10 Best Headphones for Listening to Music (November 2026)

Buying headphones for music goes wrong when the type does not match the way you listen. A pair of wireless over-ear headphones will frustrate a desk-bound listener who wants a plain cable and a flat, honest sound. Studio monitors feel clumsy on a commute, and earbuds with no seal leave bass thin on a loud train. The Best Headphones for Listening to Music depend on three things: where you listen, whether you need a battery, and whether you want a tuned, bass-forward sound or a more neutral one.

The short answer: the Beats Studio Pro suits travelers and commuters who want noise cancelling and lossless USB-C playback, the Apple EarPods USB-C suit anyone with a USB-C phone or tablet who wants a simple wired set, and the TASCAM TH-02 suits home listeners who want closed-back wired headphones that fold flat. The rest of the list covers a second Beats model, four wired studio-style headphones, and two long-battery Bluetooth pairs.

TL;DR: top picks at a glance

• Best overall: the Beats Studio Pro, with active noise cancelling, USB-C lossless audio and up to 40 hours of battery.
• Best for USB-C phones: Apple EarPods USB-C, a wired set with an in-line remote and microphone that plugs straight into a USB-C port.
• Best for wired home listening: TASCAM TH-02, closed-back dynamic headphones that fold for transport and include a 1/4-inch adapter.
• Best for battery life: BERIBES 120H Bluetooth, rated for more than 120 hours per charge with six EQ modes.

Best Headphones for Listening to Music Comparison (November 2026)

#	Product	Best for	Connection	Battery life	Driver size
1	Beats Studio Pro	Travel and ANC	Bluetooth, USB-C, 3.5 mm	Up to 40 hours	Not listed
2	Apple EarPods USB-C	USB-C phones	Wired USB-C	Not applicable	Not listed
3	TASCAM TH-02	Wired home listening	Wired 3.5 mm, 1/4-inch adapter	Not applicable	Not listed
4	Beats Solo 4	Compact on-ear	Bluetooth, USB-C, 3.5 mm	Up to 50 hours	Not listed
5	OneOdio Wired DJ Headphones	Bass and DJ use	Wired 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm	Not applicable	50 mm
6	Audio-Technica ATH-M50x	Detailed monitoring	Wired, detachable cable	Not applicable	45 mm
7	Audio-Technica ATH-M20x	Entry studio sound	Wired, 6.3 mm adapter	Not applicable	40 mm
8	Sony MDR7506	Neutral wired listening	Wired, fixed 9.8 ft cord	Not applicable	40 mm
9	BERIBES 120H Bluetooth	Marathon battery life	Bluetooth 6.0, 3.5 mm	120+ hours	Dual 40 mm
10	KVIDIO 65H Bluetooth	Light everyday wireless	Bluetooth 6.0, 3.5 mm	65 hours	Dual 40 mm

1. Beats Studio Pro: Best ANC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones for Travel and Commuting

• Connection: Class 1 Bluetooth, USB-C lossless audio, or the included 3.5 mm cable
• Battery life: Up to 40 hours, with Fast Fuel giving up to 4 hours from a 10-minute charge
• Noise control: Active noise cancelling and Transparency mode
• Weight: 0.57 lb
• Extras: Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, woven travel case

Pros:

• USB-C lossless audio plus a 3.5 mm cable means the headphones work wirelessly, digitally or in plain analog mode.
• Active noise cancelling and Transparency mode cover both flights and busy streets.
• Fast Fuel delivers up to 4 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge, which rescues a dead battery before a commute.
• UltraPlush cushions and a 0.57 lb weight keep long sessions comfortable.

Cons:

• It is premium-priced compared with the wired and Bluetooth alternatives further down the list.
• Driver size and impedance are not specified, so spec-focused buyers have less to compare.
• Its 40-hour battery is shorter than the Beats Solo 4 (50 hours) and the BERIBES 120H Bluetooth (more than 120 hours).

Best for: Frequent travelers and commuters who want noise cancelling, lossless playback and one-touch pairing with both Apple and Android devices.

