If you purchase using our links, Business Insider could receive a commission.Learn more
Top over-ear headphones provide excellent audio performance, with their spacious ear cups ensuring a comfortable experience, which many find more appealing than the in-ear sensation of earbuds. Several leading models include functionalities such as Bluetooth connectivity and active noise cancellation (ANC). However, certain models stand out more depending on your particular requirements.
Following extensive practical testing with numerous cans, our specialists have selected the top over-ear headphones in eight different categories. TheSony WH-1000XM5are our top suggestion for most individuals. These wireless earphones provide a balanced set of features and superior audio quality. For those on a budget, we suggest theSoundcore Life Q30, which offer substantial value for just under $80.
Our selections cover a wide range, from high-end audio headphones to compact travel earphones featuring advanced noise-canceling capabilities. No matter what you’re seeking, you’ll discover the ideal pair below, accompanied by useful details to assist in your decision.
Our favorite choices for the best noise-canceling headphones
Best overall: Sony WF-1000XM5 – See at Amazon
Best on a budget: Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 –See at Amazon
Best for noise canceling: Bose QuietComfort Ultra – See at Amazon
Best premium model: Master & Dynamic MW75 –See at M&D
Ideal for a comfortable fit: Sonos Ace – See at Amazon
Top wired choice for audio enthusiasts:Sennheiser/Drop HD 6XX – See at Drop
Best for Apple devices: Apple AirPods Max – See at Amazon
Best for gaming:SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless –See at Amazon
Best overall
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones offer everything: exceptional audio performance, premium noise cancellation, excellent controls, a wide range of features, and numerous personalization choices, all within a stylish and comfortable design. Although they come with a higher price tag, they are designed to be your top choice for music enjoyment, whether you’re at the office, traveling by air, or anywhere in between.
Located one step above Sony’sWH-1000XM4, the XM5s are designed with a base of clear and well-balanced audio that is both easy to enjoy and captivating. The bass is slightly enhanced by default, but Sony’s Headphones Connect app provides numerous options for adjustment, including a multi-band EQ. The soundstage is wide and open, with dynamic elements that enhance the excitement and highlight quieter sections. Details emerge clearly across your music library, allowing you to discover new aspects in familiar tracks.
Active noise-canceling (ANC) delivers comparable results, paired with the headphones’ strong passive noise isolation, allowing you to disconnect from your surroundings and immerse yourself in your music and videos. They are especially effective for travel, as they effectively eliminate engine noises while significantly reducing voices and other ambient sounds. This represents robust ANC, ranking just below the noise-canceling capabilities of Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra. Perhaps that’s why the battery life, which remains impressive at 30 hours with ANC enabled, doesn’t reach the 50+ hours offered by some rivals.
The XM5s offer excellent performance combined with a sleek, minimalistic design that features soft padding on the earcups and headband for long-lasting comfort. The main issue we have is that the headband does not fold, which makes them less convenient to carry compared to some competitors. The controls are straightforward and effective, allowing for swipes to adjust volume and switch tracks, as well as quick taps to control playback. The auto-pause sensors function flawlessly, ensuring you never miss any part of your show or podcast. Additionally, Sony’s Quick Attention feature enables you to hold the right earcup to easily switch between noise cancellation and transparency mode for conversations.
Talking about conversations, the headphones perform well for calls and offer multipoint pairing to switch between devices effortlessly. The app provides a range of additional features that allow you to customize almost everything according to your taste. There are nearly too many features for beginners, but the design helps you explore these options at your own speed.
Buyers should be aware that Sony has recently released a new version of these headphones, known as theWH-1000XM6The XM6s feature an enhanced design with collapsible earcups and stronger noise cancellation, but they usually come with a price tag $100 to $150 higher than the XM5s. Considering the cost difference, we still believe the XM5s offer better value overall.
Check out our Sony WH-1000XM5 review and Sony WH-1000XM6 review.
Check out our guide to all thebest headphones and the best Sony headphones.
Best on a budget
The Soundcore Life Q30 are the top over-ear headphones available for under $100. They deliver a level of performance that exceeds their affordable price. It all begins with an engaging audio experience, featuring crisp and controlled bass, a rich and full midrange, and a bright upper range that enhances every track you listen to. These headphones simply sound excellent, leaving you curious about how Soundcore manages to keep their costs so low.
The atmosphere remains consistent with the noise cancellation, which outperforms most headphones at this price point. While the noise cancellation isn’t as strong as the best models from Bose and Sony, it functioned well during a cross-country flight, helping us to tune out interruptions as we immersed ourselves in our favorite songs and films.
