GRADO S325x

If the person you are giving your gift to knows a bit about audio, then Grado is definitely a company you should look into. Crafted right in Brooklyn, NY, Grado headphones are a unique gift to expand an audiophile's headphone collection. Between the easy-to-drive functionality and on-ear design, this is sure to be one headphone that they will appreciate and grow to love. 

If the SR325x is a bit out of budget, other models in the SRx line retail starting at $99. Have no fear: your wallet won't be crying!

SONY WH-1000XM6

This latest Sony release is sure to be a great gift for a big celebration. With leading class noise-cancelling technology, the Sony WH-1000XM6 is a great gift for people who are constantly on public transit or in loud offices and want to block out the noise. With the 12 mics that are perfect for picking up ambience, you'll find phone calls are also crystal clear and fit light as a feather. This is a perfect upgrade from AirPods Max or an old pair that needs an upgrade. It's a steal for a top-of-the-line headphone for under $500. 

MEZE ALBA

In-ear monitors are a great gift that you can get at a lot of different price points. A great value gift you can get for the person who loves wired earbuds is the Meze Alba. This release from 2024 has impressed casual listeners and audiophiles alike. With its all white ceramic shell and complementary 3.5mm to USB-C adapter, the Meze Alba is a great value in-ear monitor that is ready to be listened to right out of the box. It's a great way to expand someone's collection, and decently priced so you don't break your bank on the more expensive stuff. 

STRAUSS & WAGNER SI201

Does your friend still have that lightning connection on their phone? Are they stubborn and refuse to upgrade to the universal USB-C? Luckily, there are still a few earphones that have specific Apple lightning connection. A reliable brand to look at is Strauss & Wagner, with their SI201 earphone. This earphone is perfect for a simple, reliable earphone that will be a direct connection to the lightning phone. The microphone on the cable makes it great for phone calls, and easy controls for when you're on the go. 

IFI GO PODS 

AIR / ORIGINAL / MAX

Maybe the person you are buying for already has a set of IEMs that they love. Ever hear them complain about the cable or not having the right connection to start listening? A great way to elevate their listening set up is with a handy device from iFi Audio. The GO Pods are ear hook adapters with a built in DAC and amplifier that makes any wired IEM turn into true wireless listening. With three iterations to choose from (each with their own benefits but same basic function), you're able to give them a new listening experience with the sound you know they already love. 

SENNHEISER MOMENTUM TRUE WIRELESS 4

There are so many options to consider when upgrading from Apple AirPods. One option that gives you a lot more features than standard AirPods is the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4. These earbuds are fantastic upgrades, with good noise cancellation, and a handy Smart Control app to let you do all the customization your heart desires. These are a great gift for someone that loves to block out the world on the go, and aren't a fan of the bulky over-ear design. They have a comfortable fit and come in a few different colors to blend into any person's style.  

AUDEZE MAXWELL

Every avid gamer needs a decent set of cans for the online gameplay. While traditionally wired headphones are used, there are quite a few good Bluetooth options on the market today. One that gets a lot of attention for its 80 hours of battery life plus attachable boom microphone is the Audeze Maxwell. This gaming headphone is perfect for gamers who don't want the wired connection, but still need immersive, detailed, and precise sound quality. The dynamic sound signature with the impressive imaging accuracy makes this the perfect gaming upgrade.

Another bonus with this headphone is the ability to match it to your setup. You can get the Playstation version which is also compatible with PC and MAC, or the Xbox version with Dolby Atmos capabilities. The Xbox version is slightly pricier, but its still worth the upgrade.

BOWERS & WILKINS PX8 S2

This headphone is as much of an audio device as it is a fashion accessory. Any outfit can be complemented by the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones. They come in a few different color schemes, so you can choose the one that is best for your aesthetic. These headphones have great sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a long-lasting 30 hours of battery life for all-day listening. If you're looking to give someone an upgrade that they'll love, the Px8 S2 is a perfect gift. If the colors of this model aren't what speak to you, you can check out models like the Px8, Px7 S3, and the Px7 S2e for more options. 

BEYERDYNAMIC AMIRON 200

For the serious athlete in your life, consider getting them an upgrade for all those times they listen to tunes while they work out. The AMIRON 200 by Beyerdynamic is a true wireless, open-ear earphone that is built for physical activity. With strong sweat resistance and an ear hook design, this is meant to last for all the workouts and runs you may go on. Although the open-ear design doesn't have any noise cancellation, you still get a decent amount of loudness and punchy bass, as well as increased awareness of your surroundings. It's a great pair of earphones that puts safety first and doesn't compromise on sound quality. 

If your friend has been talking about Shokz or similar styles of earphones, the AMIRON 200 will certainly pique their interest. 

AUDIO-TECHNICA ATH-M50X

Every great artist has a first set of headphones: why not gift the first pair? If it's just them, their laptop, and digital audio workspace against the world, then a pair of cans may just be their saving grace. A good option for their first set of monitor headphones is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. This closed-back headphone is great for reference sound, giving you natural instrumentation that is great for all those mixes. It is even good for recording since you won't get any sound bleed from the headphone. At $159, this is a great pair that will travel with them throughout their career.