Greetings from TechCrunch’s 2020 Holiday Gift Guide! Searching for the perfect presents? We are ready to assist! Throughout November and December, we will be publishing a series of gift guides. Our complete collection of guides is available at this location.

Headphones represent a consistently excellent gift choice, and they are particularly valuable this year as many individuals are spending more time at home. It can be challenging to concentrate – or even accomplish tasks – when your daily environment is filled with the noise of virtual meetings and online learning sessions.

Throughout the year, we evaluated numerous headphone models, and we wanted to share some of our top picks. Determining the “best” headphones is often a matter of personal preference, but each of these selections has received our enthusiastic recommendation. We have options in a variety of styles, including over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, and gaming headsets, to suit diverse needs.

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Over-ear and On-ear Headphones:

Marshall Major IV

Darrell writes:

The newest on-ear headphones from Marshall deliver excellent audio quality alongside a comfortably light build, and offer several distinctive advantages – notably, exceeding 80 hours of playback from a single full charge. These headphones support both USB-C charging and wireless power transfer, compatible with most common wireless chargers, simply by placing them on their right earcup. The on-ear style doesn't include active noise cancellation, and provides limited noise isolation, making them less ideal for travel but a dependable option for a home workspace. Considering the cost, they represent excellent value and also function as a fashionable item.

Price: $129 from Marshall

Sony WH-1000XM4

Taylor writes:

For individuals seeking exceptional noise cancellation without compromising audio fidelity, the Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones represent an ideal choice.

These headphones are consistently recognized as leaders in their category, excelling in multiple areas. Their refined over-ear construction and advanced active noise cancellation technology allow them to establish a completely quiet atmosphere for focused work, if desired. Alternatively, their renowned, impactful sound quality from Sony is a compelling reason for purchase on its own. (The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are also a premium option for over-ear noise cancellation, particularly if you favor their aesthetic or Bose’s balanced audio profile.) As a more affordable alternative, the previous generation Sony WH-1000XM3 provides comparable sound and noise cancellation capabilities, albeit with fewer additional features.

Price: $278 from Best Buy

Master & Dynamic MW65

Veanne writes:

Master & Dynamic’s MW65 headphones represent their premium wireless, over-ear noise cancellation offering. Having tested numerous headphones – approximately two dozen – throughout my years as a DJ and video editor, I can confidently say the MW65s are my top pick.

These headphones boast a striking design and robust build quality, utilizing lightweight anodized aluminum and high-grade leather materials. The inclusion of 40mm beryllium drivers ensures a clear and detailed audio experience across all frequencies, appealing to discerning listeners with their authentic sound reproduction. The earcups, featuring memory foam, provide effective passive noise isolation, reducing distractions from everyday sounds. Furthermore, the active noise cancellation technology excels at blocking out external noise; the highest setting creates a remarkably quiet listening environment. Connectivity is achieved through Bluetooth 4.2, offering a substantial range of over 65 feet – ideal for maintaining a connection while moving around during calls or preventing accidental disconnections. Integrated Google Assistant functionality adds an extra layer of convenience. 

With a price point exceeding $400, the MW65s represent a significant investment, but they deliver a premium experience and lasting quality.

Price: Currently $400 on Amazon

Denon AH-H5200

Matt writes:

Extended work-from-home periods are made more bearable with these Denon headphones, offering a comfortable fit for all-day use. Beyond comfort, they deliver exceptional audio quality, characterized by a full, resonant bass and clear, detailed treble. The expansive soundstage creates an immersive listening experience, while the generously sized earcups effectively minimize external distractions.

These Denon headphones enhance enjoyment across a wide range of musical genres. Whether listening to hip hop, alternative music, or classic indie recordings, the audio reproduction is noticeably improved. The nuanced instrumentation in OutKast’s “SpottieOttieDopaliscious,” particularly the interplay of horns and the underlying lo-fi rhythm, is beautifully rendered. Similarly, Uncle Tupelo’s “Sandusky” achieves a particularly ethereal quality when heard through these headphones.

However, these Denon headphones perform optimally when paired with sufficient power. While they sound good connected directly to a computer or phone, their full potential is unlocked with a dedicated desktop headphone amplifier. Testing revealed a significant improvement in audio fidelity when using an amplifier.

Price: Currently $699 from Denon

 

Grado Labs The Hemp Headphones

Matt writes:

Within this headphone collection, this particular offering from Grado generates the most varied opinions. Many listeners will be impressed by the exceptional sound quality. The audio reproduction is characterized by its clarity, purity, and intricate detail. The song Silver Lining by Mt. Joy demonstrates both peacefulness and strength, featuring prominent guitar work and a full, encompassing soundstage. Similarly, playing Heart of Gold by Neil Young reveals the same qualities: a clean and unadulterated sonic experience. These headphones are designed for audio enthusiasts who prioritize fidelity.