The Life Q30 also features a range of additional elements. They have a design similar to Bose’s previous QuietComfort headphones, with a subtle appearance, basic control buttons, and a pill-shaped hard case — which is uncommon at this price point. Within the Soundcore app, you’ll discover an EQ and customizable ambient audio settings, and you can anticipate up to 40 hours of playback with noise cancellation or an impressive 60 hours without it.
The headphones are also very comfortable, supporting your head with thick, soft padding that remains effective throughout a long flight or workday. However, after a few uses, we have noticed some cracks in the casing. Specifically, the lower-quality plastic on the earcups and headband tends to scratch easily. Additionally, we observed that the tap function on the right earcup, which is used to switch between noise cancellation and transparency modes, occasionally misfires. This can be slightly frustrating but isn’t a major issue.
Check out our guide to thebest budget headphones.
Best for noise-canceling
Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra headphones offer noise reduction capabilities that surpass many rivals. They allow you to relax and enjoy your music even in noisy urban environments. These are truly thebest noise-canceling headphonesWe have tested and can help you separate from chaotic surroundings, placing you in a peaceful area of sound calm.
This model isn’t solely worth the price because of the ANC. It boasts a sophisticated design that exudes luxury the moment you open its pill-shaped case, and it’s comfortable to wear for extended periods. A combination of touch and physical controls, such as an innovative slide-action volume strip, simplifies navigating your music library. The accompanying app offers numerous features, including a three-band EQ and adjustable ambient audio, which were missing in earlier Bose models, as well as a limiter to minimize unexpected loud sounds when using the Aware mode.
The audio performance is also remarkable, featuring a tight and polished midrange, a lively high-frequency range, and deep bass that, following some adjustments, delivers powerful musical expression. Instruments are well-defined and sharp, with ample room in the soundstage for them to shine. Conversations are equally clear and distinct on both sides, with effective wind suppression for use in outdoor environments.
Another feature is spatial audio, which transforms any stereo recording into a virtual 3D experience, complete with head-tracking to make you feel immersed in the sound. While we usually favor traditional stereo for music, this option is available if you’re interested. Additionally, we would like the battery life to be more comparable to rivals, but 24 hours with active noise cancellation is still sufficient for nearly all situations.
Priced higher than even our preferred Sony model, the QuietComfort headphones represent a premium purchase that may not suit everyone. However, when it comes to achieving perfect silence, the Bose QC Ultras are unmatched.
Best premium model
No experience quite captures the essence of being part of the elite like a pair of headphones that actually sparkle. Master & Dynamic’s top-tier MW75 deliver sound quality that matches their cost. However, what truly sets them apart is their high-end design, combining breathtaking aesthetics with a comfortable, luxurious feel.
Headphones featuring earcups crafted from gleaming aluminum and tempered glass offer a cool and sophisticated feel. The streamlined control system includes tactile aluminum buttons on both the right and left earcups for adjusting volume and managing playback. The comfortable headband and earpads are covered in elegant lambskin, particularly appealing in a rich cognac hue. They provide a softness similar to a law firm’s sofa, and while they may become slightly warm after extended use, it’s difficult to criticize any aspect of their stylish design. Additionally, the earcups can be removed and replaced.
There’s depth behind that stylish look. The headphones deliver exceptional audio quality, offering the sharp clarity and tight impact we’ve grown accustomed to from Master & Dynamic, refined to its highest level. The separation of instruments and the soundstage are clear and expansive, while the bass is powerful thanks to the 40mm beryllium drivers.
Inside the M&D Control application, you’ll discover a simple and clean interface with features such as auto-pause sensors and timers, EQ settings (though without multi-band adjustment), and customizable ANC and transparency modes. The noise cancellation provided is not as effective as the Sony and Bose models we suggest, and you may notice some faint white noise when it’s enabled, but it still works adequately. Included with the product is a stylish and robust hard case that comes with various adapters and USB-C cables for charging and audio playback.
These aren’t all-in-one, universal cans, and they come with a significant price tag. However, if you’re looking for a comfortable pair that appears and feels as great as it sounds, these are the wireless over-ear headphones to choose.
M&D also offers a distinctive version of the MW75, which it created in collaboration with Neurable. It is referred to as theMW75 Neuro, this model includes electroencephalography (EEG) sensors in the ear cups that monitor your brain’s focus levels to assist in improving your efficiency. If you’re seeking assistance with maintaining concentration during work, the MW75 Neuro can provide useful information, although it is $100 pricier than the regular MW75.
