Smart design tweaks bring better listening experiences everywhere. From a headset fit for gaming to wireless buds you can sweat in, and pairs that are just perfect for listening to music at home — you'll never want to take these headphones off.
Best for Workouts :
Thus far, sweat-resistant wireless earbuds have been trumped in sound quality by their wired counterparts. That can't be said of the Beats by Dr. Dre Powerbeats2 Wireless, which provide stunningly realistic sonics, from shimmering highs to fat, filled-out lows. Just put your smartphone in an arm strap or on the treadmill, pair the buds via Bluetooth, turn your tunes on, and shred away. We wish the rechargeable battery life went longer than six hours per charge, but the sound quality of these closed buds made them a cut above every other model we tried.
Best for Gaming :
So you're still addicted to Halo. No sense in calling attention to it by waking up your significant other or the neighbours with the sounds of your carnage. The closed-back ATH-AG1 headset creates an immersive gaming experience via 53mm drivers, a USB DAC amp, and clear mic, and is so comfortable you can leave it on for embarrassing amounts of time.
Best for Listening at Home :
Brooklyn-based Grado Labs has built perhaps the best argument for open-backed headphones yet. The GS1000e model, handcrafted in mahogany, pairs a reengineered, less-resonant wooden air chamber with an ultra-accurate 50mm driver for a full, rich sound that's second only to sitting centre stage.
Best for Skiing and Snowboarding :
Drop these sweet-sounding 40mm speakers in your audio-ready helmet liner and experience wireless aural bliss on the slopes — via the phone or music player in your pocket. Each earpiece serves as a giant control you can operate even with gloves, from turning the volume all the way up to a 120dB max (not recommended) to answering a call on the lift.
Best for DJs :
If you're one of the growing army of electronic-music hobbyists, these closed headphones can deliver the goods in sonics and durability. They're tuned bass-forward and designed to lock out sound, so you can listen to music in loud environments without cranking it to dangerous levels. Rotating ear cups and a coiled cord maintain a compact footprint.
Best for Travel:
In our test of wired over-ear noise-cancelling headphones, the Street revealed a wide, realistic soundstage. But several smart features made this model stand out: Memory-foam ear cups comfortably cover your entire ear, and the rechargeable-battery life lasts an insane 70 hours. Unlikenoise-cancelling cans from Beats, Street's let you listen even after the battery dies.
Men’s Journal
