HEADPHONES

PRO-LEVEL SOUND FOR EVERY BUDGET

- DAVID AVERBACH

Sonos Ace ($449) Sonos launched the Ace earlier this year and they are immediately in the top echelon for wireless noise-cancelling headphones. With premium materials and a minimalist design these headphones are one of the nicest looking pairs that I tested. They are lightweight and comfortable to wear. The Sonos Ace also have a nifty feature that allows you to switch back and forth from Sonos soundbar to headphone. While the Aces are a great option for anyone looking for a premium pair of over ear headphones, they are especially appealing for those who own a Sonos sound bar.

Focal Bathys ($699) Most audiophiles will tell you that wireless headphones can never stand up to wired headphones, but the Bathys are attempting to prove them wrong. These headphones sound fantastic! While many wireless headphones (even premium ones) can still have a flat sound, but the Bathys have a spacious audio that makes you feel like you’re listening to the music live. If you want a truly Hi-Fi sound, you can easily convert the headphones to wired mode with the included USB-C cable (something that is rare for Bluetooth headphones). If sound quality is your top priority, these are hands-down the pick for you!

Beats Studio Pro ($349) While the Beats Studio Pro sadly lack the H2 chip, they do have a lot of tight integrations with the iPhone. You can set them up with one touch, and you can control the headphones through the control center without needing an app. These Beats headphones have an iconic look and instantly recognizable sound, but aren’t for everyone. They have an aggressive EQ that’s optimized for pop and hip-hop. While I like the way they sound, many audiophiles prefer a more balanced sound. The Beats Studio Pros are an excellent choice for Apple integrations but don’t want to spend up for the AirPods Max’s hefty price tag.