I’ve curated a comprehensive list that covers various categories to meet diverse student needs. This guide includes over-ear headphones for immersive audio experiences, wireless earbuds for on-the-go convenience, and noise-canceling headphones to create a distraction-free environment. I’ve also considered factors like USB-C charging for hassle-free power-ups and durability for those who lead active lifestyles. So, let’s dive in and explore the best headphones that’ll help you stay on top of your academic game in 2024.
Best Over-Ear Headphones for Students
Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out as one of the best options for students seeking premium audio experience. I’m impressed by its improved noise-canceling capabilities, which are perfect for creating a distraction-free study environment. The sound quality is top-notch, with a well-balanced profile that suits various music genres.
Standout features:
- Exceptional noise cancelation
- Refined sound quality
- Comfortable for long study sessions
- Impressive 31-hour battery life with ANC on
One thing to note is the price point of $399, which is $50 more than its predecessor. However, I believe the enhancements justify the cost for students who prioritize audio quality and noise isolation.
Bose QuietComfort 45
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is another excellent choice for students. I found its noise-canceling performance to be particularly impressive, especially in dealing with mid and high-frequency sounds that many other headphones struggle with.
Standout features:
- Updated ANC system for superior noise cancelation
- Comfortable fit for extended wear
- Good passive isolation
While the sound quality is decent out of the box, I recommend using the EQ in the Bose Music app to fine-tune the audio to your liking. A slight adjustment in the higher frequencies can make a world of difference in your listening experience.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
For students looking for a balance of features and performance, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless is a solid contender. I’m particularly impressed by its battery life and comfort.
Standout features:
- Incredible 60-hour battery life
- Comfortable, lightweight design
- Adaptive ANC system
- Enjoyable sound profile with a soft V-shape tuning
The Momentum 4 offers a more minimalistic design compared to its predecessors, which might appeal to students looking for a sleek, modern aesthetic. While the midrange isn’t as rich as the previous model, I found the overall sound quality to be enjoyable and well-suited for various types of content.
In my testing, I found these headphones to outperform many competitors in terms of sound quality, making them a great choice for students who prioritize audio fidelity alongside practical features for everyday use.
Best True Wireless Earbuds for Students
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd gen with USB-C
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 is a game-changer for students in the Apple ecosystem. The comfort level and ANC performance are perfect for long study sessions or extended periods of use.
Standout features:
- Exceptional sound quality with deeper bass and crisp highs
- Impressive active noise cancelation for focused study sessions
- Transparency mode for awareness of surroundings
- Up to 6 hours of listening time, with 30 hours total using the charging case
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
The AirPods Pro 2 retails at $249, which might seem like a significant investment. However, considering the value you’re getting – high-quality sound, top-notch noise cancelation, seamless integration with Apple devices, and a durable, comfortable design – they’re a worthwhile investment for students deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
For students using Android devices, particularly Samsung phones, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro is an excellent choice. They are comfortable and packed with features that many students will appreciate.
Standout features:
- Easy pairing with Samsung and other Android devices
- Active noise canceling for distraction-free studying
- Equalizer for customized sound settings
- Game mode for immersive gaming experiences
- Voice wake-up feature for hands-free commands
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro also includes a unique Earbud fit test, ensuring you get the best sound quality possible. With their compact size and touch controls, these earbuds are perfect for students on the go.
Nothing Ear (a)
The Nothing Ear (a) is a great choice for students looking for style and substance at an affordable price point. They have a unique transparent design that’s sure to turn heads on campus.
Standout features:
- Excellent active noise cancelation
- Energetic and detailed sound profile
- Improved battery life (5.5 hours with ANC on, 24.5 hours with the case)
- Smaller, more pocketable case design
- Affordable price under $100/£100
The Nothing Ear (a) deliver an “energetic, detailed and zealous” sound. The ANC performance is robust and among the best in this price range. For students looking for an excellent pair of ANC buds that sound great, keep you focused, and look incredibly cool, the Nothing Ear (a) offers exceptional value.
Best Budget Headphones for Students
JLab Go Air Pop
For students seeking true wireless earbuds on a tight budget, the JLab Go Air Pop is an excellent choice. I’m impressed by how much these tiny earbuds pack into their compact design.
