Explore the top headphones for college students, perfect for studying and enjoying music.

College life is a whirlwind of studying, socializing, and everything in between. And what better way to navigate this chaotic landscape than with a trusty pair of headphones? Whether you’re trying to drown out distractions in the library, groove to your favorite tunes on the way to class, or unwind with a podcast after a long day, a good pair of headphones can make all the difference.

But with so many options available, choosing the right pair can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in! We’ve compiled a list of the 16 best headphones for college students, taking into account factors like sound quality, comfort, portability, and budget.

From noise-canceling behemoths to sleek, budget-friendly earbuds, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a music aficionado, a podcast junkie, or simply looking for a reliable way to block out the world, this list has something for everyone.

So grab your coffee (or tea!), put on your favorite playlist, and get ready to discover the perfect headphones to soundtrack your college experience.

QUICKLIST
Item	Image	Where to buy	Rating	Read More
Sony WH-1000XM4			N/A	Jump to Review
Bose QuietComfort 45			4.6 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Apple AirPods Max			N/A	Jump to Review
Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless			N/A	Jump to Review
Jabra Elite 85h			4.1 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Beats Fit Pro			N/A	Jump to Review
Anker Soundcore Life Q30			N/A	Jump to Review
JBL Tune 760NC			4.3 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x			N/A	Jump to Review
Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC			N/A	Jump to Review
AKG N700NC			N/A	Jump to Review
Shure Aonic 50			N/A	Jump to Review
JBL Tour One			N/A	Jump to Review
Microsoft Surface Headphones 2			4.3 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro			N/A	Jump to Review
Sony WF-1000XM4			N/A	Jump to Review

Table of Contents

Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's flagship noise-canceling headphones.

Specifications:

Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation with adjustable levels
Battery life: Up to 30 hours with noise cancellation on
Sound quality: Balanced sound with clear highs and deep bass
Features: Touch controls, voice assistant support, and a companion app

Reasons to buy:

Excellent noise cancellation that effectively blocks out distractions
Long battery life for extended use
Comfortable and stylish design

Reasons to avoid:

Can be bulky and heavy
Not the most portable option

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

You prioritize noise cancellation and want a comfortable and well-rounded listening experience.
You're looking for a premium pair of headphones that will last.

Don't buy it if:

You prefer a more compact and portable option.
You're on a tight budget.

Bottom Line: The Sony WH-1000XM4 are a top-of-the-line choice for noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort. They offer a premium listening experience with a long battery life, making them ideal for students who need to focus on studying or just want to relax and enjoy their music. However, their size and price tag may make them less appealing to those on a budget or who prioritize portability.

Bose QuietComfort 45

Bose's latest noise-canceling headphones.

Specifications:

Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation with adjustable levels
Battery life: Up to 24 hours with noise cancellation on
Sound quality: Balanced sound with a focus on clarity
Features: Touch controls, voice assistant support, and a companion app

Reasons to buy:

Effective noise cancellation that makes it easy to focus
Comfortable and lightweight design
Long battery life for all-day use

Reasons to avoid:

Sound quality may not be as impactful as some other options
Can feel a bit bulky on the head

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

You prioritize noise cancellation and want a comfortable and lightweight option.
You want a pair of headphones that can last for an entire day without needing a charge.

Don't buy it if:

You're looking for the most powerful sound quality.
You need a pair of headphones that are truly portable.

Bottom Line: The Bose QuietComfort 45 are a great choice for students who need a reliable pair of noise-canceling headphones. They offer excellent noise cancellation, a comfortable fit, and a long battery life. While the sound quality might not be as impactful as some other options, they provide a clear and enjoyable listening experience. They're also relatively lightweight, making them a comfortable choice for long study sessions.

Apple AirPods Max

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Apple's premium over-ear headphones.

Specifications:

Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation with transparency mode
Battery life: Up to 20 hours with noise cancellation on
Sound quality: Rich and detailed sound with a focus on bass
Features: Spatial audio, dynamic head tracking, and a companion app

Reasons to buy:

Stunning sound quality with powerful bass
Excellent noise cancellation and transparency mode
Comfortable and stylish design

Reasons to avoid:

Expensive price tag
Not as portable as other options
Limited compatibility with non-Apple devices

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

You're an Apple ecosystem user and want the best possible sound quality and noise cancellation.
You appreciate a premium and stylish design.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget.
You're not an Apple user and don't want to be limited by compatibility issues.
You need a pair of headphones that are truly portable.

