Top 5 Highly Anticipated Headphones of 2026: AirPods Max 2, Galaxy Buds 4 & More

The Best Headphones of 2025 and What to Expect in 2026

The year 2025 was a standout year for wireless headphones, with several notable releases that captured the attention of audiophiles and tech enthusiasts alike. From fitness-focused models to premium over-ear designs, there was something for everyone. As we look ahead to 2026, the anticipation is building for new innovations and upgrades from industry leaders.

A Year of Innovation in 2025

The year kicked off with the release of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, which was hailed as a significant improvement over its predecessor and currently holds the title of the best workout headphones. Shortly after, the JBL Tour One M3 made its appearance, showcasing the growing trend of smart cases that add convenience and functionality to audio devices.

The Nothing Headphone (1) also made waves with its unique and stylish over-ear design, setting a new standard for aesthetics in the headphone market. Established category leaders such as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2), Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3, and Sony WH-1000xM6 continued to impress with their advanced noise-canceling features and sound quality.

Finally, the AirPods Pro 3 made its long-awaited debut, satisfying years of speculation and excitement. With all these developments, 2025 proved to be a year of significant progress in the world of wireless audio.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we move into 2026, there are plenty of exciting rumors and leaks about upcoming products from major brands. Samsung and Sony are both expected to unveil their next flagship earbuds, while Apple continues to tease the possibility of a new AirPods model. There's even talk of a surprise true wireless product making its debut at CES 2026.

Tom’s Guide has compiled a list of the five most anticipated headphones for 2026, offering a glimpse into what could be in store for consumers.

AirPods Max 2

Projected Release Window: Late 2026
Wishlist: Modular design, universal spatial audio, wireless ALAC

The second-gen AirPods Max is finally on the horizon, but Apple has been slow to deliver. Enthusiasts have high expectations for this model, with many hoping for a modular design that allows for greater customization. Additionally, the inclusion of universal spatial audio and support for wireless ALAC would make this a game-changer.

According to Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the AirPods Max 2 will be lighter and enter mass production in 2027. However, given past inaccuracies in predicting release dates, it's likely that Apple will announce the product at its September 2026 event. Other rumored features include a new H-Series processor and USB-C charging.

Shokz’s Next-Gen Sports Headphones

Projected Release Window: Spring 2026
Wishlist: Improved touch controls, lossless audio, retractable design

Shokz is expected to unveil a new innovation at CES 2026, potentially in the form of bone conduction headphones or open earbuds. This device could benefit from features like an adjustable clip-on, neck strap, or on-ear design, along with a retractable mechanism for a more secure fit.

Improvements in usability, particularly in touch controls, are also needed. Shokz should consider integrating lossless audio capabilities, such as LDAC or Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive/Lossless codec, to provide a better listening experience.

Sony WF-1000XM6

Projected Release Window: Summer 2026
Wishlist: 10-band customizable EQ, DSEE Ultimate, NFC

Based on Sony’s history of releasing new models, the WF-1000XM6 is expected to arrive this summer. This model is anticipated to include the latest features from the WH-1000XM6, such as a 10-band customizable EQ, Auracast, Cinema Mode, and a mobile version of Sony’s V3 processor.

According to The Walkman Blog, the WF-1000XM6 may be the first Sony wireless audio product to receive DSEE Ultimate, an updated version of the company’s upscaled audio technology that requires a new chip with integrated AI.

Sennheiser Momentum 5

Projected Release Window: TBD
Wishlist: Bluetooth 5.4 with Auracast, spatial audio, upscaled design

The HDB 630 was a welcome addition to Sennheiser’s lineup, but it didn’t quite live up to the expectations of being a true successor to the Momentum series. The Momentum 5 is expected to bring improvements in ANC, battery life, and sound quality, but the inclusion of spatial audio is essential.

Sennheiser should also focus on developing a premium-looking design and including Auracast broadcasting for seamless switching between devices.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4

Projected Release Window: Spring 2026
Wishlist: Enhanced AI functionality, revert to original design, universal 360 Audio

Samsung faces a crucial moment with the Galaxy Buds 4, following the disappointment of the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. Leaks suggest that the next-gen Galaxy Buds will retain the long-stem design and introduce features like headtracking and voice controls.

AI functionality is seen as a key factor in reviving the Galaxy Buds series. Samsung must either fully commit to AI or focus on enhancing traditional features such as active noise cancellation and the Samsung Scalable Codec.