12 Major Headphones Brands Ranked Worst To Best By Customer Satisfaction

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Picking the right headphone brand isn't just about chasing what's hot right now. Sure, the newest model might have a bunch of cool features, but you'd be rolling the dice if the brand behind it is unserious. Some brands nail everything. They make stuff people actually want and keep that quality going, whether you're spending a little or a lot. Others get it right once, then can't seem to follow it up. When you start sifting through real customer reviews and see how these headphones hold up in everyday life, the difference becomes clear.

After going through thousands of comments on Amazon and Best Buy, and checking out audio expert reviews from sites like SoundGuys and RTINGS, there's a clear pattern. Some headphone brands build trust by being reliable and consistent, while others mostly ride the hype for quick sales. To save you the trouble, here are 12 headphone brands that actually deliver, whether you're on a tight budget or ready to splurge.

Skullcandy headphones occupy an interesting niche. The company is not pursuing audiophile credentials, and honestly, it doesn't need to. Skullcandy knows exactly who it's building for. The Crusher Evo model has earned a following among bass enthusiasts. SoundGuys testing confirmed that the design includes a physical bass slider, which creates "a slight bump over the entire low end," allowing listeners to dial in their preferred tuning rather than being stuck with preset settings.

One How-to Geek reviewer got straight to the point: "With the Sensory bass slider all the way up ... it can literally rattle your vision. No one needs this much bass. But if you want it, by golly, you can have it." Build quality reveals the trade-off. SoundGuys' review found that the construction uses "soft-touch plastic" materials that feel "tough enough to survive a trip or two at the bottom of my backpack," though it may get scratched. Battery life is impressive, delivering more than 66 hours of testing playback. Quick charging delivers four hours of power in just 10 minutes.

Customer satisfaction on Trustpilot is generally high (4.3/5 stars from 1,900 reviews). Consumers consistently praise Skullcandy headphones. Also, the brand appeals to a specific listener seeking fun sound rather than technical accuracy. For budget-conscious bass heads, they deliver exactly what's needed.

JBL has built a brand that works for most people without offending anyone, which is paradoxically both a strength and a limitation. Best Buy reviewers consistently praised the JBL Tune Flex 2 earbuds for high sound quality, a comfortable fit, and "impressive" noise cancellation. Reddit reviewers noted "impressive sound quality," but others expressed concerns with the touch controls and occasional charging issues with the case.

Sound profile trends toward V-shaped emphasis on bass and treble, which suits rock and pop. Another Best Buy reviewer mentioned the Tune Flex 2 delivers "superbly rich sound" across multiple test scenarios. Another called them "solid for the price" with "nice bass, not tinny sounding" and noted they're "great value for the price."

JBL's middle-ground positioning is one reason why the brand is low in this list. They do nothing poorly, which sounds fine in theory. Yet, at similar prices, competitors often edge ahead with attributes like Marshall's better build quality, Bose's stronger ANC, and Beats's premium feel. Customer feedback suggests reliability without generating the enthusiasm that pushes brands higher.

Beats by Dre was once synonymous with bass and style over substance. Apple's acquisition changed that trajectory considerably, though traces of that heritage remain. Current models integrate seamlessly with Apple's ecosystem. Rtings testing noted the Beats Studio Pro delivers "long battery life." They offer around 28 hours of continuous use on a single charge, making them reliable for travel. Reviewers also consistently mention comfort, thanks to the plush ear cup padding, which makes it possible to have the headphones on for extended periods without experiencing fatigue.

Build quality improved post-acquisition, yet the sound doesn't quite achieve the technical refinement expected at the price point. RecordingNow's testing found that the Beats example mentioned here suffers from "clamping force discomfort" and noted that "bass response is lacking" compared to competitors. Customer discussions on Reddit about the Beats headphones place them, especially the Studio Pro, firmly in the mid-tier. They deliver on comfort and ecosystem integration, rarely wow audiophiles or generate the enthusiasm that commands higher rankings. The ratings on Amazon are generally high (above 4 stars), but the reviews seldom mention the headphones having a wow factor, helping to justify Beats' place on this list. 

Audio-Technica occupies a unique position: It is universally respected by professionals while remaining invisible to casual listeners. For example, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x became a studio standard. SoundGuys confirmed "Swiss Army Knife" functionality for both casual listening and professional monitoring, noting exceptional clarity across an extended frequency range. Equipboard describes them as "ideal for accurate audio monitoring in studio environments" with "excellent sound isolation, shielding you from ambient noise."

SoundGuys specifically noted confidence in "the ATH-M50x build quality," highlighting durability. Reviews consistently mention comfort during extended sessions — one EquipBoard compilation noted users appreciated Audio-Technica's ability to remain "comfortable for long listening sessions, even with glasses" and its "exceptional sound quality with great detail in mixes."

