Imagine enjoying your favorite music with the comfort of plush, soft cushions around your ears. That’s exactly what over-ear headphones offer. These large, cozy headphones encircle your ears rather than sitting inside them, making them perfect for those who want a more immersive listening experience or find small earbuds uncomfortable.
Over-ear headphones come in various styles. Some use a wired connection to link to your device, while others are wireless, utilizing Bluetooth for a cord-free experience. Many models also feature noise-canceling technology, which helps block out external sounds so you can fully focus on your music or podcasts.
I’ve tested a wide range of over-ear headphones to find the best options for different preferences and budgets. Whether you’re a music enthusiast, a gamer, or just seeking a quiet audio experience, I have tailored recommendations for you. Let’s explore the best over-ear headphones that could be just right for you.
10 Best Over Ear Headphoens For Every Budget
beats Studio Pro Over Ear Headphone
- Custom Acoustic Platform: Delivers rich, immersive sound for both music and calls.
- Lossless Audio: Supports high-quality audio via USB-C with three built-in sound profiles for an enhanced listening experience.
- Adaptive Listening Modes: Features fully-adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode to hear your environment when needed.
- Enhanced Compatibility: One-touch pairing with robust native Apple and Android features.
- Personalized Spatial Audio: Dynamic head tracking creates a 360-degree immersive sound experience.
- Extended Battery Life: Up to 40 hours of total battery life; a 10-minute Fast Fuel charge offers up to 4 additional hours of playback.
- Clear Calls: Voice-targeting mics filter background noise for crisp, clear call performance.
- On-Device Controls: Multi-function on-ear controls for taking calls, managing music, and activating Siri.
- Wireless Connectivity: Industry-leading Class 1 Bluetooth for extended range and fewer dropouts.
JBL Tour One M2 Over Ear Headphone
- True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient: Real-time noise adjustment using 4 mics to minimize distractions and enhance audio performance. ANC mode is adjustable via the JBL Headphones app.
- 4-Mic Superior Call Quality: Crystal-clear calls even in noisy or windy conditions, with VoiceAware to control how much of your own voice you hear. Supports voice assistant access.
- Smart Ambient Technology: Allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying music. Control ambient sound levels and boost conversation volume (+15-20dB) through the JBL Headphones app.
- Smart Talk Feature: Automatically pauses music and enables TalkThru when you start speaking, allowing for seamless conversations without interrupting your listening experience.
- Legendary Pro Sound: Features a superior JBL sound curve for precise audio with minimal distortion. 40mm drivers deliver rich bass and clear highs for an exceptional listening experience.
Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Over Ear Headphone
- Lightweight Design: Sony’s lightest overhead wireless noise-canceling headphones at just 192g, offering exceptional comfort without sacrificing technology.
- Dual Noise Sensor Technology: Advanced noise-canceling with Integrated Processor V1 for an immersive listening experience.
- All-Day Comfort: Designed for extended wear with a lightweight, comfortable fit.
- Smart Features: Adjustable Ambient Sound mode and Adaptive Sound Control adapt the audio experience based on your surroundings.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 35 hours of playback on a full charge, with a quick 3-minute charge providing up to 1 hour of additional playback.
- Superb Sound Quality: Integrated Processor V1 and Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) deliver natural vocals, crystal-clear sound, and balanced tuning.
- Crystal Clear Calls: Precise Voice Pickup Technology with beamforming microphones ensures clear and accurate hands-free calling.
- Multipoint Connection: Easily switch between two devices simultaneously for convenience.
- Music Boost: Enhances the quality of compressed music files for high-quality streaming through DSEE.
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Sennheiser Momentum 4 Over Ear Headphone
- Sennheiser Signature Sound: Premium audio quality with 42mm transducers and aptX Adaptive for exceptional music resolution.
- Personalized Sound: Adjust sound preferences with the Sennheiser Smart Control App, featuring an equalizer, presets, and sound modes for a tailored listening experience.
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation: Stay immersed with effective noise cancellation and use Adjustable Transparency Mode to remain aware of your surroundings.
- Exceptional Comfort: Lightweight and foldable design with a padded headband and cushioned ear pads for comfort during extended use. Up to 60 hours of playback with fast charging.
- Crystal-Clear Calls: Four digital beamforming microphones for high-quality voice capture and automatic wind noise suppression, ensuring clear calls and easy voice assistant access.