Check out our Mater and Dynamic MW75 Neuro review (MW75 with EEG sensors).
Ideal for a comfortable fit
The Sonos Ace are the most comfortable over-ear headphones we have tested, outperforming alternatives such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra. They also include all the key features we seek in wireless headphones, even though some of these features experienced minor issues during our first assessment.
We spent seven days testing the Ace and used them daily. After many hours of evaluation, the headphones were a pleasure to wear. Although they are somewhat heavy (313 grams), the soft vegan-leather ear cushions and headband provide a comfortable and secure fit that feels almost invisible on your head.
And exceptional comfort is not the only remarkable feature of the Ace. These are Sonos’ first set of headphones, and the brand’s initial release offers sound quality that competes effectively with other options on the market. They are not quite as energetic as the Bose QuietComfort, but their subdued audio profile creates a broad listening experience that emphasizes rich details and clear separation. The bass is also well-balanced, even with the default settings, though you can customize the equalizer through the Sonos app if desired.
Noise-reduction and transparency features are excellent too, with ANC that closely matches Bose’s QuietComfort. The Ace also support Sonos’ TV Swap function, which allows you to wirelessly switch audio between the headphones and aSonos Arc Ultra, Beam, or Ray soundbar. This enables you to quickly access a private listening mode for movies and series, allowing you to watch TV without bothering others. This mode also supportsDolby Atmosto create a 360-degree audio experience that adjusts based on head movements.
Check out our Sonos Ace review.
Check out our guide to everythingbest Sonos soundbars.
Top wired choice for audio enthusiasts
The word audiophile is frequently used in the technology industry, but the Sennheiser HD 6XX truly live up to this high standard at a cost that is almost unheard of for this type of product. The HD 6XX are a modified version of Sennheiser’s more expensive models.HD 650 headphones, but this edition is available only throughDropat an amazing deal. By weight (or perhaps we should say by ounce?) these wired open-back headphones deliver some of the top sound quality available.
The HD 6XX delivers top-tier performance. If you’re new to the world of audiophiles, you might be amazed by the sounds you’ve never experienced before. You’ll notice a rich and full midrange, exceptionally clear treble, and a spacious soundstage that allows instruments to blend and spread out. You won’t just hear the tone and character of a guitar, but also the feel of the wood, the bright shimmer of the strings, and the long-lasting resonance of each note. Vocals become vivid, revealing every breath and even the smallest movement between the singer and the microphone.
It’s a sensory delight that gets you closer to your favorite music than any other product we’ve encountered at this price range and even beyond. The HD 6XX has one sonic limitation, if you want to call it that, which is that the bass is more subdued for a flatter, less emphasized impact. Those accustomed to the stronger bass response in most wireless headphones might find it underwhelming, but it’s sufficient to support the foundation and allow the rest of the music to shine.
With regard to cables, they are designed for plug-in use, featuring a six-foot 3.5mm cord. They are compatible with a variety of devices, including a computer or a mobile phone (with the appropriate adapter), but deliver optimal sound quality when used with a separate headphone amplifier.
Although the soft earcups provide a comfortable feel, the headphones apply more pressure than desired. This is a small issue, but it affects the overall comfort of the HD 6XX. It’s also worth mentioning that the open-back design means your music will be heard by others, and external sounds can also enter. These headphones do not feature active noise cancellation or significant passive noise isolation, making them ideal for use at home.
The HD 6XX do not include a hard case, but considering their open design, you’ll probably prefer to keep them near your desk. You won’t experience the same flexibility as with wireless headphones, but if audio quality is your main concern, you won’t find a superior pair at this cost.
Check out our Sennheiser HD 6XX review.
Best for Apple devices
Apple’s futuristic metal headphones created a significant impact when they were released in 2020, and they continue to be highly regarded as the top over-ear headphones for users seeking the complete Apple experience. With the H1 chip from the brand, the Max models seamlessly integrate with Apple devices. You can easily connect, share audio, and switch between iCloud devices, and Always-on Siri allows you to interact with Apple’s convenient digital assistant without using your hands. Although they are pricey, you can frequently find them on sale.
Apple states that the AirPods Max’s processing capability is essential for their outstanding noise cancellation. The headphones’ transparency mode is also one of the most realistic available. Their Adaptive EQ customizes the sound to your specific fit, offering clear audio across all frequencies and a wide, immersive soundstage that provides the perfect amount of space for instruments and effects in movies and TV shows. The Max also supports Apple’s spatial audio feature, which is among the top versions we have tested when used with Dolby Atmos mixes from sources likeNetflix and Disney Plus.
