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Best Headphones for Teens and Adults with Autism

life skills teacher experience transition Sep 22, 2025

These days, wearing headphones can be a coping mechanism, stress reliever, form of self-care, and even a status symbol. People wear headphones to block out everyday noises or loud sounds, focus in on preferred auditory input (like music or podcast), and reduce anxiety in their daily lives. Headphones are a valuable tool and, with many options I've listed below, a low-cost solution to noise sensitivity.

Thankfully, there are headphone options for individuals on the autism spectrum disorder, as well as those with general noise sensitivity or sensory processing disorders. And, with advanced technology, there are a lot more options than those flimsy options of the past.

Sensitivity

Autistic individuals may seek a way to reduce noise levels due to sound sensitivity. Sound sensitivity, or noise sensitivity, refers to how someone perceives and reacts to environmental sounds they hear. Autistic people may feel an overwhelming amount of sensory information with sound being one of those sensory stimuli.

For autistic people, this sound sensitivity may translate to 'irritation, pain, and, in some cases, profound fear.' (Morris, 2009, Source) And, in my experience in the classroom and community settings, sensory sensitivities to sound may trigger other behaviors. Therefore, finding a way to address noise sensitivity and reduce elevated, anticipated noise levels can help keep an individual regulated and comfortable.

Need for Headphones

If there is a sensory overload due to loud background noise or heightened auditory input, one possible solution to address the discomfort associated with this sensory experience is to wear headphones.

With a wide variety of options, near immediate access, social acceptance, and a lower price point than traditional therapies, headphones might be the first and/or long-term solution to an individual experiencing an auditory sensory overload.

Use of Headphones

Now that I've covered the purpose behind the use of headphones for sensory needs, you might be asking yourself, 'When should my loved on wear headphones?"

While this frequency and duration will vary for each person, there are a few contexts to consider using headphones:

On-Demand: When you anticipate a noisy environment or could be traveling to or near the potential of loud noises (i.e. construction sites, concert venues, etc.)
Situational: When social interactions will heighten sensory input due to anxiety and increased sensory sensitivity
Relaxation: When seeking sensory regulation, whether that be in public spaces or familiar home, educational, or recreational settings, headphones might provide a sense of comfort through noise reduction, noise cancellation, or noise replacement (more on that below).

Features to Consider

When searching for just the right headphones, it is essential to shop with a list of preferences that would meet the individual's specific needs. While cost may be top of mind, there are other key factors to consider when shopping around.

Fit- Depending on the individual's head size, check the description to see if there is an adjustable headband. Easily adjustable headbands might allow for easy on/off and proper fit. A comfortable fit is listed at the top at any individual is more likely to seek out and sustain wear a headphones if they fit properly. For example, while some would enjoy a more snug fit, others might prefer a more loose fit. On a similar note, if the individual would be wearing these AND moving their body, such as pacing, jumping, swinging, etc, then consider the stability of the style.
Purpose- Determine if the need the headphones is to reduce external or loud noises, complete noise canceling, or to replace ambient noise. There are ways to create different levels of a quieter environment with the right headphones. Consider whether the headphones would be used for reduction in noise, elimination of noise, and replacement of noise with another sound (like white noise, music, or audio recordings).
Independence- Similar to fit, review the style to determine if the headphones would be easy for the individual to independently put on and take off. This can play a crucial role in whether the 'popular choice' option is the right purchase for your loved one. If the individual would be expected to retrieve, put on, and take off the headphones independently, consider the fine motor needed and physical placement accuracy required, especially for inner-ear options, and how well the individual would be able to access the headphones.
Portability- Consider if the size of the headphones will fit into a loved one's personal bag, if it comes with a protective carrying case, and if the case has room for a backup battery (is applicable). Similar to portability, durability should also be top of mind. If the individual is more likely to drop, hit, or shove the headphones to the bottom of a bag, finding a more durable headphone may reduce overall spending.
Noise Reduction Rating- The Noise Reduction Rating or NRR uses a numbered scale with lower numbers indicating less reduction and higher numbers indicating higher reduction. Therefore, you want a higher NRR for loud environments. While many headphones don't list an NRR value, check the description for noise-canceling headphones to limit the most noise.
Battery Life- For headphones that would be replacing external noise with an alternative, consider the battery life. How long is the battery life on a single charge? Are there backup battery options available for purchase?

25 Different Types of Headphones

Each listing is accompanied by a $ rating. The more $ symbols, the more expensive. Below is a chart for pricing, based on regular, non-sale, basic black colorway pricing.

$ = Less than $100

$$ = Between $100-$150

$$$ = Between $150-$200

$$$$ = Over $200

The bulleted list below each option highlights key features (which I've listed above) to help you quickly find just the right headphones for your loved one(s). Not all features are listed, so be sure to click to learn more about each option.

Lastly, user ratings were highly considered when developing this list. Headphones with an overall user rating at or above 4/5 stars were prioritized and posted feedback was reviewed (because nothing is a good deal if it breaks quickly).

Over-Ear Headphones

For traditional old school ear cups-style headphones, check out the list below.

