In a bustling city like New York, finding moments of quiet can feel like a luxury. While the noise is often unrelenting here, a solid pair of headphones can carve out a little oasis of silence. But, which headphones can withstand the unique challenges of city life?
Selecting the right headphones involves more than just picking any pair. To find the best options, we ventured out into the busy streets and conducted tests with twelve different evaluators, each trying out one to three pairs and assessing them in real-world environments.
The result? Here’s what we discovered.
Click here to see our full testing criteria
The headphones we evaluated not only muffle the noise of the subway but also ensure clear phone calls amidst the chaos of Times Square, all while keeping you attuned to your surroundings as you navigate the city.
Top Earbuds
Best Overall: Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro
These headphones feature five adjustable noise cancellation levels. Setting one is nearly like having no cancellation at all, and at level five, it does an outstanding job of blocking sounds.
During subway tests, one of our reviewers commented on the impressive effectiveness of the noise cancellation, stating he mainly wore just one bud to stay aware of his surroundings. The Liberty 5 Pro offers excellent battery life straight out of the box and comes with a unique touchscreen control case that shows battery status and sound modes. The customizable ear tips allow for a snug fit, which is essential for comfort and effectiveness.
- Pros: Customizable fit, app-free design, flexible noise cancellation, Bluetooth multipoint connection.
- Cons: The “bean-like” shape may not appeal to everyone.
Battery Life: 12 hours | Water Resistant: Yes | Noise Cancelling: Yes, with a Transparency mode | Case Included: Yes | Weight: 2.4 ounces | Warranty: Up to 2 years depending on the retailer.
Best Apple Headphones: Apple AirPods Pro 3
The latest AirPods Pro 3 are loaded with features that include live translation when connected to an iPhone and hearing health options that can act as a moderate hearing aid. They are effortless to connect to other Apple devices without needing additional apps.
- Pros: Ideal for Apple products, health-conscious features.
- Cons: Can fall out easily from the case, only available in white.
The noise cancellation is quite effective, with an interesting adaptive mode that adjusts to the level of external noise. The Conversation Awareness mode is especially handy, automatically lowering media volume when you start speaking.
Battery Life: Up to 8 hours, 24 with the case | Water Resistant: Yes | Noise Cancelling: Yes | Case Included: Yes | Weight: 2.56 ounces | Warranty: 1-Year limited warranty and an AppleCare option.
Best Noise-Cancelling: Sony WH-1000XM6 Earbuds
The Sony WH-1000XM6 earbuds have dual processors and eight adaptive microphones, yielding great noise cancellation and transparency modes. Testers praised their call quality and said that when adjusted right, the sound quality is exceptional.
- Pros: Great call quality, sleek design.
- Cons: Heavier than competitors, the case could be more secure.
Battery Life: 24 hours total | Water Resistant: Yes, IPX4 rating | Noise Cancelling: Yes | Case Included: Yes | Weight: 2 ounces | Warranty: 1-year limited warranty.
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Best Overall: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen)
These headphones emerged as the most comfortable option due to their lightweight design and adjustable noise cancellation settings. Reviewers appreciated their immersive sound quality and ease of use.
- Pros: Comfortable, adjustable noise cancellation, great sound.
- Cons: Price might be a barrier for some, ear cups aren’t removable.
Battery Life: Up to 30 hours | Water Resistant: No | Noise Cancelling: Yes| Case Included: Yes | Weight: 0.583 pounds | Warranty: 1-year limited warranty.
Best for Travel: Beats Studio Pro
The Beats Studio Pro is not just stylish with multiple color options, but also highly portable, making them a great choice for travel. The design folds nicely into a compact case and doesn’t compromise much on comfort.
- Pros: Trendy design, easy to pack, good sound quality.
- Cons: Ear cups aren’t removable, can feel a bit structured.
Battery Life: Up to 40 hours | Water Resistant: No | Noise Cancelling: Yes | Case Included: Yes | Weight: 260 grams.
Testing Methodology
For accurate assessments, we tested headphones in three categories—earbuds, over-ear, and open-ear. Our evaluators compared notes on aspects like comfort, call clarity, noise cancellation effectiveness, and style in various urban scenarios.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro stood out in our tests as the best choice for city living. They combine comfort, practical battery life, and excellent noise cancellation, plus they come packed with additional features like a touchscreen case. That said, everyone’s preferences vary, and other models can also cater to specific needs, whether you prefer over-ear models or another style. Choosing the right headphones boils down to personal experience and preference.
