The very best over-ear headphones for 2024: choices for any funds, examined by our consultants
The very best over-ear headphones ship a totally immersive audio expertise, good for individuals who crave high-quality sound. Tailor-made for audio lovers, over-ear headphones are available in wi-fi or wired choices, with highly effective drivers that present clear, high-definition audio and expansive soundstages.
On this information under, you’ll discover our prime collection of the perfect over-ear headphones, all picked by our editors and writers primarily based on our real-world evaluations and comparisons of those headphones. We take a look at every little thing from the audio efficiency in several modes, to the effectiveness of noise cancellation, to whether or not they ship the promised battery life.
Not like in-ear choices, the perfect over-ear headphones utterly encase your ears, providing a deeper, extra immersive listening expertise with area for extra acoustic depth. Their bigger earcups permit for larger drivers, whereas comfortable cushioning ensures a comfortable match, that means that each one the perfect noise cancelling headphones are over-ear fashions, they usually are usually the perfect journey headphones, and are suited to lengthy listening classes.
Over-ear headphones can be good on your listening to well being. With drivers positioned outdoors the ear canal, there’s much less direct pressure on the eardrum. The cushioned ear cups additionally provide passive noise isolation, letting you get pleasure from wealthy sound at a safer quantity.
The fast record
Wish to minimize to the chase and discover out which over-ear headphones are the perfect? Under, you’ll discover a roundup of our decisions. You may as well soar to a extra detailed overview of each decide, together with our worth comparability software that will help you discover the perfect offers.
The very best over-ear headphones general
The WH-1000XM4s are a flawlessly designed pair of over-ear headphones that proceed to stay on the prime of our record as a result of they’re unbeatable worth in the event you discover them for underneath $200/£200, which is frequently the case.
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The very best funds over-ear headphones
An amazing-sounding pair of inexpensive over-ear headphones. With wonderful battery life, good noise cancellation and a cushty match, they’re astoundingly good worth.
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3. Cambridge Audio Melomania P100
The very best premium over-ear headphones
Behind this understated and cozy design are a spread of wonderful options, together with top-tier sound, stable ANC and a really unbelievable 100 hours of battery life.
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4. Bose QuietComfort Extremely Headphones
The very best over-ear headphones for noise cancelling
If noise-stopping energy is your aim, nothing does it higher than these – and the sound high quality is completely improbable too. They’re costly, however are completely price it.
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The very best over-ear headphones for Sony followers
Significantly highly effective energetic noise cancellation that is a step above the WH-1000XM4, plus wealthy audio, a slick design and nice options. However they don’t seem to be that a lot better than the XM4, and value a bunch extra.
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6. Edifier Stax Spirit S5
The very best over-ear headphones for wi-fi audiophile sound
They don’t seem to be low-cost, however these sound great due to their superior planar drivers, that are uncommon in wi-fi headphones. There is not any ANC, however they’ve tons of different options.
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The very best inexpensive wired over-ear headphones
These provide dynamic, wealthy and expressive sound with loads of assault – you’d assume they value much more whenever you hear them. On prime of that, they’re well-made and cozy for lengthy intervals..
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The very best open-back over-ear headphones
Relating to a large, expansive soundstage, an open-back design is important. The wired HD-660S2 are made to carry mixing sales space stage high quality to on a regular basis listening.
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The very best wanting over-ear headphones
In case you like your headphones to feel and appear as premium as they sound, the Dali IO-8 are for you. With completely round cups and a selection of finishes they rating severe model – and sound – factors.
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The very best over-ears for film audio
The Sonos Ace are dear and imperfect with music – however for motion pictures, they’re second to none, and help Dolby Atmos spatial audio from any Bluetooth gadget. The ANC is nice too.
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The very best Apple over-ear headphones
These are filled with particular options for Apple units that make them tempting in the event you’re in that ecosystem, they usually sound wonderful, with high-end noise cancellation.
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Becky Scarrott
I’ve reviewed over 150 audio merchandise since changing into a tech journalist, starting from super-budget earbuds to high-end Hello-Res Audio music gamers. Earlier than becoming a member of TechRadar, I spent three years at What Hello-Fi? testing every little thing the world of audio needed to provide; earlier than that, I used to be an expert dancer. My love of music ties all of it collectively.
December 20, 2024
Checked all fashions in opposition to our newest evaluations. Up to date the intro to say extra of what we search for in our testing, and added extra fashions to our part of different choices we have reviewed.
The very best over-ear headphones for 2024
Why you may belief TechRadar We spend hours testing each services or products we overview, so that you could be positive you’re shopping for the perfect. Discover out extra about how we take a look at.