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The Beats Studio Pro is the most complete headphone here because it is the only one that combines active noise cancelling with a wired lossless route. Plug in USB-C and the signal stays digital from your phone or laptop. Switch to the 3.5 mm cable and the headphones work with a battery that has run flat. Spatial Audio with head tracking adds a movie-style soundstage for video, though it matters less for stereo music. It also comes in Sand Gray, Khaki, Sandstone and Deep Brown.

Active noise cancelling is the feature that separates it from most of the list. Only this model has it, and it makes the biggest difference on aircraft and trains. If that is the main requirement, the wider field of noise-canceling headphones is worth a look, but the Studio Pro covers the combination of ANC, wired fallback and phone-call microphones in one package.

It is the wrong choice for a desk-bound listener who never leaves the house. In that case the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x gives you a more analytical wired sound with no battery to manage. Anyone who wants the smallest possible folded size should look at the Beats Solo 4, since it uses a more compact on-ear form.

2. Apple EarPods USB-C: Best Wired USB-C Earbuds for Phones and Tablets

• Connection: Wired, USB-C plug
• Controls: Built-in remote for volume, playback and calls
• Microphone: Integrated, also used for Siri and FaceTime
• Compatibility: Devices with a USB-C port
• Color: White

Pros:

• The in-line remote handles volume, music and video playback, and answering or ending calls with a pinch of the cord.
• The ear-shaped design is built to sit comfortably in more ears than traditional round earbuds.
• A USB-C plug removes the need for a dongle on modern phones, tablets and laptops.
• An integrated microphone covers calls and voice assistants without extra hardware.

Cons:

• They only work with devices that have a USB-C port, so older phones with a headphone jack or Lightning port are out.
• There is no noise cancelling, so background noise competes with quiet passages.
• Fit is open rather than sealed, which limits bass compared with the over-ear models.

Best for: Owners of USB-C phones, tablets or laptops who want a small, wired pair that is always in a bag.

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The Apple EarPods USB-C earn second place by solving the simplest version of the problem: music, remote and microphone through a single cable, with no battery. They are the lightest option on this list to carry, and they never need charging. For someone who mostly listens to podcasts, playlists and voice calls on one device, that simplicity is the point.

They are the wrong choice for anyone who wants deep bass or isolation. The Beats Studio Pro blocks outside noise and offers a lossless route, while the OneOdio Wired DJ Headphones deliver far more low end from 50 mm drivers. If you have a phone with no USB-C port, none of the wired options here will connect without an adapter, and a Bluetooth pair like the KVIDIO 65H Bluetooth is the better fit.

3. TASCAM TH-02: Best Closed-Back Foldable Wired Headphones for Home Listening

• Design: Closed-back, over-ear dynamic
• Connection: Wired, with a snap-on 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) to 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) adapter
• Weight: 0.66 lb
• Portability: Foldable
• Driver size: Not listed

Pros:

• The closed-back dynamic design gives clean sound with rich bass response and crisp highs.
• The padded headband and ear pads are tightly stitched for comfort over longer sessions.
• The folding frame makes it easy to pack into a bag.
• The snap-on adapter works with both phone jacks and larger 1/4-inch audio gear.

Cons:

• It is wired only, so there is no Bluetooth and no battery to lean on.
• Driver size and frequency response are not listed.
• It has no noise cancelling, so isolation depends entirely on the closed-back cups.

Best for: Home and desk listeners who want an uncomplicated wired pair that also works with audio interfaces and keyboards.

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The TASCAM TH-02 is a budget pick that does the basics well. It borrows the closed-back shape of a studio monitor but leans toward a friendlier sound with strong bass and bright highs, which suits pop, rock and electronic music. At 0.66 lb it is a touch heavier than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, yet it folds, which the M50x does not claim to do.

It is the wrong choice if you want a detachable cable or a sound closer to a neutral reference. The ATH-M50x has a detachable cable and 45 mm drivers, and the Sony MDR7506 offers a flatter tuning. For wireless use, step up to the Beats Studio Pro.

