We’ve had the opportunity to test a range of headphones and earphones in 2022, including over-ear, in-ear and true wireless options at all price points and with different platforms and features. Of course, some stood out more than others and earned a spot in our list of the best headphones and earbuds for this year. Our recommendations largely span over-ear, in-ear and true-wireless options from some of the most popular brands in this segment, although this year we also recommended an audiophile wired IEM in our list.
Our key parameter for recommendations remains pricing, and we have recommended options that cover different budgets and price points. However, we also considered platform and ecosystem benefits, features like active noise cancellation and advanced codec support, and design. Here are Gadgets 360’s top picks for headphones and earphones in 2022.
Overall winner 2022: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
The long-awaited successor to the excellent Apple AirPods Pro finally introduced in 2022 and equipped with some impressive improvements. Although at first glance the design does not differ much and the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) Still available in just a single color option, there are some nice changes, particularly to the charging case and on-device controls. Sound quality and ANC performance are also improved.
The AirPods Pro (2nd gen) charging case gets some “smart” features with a built-in speaker and a chip that allows tracking via Apple’s “Find My” app. You still need an Apple iPhone to experience the full functionality of the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), and if you have one, we don’t think there’s a better pair of true wireless headphones right now. However, the good, flexible sound and top-notch ANC performance make this a worthwhile choice and our top pick for headphones and earbuds in 2022.
Best Headphones of 2022: Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony’s WH-1000X line of headphones was long overdue for an update, and this WH-1000XM5 is exactly that. The headset is lighter and more comfortable than that XM4while still offering excellent wireless sound quality, active noise cancellation and battery life.
There are still plenty of buyers for the over-ear form factor and the Sony WH-1000XM5 ticks all the boxes in this category, thanks in particular to its impressive support for advanced Bluetooth codecs and connection stability. The companion app is excellent on both Android and iOS, making these fairly platform-agnostic headphones, although codec differences mean the sound is slightly better when used with an Android device.
Perhaps the only downside here is that it’s not foldable, which affects the portability of the Sony WH-1000XM5 a bit. The pros far outweigh the cons, however, and the Sony WH-1000XM5 are some of the best wireless headphones you can buy right now.
Best Mid-Range Wireless Headphones of 2022: Oppo Enco X2
2022 was essentially a story of audio brands building on an already successful product as far as the mainstream personal audio segment is concerned. The same goes for Oppo, which launched the Enco X2. As Enko X Before that, the X2 is a value-oriented true wireless headset with absolutely top-of-the-line specs and features, but at a decidedly mid-range price point. This value for money makes the Oppo Enco X2 our top pick among mid-range wireless earbuds in 2022.
Advanced Bluetooth codec support, backed by an impressive dual driver setup and tuning in collaboration with Dynaudio, make this an impressive choice for the price. Average battery life might be the only issue, but the overall performance and the fact that there’s wireless charging more than make up for it. It is worth its MRP of Rs. 10,999 and an even better deal if you pick it up during sale and discount season.
Best Budget Wireless Headphones of 2022: Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro
Away from the middle price segment, Oppo has also slowly but surely established itself in the low-cost segment. That Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro is an impressive pair of true wireless earphones for the price, thanks to functional ANC, app support, good design and very good sound quality for a budget headset. While the Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro is by no means perfect, for the price it performs far better than competing sub-Rs. 5,000 options.
The only concerns are the slightly shrill sound at high volumes and the average battery life. The Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro surpasses the competition in practically all other parameters. This makes the Oppo Enco Air 2 Pro our top choice for budget wireless headphones in 2022 by a clear margin.
Best Wired Headphones of 2022: Moondrop Chu
Convenience-minded buyers may prefer wireless audio, but audiophiles and sound quality enthusiasts will always opt for wired earbuds and headphones. The best in this segment that we reviewed this year is the Moondrop Chu, which is priced at Rs. 1,799 and offers excellent bang for your buck.
The affordable wired headphones are a bit difficult to wear and take a bit of effort to put on properly, but once you get past that, the experience is incredible for the price. You get a detail-oriented and loud sound with tight bass and a clean mid-range that suits most genres. The metal bodies look and feel good too, and overall these are the ideal wired earbuds for those who look primarily to sound quality as a decision-making criterion.
Most Innovative Headset of 2022: Urbanista Los Angeles
What if we told you you could have wireless active noise canceling headphones that might never run out? It sounds a bit far-fetched, but it is exactly that Urbanista Los Angeles offers. A Powerfoyle solar charging bar on the headband allows the headphones to be charged outdoors, and a handy app lets you know how efficiently you’re using them.
The sound quality might not necessarily match the price of the Urbanista Los Angeles, but the sound signature is still pleasant. The innovative solar charging definitely makes up for this and all the other downsides of the Los Angeles, especially if battery life is a key factor in your purchase. Buy this for bragging rights and unbeatable battery life.