The very best over-ear headphones for most individuals
The WH-1000XM4s is probably not Sony’s flagship headphones anymore – that title has since been handed onto the Sony WH-1000XM5, that are at #8 on this record – however we nonetheless fee these as being the perfect for most individuals, due to their spectacular sound high quality and options balanced with the decrease costs now you can discover them for. You are able to do higher in most particular person areas in the event you’re on the lookout for the final word pair of headphones, however not as an entire bundle for underneath $200/£200 – that is a worth that we frequently see these Sonys drop to, and we’re basing this advice on the idea that you’re going to discover them for that worth in one of many many common gross sales occasions.
Apart from clear, well-realised and deep sound, there’s additionally extremely efficient noise cancellation that’s solely actually surpassed by a giant margin by the Bose QuietComfort Extremely at #4 on this record. You’ve got received helpful further options too, together with multi-point pairing for switching between two units immediately, DSEE Excessive upscaling of lower-quality audio (comparable to from Spotify), auto-pausing whenever you take away them, Sony’s 360 Actuality Audio format, plus LDAC higher-quality wi-fi tech for suitable telephones.
They’re additionally light-weight and cozy, with a folding design that is handy for travelling. Now that they’ve had a worth drop – and particularly in the event you get them for the additional discounted worth they’re frequently obtainable for – these are simply unbeatable worth, which is why they’re nonetheless on the prime of this record years after their launch. However be warned, if you cannot discover them diminished it is effectively price contemplating the Cambridge Audio cans in third place. Sure, they’re costlier however they’re objectively the higher pair of headphones, so if you cannot go along with the discount, go along with the perfect.
Learn our full Sony WH-1000XM4 overview
The very best funds over-ear headphones
The Earfun Wave Professional are an inexpensive pair of over-ears which might be filled with options, proving you need not spend greater than $100/£100 for a stable pair of noise-cancelling headphones.
The Earfun Wave professional are a really customary wanting pair of over-ears, however we have been completely happy to search out throughout our testing that you could alter the headscarf and cans just a little to go well with all head sizes and fold them up so that they match into their carry case that we commented is “surprisingly premium-feeling” in our overview. Match-wise, they’re amongst a few of the most snug headphones we have examined due to the reminiscence foam within the cups – which is saying one thing contemplating what number of the TechRadar crew has trialled.
The Earfun Wave Professional clearly cannot compete with the sonic efficiency and options of the higher-end headphones on this record, however they sound really spectacular in comparison with funds rivals, and the energetic noise cancellation is fairly first rate, too. You may as well tweak the sound just a little due to EQ settings throughout the app. The rationale they carry out so effectively is probably going because of the truth their specs are surprisingly good, together with 40mm drivers, a Hello-Res Audio certification (each for wi-fi and wired music) and a Lossless Digial Audio Codec (LDAC) for improved Bluetooth streaming from suitable units.
Total, it is a nice worth pair of over-ears that tick the entire bins. They sound good, look understated, really feel extraordinarily snug and provide as much as a long-lasting 80 hours of battery life (with ANC off). We’ve not discovered a funds pair of headphones which might be such all-rounders.
Learn our full Earfun Wave Professional overview
The very best premium over-ear headphones
The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 wi-fi over-ear noise-cancelling headphones are our prime premium decide as a result of, regardless of the actual fact there’s a whole lot of competitors on this area, we awarded them a uncommon 5 out of 5 stars throughout our testing. There’s lots to like right here, together with wonderful specs. You’ll get an unbelievable battery life at 100 hours – sure, you learn that proper. That’s with out ANC, however you’ll nonetheless get 60 hours with ANC deployed, which is the perfect you’ll discover in over-ear headphones.
One other headline function is class AB amplification tech used to energy 40mm full-range dynamic drivers – that is usually reserved for precise hi-fi gear, with headphones choosing the easier and lower-power class D amplification. However class AB is mostly thought of to be higher for sound, and by some means Cambridge Audio has included it whereas nonetheless maxing battery life. You’ll additionally get an app filled with options, multi-point connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3, six mics for noise cancellation, aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codec compatibility (permitting you to hearken to 16bit/44.1kHz decision in case you have entry to it) and way more. Hilariously, you can too choose actor Matt Berry as your ‘audible suggestions’. We are able to’t consider a greater approach to subtly brighten up our days.
In our overview, we described these headphones as delivering “energetic, informative and convincing sound” due to a improbable tonal stability and distinctive element – they sound nearly as good as something of their worth vary (and a whole lot of issues above it). The excellent news is that if the audio isn’t fairly to your tastes, there are EQ settings you may alter throughout the app. ANC right here can also be actually good. In our overview, we wrote: “It can do a job on exterior distractions of all kinds, and with out leaving a counter-signal or shift in tonality”. However it’s not the perfect we’ve ever skilled – Bose remains to be the perfect in that regard.
We commented that these headphones are “flawlessly constructed and completed” in our overview, in addition to snug. That is due to a whole lot of vegan leather-based on the skin, reminiscence foam earpads, a padded headband and a reasonably light-weight construct of 330g. After all, they aren’t low-cost at $279 / £229 / AU$479, however they’re lots lower than the likes of the Sony WH-1000XM5 at #8 on this record, whereas sounding higher – so that they’re our prime premium decide, regardless that we truly think about them to be improbable worth at that worth.
