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The best over-ear headphones you can buy
ZDNET Recommends
Wireless headphones may be all the rage these days, but there's still plenty to be said about over-ear headphones. You can slip away from stress and the pressure of the outside world and lose yourself in some of the best audio available.
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.
- Very comfortable
- Superior audio quality
- Fantastic call quality
- Not water-resistant
- Mediocre portability
Tech Specs: Weight: 8.8 oz. | Battery life: 30 hours | Bluetooth: Yes
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
- Long-lasting battery
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Bold bass
- Bulky design
- Bass may be too much for some users
Tech Specs: Weight: 9.3 oz. | Battery life: 60 hours | Bluetooth: Yes
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.
- Reliable build
- Fantastic sound
- Easy to pair
- Expensive
- Shoddy case construction
Tech Specs: Weight: 0.85 lbs. | Battery life: 20 hours | Bluetooth: Yes
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
- Excellent sound
- Fantastic durability
- Premium design
- Lacks 3.5mm headphone jack
- Mediocre noise-canceling
Tech Specs: Weight: 2.65 lbs | Battery life: 30 hours | Bluetooth: Yes
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
- Stellar performance
- Long battery life
- Excellent noise canceling
- Mediocre controls
- Limited 360 Reality Audio
Tech Specs: Weight: 2.65 lbs | Battery life: 30 hours | Bluetooth: Yes
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
What are the best over-ear headphones?
Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are hands-down the best over-ear headphones you can buy. Lightweight and convenient, they are a reliable pair of over-ear headphones you can use for all of your listening needs.
To see how it compares, these are the best over-ear headphones broken down by price, weight, and battery life.
Best over-ear headphones | Starting cost | Weight | Battery life |
Sony WH-1000XM5 | $348 | 0.55 lbs | 30 hours |
Anker SoundCore Life Q30 | $60 | 0.58 lbs | 60 hours |
Apple AirPods Max | $450 | 0.85 lbs | 20 hours |
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 | $329 | 2.65 lbs | 30 hours |
Sony WH-1000XM4 | $348 | 2.65 lbs | 30 hours |
Which are the right over-ear headphones for you?
It can be confusing trying to choose between models, so here are our expert suggestions to help you find the best over-ear headphones for your budget and needs.
Choose these best over-ear headphones... | If you want... |
Sony WH-1000XM5 | The best noise-canceling over-ear headphones |
Anker SoundCore Life Q30 | The best budget over-ear headphones |
Apple AirPods Max | To complete your Apple device ecosystem |
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 | Comfort more than anything else |
Sony WH-1000XM4 | Portable over-ear headphones for travel |
How did we choose these over-ear headphones?
To find the best over-ear headphones, we consider several factors that may also help you with your search.
- 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.
What are over-ear headphones?
Over-ear headphones sit around the ear, rather than on or in the ear. They are designed to provide a more immersive listening experience by completely enclosing the ear and blocking out external noise. The ear cups on over-ear headphones are also typically large and padded, providing comfort for extended use.
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.
Which over-the-ear headphones are most durable?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are the best over-ear headphones for durability, offering a reliable, strong build that can stand up to many everyday hazards.
Which over-ear headphones are most comfortable?
We love the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 over-ear headphones for their overwhelming comfort. Cushioned ear cups help ensure that you spend less time fussing with your headphones and more time enjoying your audio.
What are the best over-ear headphones for working out?
The Apple AirPods Max are noted for their incredible sound and lighter build. They are the best over-ear headphones for working out and fitness.
Are there alternative over-ear headphones worth considering?
In our search, we also found these options that may be worth a second look.
For more ideas, check out our top picks for the best wireless headphones, best headphones for working out, and best noise-canceling headphones!