The best headphones to look forward to in 2023 and beyond

The new year is nearly upon us. As ever, our orbit around the sun breathes new life into the headphone and earbud market. It is true — 2023 has been no exception to this rule. From the Beats Studio Pro over-ear headphones to the Nothing Ear 2 earbuds, we are spoiled for choice. But with high expectations, can big-dog headphone brands deliver the goods in the coming twelve months? While there aren’t any firm dates yet, we’ve gathered information on what we can look forward to this year and next. Here’s our shortlist of the best headphones to expect in the rest of 2023 and beyond.

Apple AirPods Max 2

Apple usually releases its AirPods alongside its iPhones and iPads at the end of each year. Considering it has been two years since Apple dropped the original AirPods Max, it would make sense for the company to bring its next-gen upgrade to market. However, the flagship headphones avoided any mention at Apple’s “Wonderlust” event on September 12, 2023. Respected Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also remarked on X earlier this year that the new AirPods Max could arrive alongside more affordable AirPods earbuds in the second half of 2024 or 2025. This is an unusually long release window for Apple and bucks all previous expectations and trends.

This is a shame, given Apple’s AirPods Max are such a welcome addition to the AirPods family. They boast excellent sound quality, superior active noise canceling (ANC), and transparency mode capabilities. They are also home to some of the most comfortable ear cups on the market. Their spatial audio feature immerses users in a satisfying 3D audio sphere. That’s perfect for watching films or losing yourself in a layered soundscape. The AirPods Max also boast 21 hours of battery life. Considering they technically don’t turn off, that’s pretty good going.

So where might the AirPods Max 2 improve upon their predecessor? Firstly, the carry case. When you spend large sums of money on premium headphones, you expect the case to protect them. We would also like to see these new headphones capable of streaming lossless music. However, the previous lack of aptX Bluetooth codec support across the AirPods brand suggests this isn’t a pressing issue for Apple. Lastly, L/R ear detection. While it’s understandable that Apple went with the Apple Watch-style Digital Crown, reversibility wouldn’t go a miss. If Apple can combine these improvements with its superior sound quality, the AirPods Max 2 could be some of the best headphones in 2023.

Apple AirPods (4th Generation)

It is worth reiterating that alongside the anticipated release of the AirPods Max 2, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also reported on X that Apple looks set to release a pair of affordable AirPods in the second half of 2024. While there was no official announcement of these buds at the company’s “Wonderlust” event on September 12, 2023, there is no doubt that the Apple AirPods (4th Generation) will come to fruition. This is especially true, given the company’s Wearables Home and Accessories category outpaced its Mac and iPad categories’ sales in Q2 of 2023.

Industry analyst Jeff Pu shared with 9to5Mac that the updated AirPods will be rebranded as AirPods Lite. This is presumably a nod to the widely expected deflation in price from previous AirPods models, something both Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu have already predicted. Based on these expectations, the Apple AirPods Lite will launch for $99 — substantially cheaper than previous Apple AirPods.

Kuo also reports that manufacturing of the AirPods Lite may be taken over by Hong Teng. This production shift means a release in the second half of 2024 seems likely. While this may still seem a fair way off, it’s worth noting that there were two years and three months between the release of the AirPods 1 and AirPods 2, and two years and seven months between the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3. If the company sticks with its previous release pattern, then a late Spring 2024 release makes sense.

Like its predecessors, the AirPods Lite will come in white and adorn the familiar open-fit design and contoured stems of previous models. These stems will also boast force-sensor controls for adjusting audio playback and receiving calls. We expect the buds will retain the IPX4 water resistance rating boasted by previous AirPods. The case will almost certainly support USB-C charging, as the EU declared all applicable electronic devices must adopt USB-C charging before December 28, 2024. Proprietary features will no doubt feature, such as automatic device switching, as well as Apple’s newer H2 chip for improved performance. However, the reduced price may force Apple to sub out more premium features such as automatic ear detection, spatial audio with head tracking, and wireless charging.