Standout features:
- Incredibly small and lightweight at just 3.3g per earbud
- IP55 rating for water and sweat resistance
- Bluetooth multipoint connectivity for easy device switching
- Decent 5.5-hour battery life, extending to 20 hours with the case
The sound quality is surprisingly good for the price point, with most tracks sounding clear and crisp, though the bass isn’t particularly bold. Despite the lack of active noise cancelation (ANC), the passive noise isolation is impressive for earbuds of this size and price.
At just $39.99 / £39.99 (often discounted), these earbuds offer exceptional value. They’re perfect for students who need a reliable, portable audio solution without breaking the bank.
Skullcandy Set USB-C
For those who prefer a wired connection, we recommend the Skullcandy Set USB-C earbuds. These are an excellent choice for students who want a no-fuss, always-ready option.
Standout features:
- USB-C connector compatible with most modern Android devices and laptops
- IPX4 sweat and water resistance
- Noise-isolating design for focused study sessions
- Integrated microphone and controls for calls and music management
The plug-and-play simplicity of these earbuds is perfect for students who don’t want to worry about battery life or Bluetooth connectivity issues. They’re designed for all-day wear, making them ideal for long study sessions or commutes.
While they may not offer the wireless freedom of true wireless earbuds, the reliable connection and absence of charging concerns make them a practical choice for budget-conscious students.
Earfun Air Pro 3
For students willing to invest a bit more for advanced features, I highly recommend the Earfun Air Pro 3. These earbuds offer a remarkable balance of performance and affordability.
Standout features:
- Latest Qualcomm QCC3071 chip with AptX Adaptive support
- Improved 11mm wool-composite drivers for enhanced sound quality
- Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) for distraction-free studying
- Up to 7 hours of battery life with ANC on
The Earfun Air Pro 3 delivers strong audio performance with robust bass, good clarity, and a relatively wide soundstage. The inclusion of ANC at this price point is impressive, making these earbuds an excellent choice for students who study in noisy environments.
The wireless charging case and multidevice connectivity add to the convenience, allowing you to switch seamlessly between your phone and laptop. While they’re priced slightly higher than the other options, I believe the additional features justify the cost for students who prioritize sound quality and noise cancelation.
Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Students
Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out as an excellent choice for students seeking top-notch noise cancelation and sound quality. I’m impressed by the improvements Sony has made with this latest iteration of their popular 1000X series.
What we love:
- Exceptional noise cancelation, especially for low-frequency sounds
- High-quality sound with crisp highs and robust bass
- Comfortable design for extended wear
- Impressive 30-hour battery life
- Support for advanced Bluetooth codecs (AAC, LDAC, and SBC)
The WH-1000XM5 excels in cutting back intense low-frequency rumble, making it perfect for blocking out noisy environments like dorm rooms or busy libraries. I found the sound quality to be superb, with a pleasing balance of crisp highs and robust low-end. The comfortable design and long battery life make these headphones ideal for marathon study sessions.
Bose QuietComfort 45
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is another top contender for students looking for excellent noise cancelation and comfort.
Standout features:
- Superior noise cancelation, especially for mid and high-frequency sounds
- Comfortable and lightweight design (240g)
- Foldable hinges for easy portability
- Excellent call quality
- 24-hour battery life
The QuietComfort 45 is particularly effective at suppressing high-mid and high-frequency noises, which is crucial for blocking out chatter in busy study areas. The comfortable fit and lightweight design makes these headphones perfect for all-day wear. They also have a foldable design, which makes them easy to pack in a backpack.
Apple AirPods Pro 2nd gen with USB-C
For students deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Pro 2 offers an impressive noise-canceling experience in a compact package.
Standout features:
- Improved active noise cancelation
- Adaptive Audio feature for automatic sound adjustment
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
- Up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC on
- Compact and portable design
The AirPods Pro 2 utilizes Apple’s H2 chip, which delivers improved noise cancelation compared to its predecessor. We found the Adaptive Audio feature particularly useful for students, as it automatically adjusts the audio mix based on your environment. The seamless integration with Apple devices makes these earbuds a convenient choice for students using multiple Apple products.
Be sure to check out our other buying guides to help you get the best audio experience possible!