4. Beats Solo 4: Best Lightweight On-Ear Wireless Headphones With 50-Hour Battery

• Connection: Class 1 Bluetooth, USB-C lossless audio, or 3.5 mm cable
• Battery life: Up to 50 hours, with Fast Fuel giving up to 5 hours from a 10-minute charge
• Fit: On-ear, with a flex-grip headband and angled, adjustable cups
• Audio features: Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
• Compatibility: Apple and Android, with one-touch pairing

Pros:

• Up to 50 hours of battery outlasts the Beats Studio Pro by 10 hours.
• A 10-minute Fast Fuel charge gives up to 5 hours of playback.
• Lossless audio is available over USB-C or the 3.5 mm cable.
• The ergonomically angled, adjustable cups and UltraPlush cushions are built for a stable, comfortable fit.

Cons:

• On-ear cups rest on the ears rather than around them, which some listeners find tiring over long sessions.
• No active noise cancelling is listed, so isolation is limited.
• It is premium-priced for a headphone without noise control.

Best for: Listeners who want Beats sound, long battery life and a smaller footprint than a full-size over-ear model.

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The Solo 4 is the longer-lasting, more compact sibling of the Studio Pro. Its 50-hour battery and 5-hours-from-10-minutes fast charge make it easy to forget about charging, and the Class 1 Bluetooth radio is aimed at fewer dropouts. It is reviewed here in Cloud Pink, and it also comes in Matte Black and Black & Gold.

Pick the Solo 4 over the Studio Pro if you value size and battery over noise cancelling. Pick the Studio Pro if you commute on loud transport, since the Solo 4 lists no ANC. Anyone who prefers a larger seal around the ears will be more comfortable in an over-ear pair like the KVIDIO 65H Bluetooth.

5. OneOdio Wired DJ Headphones: Best 50 mm Bass-Forward Wired Headphones for DJ Use

• Drivers: 50 mm with neodymium magnets
• Connection: Wired, with 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm jacks
• Weight: 0.91 lb
• Design: Over-ear with 90-degree swiveling cups
• Extras: Shared audio port for connecting a second pair

Pros:

• Large 50 mm drivers with neodymium magnets deliver powerful bass, clear vocals and crisp highs.
• The 90-degree swiveling cups allow single-ear monitoring for mixing and DJ sets.
• The shared audio port lets a second pair connect without splitters.
• Dual 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm jacks fit phones, laptops, audio interfaces and DJ mixers.

Cons:

• At 0.91 lb it is the heaviest wired pair here, so long sessions may feel less comfortable.
• It works only in wired mode, with no Bluetooth.
• There is no noise cancelling, so isolation relies on the padded cushions.

Best for: Bass-focused listeners who also DJ, produce or practice an instrument.

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The OneOdio Wired DJ Headphones stand out for their driver size: 50 mm is the largest on the list, and that translates into bass-heavy, energetic sound. The swiveling cups and the shared audio port show where the design is aimed. It is a tool for DJs and creators that happens to be good for casual music listening.

It is the wrong choice for anyone who wants a neutral, accurate sound. The Sony MDR7506 and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are flatter and more revealing. For travel or the gym, the BERIBES 120H Bluetooth is lighter at around 0.4 lb and cuts the cable.

6. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Best Detachable-Cable Studio Monitors for Detailed Listening

• Drivers: 45 mm large-aperture with rare earth magnets
• Voice coils: Copper-clad aluminum wire
• Design: Circumaural, closed-back, 90-degree swiveling cups
• Cable: Detachable
• Weight: 0.64 lb

Pros:

• Proprietary 45 mm drivers deliver clarity across an extended frequency range with deep, accurate bass.
• The circumaural design contours around the ears for strong isolation in loud rooms.
• A detachable cable can be replaced if it wears out.
• The earpad and headband materials are described as professional grade for durability and comfort.

Cons:

• It is wired only, so it cannot replace a Bluetooth pair on a commute.
• Frequency range and impedance figures are not listed.
• It does not offer noise cancelling or a built-in microphone.

Best for: Listeners who want revealing, detailed sound and a cable they can swap.

