Top-10 Headphones
Loved in Canada

The Sony WH-CH720N are wireless over-ear headphones designed with comfort and convenience in mind. They are very lightweight, which makes them comfortable for long listening sessions, and their over-ear design helps provide a good seal for better sound and noise cancellation. These headphones use Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 to actively reduce background noise, helping you focus on music or calls even in busy environments.

Sound quality is well balanced and clear, with technology that improves compressed music files, so your playlists stay enjoyable regardless of the source. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 35 hours on a single charge, and a quick 3-minute charge can give you about an hour of playback — handy if you’re in a rush. The built-in microphone offers clear hands-free calling and supports voice assistants like Alexa, making it easy to control your music or get information without reaching for your phone. Multipoint connectivity lets you switch smoothly between two devices, like a phone and a laptop.

While these headphones are made mostly of plastic to keep them light, they might not be the most durable option for rough use. These headphones are a solid choice for everyday use, travel, or work-from-home setups, especially if you value comfort and noise cancellation without the high price tag of premium models.

The Apple AirPods 4 are true wireless, in-ear earbuds designed for those who want a mix of comfort, advanced features, and good sound quality in a compact form. They feature Bluetooth 5.3, offering the freedom to move without cables. A standout feature is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which effectively reduces background noise so you can focus on your music or calls. Transparency mode is also available, allowing you to hear your surroundings clearly when needed, which is great for safety in public spaces. The sound quality benefits from Apple's H2 chip, providing clear, rich audio and personalized spatial sound that adjusts as you move your head, creating an immersive experience.

Comfort has been improved with a redesigned shape and shorter stem, making these earbuds stable for all-day use. Battery life offers up to 4 hours of listening with ANC on, and the compact charging case extends this to 20 hours, which suits daily use but may require frequent charging on longer trips. Controls are easy to use with quick-press buttons and hands-free Siri voice commands, helping manage music and calls without reaching for your phone. The microphone performs well by isolating your voice in noisy environments, which is helpful for clear phone conversations. Durability is another plus; these earbuds and their case have an IP54 rating, meaning they resist dust, sweat, and splashes, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use but not for full submersion in water.

Some users might find the fit less secure compared to over-ear headphones, especially during vigorous activities, due to their in-ear, relatively small design. While the battery life is good, it is shorter compared to some competitors offering longer playback per charge. These earbuds are best suited for users within the Apple ecosystem, as some features require Apple devices to function fully. In essence, Apple AirPods 4 are a strong choice for everyday wireless earbuds with premium noise cancellation, comfort, and smart features, particularly for Apple product owners, but those needing longer battery life or preferring over-ear designs may want to explore other options.

The Audio Technica ATH-M50x are wired, over-ear headphones known for their exceptional sound quality. They feature large 45mm drivers that deliver clear, detailed audio with deep bass, making them popular with music professionals and serious listeners. The headphones use a circumaural (around-the-ear) design that provides good sound isolation, which helps block out background noise even though they do not have active noise cancellation.

Comfort is a strong point thanks to plush, durable earpads and an adjustable headband, suitable for long listening sessions. The earcups swivel 90 degrees, making them handy for single-ear monitoring. However, these headphones are not wireless and do not include a built-in microphone or remote controls, which could be a downside if you need hands-free calling or Bluetooth connectivity. Battery life isn’t applicable here since they don’t require power.

They come with multiple detachable cables, adding flexibility and ease of replacement. While sturdy and well-built with aluminum parts, they are not water-resistant, so they should be kept away from moisture. These headphones are best for studio use, audiophiles, or anyone looking for high-quality wired headphones without needing wireless or ANC features.