Also: The best headphones Change the way you listen with more immersive sound. We researched and tested the best over-ear headphones so you can find the best pair for your preferences and price point. For more ideas, check out our top picks for the best wireless headphones, best headphones for working out, and best noise-canceling headphones! The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are the best over-ear headphones overall, thanks to the thoughtful design and features. It uses dual processors to provide superior noise cancellation through the Auto NC Optimizer, which automatically adjusts based on your surroundings. It features a new Integrated Processor V1 for fantastic sound, plus you can enjoy hands-free calling using four different microphones with meticulous voice pickup. Battery life lasts 30 hours for on average. Read the review: Sony WH-1000XM5 review The Anker SoundCore Life Q30 is our pick for the best budget over-ear headphones – but they also have the longest battery life with 60 hours of uninterrupted play. Advanced noise cancellation means you can filter 95% of surrounding sound, using Transport mode for travel and Indoor mode for filtering out conversation. Life Q30’s 40mm drivers mean high-quality sound that rivals more expensive models. If you’re an Apple fan, the Apple AirPods Max are the best over-ear headphones for you. The headphones feature dual modes to choose from: Transparency to allow outside noises and Active Noise Cancellation to block noise out. With the Apple H1 chip and software, you’ll benefit from spatial audio with surround sound for an immersive experience. However, be forewarned – the battery life only lasts 20 hours Read the review: AirPods Max review If comfort is your priority, we love the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 over-ear headphones. This model features 40mm drivers with six-microphone active noise cancellation to help guarantee that your audio takes priority. There’s also wind and noise suppression when you make mobile phone calls. Download the B&W Music App to control your audio and make adjustments as needed. Read the review: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 review Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones use touch sensors so you can easily control your headphones without trouble. Bluetooth 5.0 technology keeps you plugged in, so you’ll benefit from fast access to phone calls, music controls, and even your own voice assistant. You can also use Edge AI to improve sound. Plus, Dual Noise Sensor technology with built-in noise cancellation keeps you focused even with distractions around. Read the review: Sony WH-1000XM4 To see how it compares, these are the best over-ear headphones broken down by price, weight, and battery life.
Sound: The ability to properly filter and highlight sound is critical in a pair of over-ear headphones, especially where noise cancellation is concerned. Weight: Nothing is worse than a heavy pair of over-ear headphones that weigh your head down and create pressure. We look for a comfortable, lightweight fit that can withstand long periods of use.Battery: Battery life is important to help ensure your headphones are ready when you need them. Thirty hours tends to be the average among the best over-ear headphones, but you can also find models with higher or lower battery life, depending on which you choose.Cost: Budget is a concern for most shoppers, so we shop for affordable models that won’t break the bank.
Over-ear headphones come in both wired and wireless versions. They are typically larger in size compared to other types of headphones, and they are often preferred by audiophiles, music producers, and gamers – especially because some of the high-end models have active noise cancellation to further block out noise.
