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1

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the Bose QuietComfort 35 II for their incredible sound quality and noise cancellation capabilities. Users appreciate the long battery life, which allows for all-day use. The added feature of Alexa voice control is highly praised for its convenience. The adjustable noise cancellation levels are a favorite among users as they can customize the headphones to their environment.

Pros

  • Superior sound quality
  • Excellent noise cancellation
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • High price tag
  • May be uncomfortable after extended use

Wireless Bluetooth headphones with noise cancellation feature.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones offer superior sound quality with world-class noise cancellation. They are equipped with Alexa voice control for hands-free operation and adjustable noise cancellation levels to suit your environment. With a battery life of 20 hours, you can enjoy uninterrupted music all day. The headphones also feature Bose AR, a first-of-its-kind audio augmented reality platform.

2

Why We Love It

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are praised by reviewers for their high-resolution audio and effective noise cancellation. Users love the convenient touch controls and the quick attention mode that allows them to hear ambient noise without removing the headphones. The Speak-to-Chat technology is a hit among users as it automatically pauses the music when they start a conversation.

Pros

  • High-resolution audio
  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Convenient touch controls

Cons

  • Expensive
  • May feel heavy after prolonged use

Wireless overhead headphones with noise canceling feature.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones deliver high-resolution audio with industry-leading noise cancellation. They are equipped with Dual Noise Sensor technology that captures ambient noise and passes the data to the HD Noise Cancelling Processor. The headphones also feature touch sensor controls, a quick attention mode, and a Speak-to-Chat technology that automatically pauses the music when you start a conversation.

3

Why We Love It

According to reviewers, the Sony WH-1000XM4 delivers excellent sound quality and noise cancellation. Users appreciate the touch sensor controls and the Speak-to-Chat feature which intuitively lowers the volume during conversations. The long battery life also gets a thumbs up from many users.

Pros

  • Excellent noise cancellation
  • Long battery life
  • Touch sensor controls

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Some find the touch controls too sensitive

Sony wireless overhead headphones with touch sensor controls

Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones provide industry-leading noise cancellation powered by Sony’s proprietary HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1. With up to 30 hours of battery life, these headphones come with touch sensor controls to pause/play/skip tracks, control volume, activate voice assistant, and answer phone calls. They also feature Speak-to-Chat technology which automatically reduces volume during conversations.

4

Why We Love It

The JBL Charge 4 is loved by reviewers for its powerful sound and long battery life. Users appreciate the built-in power bank feature that allows them to charge their devices on the go. The speaker's strong deep bass is a favorite among music enthusiasts. Its waterproof nature also makes it a great choice for outdoor activities.

Pros

  • Powerful sound
  • Long battery life
  • Built-in power bank

Cons

  • Bulky
  • Not fully submersible in water

Waterproof portable speaker with built-in power bank.

The JBL Charge 4 is a versatile waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker that delivers powerful sound. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that provides up to 20 hours of playtime and can also charge your devices via its USB port. The speaker is equipped with a proprietary developed driver and two JBL bass radiators that intensify sound with strong deep bass.

5

Why We Love It

Audiophiles appreciate the exceptional sound quality, accuracy, and musicality of the Sennheiser HD 660 S. The comfortable fit and open back design that delivers a natural, spacious sound are also highly praised. Despite the high price point, users believe it's worth the investment for the superior audio experience.

Pros

  • Exceptional sound quality
  • Comfortable fit
  • Open back design for natural sound

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Open back design may not be suitable for all environments

Sennheiser open back headphones for audiophiles

The Sennheiser HD 660 S is an open back, dynamic headphone designed for the passionate audiophile. They are crafted for the most demanding listeners with a precision-built aluminum voice coil for exceptional accuracy and musicality. The open design allows for a natural, spacious sound experience. The headphones come with a detachable cable and a 6.35mm to 3.5mm adapter.

6

Why We Love It

Users love the Apple AirPods Pro for their active noise cancellation, making them perfect for travel or working in noisy environments. They appreciate the customizable fit and the sweat and water-resistant design. The convenience of the wireless charging case also gets rave reviews.

Pros

  • Active noise cancellation
  • Customizable fit
  • Sweat and water-resistant

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Battery life could be improved

Apple's wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation

Apple AirPods Pro offer an immersive sound experience with active noise cancellation for immersive sound, and a Transparency mode for hearing and connecting with the world around you. They are sweat and water-resistant and come with three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips for a customizable fit. The wireless charging case provides more than 24 hours of battery life.