Learn our full Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 overview
The very best over-headphones for noise cancellation
In case you want the perfect noise cancellation that over-ear headphones provide proper now, you want Bose’s Extremely Headphones. The noise-blocking energy is a step up from principally something that is been obtainable earlier than, and we have by no means heard the sound of a busy metropolis centre so robust quietened, or the speech of others in an workplace or round the home. We known as it “thoughts blowing” in our overview.
This energy comes at a really premium worth (larger than the likes of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wi-fi), however it additionally comes with completely wonderful audio high quality, so it feels very a lot price its worth. Our overview stated that the Extremely Headphones “ship a few of the most alive, thrilling, textured, finely resolved, deeply partaking music I’ve ever heard from a pair of wi-fi headphones. It is the form of sound I might anticipate to pay 50% and even twice as a lot for.”
In addition they have a really premium really feel, whereas being gentle and cozy – and have a travel-friendly folding design, which is at all times welcome. They don’t seem to be flawless – it is a disgrace they lack USB-C audio and basic aptX help (they do have Snapdragon Sound, although), and the 24-hour battery life is the bottom right here by a great distance – however these items are simple to forgive if great sound and energetic noise cancellation in equal measure is what you need. Although if you wish to spend rather less, the ANC within the Bose QuietComfort Headphones is virtually nearly as good, although the sound high quality is weaker.
To economize on Bose merchandise, try our Bose voucher codes.
Learn our full Bose QuietComfort Extremely Headphones overview
The very best premium Sony over-ear headphones
Sony’s flagship headphones do an enormous quantity of stuff extremely effectively. In our overview, we have been deeply impressed with their sound high quality, and till just lately, we rated their energetic noise cancellation as being the perfect you may get. Nevertheless, as issues stand now, they’re overwhelmed in key methods by rivals meaning they don’t seem to be the slam dunk decide that may’ve been – nonetheless, we all know that some individuals actually need the reliability and sound profile of Sony cans, so we wished to spotlight them on this record. And, y’know, they’re nonetheless very very good.
The music high quality is wealthy and well-balanced, though it is overwhelmed by the much more expansive and alive sound from the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100, which additionally trounce the Sony on battery life (by doubling it). Equally, the noise cancellation is improbable, however been soundly overwhelmed by the Bose QuietComfort Extremely Headphones, so in case your focus is the perfect noise-stopping energy potential, these are the perfect purchase.
And relating to all-round worth, there is a cause the Sony WH-1000XM4 are nonetheless prime of this record – the newer XM5 are higher, however solely by just a little approach, they usually normally value much more, particularly as a result of the XM4 continuously have further reductions. Having stated that, the XM5 are beginning to see way more spectacular reductions as of late. They’re improbable headphones, they’re simply in an particularly cut-throat world – however in the event you’ve liked Sony’s stuff previously and wish its newest and biggest new headphones, we’ll fortunately advocate them.
Learn our full Sony WH-1000XM5 overview
The very best wi-fi planar magnetic over-ear headphones
Planar magnetic headphones function a special form of speaker driver to the overwhelming majority of headphones. Planar tech is thought for being extremely dynamic and detailed, making it a favourite of audiophiles, however it’s additionally onerous to energy and results in chunky headphones designs. Because of this, it is at all times been uncommon to search out the tech in wi-fi headphones, however the Edifier Stax Spirit S5 have discovered a approach to make it work, and it is improbable.
We stated in our overview that “it doesn’t matter in the event you’ve listened to a recording loads of occasions prior to now – I’m assured the Edifier Stax Spirit S5 will discover some tiny facet of it or element inside it that you just’ve by no means heard (or, a minimum of, seen) earlier than.” We love simply how effectively the reveal and resolve the high-quality components of tracks, however what retains us coming again to them is that they are additionally very entertaining, filled with low-end oomph and power. They’re additionally fairly forgiving with lower-quality streams from the likes of Spotify – you do not have to be a Tidal member to listen to what they will do. At louder volumes, the treble can turn out to be just a little hard-edged, however that is solely actually a flaw compared to very high-end headphones.
The massive omission right here, although, is energetic noise cancellation. The passive noise isolation is definitely superb, they usually’re closed-back, however they’re undoubtedly higher in less-noisy environments. Nevertheless, they’re well-specced elsewhere, together with help for all three main high-res wi-fi codecs: aptX Lossless, LDAC and LHDC.
They don’t seem to be the smallest headphones on the earth, however by audiophile requirements they’re virtually compact, they usually’re not too heavy in any respect at 347g, that means they’re very snug to put on. They arrive with two units of ear pads, and the mesh ones do an amazing job of maintaining your ears cool, too. Those that are in opposition to using animal merchandise, be warned right here, although: they’ve leather-based on outdoors of the earcups, and one of many units of ear pads is lambskin.
