The 5 best headphones to look forward to in 2026

2025 has been an exceptional year for headphone releases. From the pioneering Apple AirPods Pro 3 to the formidable Sony WH-1000XM6, fans from all walks of life have something to enjoy. With the new year just around the corner, many other flagship models are on the horizon. Here are the five best headphones to look forward to in 2026.

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro are like if a Cybertruck and AirPods had a baby; the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are 2024 tech chic.

Thanks to recently-unearthed One UI 8.5 animations, we’ve already taken a good look at the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro. These show that, unlike their predecessor, they are likely to adorn a flatter, more rounded stem design. They’ll also likely ditch the blade lights of the Buds3 Pro while retaining swipe and pinch controls. Expect a more angled ear tip and a charging case that allows the buds to lie flat, instead of dropping vertically.

We should also see “Head Gestures” introduced, allowing you to take calls and enjoy hands-free control of the earbuds. This will include disarming alarms, timers, Calendar alerts, and Reminder alerts. The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro are also likely to receive 360° audio recording capabilities, Adaptive Noise Control, seamless pairing with Galaxy devices, and Find Your Phone. All indications suggest their launch date will coincide with the new Galaxy S26 smartphone in early 2026.

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless

The headphones have industry-leading battery life.

Sennheiser is renowned for its premium, wallet-friendly headphones. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are no different, delivering industry-leading battery life, USB-C audio, and enhanced microphone quality. However, despite their improvements, we’ve been eager for an upgrade for years. This could address their mediocre in-call noise rejection, lackluster aesthetic, and unreliable auto on/off feature.

Noise cancelation is another point of contention, and could be an area for the MOMENTUM 5 Wireless to improve the most. Foldable ear cups would also elevate the product, particularly for those who travel often. If their predecessors are anything to go by, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 5 Wireless will likely launch in Spring 2026.

Sony WF-1000XM6

The Sony WF-1000XM5 provides over 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, and up to 24 hours with the charging case.

Until the Apple AirPods Pro 3 came along, the Sony WF-1000XM5 set the bar for all true wireless earbuds. With exceptional ANC and a comprehensive companion app, they are still one of the best earbuds for Android users. Years later, though, they remain one of the most expensive and sport an exterior that’s less fashionable than it once was. In particular, their matte finish is a fingerprint magnet and feels less premium than their predecessor. Sony’s upgrade would benefit from a glossy and more robust design.

They could also feature improved sound quality, with a frequency response that tempers bass reproduction. Introducing the aptX Bluetooth codec would also serve Android users better than the LDAC codec. Whatever happens, the Sony WF-1000XM6 will likely materialize in 2026.

Sonos Ace (2nd Gen)

We test all headphones using our B&K 5128 test fixture.

The Sonos Ace are a brave first step into the headphone market for a company best known for its multi-room speakers. Launched in 2024, they bring premium build quality and soft memory foam padding for long listening sessions. You also receive automatic integration with Sonos soundbars, Bluetooth 5.4, and wired connectivity over USB-C. Unfortunately, the connection range struggles when paired using the TV Audio Swap feature.

Their default sound also emphasizes bass too much, making it difficult to listen to bassy tracks. Higher-pitched sounds lack clarity, and the on-board microphones are too aggressive when suppressing environmental noise while taking calls. All of this for a price tag that costs marginally less than the Apple AirPods Max. The Sonos Ace (2nd Gen) should remedy this once they launch in 2026.

Apple AirPods Max 2

The headphones come with a smart case and charging cable, and nothing else.

The Apple AirPods Max 2 are perhaps the most hotly anticipated headphones of all time. We’ve spent months scouring for US patents, which, after all, have churned up some interesting information. For example, the AirPods Max 2 look set to receive a highly improved Smart Case. The headphones may also forego their predecessor’s digital crown, opting instead for unique touch controls. Like the first generation, we can expect distinctive materials and a set of new colorways to follow.

There will undoubtedly be an abundance of Apple-exclusive features, including one-stop pairing, Find My, Adaptive EQ, and personalized spatial audio with head tracking. Including Apple’s latest H2 chip would also yield stronger noise cancelation and sound quality. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicts that a lighter version of the AirPods Max will enter mass production in 2027. However, we may see this date pushed forward to late 2026, if we’re lucky.

Loading poll