Bottom Line: The Apple AirPods Max are a premium choice for Apple users who value sound quality, noise cancellation, and a luxurious design. They deliver an immersive audio experience with powerful bass and detailed sound. However, their high price tag, limited portability, and compatibility with non-Apple devices may be a drawback for some. They are a great choice for students who prioritize sound quality and want the best Apple experience, but they're not for everyone.

Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless

Sennheiser's premium wireless headphones.

Specifications:

Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation with adjustable levels
Battery life: Up to 17 hours with noise cancellation on
Sound quality: Balanced sound with a focus on detail and clarity
Features: Touch controls, voice assistant support, and a companion app

Reasons to buy:

Excellent sound quality with a balanced and detailed soundstage
Comfortable and stylish design
Effective noise cancellation for blocking distractions

Reasons to avoid:

Battery life is not as long as some other options
Price tag can be a bit high

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

You prioritize sound quality and want a pair of headphones that deliver a balanced and detailed audio experience.
You appreciate a comfortable and stylish design.

Don't buy it if:

You need the longest possible battery life.
You're on a tight budget.

Bottom Line: The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless are a great option for students who prioritize sound quality and a comfortable listening experience. They offer a balanced and detailed soundstage with effective noise cancellation, making them ideal for studying or just relaxing. However, their battery life isn't as long as some other options, and their price tag might be a bit steep. They are a good choice for students who are willing to invest in a premium pair of headphones that will last.

Jabra Elite 85h

Jabra's flagship noise-canceling headphones.

Specifications:

Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation with adjustable levels
Battery life: Up to 36 hours with noise cancellation on
Sound quality: Balanced sound with a focus on bass
Features: Touch controls, voice assistant support, and a companion app

Reasons to buy:

Excellent noise cancellation that effectively blocks out distractions
Long battery life for extended use
Comfortable and durable design

Reasons to avoid:

Can feel a bit heavy on the head
Sound quality might not be as detailed as some other options

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

You prioritize noise cancellation and want a pair of headphones that offer a comfortable and durable build.
You want a pair of headphones that can last for multiple days without needing a charge.

Don't buy it if:

You're looking for the most detailed sound quality.
You need a pair of headphones that are super lightweight.

Bottom Line: The Jabra Elite 85h are a solid choice for students who need a pair of headphones with long battery life and effective noise cancellation. They offer a comfortable and durable build, making them a reliable option for everyday use. While the sound quality might not be as detailed as some other options, they still deliver a balanced and enjoyable listening experience. They're a good all-around option for students who need a pair of headphones that can handle the demands of college life.

Beats Fit Pro

Beats' latest true wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation.

Specifications:

Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation with transparency mode
Battery life: Up to 6 hours with noise cancellation on
Sound quality: Powerful bass with a focus on clarity
Features: Secure fit, spatial audio, and a companion app

Reasons to buy:

Powerful bass and clear sound quality
Secure fit for active lifestyles
Effective noise cancellation for a distraction-free experience

Reasons to avoid:

Can be uncomfortable for extended wear
Battery life isn't as long as some other options
Price tag can be a bit high

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

You prioritize powerful bass and a secure fit for active lifestyles.
You want a pair of earbuds with effective noise cancellation.

Don't buy it if:

You need a pair of earbuds that are comfortable for long periods of time.
You need the longest possible battery life.

Bottom Line: The Beats Fit Pro are a great choice for active students who need a pair of earbuds that can stay securely in place and deliver powerful bass. They offer effective noise cancellation and a comfortable fit, making them ideal for working out or commuting. However, they might not be as comfortable for extended wear as some other options, and their battery life isn't as long as some of the other earbuds on this list.

Anker Soundcore Life Q30

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Anker's budget-friendly noise-canceling headphones.

Specifications:

Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation with adjustable levels
Battery life: Up to 40 hours with noise cancellation on
Sound quality: Balanced sound with a focus on bass
Features: Touch controls, voice assistant support, and a companion app

Reasons to buy:

Excellent value for the price with effective noise cancellation
Long battery life for extended use
Comfortable and lightweight design

Reasons to avoid:

Sound quality might not be as detailed as some other options
Can feel a bit cheap in terms of build quality

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

You're on a budget and want a pair of noise-canceling headphones with long battery life.
You need a comfortable and lightweight option.

Don't buy it if:

You prioritize sound quality above all else.
You want a pair of headphones that feel premium in terms of build quality.

Bottom Line: The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are a great option for students on a budget who need a pair of noise-canceling headphones with long battery life. They offer effective noise cancellation, a comfortable fit, and a lightweight design. While the sound quality might not be as detailed as some other options, they still deliver a balanced and enjoyable listening experience. They're a great value for the price, making them a solid choice for students who are looking for a budget-friendly pair of headphones.