At $499 / £499, they’re clearly up there with the extra premium headphones in our record, however they provide sound high quality that exceeds this worth, and are positively inexpensive by planar magnetic requirements. For hardcore music lovers, we truly assume they’re unbelievable worth – however clearly it is a steep worth regardless.
Learn our full Edifier Stax Spirit S5 overview
The very best inexpensive wired over-ear headphones
Austrian Audio is not probably the most well-known headphones maker on the earth, however it’s one it is best to know if you’d like high-quality, well-priced sound. We liked the dynamic, highly effective and pushed audio of the Hello-X20 throughout the frequency vary – we stated the treble is “properly managed and with sufficient substance to forestall even the crunchiest treble sounds changing into edgy or onerous”, whereas the mid-range can ship vocals which might be “assertive and articulate”, and thru the bass they “extract and contextualize simply as a lot element as elsewhere.” We did word that the bass is probably not fairly as full within the deepest notes as some would love, however it’s truthful for the worth.
We additionally famous how effectively the frequencies are built-in via one another, and stated “They create a big, well-defined and correctly organized soundstage, too, and handle to unify even complicated recordings into singular occurrences.”
We additionally discovered them snug to put on, adjustable, well-made and fairly handsome for non-nonsense audiophile-friendly cans. They fold for journey, too, and include a pleasant material bag, which we at all times respect.
The one clear draw back is the 3m cable they arrive with – a shorter possibility could be welcome, as a result of it’s kind of a lot for many informal listening conditions. That is hardly a giant downside (you may swap it out, in any case). For the $150 / £120 / AU$250 worth, that is nearly as good as headphones sound.
Learn our full Austrian Audio Hello-X20 overview
The very best open-back wired over-ear headphones
In case you love a pure, open sound, then a pair of wired open-back headphones are the best way to go and the Sennheiser HD-660S2 are our favourite pair. These boast an immensely spectacular and expansive soundstage, however being open-back means they do not block out the skin world, so that they have to be utilized in quiet areas – they usually’re wired solely as effectively.
They’re as at dwelling within the mixing sales space as they’re at, uh, dwelling for basic listening – they’ve an air of superiority to them. They function magnificent sound recreation that is extra highly effective and convincing that principally anything right here, particularly when paired with top-of-the-line transportable DACs or hi-res music gamers, although they are often powered simply by a laptop computer with out further gear. We stated in our testing that whereas they do leak sound, it is not too dangerous – however you is probably not in style within the workplace in the event you use them, nonetheless.
They’ve premium ear cup cushioning and a sturdy headband to forestall vibration and be sure you can get misplaced in your music for a very long time. These are sure to thrill anybody trying to have the delights of open-backed cans.
Having stated all that, if you wish to know what our much more significantly audiophile open-back headphones advice could be, look to our Remaining D7000 overview. They’re large, they’re tough to drive, they’re a number of occasions the worth of the Sennheiser, however they’re very particular relating to sound.
Learn our full Sennheiser HD-660S2 overview
Go to our Sennheiser coupon web page for our newest offers and reductions.
The very best over-ear headphones for design
In case you like your over-ear headphones to look as pretty as they sound, we advocate the Dali IO-8. Count on an distinctive stage of construct and end high quality right here – these headphones undoubtedly high quality for our ‘greatest for design’ decide. They give the impression of being minimal and premium, with completely round earcups, brushed and anodised metallic on the outside, reminiscence foam lining the within for optimum consolation, and a selection of ‘iron’ black or ‘caramel’ white finishes. The one downside when it comes to design is there may be leather-based on these headphones and there’s no different to go for as an alternative. Which is a disgrace because it means they’re not for vegans.
Definitely not model over substance, the Dali IO-8 ship distinctive sound that we described as “alive with element” in our overview. That is the case, to our nice shock, throughout all genres and volumes. Count on a completely fulfilling pay attention, no matter you feed them. In our overview, we wrote: “There’s a sensation of directness and of positivity to the best way these headphones ship music.” Even with ANC on, the sonic efficiency isn’t negatively impacted. And noise-cancelling performs very effectively – though it may be overwhelmed by Bose.
The specs record right here is spectacular, packing in every little thing you’d anticipate from a pair of high-end headphones, together with Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive compatibility, 24bit/96kHz help, 50mm full-range drivers with 10Hz-43kHz frequency response and 30 hours of battery life with ANC on. They will additionally work with a wired connection – ideally suited in the event you overlook to cost them and don’t have entry to energy. The one factor that’s lacking here’s a management app. In case you wish to tweak your sound settings there isn’t a lot selection right here then, with solely two EQ settings on provide. However you may argue: why would it’s essential mess with the sound when it’s this good? In case you don’t like fussing with apps, this might truly be one other level in favor of the Dali IO-8 slightly than in opposition to them.
