Spending $400 or more on headphones might sound crazy, but if you use them enough, a premium pair can make all the difference. I think they’re worth the splurge, especially if you can snag them on sale.
I tested four of the newest premium headphones to see what makes each one unique.
First up, the Nothing Headphone (1) Pro, which costs $400. Nothing is known for its quirky designs, and these deliver. They come in an excellent hardshell case and have lots of physical controls, including an on-off switch, a volume roller, a paddle for skipping tracks and even a switch for studio-style sound.
They sound excellent, have noise cancellation and definitely stand out from the crowd.
Next, the Sonos Ace Ultra at $450. These are comfortable, come in fun new colors and use 10 microphones for adaptive noise cancellation.
But their best feature is really for people who already own Sonos speakers. With the press of a button, you can move TV audio from a compatible Sonos soundbar directly into your headphones. That’s a pretty convenient way to watch TV without disturbing anyone else.
The Beats 360 might be the most interesting of the bunch, especially if you work out. They’re $350 and built for the gym, with sweat and water resistance.
Here’s the neat part. The ear cushions and headband padding pop right off, so you can swap between fabric for workouts and softer cushions for the office.
They work with both iPhone and Android, but there are a couple of trade-offs. There’s no wired listening and they don’t automatically pause when you take them off. Extra cushion sets cost $50.
Finally, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, second generation, which cost $450.
These are my top pick for frequent travelers. They’re lightweight, comfortable, sound fantastic and have some of the best noise cancellation around. They also support Snapdragon Sound for higher-quality wireless audio with compatible phones.
My only complaints? The controls take some getting used to, and good luck remembering how to fold them back into the case. Thankfully, Bose includes a diagram.
So here’s how I’d choose. Nothing if you want something unique. Sonos if you already have their speakers. Beats for the gym. And Bose if you spend a lot of time on airplanes.
And if these prices are making your head spin, check out Anker’s Soundcore Space 2 headphones. They’re a great value for the money, and a reminder that you don’t necessarily have to spend $400 to get a good listening experience.