7

Why We Love It

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is loved by audio professionals for its exceptional clarity and extended frequency range. Users appreciate the excellent sound isolation, especially in loud environments. Despite not being wireless, many users find the sound quality outweighs this minor inconvenience.

Pros

  • Professional grade sound quality
  • Great sound isolation
  • Comfortable for long periods

Cons

  • Not wireless
  • Some users find the bass too strong

Audio-Technica professional studio monitor headphones

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x offers an unmatched experience for the most critical audio professionals. They are tuned flat for incredibly accurate audio monitoring across an extended frequency range. The headphones come with proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. The circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments.

8

Why We Love It

Professional users and audiophiles appreciate the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO for its excellent sound quality and comfort during long sessions. Despite not being wireless, many believe the sound quality and durable workmanship make it a worthy investment. The open back design, while not suitable for all environments, delivers a natural and spacious sound.

Pros

  • Excellent sound quality
  • Comfortable for long periods
  • Durable and robust workmanship

Cons

  • Not wireless
  • Open back design may not be suitable for all environments

Beyerdynamic open-back studio monitor headphones

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO headphones are designed for professional mixing, mastering, and music enjoyment. They offer spacious, open sound with a sound reproduction that meets the demands of professional use. The headphones have a soft, circumaural, and replaceable velour ear pads that ensure high wearing comfort during long sessions.

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Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 9 Products Updated Oct 03, 2025
Product Wireless Connectivity Noise Cancellation Type Battery Life Sound Quality Design Type Additional Features
1 Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Yes Adjustable 20 hours Superior Over-ear Alexa voice control
2 Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones
Yes Industry-leading 30 hours High-resolution Over-ear Touch sensor controls
2 Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones
Yes Industry-leading 30 hours High-resolution Over-ear Speak-to-Chat technology
3 Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
Yes Active 36 hours Excellent Over-ear SmartSound feature
3 JBL Charge 4 - Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Yes None 20 hours Powerful Portable Built-in power bank
4 Sennheiser HD 660 S - HiRes Audiophile Open Back Headphone
No None N/A Exceptional Open-back Detachable cable
5 Apple AirPods Pro
Yes Active 24+ hours with case Immersive In-ear Transparency mode
6 Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
No None N/A Professional grade Closed-back Tuned flat for monitoring
7 Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones
No None N/A Excellent Open-back Replaceable velour ear pads
1

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

Wireless Connectivity
Yes
Noise Cancellation Type
Adjustable
Battery Life
20 hours
Sound Quality
Superior
Design Type
Over-ear
Additional Features
Alexa voice control
2

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones

Wireless Connectivity
Yes
Noise Cancellation Type
Industry-leading
Battery Life
30 hours
Sound Quality
High-resolution
Design Type
Over-ear
Additional Features
Touch sensor controls
2

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones

Wireless Connectivity
Yes
Noise Cancellation Type
Industry-leading
Battery Life
30 hours
Sound Quality
High-resolution
Design Type
Over-ear
Additional Features
Speak-to-Chat technology
3

Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones

Wireless Connectivity
Yes
Noise Cancellation Type
Active
Battery Life
36 hours
Sound Quality
Excellent
Design Type
Over-ear
Additional Features
SmartSound feature
3

JBL Charge 4 - Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Wireless Connectivity
Yes
Noise Cancellation Type
None
Battery Life
20 hours
Sound Quality
Powerful
Design Type
Portable
Additional Features
Built-in power bank
4

Sennheiser HD 660 S - HiRes Audiophile Open Back Headphone

Wireless Connectivity
No
Noise Cancellation Type
None
Battery Life
N/A
Sound Quality
Exceptional
Design Type
Open-back
Additional Features
Detachable cable
5

Apple AirPods Pro

Wireless Connectivity
Yes
Noise Cancellation Type
Active
Battery Life
24+ hours with case
Sound Quality
Immersive
Design Type
In-ear
Additional Features
Transparency mode
6

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Wireless Connectivity
No
Noise Cancellation Type
None
Battery Life
N/A
Sound Quality
Professional grade
Design Type
Closed-back
Additional Features
Tuned flat for monitoring
7

Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones

Wireless Connectivity
No
Noise Cancellation Type
None
Battery Life
N/A
Sound Quality
Excellent
Design Type
Open-back
Additional Features
Replaceable velour ear pads

Frequently Asked Questions About Audio Equipment For Amateurs

What makes a audio equipment for amateurs the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your audio equipment for amateurs recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of audio equipment for amateurs?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.