The Dali IO-8 will not be low-cost. Nevertheless, by Dali requirements, they’re truly extra on the inexpensive aspect. In case you’re on a funds, otherwise you don’t just like the leather-based or the shortage of a management app, you’ll discover a lot extra choices that can higher go well with you. In any other case, we actually fee these headphones (we awarded them a uncommon 5 out of 5 stars in our overview) as a result of with a powerful record of specs, wonderful sound and a stunning design, they’re going to ship a stellar efficiency for individuals who are prepared to splurge.
Learn our full Dali IO-8 overview
The very best over-ear headphones for motion pictures
Sonos’ first headphones have been extremely anticipated, and just a little disappointing: they do not work with the general Sonos Wi-Fi multi-room system (regardless that they do help Wi-Fi), and their music high quality is merely superb, not the form of wonderful audio we would anticipate for headphones that include such a high-end worth.
Nevertheless, they nonetheless managed to win us over with their improbable efficiency with motion pictures. They help head-tracked Dolby Atmos spatial audio from any gadget that helps Atmos over Bluetooth – which incorporates iPhones, iPads and Samsung telephones, so no scarcity – and it is completely improbable. It is weighty, it is convincingly directional and does not sound just like the audio is being pushed proper into your ears, and dialogue is elevated super-clearly out of the combo whereas nonetheless feeling pure. Having straight in contrast it to the spatial audio on the Bose QuietComfort Extremely Headphones and AirPods Max, the Sonos have been our favourite possibility.
And so they do have a Sonos ecosystem trick: in case you have a Sonos Arc soundbar (and help will come to all Sonos soundbars sooner or later), you may join the headphones to them over Wi-Fi, and use a button on the headphones to immediately swap from listening over Bluetooth to streaming the sound out of your soundbar as an alternative – so you may hearken to something that performs in your TV with privateness, and 0 latency.
All of it labored fantastically effectively for us, and the headphones additionally provide very robust energetic noise cancellation, wired listening over USB-C (lossless) or 3.5mm jack, and a 30-hour battery life over Bluetooth with ANC on – although when listening to sound out of your soundbar, this battery life dropped to round 10 hours primarily based on our testing.
For music lovers wanting premium ANC headphones, we’d steer you in the direction of the Bose Extremely or the B&W PX8. However if you’d like one thing closely targeted on supplied a private dwelling theater expertise, we actually advocate these.
Learn our full Sonos Ace overview
The very best over-ear headphones for Apple followers
The AirPods Max are the best-sounding headphones made by Apple, and the corporate’s first over-ears. They’ve very robust energetic noise cancellation, very good sound high quality, the perfect spatial audio obtainable thus far, and a hanging look with a premium really feel. There is a ton to get pleasure from with them, they usually have far more particular options in the event you’re deep within the Apple ecosystem, together with auto-switching between units and Discover My help in the event that they’re misplaced. Only a few of those work on Android (principally simply music and noise cancellation), so that they’re very a lot for the Apple-heavy crowd, particularly at this excessive a worth.
And at this excessive worth, their lack of hi-res audio help actually grates, however lots of people will in all probability be capable to forgive it. They’ve a pure, dynamic and element sound that we get pleasure from lots, although the Bose QuietComfort Extremely Headphones are on the similar stage of high quality and are cheaper. Nevertheless, the nothing matches the Dolby Atmos 3D spatial audio that you just get from these when watching a film on an Apple gadget – it is so good.
In case you’ve already purchased into the Apple ecosystem, if the worth is not a priority, and you have got plenty of Apple tech, then the additional options you get from these might put them above a whole lot of the competitors. However we predict most individuals will likely be higher served by spending much less on the Bose Extremely Headphones.
Learn our full Apple AirPods Max overview
Different over-ear headphones we have examined
Anker Soundcore Area One Professional: We just lately revealed our Anker Soundcore Area One Professional overview, a pair of over-ears that did impress us with stable options and booming bass. Nevertheless, they do not make the minimize as a result of we felt they appeared too chunky and their buttons did not work reliably sufficient.
Baseus Bowie 30 Max: That is an exceptionally well-specced set of headphones for the worth, delivering spatial audio, noise cancellation and extra on a funds. Sadly, our Baseus Bowie 30 Max overview discovered that they do not sound particularly good, so they do not make it to this record.
Bowers & Wilkins PX8: We eliminated the PX8 as our ‘greatest design’ selection in favor of the Dali IO-8. However they’re nonetheless an distinctive pair of headphones, particularly in the event you just like the finer issues in life as a result of these over-ears look gorgeous. Check out our full Bowers & Wilkins PX8 overview to search out out why their elegant construct and end is only one of many issues we love about these B&W cans.
FiiO FT1: We love the FiiO model and these are the corporate’s very first pair of closed-back over-ear headphones. We had excessive hopes, however learn our FiiO FT1 overview to search out out extra about why these headphones are a uncommon miss that we would not advocate over many rivals.
