Best headphones for back to school

Headphones are a student necessity. Whether you’ll use them to block out unwanted noise for studying, to keep your movie from disturbing your roommate, on the bus or train to and from school or maybe just to chill out, a good pair of headphones is a must.

Headphone styles are all about personal preference and comfort. Some people like over ear, others want on-ear, while in-ear models are the only way to go for many gym-goers and athletes.

Whichever model you prefer, we’ve curated a selection of some of the top options.

Best Buy has all the tech you need for back to school. Click here to see what you’re missing!

Google Pixel Buds 2

Launched this summer, after an eternal wait that seems like it was worth it, the new Google Pixel Buds 2 are sleek, minimalist and sound great.  Though they lack noise cancelling, they isolate sound really well and have a battery that lasts.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Samsung has refreshed and updated its Galaxy Buds to a new bean-shaped design. Boasting longer battery life, Galaxy Buds Live are now more versatile than ever.

Jaybird X4 Wireless In-Ear Sport Headphones

If you’re looking for a pair of headphones to wear at the gym, while running or during other athletic pursuits, these Jaybird X4 Wireless In-Ear Bluetooth Sport Headphones are some of the best sports headphones on the market.

With a sweatproof design plus a long lasting rechargeable battery, you’ll be able to power through the longest toughest workouts with ease. The inline volume control and microphone lets you adjust sound or take calls without having to stop down and fiddle for your phone.

The Jaybird X4 are designed for both comfort and noise isolation; they have micro-sized in-ear tips plus a slim behind-the-neck band and the kit includes both over-ear and under-ear fit options; you’re bound to find the perfect fit. The comfort ear fins and foam ear tips ensure a comfortable fit for hours on end and emit less sound bleed.

Beats by Dr. Dre Studio3 Headphones

With a powerful 40 hours of battery life on a single charge, these Beats by Dre headphones will keep going as long as you do.

The Beats by Dre Studio 3 Over Ear Headphones have noise cancelling so you can block out a noisy roommate or raging party next door.

With fine-tuned acoustics you’ll enjoy top quality Beats signature sound that focuses on clarity and balance. The phones connect easily and wirelessly to your smart device with Bluetooth and you can control your audio using the convenient multi-function on-ear controls. Make calls, play music, adjust volume or activate Siri without fumbling for your phone. Plus, a smart folding design makes these headphones ultra-portable and easy to pack for travel.

Skullcandy Hesh 3 Over-Ear Sound Isolating Wireless Headphones

Wireless headphones are the way to go; no cords to get tangled during your workout or while you’re on the go. With Skullcandy’s Hesh 3 wireless headphones, enjoy crystal clear audio (thanks to 50mm neodymium drivers) and great sounding hands-free calling. A built-in rechargeable Lithium-ion battery provides up to 15 hours of use.

Plus with these headphones you’re getting ultra cool Skullcandy styling.

Sony WH-1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones

Sometimes you just need to zone out with no distractions. Do it with a pair of top quality over ear Bluetooth headphones with Sony’s popular Extra Bass technology plus premium noise cancelling.

These headphones are versatile and perfect for travel or commuting. They have an outstanding 30 hours of battery life so you should never be caught unawares.

With a digital noise cancelling option, you can also tune out everything around you if you need to buckle down and study.

The Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones feature 40mm drivers which are engineered to produce rich, balanced audio, and the Extra Bass button allows you to add in an extra boost of bass when you want it.

Jabra Elite 75t truly wireless headphones with noise cancelling

If noise cancelling is what you need, this is another solid pair from Jabra. I own a pair of these Jabra Elite 75Ts and I can speak to how comfortable they are and how good they sound. Plus with noise cancelling technology, you can use these headphones to tune out or to help focus.

Whether you need noise cancelling for silent study, or you’re after compact portable headphones, or maybe you just need a budget option, Best Buy has plenty of options for students this fall.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones

If you’ve got some additional student loan funds, and you’re the type that absolutely lives in your headphones, investing in a premium pair may be the right choice for you. Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II are a supremely comfortable pair of headphones with excellent sound and stylish good looks. With a chic over-ear design that fully seals in your music and blocks out external noise, you can focus on music podcasts or (yea, right) lecture recordings. With head-rattling bass too these are also great for after school listening.

Click here to check out all the Back to School tech—and student must-haves.