery life with ANC activated ensures reliability for extended use. Additional conveniences include wear detection, spatial audio toggles, and sidetone adjustment for calls.

Any snags? While the brand power may have less pull than other names, and the build quality doesn’t match ultra-premium competitors, they still offer significant quality for the price.

For those seeking versatility and audio customisation, the Tour One M2 is an excellent choice.

Buy now at Amazon

Sennheiser Accentum Plus

In the sub-£200 bracket, Ape recommends the Sennheiser Accentum Plus. These headphones look super swish, come in black and off-white, and have multiple premium features: a smart control app, travel case, dynamic adaptive noise-cancellation and sound personalisation.

Battery life is exceptional—an incredible 50 hours—and just 10 minutes of charge will give five hours of playtime. The headphones also feature touch controls for instant operation and a 3.5mm jack for wired listening—a useful addition for flexibility.

Are there any snags? They are less comfortable for long-distance wear, and the sound quality is very good rather than excellent. While the adaptive ANC effectively reduces background noise, it doesn’t reach the performance level offered by pricier models.

The Sennheiser Accentum Plus is a strong contender for affordability, offering solid features and comfort, convenience and portability, but it may fall short for audiophiles seeking exceptional sound clarity.

Buy now at Amazon

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

Tech issues and ill-fitting earbuds can ruin a PB. With the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 wireless headphones, you’ll never have to retrace your steps or rummage through the leaf litter for a missing bud again.

You’ll also enjoy superb bass and overall audio thanks to bone-conduction technology. Lightweight, secure and waterproof, the 12 hours of playtime cover ultra-marathon runners and long-haul flyers alike. The safety-first, open-ear design allows for situational awareness while noise-cancelling mics enable clear phone calls.

Available in black, a very traffic-friendly orange for night runners, and an Eluid Kipchoge edition, the OpenRun Pro 2 is also available in two sizes to ensure the perfect fit for your head circumference.

Any snags? These are designed for active use, not for an immersive sound experience, so adjust your expectations and reserve them for their purpose, and you’ll be more than satisfied with the performance.

Buy now at John Lewis

Apple AirPods Pro 2

Of course, there’s always an in-ear option that can’t be beaten. The design of the second-generation Apple AirPods Pro is largely unchanged from the original, but they now include extra-small ear tips to ensure a better fit for tinier lugholes and a USB-C charging case with extended battery life (up to six hours on a single charge).

The H2 chip powers improved active noise cancellation (ANC), cancelling twice as much noise as the OG model. The sound quality has been refined with better clarity and bass response, complemented by spatial audio for an immersive experience. The AirPods Pro 2 are sweat and water-resistant (IPX4), making them suitable for workouts.

Any snags? You’re paying a premium compared with similar in-ear options, and they offer limited compatibility with non-Apple devices, which may deter some users. Plus, they are so much easier to lose than over-ear headphones (so add them to your device tracker app, stat). Still, these small, perfectly formed earbuds offer excellent features for minimal space.

Buy now at Apple

Sony WF-C700N

Looking to spend less than £100? The versatile Sony WF-CF700N offers an audio quality that punches well above its diminutive size. With a market-leading fit, app integration, adaptive sound control, and super crisp sound reproduction, thanks to Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine audio tech, they also have touch control for those who prefer traditional buttons to an app.

Made from hybrid silicone rubber, these earbuds are comfortable, even for smaller ears. The pocket-friendly, integrated charging case has a strong magnetic pull to keep the twins safely docked, and the battery life is a decent 15 hours. They are also water and sweat-resistant (IPX4) and available in a choice of shades.

Any snags? The sound quality suffers somewhat during phone calls. Aside from that, you get all the benefits of a high-end Sony earbud at a very reasonable price.

Buy now at John Lewis