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The ATH-M50x is the reference wired pick on this list, and a staple among studio headphones. Its 45 mm drivers sit between the Sony MDR7506 and the OneOdio Wired DJ Headphones in size, and its sound sits between them in character: detailed and controlled without being overly bright.

It is the wrong choice if you want a battery or controls on the cord. For that, the Beats Studio Pro is the better route. If the budget is tight, the ATH-M20x offers the same brand's tuning in a simpler, lighter package.

7. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x: Best Lightweight Entry Studio Headphones for Music

• Drivers: 40 mm with rare earth magnets
• Sensitivity: 96 dB
• Frequency response: 15-20 kHz
• Weight: 0.46 lb
• Cable: Single-side exit, 6.3 mm adapter included

Pros:

• At 0.46 lb it is the lightest wired over-ear pair on the list.
• It is tuned for enhanced low frequency performance, which suits modern pop and hip-hop.
• The circumaural design provides good isolation in loud environments.
• The suspension headband and single-side cable exit make it practical for daily use.

Cons:

• The 15-20 kHz frequency response is narrower than the Sony MDR7506's 10 Hz to 20 kHz.
• The cable is not described as detachable.
• It has no microphone or remote.

Best for: First-time wired headphone buyers who want a light, bass-tuned pair with studio-grade construction.

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The ATH-M20x is the simplest way into Audio-Technica's studio lineup. Its 40 mm drivers and 96 dB sensitivity make it easy to drive from a phone or laptop. Next to the ATH-M50x it gives up the larger drivers and the detachable cable in exchange for a lighter frame.

It is the wrong choice for anyone who wants the widest frequency range on offer. The Sony MDR7506 extends lower, and the ATH-M50x offers more detail. If you want Bluetooth, the KVIDIO 65H Bluetooth uses similar driver sizes with no cable at all.

8. Sony MDR7506: Best Neutral Folding Wired Headphones for Long Listening

• Drivers: 40 mm with neodymium magnets
• Frequency response: 10 Hz to 20 kHz
• Cable: 9.8 ft, fixed, gold-plated plug with 1/4-inch adapter
• Weight: 0.5 lb
• Portability: Folds into a soft case

Pros:

• The 10 Hz to 20 kHz response covers deeper lows than the ATH-M20x's 15-20 kHz.
• The 9.8 ft cord gives plenty of room at a desk or mixing station.
• The closed ear design reduces outside noise.
• A soft case is included for storage and travel.

Cons:

• The cord is not detachable, so a damaged cable means a full repair.
• It is wired only and has no microphone.
• The design dates to 2001, and it lacks modern comforts like swiveling cups.

Best for: Listeners who want a flat, fatigue-free response from a long-established wired design.

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The Sony MDR7506 has been in studios for decades, and it earns its place on a music list because of its analytical tuning. Compared with the bass-forward OneOdio Wired DJ Headphones, it shows more of the midrange and treble detail, which makes it useful for acoustic, jazz and classical recordings. Those who care about detail may also want to browse audiophile headphones.

It is the wrong choice if you want a replaceable cable or more bass weight. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has a detachable cable, and the ATH-M20x leans toward the low end. For wireless convenience, the Beats Solo 4 is the better fit.

9. BERIBES 120H Bluetooth: Best 120-Hour Battery Over-Ear Headphones With EQ Modes

• Battery life: More than 120 hours, with a 1000 mAh battery
• Connection: Bluetooth 6.0, range up to 33 ft, 3.5 mm cable included
• Drivers: Dual 40 mm with 6 EQ modes
• Weight: About 0.4 lb
• Extras: Built-in microphone, connects to two devices at once

Pros:

• A 1000 mAh battery delivers more than 120 hours of playback, the longest on the list.
• Six EQ modes let you switch between balanced, bass-heavy and mid-treble profiles.
• At about 0.4 lb it is the lightest over-ear pair here.
• Connecting two devices at once means you can take a call from a phone while watching on a tablet.