JBL Tune 760NC

JBL's affordable noise-canceling headphones.

Specifications:

Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation with adjustable levels
Battery life: Up to 35 hours with noise cancellation on
Sound quality: Balanced sound with a focus on bass
Features: Touch controls, voice assistant support, and a companion app

Reasons to buy:

Affordable price with decent noise cancellation
Long battery life for extended use
Comfortable and stylish design

Reasons to avoid:

Sound quality might not be as impactful as some other options
Build quality can feel a bit flimsy

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

You're on a tight budget and want a pair of noise-canceling headphones with a comfortable fit.
You need a pair of headphones that can last for an entire day without needing a charge.

Don't buy it if:

You prioritize sound quality above all else.
You want a pair of headphones that feel durable and well-built.

Bottom Line: The JBL Tune 760NC are a budget-friendly option for students who need a pair of noise-canceling headphones with a comfortable fit and long battery life. They offer decent noise cancellation and a stylish design, making them a good value for the price. However, the sound quality might not be as impactful as some other options, and the build quality can feel a bit flimsy. They're a good choice for students who are on a tight budget and need a pair of headphones for everyday use.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Audio-Technica's popular studio headphones.

Specifications:

Noise cancellation: Passive noise isolation
Battery life: N/A (wired headphones)
Sound quality: Balanced sound with a focus on detail and clarity
Features: Foldable design, detachable cable, and a carrying case

Reasons to buy:

Excellent sound quality with a balanced and detailed soundstage
Comfortable and durable design
Affordable price

Reasons to avoid:

No noise cancellation feature
Wired design can be inconvenient for some

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

You prioritize sound quality and want a pair of headphones that deliver a balanced and detailed audio experience.
You're looking for a durable and affordable option.

Don't buy it if:

You need noise cancellation to block out distractions.
You want a pair of headphones with a wireless design.

Bottom Line: The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are a popular choice for students who prioritize sound quality and affordability. They offer a balanced and detailed soundstage with a comfortable and durable design. However, they lack noise cancellation and have a wired design, which can be a drawback for some. They're a good choice for students who want a pair of headphones for listening to music or studying in quieter environments.

Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC

Beyerdynamic's over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation.

Specifications:

Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation with adjustable levels
Battery life: Up to 30 hours with noise cancellation on
Sound quality: Balanced sound with a focus on clarity
Features: Touch controls, voice assistant support, and a companion app

Reasons to buy:

Effective noise cancellation for blocking out distractions
Comfortable and stylish design
Long battery life for extended use

Reasons to avoid:

Price tag can be a bit high
Sound quality might not be as impactful as some other options

What you need to know:

Buy it if:

You prioritize noise cancellation and want a pair of headphones with a comfortable and stylish design.
You want a pair of headphones that can last for an entire day without needing a charge.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget.
You're looking for the most powerful sound quality.

Bottom Line: The Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC are a solid option for students who need a pair of noise-canceling headphones with a comfortable fit and long battery life. They offer effective noise cancellation and a stylish design, making them a good choice for everyday use. While the sound quality might not be as impactful as some other options, they still deliver a balanced and enjoyable listening experience. They're a good choice for students who are willing to invest in a pair of headphones that will offer a premium listening experience.

AKG N700NC

Over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation

Specifications :

Type: Over-ear
Noise cancellation: Active
Battery life: Up to 20 hours
Price: $299

Reasons to buy :

Excellent noise cancellation
Comfortable to wear for long periods
Good sound quality
Foldable for easy storage

Reasons to avoid :

Can be a bit bulky
Not as portable as some other options
Pricey

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

You want the best noise cancellation possible
You need headphones that are comfortable for long study sessions
You're willing to spend a bit more for top-of-the-line sound quality

Don't buy it if:

You're looking for a more portable option
You're on a tight budget
You don't need noise cancellation

Bottom Line:

The AKG N700NC are a great option for college students who want the best noise cancellation possible. They're comfortable, sound great, and offer a long battery life. However, they are a bit bulky and pricey, so they may not be the best choice for everyone.

Shure Aonic 50

Over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation

Specifications :

Type: Over-ear
Noise cancellation: Active
Battery life: Up to 20 hours
Price: $399

Reasons to buy :

Excellent sound quality
Comfortable and stylish design
Long battery life
Good noise cancellation

Reasons to avoid :

Pricey
Can be a bit bulky

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

You're an audiophile who wants the best possible sound quality
You want a comfortable and stylish pair of headphones
You need long battery life
You value noise cancellation

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget
You need a very portable option
You're not as concerned about sound quality

Bottom Line:

The Shure Aonic 50 are a great choice for college students who want the best possible sound quality. They're comfortable, stylish, and offer long battery life. However, they are also pricey and a bit bulky, so they may not be the best choice for everyone.

