Searching for a last-minute gift? These 9 headphones are some of our top rated

The best headphones make excellent Christmas gifts. These days, the top headphones you can buy are beautifully-designed, packed with features and make your favorite tunes sound outstanding. For all of these reasons, a good pair of headphones make a special present to open on the big day.

There are several headphone and earbud designs to choose from these days, like the best wireless earbuds or the best bone conduction headphones. But many people – audiophiles often included – still prefer a pair of the best over-ear headphones, which have a headband and two cups.

Of course, everyone is different. But we’d also bet that if you’re buying a gift for a loved one these holidays, a pair of over-ear headphones is a safer bet than any other style. The problem is, with so much choice these days, it can be hard to know which pair you should buy.

In this gift guide we’ve selected the best of the best headphones, the best noise-cancelling headphones and then our top budget picks. We’ve focused on who each pair would be best for, and even offered alternative suggestions under each. Whoever you’re buying a headphones gift for this Christmas, there should be a solid recommendation here that’ll suit them.

If you’re considering buying a pair of headphones for a loved one but don’t necessarily need an over-ear design, check out our best wireless earbuds gift guide instead. We also highly recommend you take a look at our other guides to the best Christmas sales in the US and Boxing Day sales in the UK. They’re packed with even more great holiday and Christmas gift ideas.

Best headphone gifts for most people

Best for most people

Sony WH-1000XM4

You can’t go wrong with these

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are the top pick in our ultimate best headphones ranking for good reason. They’re not cheap, but they deliver excellent noise-cancellation and surprising sound quality in a lightweight, comfortable design. We can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t be extremely happy to find these over-ears under the Christmas tree.

Less of a mainstream crowd-pleaser, but audiophiles would also love the incredibly impressive Focal Bathys.

Best for sound

Edifier Stax Spirit S3

Seriously stunning sound

The Edifier Stax Spirit S3 are one impressive pair of over-ear headphones, with a light, comfortable and foldable design, detailed and engaging sound, and epic battery life. The only downside? There’s no noise-cancelling here, meaning they’re not the best for commuting or those who need ultimate focus. Otherwise, they’re near-perfect headphones.

The Sennheiser HD-660S2 are a solid alternative option if you’re buying for someone keen on an open-back design.

Best value

Final Audio UX3000

Solid specs for this price

The Final Audio UX3000 headphones may look simple, but they deliver a confident and articulate sound and pack in a whole bunch of solid specifications, including aptX Low Latency Bluetooth, a long 35-hours of battery life, and active noise cancellation. All of that in a comfortable design and for a price that seems too good to be true compared to many of their rivals.

The Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 also pack in the impressive, high-end specs but are available at a surprisingly low price.

Best headphones gifts for ANC

Best battery life

Sennheiser Momentum 4

A huge 60-hour battery life

If you want to seriously impress your loved ones, turn up with a present with the Sennheiser branding. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless are fantastic over-ear headphones. They offer excellent ANC, a suite of impressive features, plus impressive sound and call quality. They’re also light and comfortable – and the 60-hour battery is the cherry on top.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are an excellent pair of over-ears if you’re stuck for choice.

Best design

Bowers & Wilkins PX8

Gorgeous design, class-leading sound

We were blown away by the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 headphones when we tested them thanks to their class-leading sound, comfort levels and gorgeous design. If you’re looking for a luxe gift these holidays, they have the most classy build and finish we’ve seen in a long time and would make anyone swoon.

If you’re looking for another pair of over-ears with a striking design, try the Sivga Oriole.

Best ANC overall

Bose Noise Cancelling 700

Truly outstanding ANC

All of the headphones in this category deliver best-in-class active noise cancellation, but Bose always beats the competition when it comes to ultimate immersion. That’s why the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are our top ANC pick overall, bringing you amazing sound-blocking and solid audio in a design that’s so stunning it could be a work of art.

Consider the Apple AirPods Max if you want excellent ANC for someone with an iPhone.

Best headphones gifts for those on a budget

Best budget sound

Sony WH-CH520

Excellent value

If you’re on a budget but want to gift a pair of headphones that tick all of the boxes, you need the Sony WH-CH520. They’re superb value with a clear and well-rounded sound and plenty of customization options. They feel robust and have comfortable padding, too. At this price don’t expect high-end features, like ANC, but they do the basics incredibly well.

For an affordable offering with ANC, try the Sony WH-CH720N.

Best budget ANC

JBL Tune 770NC

Cheap and reliable

The JBL Tune 770NC aren’t the most exciting pair of headphones around and wouldn’t stand a chance next to the stunning ANC options above, but they’re also a fraction of the price. These JBL over-ears are a reliable offering that fit well and are easy to store. During our testing we were also surprised by just how good the ANC, sound and battery life are here, ideal for all-day listening.

The JBL Tune 670NC came before these, which means they’re likely to be even cheaper these days.

Best budget overall

Jabra Elite 45h

Incredibly affordable sound

The Jabra audio brand are masters at creating headphones that deliver top specs that often undercut the high-end competition and the Jabra Elite 45h are no exception. They promise a weighty and balanced sound and impressive battery life at a fraction of the cost of rivals. The design is also comfortable, folds up easy and looks classier than it should at this price.

You’ll also get good ANC and sound for under $100/£100 with the Anker Soundcore Space One.