Best headphones of 2026

Whether you're commuting, working out or simply tuning out the world, the right headphones can make a big difference. But with hundreds of models available, finding a pair that sounds great, feels comfortable and offers good value isn't always easy.

Our expert testing helps cut through the marketing hype. We assess sound quality, comfort, battery life, ease of use and noise cancellation performance to identify the models that deliver the best listening experience.

Our buying guide explains the differences between earbuds, over-ear and on-ear headphones, and helps you decide which type best suits your needs. We've also looked at the best stores to buy tech from so you can shop with confidence.

Stay on this page for our top headphone picks, whether you're after premium sound quality, the best noise-cancelling headphones, a gym-friendly option or a great-value pair that won't break the bank.

Best headphones in New Zealand

Which headphone brands are best?

How Consumer NZ tests headphones

Our expert testing assesses five key areas: sound quality, comfort, noise cancellation, durability and sound leakage. A panel of testers listens to a range of music and spoken-word content, evaluating everything from overall sound balance and clarity to how well the headphones fit and perform during everyday use.

For models with active noise cancellation, we assess how effectively they block out common sounds such as conversations, traffic and background noise. We also put headphones through durability testing, including repeated drop tests, and measure how much sound leaks out and may disturb people nearby.

These results are combined with predicted reliability and brand satisfaction scores from our surveys, helping identify the headphones that not only sound great but are also more likely to provide years of trouble-free listening.

Find out more about our testing.