JBL Tour One

Over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation

Specifications :

Type: Over-ear
Noise cancellation: Active
Battery life: Up to 50 hours
Price: $299

Reasons to buy :

Excellent sound quality
Comfortable and stylish design
Very long battery life
Good noise cancellation

Reasons to avoid :

Pricey
Can be a bit bulky
Not as portable as some other options

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

You need long battery life
You want great sound quality
You're willing to spend a bit more for top-of-the-line headphones

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget
You need a very portable option
You're not as concerned about sound quality

Bottom Line:

The JBL Tour One are a good option for college students who need long battery life. They also offer great sound quality and good noise cancellation. However, they are pricey and a bit bulky, so they may not be the best choice for everyone.

Microsoft Surface Headphones 2

Over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation

Specifications :

Type: Over-ear
Noise cancellation: Active
Battery life: Up to 20 hours
Price: $249

Reasons to buy :

Excellent noise cancellation
Comfortable to wear for long periods
Good sound quality
Easy to use with Microsoft devices

Reasons to avoid :

Not as stylish as some other options
Not as portable as some other options

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

You want great noise cancellation
You need headphones that are comfortable for long study sessions
You use a lot of Microsoft devices
You want a good value for your money

Don't buy it if:

You're looking for a very stylish pair of headphones
You need a very portable option
You're not a fan of Microsoft products

Bottom Line:

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 are a good option for college students who want great noise cancellation and a comfortable fit. They're also a good value for the price. However, they're not as stylish or portable as some other options, so they may not be the best choice for everyone.

Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro

True wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation

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Specifications :

Type: True wireless
Noise cancellation: Active
Battery life: Up to 8 hours (6 hours with ANC on)
Price: $169

Reasons to buy :

Excellent sound quality
Comfortable and secure fit
Good noise cancellation
Affordable

Reasons to avoid :

Battery life isn't as long as some other options
Not as portable as some other options

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

You want a comfortable and secure fit
You want good sound quality and noise cancellation
You're on a budget
You want true wireless earbuds

Don't buy it if:

You need the longest possible battery life
You're not a fan of true wireless earbuds
You need the best possible noise cancellation

Bottom Line:

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro are a great value for the price. They offer excellent sound quality, comfortable fit, and good noise cancellation. However, they don't have the longest battery life and may not be the best choice for everyone who wants the best possible noise cancellation.

Sony WF-1000XM4

True wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation

Specifications :

Type: True wireless
Noise cancellation: Active
Battery life: Up to 8 hours (6 hours with ANC on)
Price: $279

Reasons to buy :

Industry-leading noise cancellation
Excellent sound quality
Comfortable and secure fit
Good battery life

Reasons to avoid :

Pricey
Not as portable as some other options

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

You want the best noise cancellation possible
You want great sound quality
You want a comfortable and secure fit
You're willing to spend a bit more for top-of-the-line earbuds

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget
You need the longest possible battery life
You're not a fan of true wireless earbuds

Bottom Line:

The Sony WF-1000XM4 are the best true wireless earbuds on the market for noise cancellation. They also offer excellent sound quality and a comfortable fit. However, they are pricey, so they may not be the best choice for everyone.

Choosing the right headphones for college can be a game-changer for both your study sessions and your downtime. With so many options available, finding the perfect pair can feel overwhelming. But by considering your individual needs and preferences, you can find headphones that will enhance your college experience. From noise-canceling models that help you focus to comfortable earbuds that are perfect for your commute, there's a headphone out there for every student.

Whether you're a music lover, a podcast enthusiast, or just need a little peace and quiet to study, the right headphones can make a big difference. And with so many budget-friendly options available, you don't have to break the bank to find high-quality sound. So, take your time, explore the different models, and find the headphones that will help you thrive in your college journey.

Investing in a good pair of headphones can be a smart move for college students. They can be used for a wide range of activities, from studying and listening to music to attending online classes and catching up on your favorite shows. With so many great options available, you're sure to find the perfect headphones for your unique needs and preferences.

From budget-friendly earbuds to high-end noise-canceling headphones, there's a pair out there for every student. So, take the time to explore the options and find the perfect headphones that will enhance your college experience. Happy listening!