The headphones category in 2025 is defined by smarter noise cancellation, long battery life, and heavier use of on-device processing for the better. Brands are no longer chasing specs alone. The focus has shifted to how quickly headphones adapt to changing environments, how clearly they handle calls, and how convenient they are to use day to day. This year, we tested a wide range of headphones, and a few stood out for balancing sound quality, comfort, noise control, and everyday usability. Even among these, some impressed us more with their sound, while others won us over with design or features. So while the following ranking is based primarily on sound quality, other standout strengths are also highlighted under each pick.
Disclaimer: The prices mentioned alongside each product are live at the time of publishing this article. However, they are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
Price: Rs 44,990
Sennheiser continues to prioritise sound accuracy, and the HDB 630 reflects that approach clearly. Its tuning focuses on clean, precise playback with controlled bass, a natural midrange, and detailed highs. Vocals sound lifelike, instruments are well separated, and distortion remains low even at higher volumes. ANC performance is also excellent.
Comfort is another strong point. The headphones are easy to wear during long sessions, and the bundled BTD 700 wireless dongle adds Auracast support, high-resolution playback with aptX Adaptive, and everyday convenience, especially for laptops and work setups. Battery life is also a major plus, with a head-turning 52 hours of runtime. One minor gripe is that the design is understated to the point of being plain, though it does prioritise comfort.
Who it is for: If sound quality, ANC, and long-term comfort matter more to you than flashy features or bold design, the HDB 630 makes a strong case. You will, however, need to pay a premium.
Price: Rs 49,990
The Sony WH-1000XM6 could easily tie with the HDB 630 thanks to its strong mix of sound quality, excellent ANC, and travel-friendly design. Sony has improved both the processing pipeline and the external microphone setup, resulting in cleaner call clarity and better suppression of wind noise. The XM6 also introduces a more stable fit that distributes weight better during long listening sessions. The foldable hinge and magnetic clasp on the case are meaningful, quality-of-life upgrades.
Sony’s tuning leans warm and full-bodied, with controlled bass, clean mids, and smooth highs that work well across genres. Battery life comfortably lasts through long workdays or extended travel, and noise cancellation remains a key strength.
Some smart features still feel slightly inconsistent, but the overall experience is polished and mature. The XM6 strikes the right balance between comfort, performance, and reliability, which is why it remains one of the most practical and desirable wireless headphones you can buy today.
Who it is for: If you want top-tier ANC, dependable sound, and hassle-free daily use, the WH-1000XM6 continues to be the safest premium pick.
Price: Rs 32,990
The JBL Tour One M3 stands out as a strong mid-premium option by combining effective noise cancellation with a sound profile that is easy to enjoy. We tested the Smart TX variant, which also won the Best Buy award at the Digit Zero1 Awards 2025.
The sound tuning leans fun-neutral, with a noticeable bass presence that adds weight without overwhelming the mids. Vocals remain clear, treble stays smooth, and support for high-resolution LDAC helps extract more detail from compatible sources. Instrument separation is respectable, even if it does not quite reach flagship levels.
ANC performance is excellent for the price. It handles low-frequency noise and constant background sounds confidently, making the headphones suitable for both travel and office use. Call quality is solid, backed by reliable microphone performance and stable connectivity. Battery life is decent rather than class-leading, and the companion app is feature-rich without feeling cluttered.
The design is familiar and functional, and comfort is generally good, though the fit and ambient mode could be better. At its current selling price of Rs 26,999, these compromises are easy to overlook.
The Smart TX variant adds wider device compatibility and Auracast convenience through the bundled transmitter, but it comes at a higher price of Rs 32,990. As a bundle, it makes the most sense if you value the added flexibility of the transmitter.
Who it is for: If you want strong ANC, engaging sound, and a dependable feature set without paying flagship prices, the JBL Tour One M3 is a sensible and well-rounded choice.
Price: Rs 11,999
The Noise Master Buds Max deliver lively, engaging audio tuned by Bose, making them well-suited for everyday listening. The bass is fuller and punchier, mids remain clear and natural for vocals and instruments, upper mids like guitar riffs have good presence, and the treble is soft and non-fatiguing.
ANC effectiveness is decent for the price. The headphones feel sturdy, the materials hold up well, and comfort is acceptable for long sessions. Controls are intuitive and easy to use. A minor gripe is that the headphones can look slightly oversized on the head, and the disc-like finish may feel a bit garish to some.
Feature coverage is broad for the price, and both battery life and connectivity stability help the headphones score well on paper. Based on our testing, the Noise Master Buds Max emerges as a competent, value-focused over-ear option.
Who it is for: If you want long battery life, usable ANC, pleasing sound, and a solid feature set at a lower price, the Noise Master Buds Max makes sense. The design may not appeal to everyone, but the build quality is respectable.
Also Read: Noise Master Buds Max initial impressions
Price: Rs 19,999
The Nothing Headphones (1) offer a clean, energetic sound that works well across genres without becoming fatiguing. There is a gentle bass lift, slightly relaxed lower mids, and clear upper-mid and treble presence that adds clarity without sounding sharp. Audiophile purists may still find room to nit-pick, but for most listeners, this is a genuinely good-sounding pair of headphones.
Battery life comfortably crosses the 30-hour mark. The design will divide opinion, but if you are tired of anonymous-looking black headphones, this pair stands out visually.
Who it is for: The Nothing Headphones (1) appeal to users who care about both design and sound. They do not reinvent wireless audio, but they rethink it in a way that feels fresh, practical, and enjoyable in daily use.
Taken together, these headphones show where the market is heading in 2025. ANC performance has taken a clear step forward, particularly in handling wind and uneven background noise. Battery life has stabilised above the 30-hour mark with ANC enabled, even in premium models. More importantly, the gap between mid-premium and flagship headphones has narrowed. Features that once justified much higher prices are now filtering down, which is a promising trend for the broader market.
For more such stories, keep reading Digit.in.
Also Read: Sennheiser HD 505 Copper review: Studio-style clarity under Rs 20,000