The main limitation is positioning clarity. Unlike other brands on this list, Audio-Technica's headphone lineup can feel overwhelming if you don't know what you're shopping for, and neutral tuning sometimes feels clinical rather than engaging. However, Amazon's listing of various models like the ATH-50x, ATH-30x, ATH-20x, and ATH-40x consistently shows high review ratings of at least 4.5/5. The high ratings indicate solid satisfaction from those who understand Audio-Technica's mission — studio professionals and technical listeners who appreciate accuracy.

Marshall brought rock-and-roll aesthetics to portable audio — and that design language actually delivers substance. Best Buy and reviewers consistently highlighted three strengths: exceptional 80+ hour battery life, crystal-clear sound quality, and lightweight comfort. Our Marshall Major V review saw the headphones lasting for over a month on a single charge. Reddit users reported that Marshall Major IV lasts "more than 10 days" on a charge, with "amazing" performance that's "really good, especially for rock, metal, folk, and funk genres."

Design philosophy blends Marshall's iconic look with practical construction. The sound signature works across genres, despite being associated with rock. TechCrunch praised the design as "classic Marshall aesthetic" while noting the "multi-directional controller is both an attractive cosmetic detail in gold, and a smart control interface." Marshall earns high satisfaction because it understands its customers. For those wanting exceptional battery life, a stylish design, and genuinely good sound without technical clutter, Marshall delivers consistently on these promises.

Sennheiser headphones have a reputation for holding up over the years — especially its audiophile and pro models. Take the HD 600s, for example. They've been around for nearly 30 years, but people still love them. Headphonesty's expert review called them "the best sounding all-rounder headphones I've tried under $300," noting their "extremely natural and neutral response" with "supreme comfort" and reliability.​

The Momentum 4 headphones show off Sennheiser's modern chops. Best Buy reviewers rate them 4.5/5 across 1,200 reviews, with customers raving: "The clearest and [most] precise headphones I've ever used." Another noted, "Amazing all around. And more comfortable than any headphones I've had before. And the battery lasts forever."​

The brand has built trust through decades of acoustic engineering. Whether spending $50 or thousands, you're getting sound carefully tuned by people who understand acoustics. Sennheiser edges ahead in satisfaction through earned reputation. Sennheiser is doing fundamentals exceptionally well, which is why it remains popular among audiophiles and everyday users.

Bowers & Wilkins built its name on speakers, and you can feel that legacy in everything it does. This isn't just some tech brand trying out audio for fun. These headphones come from people who've obsessed over speakers for decades. The Px7S3 headphones exemplify this philosophy. Best Buy reviewers rate them 4.6/5 stars, with customers praising sound quality and overall comfort. One satisfied customer noted: "I've worn them for three or four hours straight while working, and they don't give me that sore spot on top like some others do. The foam is some of the squishiest, softest I've felt on anything. The sound is what really impresses me, though. It's clear and balanced across the board. Highs aren't piercing, mids come through nicely, and the bass is there without overwhelming everything."​

The Px8 headphones are another pair that show how good Bowers & Wilkins is as a brand. What Hi-Fi? praised them as delivering "excellent levels of clarity, precision and detail" with "fast, agile, controlled bass and rhythmically fun sound," noting they "justify their price with a combination of build and sound quality that cheaper alternatives just can't match." SoundGuys confirmed that "low distortion and excellent clarity" means music sounds quite good, even if the tuning isn't traditionally neutral.​ Bowers & Wilkins' experience with speakers shows up in every detail. If you're ready to spend a little more for the real deal, you get exactly what you came for.​

Soundcore by Anker represents something increasingly rare — genuine value without compromise. These headphones punch well above their price point in ways that generate remarkable customer enthusiasm. The Soundcore by Anker Space A40 earbuds showcase this approach. RTINGS testing confirmed they deliver "amazing ... noise isolation performance" with adaptive ANC that "blocks out the low rumble of bus engines" and "cuts down ambient chatter." Amazon reviewers consistently expressed genuine satisfaction with battery life — one noted: "With my current usage, I can feel my confidence in the battery life building up, and my charging habit is shifting towards not worrying about charging at all."​

The Space One Pro model amplifies this value proposition. After two months of use, one Reddit user reported: "You charge it fully for a couple of hours, and it easily lasts the whole week with around five to six hours of daily use." SoundGuys confirmed the Space One Pro delivers "nearly 47 hours of battery life" and is "one of the best-sounding ANC options in its class without overdoing the low-end.​" Soundcore focuses on getting the basics right. Noise-cancelling works, the battery lasts longer than earbuds that cost way more, and the app features actually make sense. Plus, it doesn't jack up the price. People notice that, and it's refreshing.