TREBLAB U5 - Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones ($)

Noise cancelling (Active Noise) with option to switch to noise reduction (Hybrid Noise)
Adjustable fit- slide
55-hour battery life
Foldable
Waterproof
Retractable cable

Kinivo BTH240 Bluetooth Headphones ($)

Behind the head style for less pressure/touching on top of head
20-hour battery life
Lightweight
Folds down to a very low, slim profile for convenient portability
Real buttons to control audio

Raycon The Fitness Headphones w/ Bluetooth ($$)

Noise cancelling
Adjustable fit, slide
45-hour battery life
Different ear cushion options
Runners mention the great fit (ideal for individuals who move a lot)
Foldable

Sony WH-1000XM5 ($$$$)

Comfortable for glasses wearers
Lightweight
30-Hour battery life, including a 3-minute charge option for 3 hours of playback
Noise cancelling

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones ($$$$)

Noise cancelling (Quiet Mode) with option to switch to noise reduction (Aware Mode)
Build-in microphone
Wireless with a jack for a wired option
Comes in various color options
24-hour battery life
Foldable

Next to Ear Headphones

Referred to as open ear or bone-conducting headphones, these provide sound to the ears without requiring inner-ear access. Yes, you read that correctly! If the individual does NOT tolerate or want headphones to go IN their ear, this style is a great option to consider.

SHOKZ OpenFit Air ($)

6-Hour battery life with a 10-minute quick-charge option for 2 hours of listening
Customizable buttons through the app, helpful to create a more useful, quicker, or easier experience
Design allows users sto hear what is going on around them (i.e. NOT noise cancelling)

Baseus Bowie MC1 Open Ear Clip-On Earbuds ($)

Clip-on ear design for a more secure fit
Physical buttons on headphones to support the use of different functions
40-Hour battery life, or 10-minute charge for 3 hours
Waterproof
Design allows users to hear what is going on around them (i.e. NOT noise cancelling)

Soundcore C40i by Anker, Open-Ear Earbuds ($$)

Clip-on ear design for a more secure fit, with an optional ear grip for the best fit
Physical buttons on headphones to support the use of different functions
7-Hour battery life
Design allows users to hear what is going on around them (i.e. NOT noise cancelling)

soundcore AeroFit 2 by Anker ($$)

Adjustable within the ear
Different sizes of hooks for different-shaped/sized ears
10-Hour battery life
Design allows users to hear what is going on around them (i.e. NOT noise cancelling)
Built-in translation feature

SHOKZ OpenDots ONE - Open-Ear Headphones ($$$)

Extremely lightweight
No specific Left ear vs Right ear, can be used interchangeably
High-quality sound
40-hour battery life
10-minute charge for 2 hours of play

Around-the-Ear Headphones

The around-the-ear design is for individuals who want to feel the headphone on/around their ear.

LC-dolida Sleep Headphones Headband Bluetooth 5.4 ($)

Soft headband-style headphones
Washable fabric
Design may accommodate individuals with smaller ears or ears with which other headphone styles don't fit comfortably
Adjustable to cover part or all of the ear
8-15 Hour battery life

Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker ($)

Ultra noise cancelling
Attaches at the top, inner ear with a shorter hook
Very flexible for a personal fit (ear hooks rotate and extend)
48-Hour battery life

bmani Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones ($)

Flexible ear hook for maximum fit and comfort
3 Ear-tip sizes
Physical buttons on headphones to support the use of different functions
80-Hour battery life
Bluetooth pairs with devices up to 35 feet away

Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds ($$)

Sweat and water-resistant
Compatible with Apple Audio Sharing, so two sets of headphones can listen to the same audio at the same time
Physical volume and track controls on each earbud
Adjustable earhook design
9-Hour battery life

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds ($$$)

Noise-cancelling and transparency mode options
5 Ear-tip sizes
Sweat and water-resistant
Small charging case
Physical buttons for volume

In-Ear Headphones (earpods)

Much like earplugs, in-ear headphones can provide an alternative sound for individuals looking to listen to audio while drowning out the noise around them.

JLab JBuds Pro Bluetooth Wireless Signature Earbuds ($)

Very low price point
Adjustable to best fit the inner ear
10-Hour battery life
Connects to Bluetooth devices up to 30 feet away
Control Play, Pause, Tracks, and Volume with the buttons located along the cord (not on the ear buds)

EarFun Air Pro 4 Adaptive Hybrid Noise Canceling Wireless Earbuds ($)

Noise cancelling
11 hrs with a single charge, 52 hours with the charging case
Auracast allows you to share what you are listening to with others!
Customizable sound using audio app

Skullcandy Method 360 ANC Wireless Earbuds ($)

Tube charging case with easy, magnetic pull for easy drop-in to charge
Noise cancelling
11 hrs with a single charge, up to 40 hours with the charging case
Built-in clip on charging case for easy carrying
Personalize buttons using Skull-IQ app

DAGKHE Invisible Sleep Earbuds ($)

One single earbud can be used
Visibly smaller earbud that doesn't touch outer ear
Sleep mode turns off all buttons, eliminating accidental adjustments to volume, sound, or track
Waterproof