The over-ear headphone market was buzzing with activity this year. New players like CMF stepped into the ring while the established heavyweights like Sony added new flagship offerings to their portfolio. It goes without saying that headphone buyers were spoilt for choice. As the year comes to an end, we thought we’d take a look at all the standout headphones this year. Here is our list of the top headphones that were released in 2025.
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In This Article
Sony WH-1000XM6
The latest iteration in Sony’s flagship headphone series hit the market this year. The WH-1000XM6 upholds the tradition of offering a delectable soundstage, which many argue is the best out there. It follows the design language of its predecessor, WH-1000XM5, carrying forward the modern lines and the minimal aesthetic. The earcups can be collapsed into a compact form factor and slipped inside the magnetic travel case. The WH-1000XM6 uses 30mm drivers with a carbon-fibre composite dome to generate its audio output. It supports the LDAC codec for Hi-Res audio. The soundstage is clear, balanced, and highly enjoyable. Sony’s HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 brings about state-of-the-art ANC. A full charge offers a battery life of up to 30 hours (with ANC turned on). For more details, read our review of the Sony WH-1000XM6.
Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000
Audio-Technica’s top-of-the-line open-back model, ATH-ADX7000, was one of the best headphones to come out in 2025. Its ergonomic design keeps ear and head fatigue to a minimum, even when the headphones are worn for multiple hours on end. The Alcantara earpads are soft, comfortable, and very premium. The 58mm dynamic drivers producing the audio output on these headphones need an amp/DAC to be powered. The result is a lush and full soundstage where all frequencies get enough room to breathe. For an open-back pair of headphones, the ADX7000 have a flourishing low-end. If you’re a serious audiophile, this pair of headphones is worth considering.
Noise Master Buds Max
The audio output of the Noise Master Buds Max is tuned by ‘Sound by Bose’. Its soundstage is detailed and vibrant, with a warm envelope of bass making it more enjoyable. The LHDC 5.0 codec offers Hi-Res wireless audio. With Active Noise Cancellation on board, these headphones can nullify surrounding noise with ease. You also get features like dual pairing, wear detection, swift call mode, and more. There is IPX4 protection on board, which means you can wear these headphones while working out and not worry about any sweat-related damage. A full charge takes 60 minutes and offers a 60-hour battery life.
Yamaha YH-C3000
The Yamaha YH-C3000 was the standout offering in the closed-back wired headphones segment this year. Sporting a relatively smaller form factor, these headphones are great for travelling. They offer a snug and comfortable fit. The diaphragm of the Armodynamic drivers is made out of three layers – paper, resin, and Zylon. They require an amp or DAC to be fully powered. The audio can be relayed via a 3.5mm or 6.3mm cable. The soundstage of these headphones is spacious, detailed, and lush. The minor details are well-represented in the output instead of getting lost in the mix. The low-end frequencies are gentle and warm. The bass doesn’t shroud over and muddle the audio output.
Sennheiser HD 505 Copper Edition
The Sennheiser HD 505 has an open-back design and a 120-ohm transducer. Its frequency response ranges from 12Hz to 38,500Hz. With a 3.5mm socket and a 6.3mm adaptor, these headphones are compatible with amplifiers, sound cards, A/V receivers, and a range of audio devices. The soundstage on offer here is wide, balanced, and detailed. The total harmonic distortion of these headphones is less than 0.2%. The quality of fit on offer is quite high-end. The synthetic leather headband acts as an amazing cushion, ensuring that there’s no fatigue even after multiple hours of use. The mesh earcup covers are also quite premium.
CMF Headphone Pro
Nothing’s budget subsidiary, CMF, put out its debut headphone this year. The CMF Headphone Pro uses 40mm drivers to deliver a thumping audio output. The soundstage offered by these headphones has a pronounced low end. The mids and highs are well represented, too. The LDAC audio codec brings Hi-Res wireless audio to these headphones. When it comes to noise cancellation, the Headphone Pro can nullify up to 40dB of surrounding sounds. A full charge takes up to 2 hours, but it can last up to 100 hours.
Honeywell Trueno U20
The Honeywell Trueno U20 headphones are our budget pick of the year. Their 40mm dynamic drivers deliver a clear and detailed audio output. The soundstage is far from neutral, but it promises a lot of fun. The warm envelope of bass makes the tunes more enjoyable. The Trueno U20 is capable of nullifying up to 30dB of surrounding sounds. A single press can toggle between ANC and Transparency modes. You also get features like dual connection, game mode, and Spatial Audio. On a full charge, these headphones can last up to 60 hours with the ANC turned on.
boAt Rockerz 512
boAt put out several headphones this year, but none grabbed our attention quite like the Rockerz 512. These headphones use 40mm drivers to produce a lush audio output. The soundstage is characterised by deep bass, vibrant mids and highs. With ANC turned on, these headphones can nullify up to 40dB of surrounding noise. In gaming mode, the latency drops to 40ms, offering a seamless gaming experience where the audio matches the visuals. On a full charge, these headphones offer an 80-hour battery life.
Nu Republic Starboy 6
Nu Republic is a relatively new player in the audio tech market, but it has already put out some impressive pairs of headphones and TWS. The Starboy 6 is our pick of the bunch. These headphones produce audio output through 40mm Neodymium drivers. Nu Republic’s X-Bass technology adds a thump to the mix. The result is a very enjoyable listening experience. In gaming mode, the latency drops to 42ms. The headphones offer a wired connection if you want to eliminate the latency issues completely. Being a gaming headset, there’s RGB lighting on board. There’s an option to turn off the lighting to boost the battery life. Nu Republic claims a playtime of 30 hours on these headphones. To find out if this claim is true, check out our review of the Nu Republic Starboy 6.
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Final Thoughts
These were our favourite over-ear headphones in 2025. While you’re here, check out our top TWS of the year as well. If you think we missed out on a pair of headphones, give it a shoutout in the comments!