Bose QuietComfort 55

With Bose’s new line of QuietComfort Ultra headphones already available for pre-order, it looks unlikely that we will see the QuietComfort 55 come to shelves this year. However, according to Bose, the QuietComfort Ultra headphones are replacing the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 as the company’s flagship. That means we could still see an update to the QuietComfort 45 brand in the medium term.

The partnering of Bose and Qualcomm to secure the S5 chipset means that the QuietComfort 55 headphones will likely host the aptX lossless Bluetooth codec. That spells good news for audiophiles looking for a high-quality wireless connection. It also means Bluetooth low energy (LE Audio) may feature. With this, we could see improved battery life and adaptive ANC. Bose’s latest QuietComfort Ultra headphones host the company’s own immersive audio feature which, unlike other spatial audio technologies, doesn’t require specialized content to work. This feature supports two modes: Still and Motion. Motion uses head tracking to keep music in front of you as you move, while Still is better suited for when you are sitting down. We expect the QuietComfort 55 will benefit from this feature too.

Battery life has always been a mainstay of QuietComfort headphones, with the QuietComfort 45 handling over 24 hours of music listening with ease. The newest QuietComfort Ultra provides up to 18 hours of audio playback while running ANC and immersive audio simultaneously, or 24 hours with just ANC activated. The Bose Music app also introduced an EQ function in a later firmware update for the QC 45. This was a useful tool for adjusting the initial wobbliness of the headphones’ frequency response. Ideally, we’d like to see this included out of the box for the QC 55. That way, users can hit the ground running and hone in on their music from the word go.

Finally, we fully expect the updated QuietComfort 55 headphones to host a 2.5-to-3.5mm TRS cable slot for wired connectivity. This seems likely given the company’s most recent QC Ultra headphones have retained this feature. Although smartphones with headphone ports are an endangered species, audiophiles would welcome the QC 55 sticking with tradition. Once these hit the shelves, they will be popular headphones in 2024.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3

The Samsung Galaxy Buds series is confusing and difficult to parse apart, but one thing is clear: the Galaxy Buds 2 are great value for any Android phone owner. Given the popularity of the Buds 2, there’s plenty of anticipation surrounding the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3. However, with the company having already surpassed its typical August release window, we may be looking at a 2024 launch for the Galaxy Buds 3.

One glimmer of hope comes from Dutch Outlet Galaxy Club, which claims the company’s next set of earbuds will host the model number “SM-R400N.” This indicates that these buds won’t belong to the Galaxy Pro series, given that the line wears the model “SM-R5xxx” Instead, this suggests the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 could well be in the making. However, there is also talk of this model number belonging to an intermediary line of buds — a stocking filler before a more substantial announcement.

To our dismay, Samsung seems adamant about keeping ear wings off its Galaxy Buds. The Galaxy Buds 3 will likely mirror the Buds 2 design, and perhaps be smaller. The glossy plastic visually distinguishes the more pedestrian Buds 2 from the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. As much as we’d like to see a matte finish on the Buds 3, it seems unlikely.

The Galaxy Buds 2 have very good active noise canceling that matches and even outperforms last-generation’s flagship earbuds. Samsung seems determined to increase its ANC performance with each earbud release, so the Galaxy Buds 3 will assuredly have better noise canceling than the Buds 2. Improving the ANC means the next-gen buds will make for even better travel buddies than the Buds 2.

Like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, the Galaxy Buds 3 should work with Samsung 360 Audio when paired to a device running One UI 3.1. We’re not sure if the Galaxy Buds 3 will have head tracking like the flagship Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, though. That said, we expect the Galaxy Buds 3 to embrace 24-bit audio when streaming over the Samsung Seamless Codec. Currently, the Buds 2 are capped at 16-bit audio with the Seamless Codec (formerly named the Samsung Scalable Codec).

We’re crossing our fingers that the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 share the same $149 price tag as the Buds 2, but we find that fairly unlikely. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds have only increased in price with each release, so don’t be surprised if the Buds 3 debut somewhere between $149 and $199.