The metal frame is exceptionally crafted, featuring a straightforward control system through a digital crown for accurate volume changes. Due to the use of strong materials such as aluminum and steel, the headphones have a high-quality appearance and feel, and they come in various colors. They are also comfortable, although quite heavy, which may cause discomfort on your head after extended use, despite their gentle headband design.
In addition to their weight, the AirPods Max’s distinctive design comes with certain drawbacks. They don’t have a traditional case, but rather a type of wrap that offers minimal protection when traveling. We suggest checking out our guide to thebest AirPods Max accessoriesFor improved storage solutions. The headphones never truly power off, remaining in standby mode when wrapped or placed down, which gradually depletes the battery. This is especially significant given their 20-hour battery life, which ranks among the lowest in their category. Although their high-quality construction supports their expensive price tag, they are only fully compatible with users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, making them less flexible compared to other options.
There are many more budget-friendly options available on our list, in addition to small earbuds such as Apple’sAirPods Pro, that provide comparable features at a lower cost. That being said, the Max are a solid option for individuals seeking high-end over-ear headphones that work well with all Apple devices.
Although Apple initially introduced the AirPods Max with a Lightning port in 2020, the company released an updated version featuring aUSB-C connectionin 2024. Aside from the charging port, both models are nearly the same. At first, the USB-C model was unable to support wired playback, but Apple has since updated the headphones to allow 24-bit, 48kHz lossless audio through a wired USB-C connection. You can also use aUSB-C to 3.5mm cable.
Check out our AirPods Max review.
Browse our guide to thebest Apple AirPods.
Best for gaming
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headsets are our top choice for thebest gaming headsetYou have the option to purchase it. Unlike our other over-ear suggestions, the Nova Pro includes a telescoping microphone ideal for online gaming conversations.
The adaptable microphone also includes background noise reduction, allowing it to capture fewer surrounding sounds. It also offers a voice monitoring feature that enables you to hear how your voice sounds to your friends. Traditional active noise cancellation and transparency modes are also available, allowing you to block or allow outside noise while gaming. Although the noise-canceling capabilities aren’t as advanced as those from Bose, Sony, and Sonos, it’s still a beneficial feature for a gaming headset.
The headset’s audio profile emphasizes a strong bass, which is typical for gaming headsets. This enhances the impact of action scenes, offering a powerful feel in explosions and gunfire. The Nova Pro Wireless also supports multiple 3D audio formats on consoles and PCs, such as DTS:X, Windows Sonic, and Sony’s Tempest 3D. When activated, these formats create a surround sound experience that offers a more realistic sense of space and depth. SteelSeries’ Sonar audio software allows users to adjust the surround sound and EQ settings.
We also appreciate the headset’s separate wireless transmitter, which functions as a control center with a compact OLED screen for modifying settings. The transmitter also serves as a charger for the Nova Pro’s battery. The headset comes with two batteries, each providing approximately 20 hours of use. You can charge one battery in the transmitter, ensuring you always have a backup to replace.
Similar to most wireless over-ear headphones, the Nova Pro allows Bluetooth connection to a phone or computer. However, unlike our other wireless options, it also offers a 2.4GHz connection, enabling it to link with consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox without any noticeable delay.
SteelSeries provides various iterations of the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, but the model we suggest here delivers complete wireless compatibility across Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Check out our SteelSeries Nova Pro Wireless review.
How we evaluate over-ear headphones
To identify the top over-ear headphones, our specialists evaluated numerous models across different environments and locations to determine our top eight selections. Our group has been assessing audio equipment for more than ten years, and we rely on this expertise to shape our testing criteria.
We employ consistent techniques wherever feasible, featuring a carefully selected collection of popular testing materials spanning various music styles, video clips, and audio programs. Additionally, we utilize test videos such as drone aircraft noises and conversation sounds, using professional monitors in a treated space to assess characteristics like noise reduction in realistic situations.
We also assess headphones in real-world situations. For this guide, this involved a cross-country flight where various pairs were tested, as well as taking the headphones outside in windy conditions to evaluate features such as call quality and transparency mode. We test over-ear headphones over multiple days to check the accuracy of battery life claims and use functions like multipoint pairing to assess their performance.
