Best Beats Headphones and Earbuds for 2025

We test Beats headphones and earphones based on six key criteria. These criteria include design, sound quality, noise canceling performance, voice call performance, features And value.

Design

We evaluate not only how comfortable the Beats fit (ergonomics), but also how well they are built and how well included features such as touch control are implemented. We also look at water and dust resistance ratings, but keep in mind that only a few full-size earbuds offer protection against water and dust (IP ratings). Models with more durable construction are touted as excellent choices for those who may need a set of headphones that can withstand an intense workout or a long trip in your work bag.

Sound quality

We evaluate sound quality and music experience by listening to a set playlist of music tracks and comparing headphones to the best competing products in their price range. Sound characteristics such as bass definition, clarity, dynamic range and naturalness of the headphone sound are key factors in our evaluation. Some of my test tracks include Knock Knock Knock by Spoon, Athletes of God’s Don’t Wanna Be Normal, The Doors Touch Me – Take 3, Dirty Rat by Orbital, Vigilante Shit by Taylor Swift, Golden Hour by Jvke, and Passionfruit by Drake.

Noise-canceling performance

We evaluate the Beats’ noise-canceling performance by wearing the headphones in the same location indoors, near a noisy HVAC unit, to see how well they do at drowning out low frequencies. Next, we head to the streets of New York to test the headphones in a real environment where we see how they manage to drown out not only street noise but also people’s voices.

Additional Features

Some of the best-performing Beats headphones and earphones don’t come with features, but we take into account the extra features built in. These include everything from quick-access awareness to transparency modes (your music pauses and the earbuds open up to the outside world so you can have a conversation) to special sound modes and ear detection sensors that automatically pause your music when you remove the earbuds from your ears. We also take a look at the Beats companion app for the headphones and see how user-friendly it is with the particular model.

Voice call

When we test voice call performance, we make calls on the noisy streets of New York and evaluate how well the headphones reduce background noise and how clearly callers can hear your voice. The best headphones and earphones for voice calls pick up your voice clearly while significantly reducing background noise. Built-in microphones, sophisticated noise reduction algorithms, and voice accelerometers that detect when you speak are all key factors in call quality. Plus, a sidetone feature lets you hear your own voice when chatting with noise-isolating headphones, helping you avoid speaking too loudly.

Value

Beats headphones and earphones cover a wide range of price classes, from the most economical $47 Beats Flex at the price $200 Beats Studio Pro. We determine the value after evaluating how sturdy the headphones are against all these criteria and what the headphones are capable of offering compared to other models in their price category. Great-sounding, feature-rich headphones that offer great value get top marks in this category.