Cons:

• Driver and tuning quality are less proven than the Beats and Audio-Technica models.
• It does not list active noise cancelling.
• The EQ modes are built in, so there is no app-based customization listed.

Best for: Budget-conscious listeners who want wireless over-ear headphones that rarely need charging.

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The BERIBES 120H Bluetooth is a battery-first design. More than 120 hours of playback is roughly three times the Beats Studio Pro's 40 hours, and the included 3.5 mm cable lets you carry on listening if the battery runs flat. Its six EQ modes are a practical way to fit rock, jazz or R&B without extra software.

It is the wrong choice if noise cancelling or lossless audio matters, since the Beats Studio Pro offers both. Listeners who prefer a slightly longer-established Bluetooth shape could consider the KVIDIO 65H Bluetooth, though it has a shorter battery.

10. KVIDIO 65H Bluetooth: Best Foldable Lightweight Bluetooth Headphones for Everyday Use

• Battery life: 65 hours, 500 mAh battery, charges in about 2.5 hours
• Connection: Bluetooth 6.0, range up to 33 ft, 3.5 mm backup cable
• Drivers: Dual 40 mm
• Weight: 0.44 lb
• Design: Foldable over-ear with memory-protein foam cushions

Pros:

• A 65-hour battery covers multiple days of regular use.
• The foldable 0.44 lb design is easy to pack.
• The included 3.5 mm backup cable keeps music going when the battery is empty.
• A built-in microphone supports hands-free calls and video meetings.

Cons:

• Its 65-hour battery is about half of what the BERIBES 120H Bluetooth offers.
• There is no active noise cancelling.
• It does not list lossless audio support.

Best for: Students and remote workers who want light, foldable wireless headphones for travel, study and calls.

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The KVIDIO 65H Bluetooth mirrors the BERIBES 120H Bluetooth in specs but trades battery life for a slightly higher weight of 0.44 lb. Its memory-protein foam cushions and adjustable headband are aimed at long sessions, and the dual 40 mm drivers are the same size as those in the BERIBES.

It is the wrong choice for anyone who wants the longest battery or the strongest feature set. The BERIBES 120H Bluetooth lasts longer and adds EQ modes, while the Beats Solo 4 brings lossless audio and Spatial Audio. Pick the KVIDIO when you want a simple, foldable pair and the lower weight matters more than battery life.

Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right Headphone for Music

The core trade-off is convenience against fidelity. Wireless headphones like the Beats Studio Pro and the BERIBES 120H Bluetooth add battery management but remove the cable. Wired pairs like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the Sony MDR7506 keep the signal direct and never run out of power, at the cost of a cord.

Before choosing, check these project details:

• Where you listen: Commuting favors noise cancelling and a battery, while desk use favors wired comfort.
• Connection: Match the plug or port to your devices, since the Apple EarPods USB-C need a USB-C port.
• Sound preference: Bass-forward tuning like the OneOdio Wired DJ Headphones sounds different from the flatter Sony MDR7506.
• Comfort and weight: Check the weight and whether the cups sit on or around your ears.
• Extras: Decide whether you need a microphone, folding frame or carrying case.

Wireless Versus Wired Connection

Wireless headphones free you from cables and add controls, microphones and noise cancelling. The Beats Studio Pro and Beats Solo 4 add lossless playback over USB-C, so they do not lock you out of high-quality audio either. The BERIBES 120H Bluetooth and KVIDIO 65H Bluetooth keep a 3.5 mm backup cable for when the battery drops.

Wired headphones keep things simple. The TASCAM TH-02, ATH-M20x and Sony MDR7506 need no charging and pair with any compatible jack. If you mostly listen at a desk, a wired pair and a set of speakers for music can cover most situations between them.

Over-Ear, On-Ear and Earbud Fit

Over-ear cups sit around the ears and give the best isolation and comfort for long sessions. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Beats Studio Pro are good examples. On-ear models like the Beats Solo 4 are smaller and lighter, but the pressure on the ears can tire some listeners.