Remaining D7000: We have been significantly impressed with the sound high quality of those open-backed wired headphones in our current overview. They’re extraordinarily costly, however for many indulgent music lovers, we predict they earn it. Learn our full Remaining D7000 overview for extra.
Marshall Monitor III ANC: We have additionally had the chance to get an preliminary palms on with the Marshall Monitor III ANC over-ear headphones, an excellent-sounding pair of headphones which have a 70-hour battery life and a cushty design. We’ll want longer with them earlier than we resolve if they will make this information. However till then, check out our palms on Marshall Monitor III ANC overview.
Noble FoKus Apollo: These headphones sound wonderful, have a premium feel and appear and an impressive battery life. So why do not they make this information? Properly, as you may be taught in our Noble FoKus Apollo overview, these headphones have a divisive design, which we all know will not enchantment to everybody. Th onboard mic additionally did not work throughout our testing.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus: A really spectacular pair of mid-range headphones from Sennheiser, and we have seen them fall to ridiculously low costs throughout gross sales season. They face a whole lot of highly regarded competitors above and under them of their worth vary, which is squeezing them out of this record, however we actually like them, and anybody on the lookout for a pair of audiophile-baiting mid-range wi-fi headphones with noise cancellation ought to learn our Sennheiser Accentum Plus overview.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wi-fi: We love these five-star headphones, due to their wealthy sound, enormous 60-hour battery life, and nice options. However the Cambridge Audio P100 knocked them off this record by providing all that at a less expensive record worth. The Sennheiser are sometimes obtainable with large reductions that make them super-tempting, so undoubtedly learn our Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wi-fi overview to be taught extra about them.
Sivga Oriole: The next-priced different to the Austrian Audio headphones on this information, these are lovely wood headphones with wonderful sound. They’re just a little gentle on bass, as our Sivga Oriole overview will get into, however not everybody will thoughts that.
Sony ULT Put on: Sony’s bass-loving mid-range headphones are a wonderfully good pay attention, however they’re just a bit shy of particular, and just a little an excessive amount of to be a cut price. We nonetheless favored them, however it seems like you will get higher bang on your buck. Our Sony ULT Put on headphones overview digs into the complete nuance.
Sony WH-CH720N: all-rounder pair of headphones, with a cushty match, very well-balanced sound, and noise cancellation that helps to be sure you can hear what’s taking place. We favored them lots in our Sony WH-CH720N overview, however there are headphones with extra options and greater soundstage for the same worth.
SoundMagic P58BT ANC: We have been excited to check the SoundMagic P58BT ANC headphones as a result of the corporate’s IEMs are improbable. However as you may see in our SoundMagic P58BT ANC overview, we weren’t proud of the match or lack of app help on provide right here.
Meet the crew
Our skilled crew of reviewers have years of audio tech expertise and testing. They’ve lined the entire newest and greatest headphones over the previous 10 years and extra, which suggests they’re clued up on every little thing there may be to know concerning the trade.
Matt Bolton
Matt Bolton is TechRadar’s Managing Editor for Leisure and has greater than a decade of expertise as a know-how journalist. Earlier than becoming a member of TechRadar he managed TV and audio content material for T3.com, and earlier than that he was the Editor of T3 journal. He is contributed to many tech titles, together with Artistic Bloq, PC Gamer, Digital Digicam World, Edge, Official PlayStation Journal, PC Plus, MacFormat and plenty of extra.
Becky Scarrott
Becky turned TechRadar’s Audio Editor in 2024, however joined the crew in 2022 as Senior Workers Author. She focuses on all issues audio and hi-fi. Earlier than TechRadar, she spent three years at What Hello-Fi? testing, reviewing and usually having fun with every little thing from wallet-friendly wi-fi earbuds to very large, multi-product high-end sound techniques.
Nick Pino
Nick Pino is the Managing Editor for TV and AV at TechRadar’s sister web site, Tom’s Information. Earlier than that, he was the Senior Editor of House Leisure at TechRadar, specializing in TVs, headphones, audio system, video video games, VR and streaming units. Through the years, he has additionally written for GamesRadar+, Official Xbox Journal, PC Gamer and plenty of extra.
Becca Caddy
Becca Caddy is a contract know-how journalist and creator and she or he’s been writing about client tech for greater than 12 years with a deal with wearables, headphones and sensible dwelling units. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, Wired, New Scientist, MIT Tech Overview, Inverse, Nationwide Geographic, Lifehacker, Metro, Stylist, Grazia. Her first e book, Display Time, was revealed in 2021.
Simon Lucas
Simon Lucas is a contract know-how journalist and marketing consultant, with a selected emphasis on the audio/video features of dwelling leisure. He was beforehand editor of What Hello-Fi? journal and whathifi.com. He has written for Wired, Metro, the Guardian, HiFi+ and GQ, and has acted as an audio marketing consultant for a few of the world’s most high-profile client electronics manufacturers.