The headphone housings are constructed from a combination of compressed hemp and maple wood, a design choice the company believes optimizes sound balance and delivers superior audio performance compared to other models. Reflecting their unique materials and inspiration, the hemp headphones are priced at $420.

Despite the outstanding audio quality, these headphones may not be ideal for working from home. The foam earpads and open design offer minimal sound isolation. As I am writing this section, I can distinctly hear the sound of my mechanical keyboard even while listening to Sublime’s Steppin’ Razor through the headphones.

Grado is a Brooklyn-based, family-run business with a legacy spanning three generations. The company initially focused on producing phono cartridges, later expanded into speakers, and now specializes in headphones and phono cartridges. These headphones are meticulously handcrafted in Brooklyn and can be customized with options such as an XLR connector instead of the standard 3.5mm plug.

Price: $420 from Grado Labs

 

In-ear Headphones:

Sony WF-1000XM3

Taylor writes:

Given Sony’s established expertise in over-ear noise cancellation technology, it’s unsurprising that this capability carries over effectively to their smaller earbud models. While earbuds generally cannot achieve the same level of quiet as larger, over-ear headphones, these represent a worthwhile trade-off for those who prefer a more compact design. Sony’s earbuds excel at blocking out a significant degree of ambient sound within a remarkably small form. Similar to Sony’s over-ear offering, these earbuds deliver exceptional audio quality, boast a visually appealing aesthetic, and include a comprehensive assortment of ear tips in various sizes and materials for optimal comfort across different ear shapes. If seamless integration with Apple devices is your primary concern, the AirPods Pro are a suitable alternative. However, if superior sound reproduction or effective noise reduction are your priorities, these earbuds will undoubtedly satisfy.

Price: $158 from Best Buy

Also great: Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 2 ($269) earbuds offer comparable performance to Sony’s models, and may be an excellent choice based on individual preferences for sound and fit, particularly when available at a discounted price.

For the Apple devotee: AirPods Pro

Lucas writes:

Despite Apple now marketing the $249 AirPods Pro as the middle-tier option within the AirPods family, following the release of the considerably expensive $549 AirPods Max, these headphones continue to stand out as Apple’s offering with the most significant advantage over typical alternatives.

Capabilities such as transparency mode and spatial audio are appealing, but their practical use may be limited based on individual circumstances. Similar to the more affordable, standard AirPods, you can discover Bluetooth headphones at this price point with superior audio performance; however, you won’t encounter a more complete experience characterized by minimal issues, a streamlined design, and exceptional noise cancellation. The AirPods Pro represent a refined product that functions seamlessly, making the use of other wireless earbuds comparatively frustrating.

Vendors are highly motivated to increase sales during the holiday season, meaning diligent shoppers may be able to find a favorable price on these headphones. If you’ve been considering an upgrade or are curious about the widespread acclaim, now is an excellent time to purchase them.

Price: Currently $199 from Amazon

Gaming Headsets:

SteelSeries 7P (for PlayStation) or 7X (for Xbox)

Devin writes:

I wholeheartedly recommend the SteelSeries Arctis 7 for gamers on any platform, be it a PC or any gaming console. These headphones deliver exceptional audio quality with a remarkably spacious soundstage, making them ideal for both gaming and enjoying various media. They are also designed to be lightweight and comfortable, providing adequate sound isolation while also allowing external sounds to be heard if desired. A retractable microphone is integrated for convenient communication during gameplay.

The primary drawbacks are a somewhat complex arrangement of controls located on the lower portions of the earcups, and a wireless dongle that consists of multiple components rather than a single USB key. However, these are relatively small concerns given the overall value offered at the $150 price point.

Price: $150 from SteelSeries

Budget pick: Razer Kraken X USB

Devin writes:

I consistently recommend this headset to those seeking a dependable, yet affordable option. While the audio profile leans towards emphasized bass and it doesn't offer wireless connectivity, I personally used these headphones for an extended period and appreciated their comfort, consistent performance, and the ease of use of the integrated microphone.

Price: $44 from Amazon

Upgrade pick: SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless represents a significant investment, but delivers exceptional quality. A key feature is their superior comfort, achieved through a headband design inspired by ski goggles. The inclusion of two swappable, rechargeable batteries – one powering the headset and the other charging in the base station – prevents interruptions during gameplay due to low battery. A dedicated mixing system allows for customized audio adjustments, even within games that typically restrict sound settings, and a prominent microphone mute indicator clearly displays your broadcast status. Please note: these headphones are compatible with PC, Mac, and PlayStation (with a future firmware update for PS5), but are not designed for Xbox use.

Price: $326 from Amazon