Sony WH-1000XM6

It may still be a little early to get excited about the Sony WH-1000Xm6 over-ear headphones, but we fully expect these to come to shelves in 2024. The company has stuck to a rigorous two-year release window since the XM3, and with the Sony WH-1000XM5 launching on May 20, 2022, it looks likely that we’ll see Sony update its flagship headphones in the summer or fall of 2024.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is praised far and wide for its superior comfort thanks to its large and suitably cushioned ear cups. The isolation provided by the engulfing ear cups forms a robust seal to protect your audio from distracting external noise. Combined with the headphones’ formidable ANC capabilities, users will find their listening experience very pleasing indeed. The vegan leatherette coating and adjustable cushioned headband also make wearing these headphones over long periods a breeze.

We also expect the XM6 to keep the easy-to-use touch controls of its predecessor. With this, users can swipe the smooth, flat side of the earcup to skip songs forward and backward and to increase or decrease volume. This feature is more intuitive than button controls, especially given that it’s difficult to differentiate between buttons while wearing headphones.

Another notable feature that is almost certain to come out of the box with the WH-1000XM6 is Speak to Chat, which automatically pauses your music when you begin talking. A few seconds after you finish speaking, the headphones automatically exit ambient mode and resume audio playback. We also expect the next-gen upgrade will boast more than 30 hours of battery life with ANC activated, and up to 50 hours without ANC. Bluetooth 5.2 will also feature, supporting the SBC, AAC, and LDAC Bluetooth codecs. The company will also likely retain wired connectivity, in addition to Bluetooth Multipoint for multiple device streaming. However, we would like to see Sony’s flagship headphones host a foldable headband for easier transport. An IP rating would also help to protect the headphones from sweat, water splashes, and dust.

What notable earbuds and headphones have come out in 2023?

The OnePlus Buds Pro 2 debuted alongside the OnePlus 11 on February 16, 2023. In our OnePlus Buds Pro 2 review, the earbuds exceeded our expectations. For just $99.99 at Amazon, the Buds Pro 2 offered flagship features for far less than the competition. With the Buds Pro 2, you get very good noise canceling for the price and with multipoint connectivity.

The earbuds have an IP55 dust and water-resistant build, while the case has an IPX4 water-resistant rating. This degree of durability is unique, even for flagships. Broad Bluetooth codec support also makes the Buds Pro 2 stand out. You get SBC, AAC, LHDC, and LC3 to choose from.

These earbuds work almost as well on Android phones as on iPhones. With the OS-agnostic HeyMelody app, anyone can create a custom EQ and take a hearing test to optimize how the earbuds sound. When paired with a OnePlus 11 smartphone, you get spatial audio support with head tracking. The effect is smooth and responsive, and movie buffs will want to play with this feature.

The Buds Pro 2 give the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) a run for their money and, again, cost $70 less than Apple’s buds. You get a very similar spec sheet as Apple’s AirPods, along with a similar design and interface. It’s hard to deny that the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 are some of the best buds to come out in 2023, so far.

We also really enjoyed the Jabra Elite 4. In our Elite 4 review, the earbuds proved an excellent set of sub-$100 buds. Jabra’s earbuds block out quite a bit of background noise with just their good fit and interchangeable ear tips. Listeners can switch active noise canceling on to block out a bit more background noise, though, like the Beats Studio Buds, the ANC doesn’t make a huge difference.

By default, the Jabra Elite 4 sound very good, and most listeners won’t feel compelled to adjust the sound. You will, however, have the option to adjust the sound in the Jabra Sound+ app. Here, it’s easy to play with the five-band equalizer on an iPhone or Android phone.

Jabra’s earbuds support the SBC and aptX Bluetooth codecs, making these very good earbuds for Android. You won’t notice any lag when streaming videos from an Android device, but you might perceive some latency with an iPhone. For $79 at Amazon, we recommend buying the Jabra Elite 4. These are very good earbuds at an affordable price.

There you have it; our key headphone 2023 releases to keep an eye out for this year and next. Is there anything you have your eye on that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments below.