Tom Bedford was deputy telephones editor on TechRadar till late 2022, having labored his approach up from employees author. Although he specialised in telephones and tablets, he additionally took on audio and hi-fi merchandise with nice enthusiasm and a eager ear. He’s primarily based in London, UK and now works for the leisure web site What To Watch.
He graduated in American Literature and Artistic Writing from the College of East Anglia. Previous to engaged on TechRadar, he freelanced in tech and leisure, and likewise spent a few years working as a mixologist.
How to decide on the perfect over-ear headphones
Sound high quality has received to be crucial function to look out for when choosing over-ear headphones. Audio high quality from these larger drivers (that does not depend on a seal betwixt ear tip and ear canal, as buds do) could be extra expansive, open, nuanced and immersive.
However you additionally need to have an eye fixed on consolation, as a result of there is a large band going over the fragile crown of your head. Padding and materials on the ear pads makes a distinction too – and infrequently, a broader headband is one thing to search for, so the burden could be higher distributed.
Individuals usually select over-ear headphones with energetic noise cancellation, as a result of the around-ear pads are nice at passive noise isolation to start with – and it is a good name. Most of our picks on this record embrace ANC, however it’s not the case that spending extra on ANC mechanically will get you higher outcomes. That is why we’re right here.
It is also potential to purchase over-ear headphones with ‘open backs’, which suggests they permit air to move proper via the ear cup. This could result in an expansive, highly effective sound, however it additionally means audio leaks – nice for listening in a particular room at dwelling, much less good on the subway. This is our in-depth clarification of open-back vs closed-back headphones.
The final large query is whether or not you need to go wired or wi-fi. Do you need to prioritise sound that is not compressed by Bluetooth – and does your gadget have a USB-C (and even 3.5mm – some nonetheless do!) port to hook ’em as much as? Most of our solutions are wi-fi, as a result of they are usually most popular at the present time, however some function the choice of going wired.
Not all wi-fi codecs are created equal, so if the cans solely help SBC and AAC, you will not be getting higher-quality choices comparable to Snapdragon Sound, aptX or LDAC. These are all CD-quality choices, however your units should even be suitable with them. Need really hi-res audio? You will must go for a few of the greatest wired headphones and add high quality headphone DAC to the combo.
Lastly, test the burden – 250g is pretty light-weight for superior wi-fi headphones; 350g is concerning the most you may need for longer listening classes, but when the design’s good, they will nonetheless be supremely snug.
How a lot ought to I spend on headphones?
That actually depends upon your funds – you need not overstretch your self to costs you may’t actually afford in your quest for nice sound.
Yow will discover over-ear choices among the many greatest low-cost headphones underneath $100 / £100 / AU$150 – try manufacturers like Jabra and JBL if you wish to preserve prices down.
The very best noise-cancelling headphones and higher-spec choices are likely to value greater than this. For wi-fi headphones, the flagship fashions begin round $250 / $250 / AU$450.
While you get to true audiophile headphones for analytical listening, the costs actually begin to shoot up – however these cans will final you a long time in the event you take care of them.
Is it price getting over-ear headphones?
Selecting over-ear headphones over earbuds is a private selection. There is not any unsuitable possibility right here however over-ear headphones usually present higher battery life and higher sound high quality.
Due to being bigger, they will pack in a greater battery together with extra superior options like superior drivers. By their very nature, they have an inclination to offer higher noise cancellation too as they cowl your ears extra comprehensively than earbuds.
Nevertheless, a few of your determination making course of wants to return all the way down to what you’re feeling extra snug with. Earbuds are simpler to retailer away, however not everybody likes the sensation of them of their ears. Alternatively, headphones can really feel safer over your head however are heavier and require extra thought when storing them.
What are the advantages of over-ear headphones?
The 2 largest variations are consolation and sound high quality. Many individuals discover over-ear headphones way more snug to put on than in-ear ones, and since they are much larger they will accommodate a lot bigger and extra highly effective drivers. Not like earbuds, they don’t seem to be restricted by having to suit into the very restricted area of your ear canal.
As a result of over-ear headphones have larger drivers, they will doubtlessly ship a wider frequency vary than earbuds, particularly on the low finish the place the bass lives. For instance, our present favourites, Sony’s WH-1000XM4 go all the way down to 4Hz and prime out at a really excessive 40kHz. By comparability Sony’s closest equal earbuds, the WF-1000XM4, nonetheless attain 40kHz however the low finish solely reaches 20Hz.
There’s one other essential issue right here. In response to the Listening to Well being Basis, over-ears are much less more likely to injury your listening to. As soon as broken, listening to does not restore itself so it is actually necessary to take care of it. Over-ears do not sit so near your eardrums so that they’re much less harmful over lengthy intervals – supplied in fact you do not run them too loud.
One other benefit of over-ears, albeit a horrible one, is that they do not find yourself lined in ear wax like in-ears do, so you do not have to learn our how you can clear wi-fi earbuds information. And on a extra cheerful word, they’re additionally significantly tougher to misplace.
Is over-ear higher than in-ear for noise cancelling?