What to consider when choosing a pair of over-ear headphones
Numerous over-ear headphones available now are wireless, so you should pay attention to features such as extended battery life (20 hours or more), noise cancellation, and transparency modes that either block or allow ambient sounds, as well as multipoint connectivity for switching between devices effortlessly. Top over-ear wireless headphones should come with an app for managing settings, especially an EQ (equalizer) to customize the audio output. It’s also important to consider the Bluetooth version being used. We suggest 5.0 or later for a smooth wireless experience.
The features mentioned above do not apply if you’re purchasing a wired pair of over-ear headphones, but regardless of whether you choose wireless or wired, comfort should be your top priority. Make sure the headphones aren’t too heavy and have sufficient padding on the ear cups and headband. Additional considerations include the ability to fold them for easier travel and accessories such as a sturdy case, which can make carrying your headphones more convenient. When it comes to high-fidelity options, you may need to choose between open-back designs, which typically provide a more spacious sound but allow outside noise in, or closed-back designs, which offer a more contained sound but are better suited for various environments.
Above all, your main priority should be audio quality. Your headphones may come with numerous features, but if the sound isn’t good, you won’t enjoy using them. To assist you, you can check out professional reviews, customer feedback, and resources similar to this one. You can usually rely on leading brands such as Sony, Sennheiser, Bose, and Apple, or for more affordable options, Soundcore. Since sound preference is personal, we advise testing a pair of headphones in person before making a purchase.
Over-ear headphones FAQs
Do over-ear headphones provide a better experience compared to on-ear and in-ear models?
Deciding which headphones are ideal is ultimately a personal choice, depending on your specific needs and how you plan to use them. However, audio experts typically agree that over-ear headphones, which sit around the ears instead of fitting inside the ear canal, provide superior sound quality. This is partially because of basic physics; their larger drivers and acoustic chambers can produce sound frequencies more accurately than smaller on-ear models or earbuds. The top over-ear headphones might also have an edge in terms of comfort and fit, as their bigger ear cups can provide more cushioning and suit a wider range of users.
That being said, thanks to recent technological improvements, there are in-ear headphones that can surpass some of their over-ear equivalents. Additionally, in-ear headphones are more compact and significantly easier to carry, making them potentially more practical as your everyday audio companion. Explore our guide to thebest wireless earbudsfor some of our best in-ear headphone selections.
Headphones that rest on the ear, which have become harder to come by recently, are the exception. They aren’t able to form a seal as effective as over-ear or in-ear models, which puts them at a disadvantage in terms of sound quality and comfort. However, some users favor on-ear headphones because their fit is less affected by the shape of an individual’s ear or head.
Are circumaural headphones suitable for exercise?
In general, earbuds are more suitable than over-ear headphones for active use during exercise or running. This is due to their smaller size and reduced restriction as you move. High-quality fitness-oriented earbuds will remain firmly in place in or around your ears during intense activities without shifting much. On the other hand, over-ear headphones are bulkier and less comfortable when moving and sweating.
For exercise-oriented suggestions, browse our guides to thebest headphones for running and the best workout headphones.
What is noise canceling?
Active noise cancellation (ANC) employs built-in microphones and processing technology to detect surrounding sounds and invert their frequencies, aiding in preventing external noises from reaching your ears. Noise-canceling headphones are not capable of eliminating every sound, frequently facing challenges with high-pitched noises such as sirens, dog barks, and loud speech, particularly when trying to block other sounds like aircraft engines at the same time. However, premium noise-canceling headphones from companies like Bose and Sony perform well in reducing background noises.
What is transparency mode?
Transparency mode is essentially the reverse of noise cancellation, utilizing the same microphones designed to block external sounds to enhance them instead. This feature is intended to help you stay aware of your environment and/or communicate while using over-ear headphones and earbuds. High-quality over-ear headphones can offer a realistic transparency mode, and some models include additional features such as compression or limiting to prevent sudden loud noises from damaging your hearing.
What is a multi-point connection?
A multipoint connection allows Bluetooth headphones to connect to two or more devices at the same time, enabling easy switching between them. This feature is especially helpful when working on multiple tasks, allowing you to move from listening to music on your phone to receiving a video call on your laptop without having to unpair and reconnect the devices.
What are open-back headphones?
As the name suggests, open-back headphones feature open or ventilated ear cups. This design is typically found in wired audiophile headphones, aiming to produce a more spacious sound that isn’t limited by the enclosed acoustics of conventional headphones. Although this can enhance audio quality, making it resemble speaker-like performance, it also means that the sounds you’re listening to might be heard by people nearby, and they may hear you as well.
If you liked this narrative, make sure to followBusiness Insider on MSN.