Soundcore by Anker Over Ear Headphone
- 2X Stronger Voice Reduction: Enhanced noise-canceling structure blocks mid to high-frequency sounds with double the voice reduction compared to soundcore Life Q30 headphones.
- Up to 98% Noise Reduction: Adaptive noise-canceling technology detects and adjusts for external sounds and leakage, providing optimal noise reduction even in noisy environments or if the fit isn’t perfect.
- Hi-Res Audio: 40mm dynamic drivers with LDAC support deliver Hi-Res Wireless audio, offering three times more detail than standard Bluetooth codecs for a richer listening experience.
- 40 Hours of ANC Playtime: Enjoy up to 40 hours of playtime with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on, or up to 55 hours with ANC off, for extended listening without battery concerns.
- Comfort and Style: Features 8° rotating ear cups for a customizable fit and a soft headband that evenly distributes pressure, ensuring comfort for extended wear.
Skullcandy Crusher Over Ear Headphone
- Custom Sound: The Crusher ANC 2 tailors sound specifically to your hearing through a quick test, providing a personalized audio experience.
- Epic Noise Cancelling: Four microphones actively mute external noise with adjustable levels between mute, hearing, and various settings.
- 50-Hour Battery Life: Enjoy up to 50 hours of playback on a single charge. A 10-minute quick charge provides an additional 4 hours of use. Customize audio with preset modes based on your listening needs.
- Hands-Free Control: Skull-iQ Smart Feature Technology allows voice commands in five languages to control playback, volume, Crusher Bass level, and more. Integrated voice assistant features include “Hey Skullcandy” and “Alexa” for expanded functionality.
- Powerful Bass: Features an adjustable bass wheel to enhance or reduce bass intensity for a personalized audio experience. The bass delivers a powerful impact, perfect for immersive listening.
- Comfort and Convenience: Over-ear design provides a comfortable fit, and the headphones fold into a well-designed case for easy portability.
- Simple Connectivity: Easy to connect with no app required for basic use, making it a hassle-free option for everyday listening.
- Exceptional Value: Offers impressive performance and features at a competitive price, appealing to both average users and audiophiles.
Raycon Wireless Over Ear Headphone
- All-Day Comfort: Lightweight adjustable headband and soft, rotating earpads provide hours of comfortable use. Water-resistant with IPX4 grade protection, suitable for sports and fitness. Foldable and portable for easy storage and travel.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Advanced ANC technology uses audio-neutralizing algorithms and Qualcomm chipsets to cancel out ambient noise while preserving source audio quality for an immersive listening experience.
- Hi-Res Audio: Equipped with 40mm drivers for premium sound quality, including deep bass and clear audio. Includes a built-in mic for crystal-clear calls and conferencing.
- Long Battery Life: Offers up to 38 hours of playback on a single charge. A quick 15-minute charge provides 2 hours of additional playback, supporting extensive use.
- Versatile Connectivity: Compatible with most Bluetooth-enabled devices, including phones, tablets, and computers. Also includes a 3.5mm AUX cable for devices with an audio jack. Features Bluetooth 5.0 with a 33-foot range and easy 2-step pairing.
JBL Tune 720BT Over Ear Headphone
- JBL Pure Bass Sound: Delivers powerful bass with the renowned JBL Pure Bass technology, bringing the same quality used in famous venues worldwide.
- Wireless Bluetooth 5.3: Enjoy high-quality, wireless audio streaming from your smartphone with the latest Bluetooth technology, eliminating the need for messy cords.
- Customizable Listening Experience: Use the JBL Headphones App to adjust sound settings to your preference with pre-set EQ modes or by fine-tuning the EQ curve based on your content and taste.
- Hands-Free Calls with Voice Aware: Manage your calls and sound easily with on-ear controls. Voice Aware feature lets you hear your own voice during calls for clearer communication.
OneOdio A70 Over Ear Headphone
- High-Resolution Sound Quality: Custom-made aluminum fascia and 40mm neodymium drivers deliver powerful bass and dynamic stereo sound, ensuring detailed and immersive audio.
- Dual Mode Operation: Enjoy up to 72 hours of playtime in wireless mode. Switch to wired mode with the included audio cables (6.35mm to 3.5mm and 3.5mm to 3.5mm) to keep listening even when the battery is low.