Earbuds are the most portable option. The Apple EarPods USB-C use an open design that sits comfortably but gives up bass and isolation compared with the over-ear pairs. If you wear glasses or listen for hours, over-ear cups usually win.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life varies hugely, from 40 hours on the Beats Studio Pro to more than 120 hours on the BERIBES 120H Bluetooth. Fast charging matters as much as capacity: Fast Fuel gives the Beats Solo 4 up to 5 hours from a 10-minute charge. A long battery is less critical if you can fall back on a cable.

Wired models skip this question entirely. The Sony MDR7506 and ATH-M50x will work indefinitely as long as the cable survives, which is why a detachable cable on the M50x is a practical benefit.

Sound Character and Drivers

Driver size is only part of the picture, but it gives a sense of intent. The OneOdio Wired DJ Headphones use 50 mm drivers for big bass, the ATH-M50x uses 45 mm drivers for balance, and the Sony MDR7506 and ATH-M20x use 40 mm drivers with a flatter or low-end-tuned profile.

Tuning matters more than size. Bass-leaning pairs like the ATH-M20x suit pop and electronic music, while the MDR7506 shows more detail in acoustic recordings. Wireless models like the BERIBES 120H Bluetooth add EQ modes so you can change the character yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions About Headphones for Listening to Music

What are the best headphones for listening to music?

The Beats Studio Pro is the best all-round pick thanks to its noise cancelling, lossless USB-C support and up to 40 hours of battery. For wired listening, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x offers detailed sound and a detachable cable. For long battery life, the BERIBES 120H Bluetooth lasts more than 120 hours.

Are wired headphones better than wireless for music?

Wired headphones such as the Sony MDR7506 and TASCAM TH-02 never need charging and send the signal directly. Wireless headphones like the Beats Solo 4 add convenience, and they still support lossless audio over USB-C or a 3.5 mm cable. The better choice depends on whether you value freedom of movement or a simple cable.

Which headphones have the longest battery life?

The BERIBES 120H Bluetooth leads with more than 120 hours on a single charge. The KVIDIO 65H Bluetooth offers 65 hours, and the Beats Solo 4 reaches up to 50 hours. The Beats Studio Pro lasts up to 40 hours but adds active noise cancelling.

Do I need noise cancelling headphones for music?

You need noise cancelling mostly on flights, trains and in loud offices. Among the headphones listed here, only the Beats Studio Pro offers active noise cancelling and Transparency mode. Closed-back models like the ATH-M50x and TASCAM TH-02 provide passive isolation instead.

Are studio monitor headphones good for casual listening?

Yes, studio monitors like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Sony MDR7506 are popular for music because they show detail without exaggerating the sound. The ATH-M20x adds extra low-frequency emphasis for a warmer feel. They are wired and lack microphones, so they suit home listening more than commuting.

Which headphones work with a USB-C phone?

The Apple EarPods USB-C plug directly into a USB-C port and include a remote and microphone. The Beats Studio Pro and Beats Solo 4 also support USB-C lossless audio. Wireless models like the KVIDIO 65H Bluetooth work with any phone that supports Bluetooth.

Final Verdict: Which Headphone Should You Buy?

Best Headphones for Listening to Music for most buyers start with Beats Studio Pro: active noise cancelling, USB-C lossless audio, up to 40 hours of battery and a 3.5 mm cable for backup. Its main weakness is a battery that trails the Beats Solo 4 and the BERIBES 120H Bluetooth, and a premium price.

If you want something different, the alternatives fit specific uses. The Apple EarPods USB-C are the simplest pick for USB-C phone owners, and the TASCAM TH-02 is a foldable, budget-friendly wired pair for home listening. The Beats Solo 4 suits those who want a compact on-ear design with a 50-hour battery.

For specialists, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Sony MDR7506 are the detail-first wired choices, the ATH-M20x is the lightest entry into studio sound, and the OneOdio Wired DJ Headphones deliver the most bass. The BERIBES 120H Bluetooth and KVIDIO 65H Bluetooth are practical wireless options for people who want long battery life without paying for noise cancelling. If you are still undecided, choose the Beats Studio Pro for travel and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x for the desk.