Best Headphones September 2026
Finding the right headphones depends on whether you need immersive noise cancellation, audiophile sound quality, or lightweight portability for daily workouts. Our independent ranking lets you compare key features, battery performance, and practical pros and cons across top models. Use this guide to easily find the ideal pair for your listening habits and budget.
Last updated: 1 September 2026
The list is unchanged since the last update.
Headphones: Top 5
1
Sony WH-1000XM6
from £247.9913 stores
from £247.99
13 stores
2
Apple AirPods Pro 3 2025
from £169.7515 stores
from £169.75
15 stores
3
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
from £629.007 stores
from £629.00
7 stores
4
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) 2022
from £156.993 stores
from £156.99
3 stores
5
CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus TWS In-Ear
from £39.997 stores
from £39.99
7 stores
The Sony WH-1000XM6 are closed-back over-ear headphones equipped with advanced active noise cancellation and multi-point Bluetooth pairing. They offer up to 40 hours of battery playback along with high-resolution LDAC codec support. Their folding design and wired 3.5 mm option make them versatile for daily commutes and long journeys.
Pros
Up to 40 hours of battery life
Strong active noise cancellation
Supports high-res LDAC audio codec
Foldable design with detachable cable
Cons
Earpads can feel warm during use
Firm clamping pressure for some heads
Apple's AirPods Pro 3 bring enhanced active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and an integrated heart rate monitor into a compact true wireless design. They feature an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance, making them well-suited for intense workouts and unpredictable weather. Battery life reaches 8 hours on a single charge with ANC enabled.
Pros
IP57 dust and water resistance
Built-in heart rate monitor
Effective active noise cancellation
Up to 8 hours listening with ANC
Cons
No manual graphic equalizer settings
Slightly bulkier fit than previous gen
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 are premium wireless over-ear headphones built with high-grade acoustic components and genuine leather finishes. They deliver rich, detailed audio resolution designed to reveal subtle layers in complex tracks. Their refined aesthetic and high-end construction target discerning listeners who value premium acoustic fidelity.
Pros
Premium build with genuine leather
Detailed and clear sound reproduction
Comfortable over-ear design
Cons
Higher price tier than competitors
Leather materials not suitable for vegans
The Apple AirPods Pro 2nd generation are true wireless earbuds offering dynamic drivers, active noise cancellation, and transparency mode. They feature smooth integration across Apple devices with spatial audio and Find My tracking in the charging case. You get up to 6 hours of continuous listening per charge and 30 hours total with the case.
Pros
Compact case with Find My tracking
Total battery life up to 30 hours
Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
Supports wireless and MagSafe charging
Cons
IPX4 splash resistance is only basic
Single-charge runtime limited to 6 hours
The CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus are feature-packed true wireless earbuds offering active noise cancellation and LDAC high-resolution codec support. They deliver an impressive total battery life of up to 61.5 hours using the fast-charging case. With an IP54 rating and app-based equalizer controls, they offer robust everyday performance.
Pros
Battery life up to 61.5 hours total
Supports high-resolution LDAC codec
Customizable EQ via companion app
IP54 dust and water splash resistance
Cons
Case edges can feel bulky in tight pockets
Ear tips may feel loose during vigorous runs
Compare specifications
| Suitable for | Training | Training | — | — | — |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear headphones | In-ear headphones | Over-ear headphones | In-ear headphones | In-ear headphones |
| Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) | Yes | Yes | — | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Colour | Black, White, Silver, Grey, Brown, Blue, Green, Pink | White | Black, Blue, Beige | Black, White, Blue, Green | Black, White, Grey, Blue |
| Features | Detachable cable, Folding, Multi Point, Equalizer, Supports fast charging, Ambient sound mode, Spatial sound | Built-in heart rate monitor, Built-in wireless charging, Buttons/controls adapted for iPhone, Charging via USB, Supports fast charging, Compatible with voice assistant, QI Charging, True Wireless, Ambient sound mode, Microphone ANC, Spatial sound, Adaptive EQ | — | Built-in wireless charging, Buttons/controls adapted for iPhone, QI Charging, True Wireless, Ambient sound mode, Microphone ANC | Supports fast charging |
How we create the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.