Shokz's bone-conduction headphones feel genuinely complete. They don't just make this category; They define what people expect from it. Bone-conduction technology transmits sound through vibrations in the skull rather than through the ear canals. SoundGuys testing confirmed the Shokz OpenRun works best for "runners and bike commuters" since your ears stay open, meaning you retain situational awareness even when listening to your favorite exercise playlist. ZDNet noted the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 earned recognition for "their long battery life, sleek design, great sound, and all-day comfort."​

Best Buy reviewers praised them for fitness use, with customers reporting they "work phenomenal for the gym and running" and appreciating the ability to hear their surroundings. The lightweight design stays secure during physical activity, unlike traditional earbuds. The trade-off matters. Audio fidelity doesn't match that of premium traditional headphones, and bass response is limited by the technology. For runners, cyclists, and anyone prioritizing safety through environmental awareness, that's a worthwhile exchange. Shokz delivers excellence for this specific use case.

For decades, Bose has been synonymous with noise cancellation, a pioneer of the technology that transformed audio engineering. Reddit users consistently reported satisfaction with Bose for travel. One said: "I just did a vacation using the Bose QC Ultras on long-haul flights. Super comfortable, and I have a huge head. Great ANC for flight noises." Another noted: "I went from cheap headphones that I still couldn't hear out of at max volume while flying to the QC. It's like night and day."

Best Buy reviews average 4.7/5 with 2,300 reviews, with customers highlighting noise cancellation, comfort, and battery life. One reviewer noted: "The noise cancellation is absolutely top-tier — whether I'm on a noisy flight or just trying to focus at home, it blocks out distractions effortlessly." T3's reviewer reported using QC Ultra for an 18-hour flight and found the ANC "simply amazing."

Bose prioritizes practical comfort and specialized ANC over everything else. Sound quality is excellent, but not the focus. For business travelers and frequent fliers, this specialization produces exactly what they need. Bose is high in this ranking because it serves its target audience exceptionally well.

Apple's approach to headphones is all about making life easier for people who already live in its ecosystem, and users seem to love it. The AirPods Pro 3 are some of the best when it comes to wireless earbuds. For instance, several users on Best Buy describe them as some of the best earbuds they've owned, with others raving about crystal-clear sound, strong noise cancellation, and how "pairing is instant across my devices, and connection stays solid." Spatial Audio is one of those features that makes a real-world difference.

Apple's magic doesn't stop at earbuds. The AirPods Max over-ear headphones also rack up serious praise. Best Buy's 8,000 reviews are packed with comments about amazing comfort for long periods, class-leading noise cancellation, and rich, balanced sound that's just right for any genre. SoundGuys agree the Max headphones have "best-in-class ANC and a good sound signature" — just expect a bit of weight and premium pricing. In both categories, what sets Apple apart is that its headphones just seem to work, seamlessly switching between iPhone, iPad, or Mac, extending the frictionless feel people expect when working within the Apple ecosystem.​

Sony leads in brand satisfaction by consistently delivering quality. This spans all market segments, from budget earbuds to high-end over-ear headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the company's current standard-bearer. Best Buy reviewers called them "the best headphones I've ever owned," with "next-level" noise cancellation that creates "your own quiet world." One Reddit user upgrading from XM4 noted: "The XM6, especially with some EQ tweaking, feels like a solid leap forward in terms of overall audio clarity and separation."​ What Hi-Fi awarded them top marks, praising "exceptional levels of detail" and "superb ANC and call quality." SoundGuys noted Sony "very intently read what people found objectionable about past headphones and attacked each gripe head-on."​

When it comes to earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM5 True Wireless Noise-Cancelling Earbuds maintain this excellence in portable form. Best Buy customers rated them 4.7/5 for sound quality, with one stating: "These have the best sound quality I have ever heard out of a pair of earbuds." SoundGuys confirmed that the earbuds perform exceptionally well in persistently noisy environments.​ Sony's top ranking reflects earned authority molded by decades of consumer research and a willingness to iterate based on actual user experience.

Selections in this ranking were compiled from 2025 data using PCMag Readers' Choice Awards, RTINGS, What Hi-Fi?, SoundGuys, Headphonesty, and BGR reviews. We picked brands that often showed up in expert reviews and offered a good variety of products. To ensure customer satisfaction, we reviewed verified reviews on Amazon, Best Buy, and Reddit. We compared those with findings from professional testers. Instead of highlighting just a few top models, we focused on brands that perform well for any budget.