To any music lover, the listening experience is ultimately just one part of the process. Because what good is a great song if you don’t have the proper means (or equipment) of listening to it in the best possible manner?
Enter wireless headphones — a form of audio equipment that has undeniably become a daily necessity for listeners on their daily commute, whilst also becoming a subtle fashion statement of its own. Because over the past decade, headphones have evolved past the need for the usual wired connection, transitioning into the wireless set-up that allows for convenience, portability, and surprising room for technological prowess. As such means of technology continue to establish more of a presence in the present day, we’re seeing multiple brands and tech companies go far and beyond with their headphone inventions, allowing listeners to fully bask in the rich yet equally varied soundscapes that emerge from music today.
While convenience is undoubtedly a significant aspect of what makes these headphones an essential for any music fan, other features like their noise-canceling options, audiophile quality, and stylish sense of comfort have made these items some of the most coveted musical accessories in the 21st century. With brands like Sony, Bose, Apple, Audio-Technica, and even Sennheiser dominating the field, the market is quite saturated with a plethora of great options to choose from, and ultimately, to get lost within.
Here, Billboard Philippines lists down our top five picks for the must-have headphones to add to your collection — enumerating all the reasons why these headphones are surely bang for your buck and well-worth their demanding price points, even if they do require quite a significant investment.
Sony WH-1000XM6
Price Range: Php 22,000 – Php 28,000
As one of Sony’s best-selling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM6 has become well-regarded for delivering top-tier active noise cancellation with a next-gen processing chip that truly isolates your music from the rest of the world. Paired with rich, balanced sound across bass, mids, and highs, these headphones work great with just about any genre, with their adaptive features (such as their scene-based listening and customizable EQ via their related app) allow it to sound quite spectacular in a variety of settings, whether you’re on your daily commute, traveling, or just relaxing at home.
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Price Range: Php 17,000 – Php 21,000
Noted by many musicians and music fans as an excellent everyday pair of headphones, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 has become well-loved for their signature high-fidelity sound — detailed, dynamic, and punchy — backed by excellent adaptive noise cancellation and up to 60 hours of playtime that easily outlasts many of its competitors. Their design is sleek yet comfortable enough for all-day listening, while the intuitive controls and sound customization options make them versatile for both casual and critical listening, making them a worthy investment for anyone looking to upgrade their listening experience.
Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra
Price Range: Php 22,000 – Php 29,000
Bose is already a household name amongst many audiophiles and tech aficionados, and their pair of Quiet Comfort Ultra headphones is undoubtedly a must-have from their excellent lineup of music accessories. Combining world-class noise cancellation with a plush, ergonomic build and a refined, immersive soundstage that makes music feel alive and present, it’s the perfect marriage of comfort, functionality, and stellar sound quality. To better adhere to your personal preferences, Bose’s immersive audio technologies and extensive app controls allow you to tailor both ANC and EQ, with their premium materials and comfort making them ideal for long flights or even the most strenuous of workout sessions.
SoundCore Space 1 by Anker
Price Range: Php 4,000 – Php 7,000
Who says that premium quality requires a hefty price tag? Anker’s SoundCore Space 1 headphones hit an impressive sweet spot for budget-minded music lovers, offering adaptive noise cancellation, hi-res audio support (including LDAC), and long battery life (up to 40-55 hours) — all housed in a sleek, comfortable package you can wear all day. While its sound and call quality ultimately won’t match flagship-level models, they punch well above their price and deliver excellent value for everyday listening and travel.
Nothing Headphones
Price Range: Php 14,000 – Php 17,000
If you’re looking for a pair of headphones with its own stylistic flair, then look no further than the Nothing Headphones –– which are undeniably striking upon first sight. Standing out with a bold, transparent aesthetic and a huge battery life (up to 80 hours without ANC and 35 hours with it), plus support for spatial audio and multiple codecs. Tuned with KEF, they provide clear, detailed sound and modern connectivity features, giving you premium style and solid performance at a competitive mid-range price. Though their ANC and sound may not quite rival top-tier competitors (at much heftier prices too), they’re a striking choice for anyone who wants both design flair and long-lasting listening.