The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Back-to-School Headphones: Our Testing Lab's Top Recommendations

Quality headphones are now more essential than ever for successful studying and relaxation. The ideal headphones for the back-to-school season will effectively reduce external noise, have long-lasting battery life, provide comfort during extended wear, and offer easy portability without compromising durability.

At our website, we review a wide range of personal audio products. Our guides to the AirPods Max  provide comprehensive recommendations for dorm-appropriate headphones.

One standout option is Apple's AirPods Max, which offer exceptional sound quality with spatial audio and impressive noise cancellation. Designed with an over-ear design and a breathable mesh canopy, these headphones ensure comfort during long study sessions. Our testers appreciate the fit and functionality of the AirPods Max, although they come with a higher price tag and may be too large to easily fit in certain bags.

Sold by Amazon

Get the sale off now JBL Endurance Peak 3

The JBL Endurance Peak 3 earbuds are perfect for active students who need reliable headphones for their workouts while studying. With secure hooks and a comfortable fit, these earbuds provide exceptional sound quality. Additionally, they feature a lightweight waterproof design and an impressive total battery life of up to 50 hours (10 hours per charge).

Sold by Amazon.

Get the sale off now Apple AirPods Pro 

The AirPods Pro combine Apple's signature lightweight design with exceptional audio quality, complete with active noise cancellation. These earbuds are the perfect companions for students who wield iPhones and also carry an iPad or MacBook to their classes. With customizable tips, they offer a superior fit compared to standard AirPods, although they may occasionally loosen.

Sold by Amazon

Get the sale off now Beats Powerbeats Pro 

These Beats earbuds, available for purchase at Amazon, deliver exceptional sound quality (excluding ANC) and ensure a secure and customizable fit with integrated ear hooks. Notably, they utilize the same H1 chip found in Apple's AirPods, making them an excellent companion for iPhones. With a nine-hour battery life per charge and water resistance, these earbuds are ideal for active students.

Get the sale off now Soundcore Anker Life Q20  The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are cost-friendly over-ear headphones that maintain exceptional sound quality. The affordability of this pair does not hinder its surprisingly good audio performance, and the decent active noise cancellation (ANC) further enhances the listening experience. Additionally, Anker delivers on their promise of a 40-hour battery life, making these headphones perfect for extended study sessions.

Sold by Amazon

Get the sale off now