- Maximum Comfort and Space-Saving Design: Ergonomic over-ear design with a rotatable, foldable structure for a secure fit and excellent sound isolation. Soft memory cotton and protein leather add comfort, while the foldable headband makes the headphones easy to carry.
- Music or Audio Sharing: Share your audio experience by pairing the main headphones via Bluetooth or connecting through the 3.5mm and 6.35mm jacks. Additional headphones can be connected for simultaneous listening.
- Wired Aux Jack Lock Design: Features a jack lock system for a stable connection, ensuring your audio setup remains secure and uninterrupted.
MOVSSOU E7 Over Ear Headphone
- Advanced Active Noise Cancelling Technology: Effectively reduces a wide range of low and mid-frequency noises, such as those from airplanes and car engines. This technology ensures clear listening by minimizing external distractions.
- Superior Call Quality: Equipped with a built-in microphone and advanced audio signal processing, the headphones deliver clearer voice quality for phone calls. An additional microphone isolates sound for hands-free conversations.
- Premium Sound Quality: The 45mm drivers produce deep, powerful, and immersive sound across all frequencies, enhancing your overall listening experience.
- Pressure-Free Comfort: Designed with super-soft, pressure-relieving ear pads that distribute pressure evenly for a stable fit. The lightweight design adds to the comfort, making these headphones ideal for extended wear.
- All-Day Power: A 750mAh battery provides up to 30 hours of playtime, ensuring you won’t run out of power during long trips or extended use.
How To Select the Best Over Ear Headphones?
When choosing the best over-ear headphones, it’s important to focus on a few key aspects:
1. Type and Design
Over-ear headphones come in two main styles: closed-back and open-back. Closed-back headphones are great for blocking out external noise, making them ideal for noisy environments or commuting. Open-back headphones let in some ambient sound, offering a more open and natural listening experience, which is often preferred for home use or professional settings.
2. Sound Quality
Sound quality is crucial. Decide if you want a balanced sound or one that highlights specific frequencies, like bass. Many modern headphones let you adjust the sound with apps, so you can tailor it to your preferences. If you care about audio clarity, consider models without active noise cancellation (ANC), as ANC can sometimes alter the sound.
3. Comfort and Fit
Comfort is key for long listening sessions. Look for headphones with plush padding and an adjustable headband to ensure a good fit. Make sure the headphones are well-balanced and not too heavy, as some models can cause discomfort over time. If possible, try them on before buying.
4. Battery Life
For wireless headphones, battery life is a significant factor. Most models offer between 20 to 60 hours of playtime. Keep in mind that using ANC can shorten battery life, so think about how you’ll use the headphones when checking this feature.
5. Durability
Check the build quality of the headphones. Opt for models made from robust materials that can handle daily wear and tear. Reading long-term user reviews can help you gauge how well a pair will hold up over time.
6. Price and Budget
Set a budget before you start shopping. While good options are available for under $100, higher-end models usually start around $200 and can go much higher. Generally, pricier models offer superior sound quality, comfort, and features like ANC.
7. Additional Features
Think about any extra features that might improve your experience, such as:
- Noise Cancellation: Useful for blocking out outside noise.
- Wireless Connectivity: Most headphones have Bluetooth, but wired options can offer better sound quality.
- Smart Features: Some headphones include touch controls, voice assistants, and customizable sound settings.
Are Over-ear Headphones Healthier Than In-ear?
Over-ear headphones are often considered better for ear health compared to in-ear headphones. Here’s why:
Sound Delivery
Over-ear headphones don’t direct sound straight into the ear canal. This reduces the risk of hearing damage from high volumes. In contrast, in-ear headphones (earbuds) sit closer to the eardrum, which can increase the risk of hearing loss if used at high volumes over time.
Comfort and Fit
Over-ear headphones usually offer a more comfortable fit for long listening sessions. They cover the ears completely, spreading out pressure and reducing ear fatigue. In-ear headphones can be less comfortable, especially at high volumes, since they sit inside the ear canal.
Hygiene and Ear Health
In-ear headphones can collect earwax and bacteria, raising the risk of ear infections if they aren’t cleaned regularly. Over-ear headphones avoid this issue since they don’t enter the ear canal, making them a more hygienic option when kept clean.
Noise Isolation and Volume Control
Over-ear headphones often provide better passive noise isolation, letting users enjoy their music at lower volumes, which helps protect hearing. In-ear headphones can block out external noise, but this might encourage users to turn up the volume, potentially risking hearing damage.