The 10 best headphones for audiobooks include headphones and speakers at all price points with a special focus on noise cancellation capabilities, battery life (with the average audiobook clocking in at around 11 hours, this is important!), special features for specific purposes (for example when you want to listen to an audiobook in bed or while you’re working out), and customer reviews. Whether you’re looking for wireless over-ear headphones, earbuds, or speakers, these are the best headphones for audiobooks. Bonus: Amazon Prime Student members are now eligible for an Audible FREE three-month trial.

The Best Headphones For Audiobooks

The Best Overall Over-Ear Headphones for Audiobooks

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Cancelling Overhead Headphones

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Noise cancellation: Yes

Battery life: Up to 30-hours with quick charging

Connection: Bluetooth

Special features: Built-in Alexa and mic for phone calls

Review: “The DSEE Extreme audio enhancement option does wonders for the sound, especially on audiobooks.”

Starting at $348.00.

Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

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Noise cancellation: Yes

Battery life: Up to 24-hours

Connection: Bluetooth

Special features: Personalize your audio. Adjustable EQ allows you to set the bass, mid-range, and treble levels to your personal preferences or select one of several preset options.

Review: “This product is incredible. The noise cancelation isn’t 100%, but it’s darn near close. I mainly bought these for durational comfort. Comfortable they are. I can enjoy audiobooks while tuning out the outside world. Well done Bose.”

Starting at $279.00

The Best Budget-Friendly Over-Ear Headphones for Audiobooks

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

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Noise cancellation: Yes

Battery life: Up to 40 hours

Connection: Bluetooth

Special features: Memory foam earcups

Review: “These headphones have been a winner for me. I spend hours cutting grass, so I listen to audiobooks, music, and podcasts. The sound is clear and blocks the mower noise. I would recommend this headset.”

Starting at $59.99.

The Best Overall Earbud Headphones for Audiobooks

SENNHEISER Momentum True Wireless 2

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Noise cancellation: Yes

Battery life: 7-hour battery life that can be extended up to 28 hours with the charging case for your wireless headphones

Connection: Bluetooth

Special features: Lighweight

Review: “I purchased these to wear while at work to listen to audiobooks and occasionally music. These sound great and have some improved features over the last set I was using for this (CX Sport). The battery life is perfect, rarely running out before I’m done with my work. And on those occasions, putting them in the case for 15 minutes gives me enough charge to end the day. The controls are simple to use and they stay put and are comfortable even after many hours of wearing them.”

Starting at $199.95

Apple AirPods Pro

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Noise cancellation: Yes

Battery life: More than 24 hours

Connection: Bluetooth

Special features: Includes a transparency mode for hearing and interacting with the world around you

Review: “I am an Audible audiobook junkie and you wouldn’t believe the detail that you can hear from the narrators. You can hear every breath that they take. Absolutely a big big fan of these. Yes, they are a bit costly but worth every penny.”

Starting at $179.99.

The Best Budget-Friendly Earbud Headphones for Audiobooks

Skullcandy Sesh Evo True Wireless In-Ear Earbud

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Noise cancellation: No

Battery life: 5 hours of power and can charge 3 times by putting them back in their case

Connection: Bluetooth

Special features: Designed for durability

Review: “Listen to podcasts and audiobooks easily. Stays put and great sound!”

Starting at $42.60

The Best Overall Earbud Headphones for Audiobooks While Working Out

Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

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Noise cancellation: Yes

Battery life: Up to 24 hours

Connection: Bluetooth

Special features: Sweat proof and waterproof with IP57-rated protection

Review: “Really like these earbuds for listening to audiobooks. They are comfortable whether I’m working out on the treadmill or vegging out on the couch.”

Starting at $179.95

The Best Headphones to Listen to Audiobooks in Bed

Sleep Headphones Wireless

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Noise cancellation: No

Battery life: More than 10 hours

Connection: Bluetooth

Special features: Also a great option to listen to audiobooks for air travel or at the gym, including working out, running, or yoga.

Review: “In order to get to sleep at night, I typically listen to an audiobook and set to sleep mode for 45 minutes. Wearing ear buds and noise cancelling headphones are uncomfortable and awkward. I recently ordered the Perytong Sleep Headphones from Amazon and finally found the answer! It’s a soft headband which is perfectly situated over the ears. The sound quality is excellent and controls are easily available on the top front.”

Starting at $39.99.

Best Audiobook Bluetooth Speakers

JBL Charge 4 – Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

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Battery life: Up to 20 hours

Connection: Bluetooth

Special features: Wirelessly connect up to 2 smartphones or tablets to the speaker and take turns enjoying powerful sound. Plus it’s waterproof, so this is a great option for the pool or beach!

Review: “We use ours to stream music when we are by the pool or in the hot tub, and to listen to audiobooks around the house. It is great for these applications. The battery lasts a long time – we often go a week or more without needing a charge. The USB-C connection is handy now that more and more devices are using this standard.”

Starting at $114.95

Echo (4th Gen)

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Battery life: N/A, the device will need to be plugged in at all times.

Special features: Listen to audiobooks through Echo, if you’re an Audible subscriber or you’ve bought or downloaded any audiobooks through Audible.

Review: “I never considered I’d purchase or become a fan of Amazon Echo. Despite my prior reservations, I’m truly a fan now! The convenience. The integration with the Alexa app, Kindle books, Amazon Music and Audible to name a few is just the beginning of my happy start. The sound is unexpected and amazing for such a small device.”

Starting at $99.99

Bonus: Amazon Prime Student members are eligible for an Audible FREE three-month trial.

Try Audible Premium Plus and Get Up to Two Free Audiobooks

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