There’s not likely a easy reply to that one. Some earbuds are superb at passive noise cancellation, which is when the headphones merely block out a whole lot of exterior audio by being caught in your ear canals. However over-ears can do a lot the identical by enclosing your complete ears, so there’s enormous variation right here.
The place issues usually do differ is when energetic noise cancellation is concerned. That is when your headphones analyze the sound round you and produce extra waves to cancel the sounds you don’t need. As with the drivers that may ship higher sound high quality, the bigger measurement of over-ears means there’s extra room for tech in there.
In our many hours of testing and informal listening we have discovered that over-ears comparable to Bose QuietComfort Extremely Headphones and Sony’s WH-1000XM5 ship even higher noise cancelling than the identical companies’ greatest earbuds. And so they usually sound higher too.
How we take a look at the perfect over-ear headphones
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We have examined the entire headphones on this information extensively, with out exception, spending numerous hours analyzing the sound, match, design, specs, and worth for cash – and evaluating them to the competitors, in fact. We at all times be certain that we’re supplying you with recommendation that is right, thought of and contextual.
Operating-in: We permit all headphones a running-in interval, to ensure the drivers are working at their greatest. We hearken to audio from a spread of sources, together with each high-quality and extra fundamental music providers, in addition to motion pictures, on-line video, and podcasts or audiobooks. We’re on the lookout for all form of components right here, together with how deep the bass can go, whether or not that bass feels managed and exact, whether or not the stability is true between totally different frequencies, whether or not the mid-range is ready to talk plenty of detailed sound, whether or not treble frequencies stand out, whether or not treble is pure or too harsh, how spacious and pure the sound is, how dynamic the headphones between loud and quiet moments, and way more nuance.
Additional options: We take a look at all extra options in headphones, together with spatial audio help or energetic noise cancellation – we are going to take a look at the latter in real-world conditions, together with public transport and strolling round a metropolis.
Good performance: We’ll take a look at any sensible options, together with ensuring that multi-point Bluetooth works seamlessly, or testing EQ-changing choices and customization of energetic noise cancellation. We additionally monitor battery life ourselves, testing the depletion of the battery from full over time.
Good partnering: With wired headphones, we’ll use an appropriate amp the place crucial to ensure they get the prospect to carry out at their full potential. And naturally, we hearken to myriad forms of audio, together with music, podcasts and films, from varied sources together with (the place connectivity permits) telephones, laptops, NAS drives and devoted hi-res audio gamers.
Newest updates to our over-ear headphones information
December 20, 2024
Checked all fashions in opposition to our newest evaluations. Up to date the intro to say extra of what we search for in our testing, and added extra fashions to our part of different choices we have reviewed.
November 6 2024
Added a ‘meet the crew’ part, to introduce our proficient audio overview crew. Rewrote the ‘How to decide on’ part to higher clarify how you can strategy shopping for over-ear headphones.
See newer updates…
November 1 2024
Rewrote the introduction. Switched the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 for the Dali IO-8 as our ‘greatest design’ decide primarily based on our testing. Added some new choices to our ‘additionally think about’ part, together with the Noble FoKus Apollo.
October 3 2024
Up to date the introduction, added a number of new over-ear headphones to our ‘additionally think about’ part, together with the Anker Soundcore Area One Professional and Marshall Monitor III ANC. Itemized our ‘how we take a look at’ part to make it simpler for readers to grasp our reviewing course of.
September 4 2024
Changed the Edifier Stax Spirit S3 with the Stax Spirit S5, primarily based on our overview. Added extra details about different just lately reviewed merchandise.
August 5 2024
Changed the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wi-fi for the Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 primarily based on our intensive testing and 5-star overview.
July 5 2024
Added the Sonos Ace the perfect over-ear headphones for motion pictures, primarily based on our testing and comparability with different headphones within the record.
June 6 2024
Swapped Sony WH-CH720N for Earfun Wave Professional as our funds decide, primarily based on our overview, and present costs.
Could 9 2024
Checked all merchandise in opposition to our newest evaluations, and up to date the ‘Additionally think about’ part with details about new choices.
March 20 2024
Added some extra details about how we take a look at, and added a brand new part protecting our current evaluations that have not made it into this record.
8 Feb 2024
Up to date to incorporate the Bose QuietComfort Extremely Headphones as the perfect for energetic noise cancellation.
2 Jan 2024
Up to date with 2024 info; all merchandise checked in opposition to newest evaluations.
15 November 2023
Up to date with details about anticipated Black Friday offers on these headphones.
13 October 2023
Checked all merchandise in opposition to our newest evaluations.
17 August 2023
Added fast record navigation and up to date product listings to replicate newest launches.
7 July 2023
Up to date rankings to incorporate the Sony WH-CH720N. Re-ordered the record to replicate newest pricing and choices out there. Added new simple navigation subheadings.
23 Could 2023
Checked record in opposition to newest product evaluations.
