Best back-to-school headphones for 2020

"Back to school" right now might mean anything in on-campus classes, distance learning in the home or any combination of both, depending on where you live. However, it is a fair bet that pupils in any circumstance still require new cans, whether for checking in on Zoom-based classes, or simply listening to audio between courses. With so many versions to pick from, it can be hard to determine which cans to buy. With that in mind, we are highlighting a number of our highest-rated headphones -- all of these wireless, but not all expensive -- to help limit your options this back-to-school season. Subscribe to this TVs, Streaming and Audio newsletter, get notifications and view related stories on CNET. Be aware that I have completely reviewed or anecdotally analyzed every one the headphones recorded below (click on the hyperlinks for additional information ). I've comprised IP (ingress protection) evaluations for the authentic wireless versions. Anything in IPX4 or above might be looked at sweatproof. Read : Greatest laptops for high school pupils in 2020 that are in stock Juan Garzon/CNET Sony's WH-1000XM3, the next generation of Sony's exceptional wireless noise-canceling cans, includes a much more comfortable fit and much greater performance than its predecessor: It has got perfect audio quality for listening to audio. Having a solid battery lifetime , these over-ear wireless  headphones   are currently our top-rated choice for noise cancellation, edging out the pricier Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. Though these over-ear cans list for about $350, they often get discounted for closer to $280. 

 And it is doubly important to seek out this discount: With a next-gen version of this pair of wireless headphones have been seen on Twitter, we expect the XM4 successor to get there later this year. See our Sony WH-1000XM3 review. Angela Lang/CNETWater-resistant: Yes (IPX4 rating -- splashproof). Samsung's Buds Plus look essentially the same as the original Galaxy Buds, but their battery life is rated at 11 hours for audio playback (up from 6), plus they pack double drivers to get greater audio and an extra mic in every bud to assist with external sound reduction while making calls. I had been impressed with the sound. The audio quality is smooth and detailed, with deep, well-defined bass. The sound is richer and much more spacious than the original Galaxy Buds. Well-respected Austrian audio company AKG, which Samsung obtained when it bought Harman, is supporting the audio. While the first Buds were "tuned" from AKG, these really would be a wonderful upgrade over the originals -- and there with what you get with all the Jabra Elite 75t, or even a touch better. They utilize Bluetooth and service AAC (there's now an program for iOS consumers ) along with Samsung's scalable codec, which can be much like aptX but is still proprietary to Samsung Galaxy phones. See our Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus review.