Over ear headphones have long been the audiophile's choice for immersive sound and comfort. They deliver superior audio quality and often come with features like active noise cancellation (ANC) for an undisturbed listening experience. If you are looking for the best over ear headphones to elevate your audio experience, you've come to the right place.
This guide delves into the 6 top-rated over ear headphones currently dominating the market, each offering immersive sound, noise cancellation, and long-lasting comfort. Join us as we explore what makes these models stand out and how you can choose the ideal pair to enhance your daily listening.
6 Best Over Ear Headphones
Here's a detailed look at six of the best over the ear headphones currently available on the market, each designed to deliver exceptional sound, comfort, and noise-cancelling capabilities:
soundcore Space One
Experience a peaceful listening experience with the Soundcore Space One, the best noise cancelling headphones for podcasts. These noise cancelling headphones offer double the sound reduction power to help you focus better and block out distracting sound from noisy environments. With the power of adaptive noise cancellation technology, it can cut out up to 98% of external noise, adjusting to the noise level of your surroundings or the fit of your headset. The Hi-Res Audio certification ensures that you get rich and detailed sound quality. They also come with a long-lasting battery life of up to 40 hours with ANC and a comfortable fit, making it perfect for long listening sessions.
soundcore Life Q35
The soundcore Life Q35 stands out with its Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications, driven by custom silk-diaphragm drivers that widen the frequency range and minimize distortion. It employs LDAC technology, which transfers three times more data than typical Bluetooth codecs, capturing every nuance in your music.
With two microphones on each earcup, you can switch between Transport, Outdoor, and Indoor modes to tailor the noise cancelling feature of this headphone to your environment. Built with lightweight materials and padded with memory foam, this best affordable over ear headphone is designed for all-day comfort. Additionally, AI-enhanced calls utilize beamforming microphones and an advanced algorithm to deliver clear, noise-free conversations.
JBL Tour One M2
The JBL Tour One M2 headphone adapts to your surroundings with True Adaptive Noise Cancelling technology, using four microphones to fine-tune the audio delivery for optimal listening. The Smart Ambient feature of this best wireless over ear headphone allows you to be aware of your environment without stopping your music.
Calls are made crystal clear with a 4-mic system and VoiceAware control. JBL's legendary Pro Sound is delivered through 40mm drivers, ensuring accurate audio reproduction at all frequencies. Moreover, the Smart Talk feature facilitates seamless interaction by recognizing your voice and managing music playback accordingly.
soundcore Space Q45
The soundcore Space Q45 elevates your audio journey by offering a fully-upgraded noise cancelling system that blocks out an expansive range of disruptive sounds, from airplane engines to distant conversations. Ideal for extensive travel, it boasts up to 50 hours of playtime in noise cancelling mode.
The 40mm drivers feature a double-layer diaphragm of silk and ceramic, enhancing bass and treble clarity, supported by LDAC for superior Hi-Res Audio Wireless sound. Being one of the best over ear headphones for working out, the Q45 combines a refined look with ergonomic features like robust hinges, a seamless sliding design for adjustable fit, and ultra-soft, skin-friendly earcups.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphone redefines noise cancellation with dual processors controlling eight microphones, delivering unparalleled silence tailored to your environment through the Auto NC Optimizer. The Integrated Processor V1 ensures that every note is precise, backed by crystal-clear hands-free calling.
With up to 30 hours of battery life and quick charging capabilities, it's built for all-day listening. This model also prioritizes comfort with a lightweight, soft fit leather design. For seamless device integration, it supports multipoint connections and intuitive touch controls for managing music and calls. Additional features like Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention mode enhance everyday usability by smartly managing audio and ambient sound.
Apple AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max combines breathtaking audio quality with top-tier active noise cancellation, making it one of the best over ear ANC headphones. The dynamic driver and computational audio powered by the Apple H1 chip deliver high-fidelity sound and breakthrough listening experiences. Active Noise Cancellation immerses you in your music, while Transparency mode lets you interact with your surroundings without removing the headphones.
The over-ear design features a knit-mesh canopy and memory foam cushions for optimal comfort and sound sealing. It offers effortless setup and switching between Apple devices, with up to 20 hours of battery life and intuitive controls via the Digital Crown for managing playback and calls.
How to Choose Over Ear Headphones?
Selecting the right over ear headphones is a decision that depends on several factors tailored to your personal needs and lifestyle. Here's what to consider:
- Sound Quality: The primary reason most people invest in over ear headphones is for superior sound quality. Look for headphones with wide frequency ranges for better sound reproduction and features like High-Resolution Audio certification, which ensures the headphones can reproduce music the way artists and producers intended it to be heard.
- Comfort and Fit: Since over ear headphones are often worn for extended periods, comfort is crucial. Consider models with padded headbands and ear cups made from breathable, soft materials. The weight of the headphones is also a factor; lighter models can reduce strain on your head and ears during long listening sessions.
- Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a feature that uses microphones and advanced algorithms to cancel out ambient noise, making it a must-have for commuters and travelers. Look for noise cancelling headphones with advanced ANC technologies and adjustable noise cancelling levels to suit different environments.
- Battery Life: For wireless over ear headphones, battery life is a key consideration. Evaluate how long the headphones can operate on a single charge, especially if you plan to use them while traveling or for long periods without access to a charger. Quick charging features can also be a bonus, offering hours of playback after just a few minutes of charging.
- Durability and Build Quality: High-quality materials can increase the lifespan of your headphones. Metal components generally offer more durability than plastic. Additionally, check for features like water or sweat resistance if you plan to use your headphones during workouts or in various weather conditions.
- Additional Features: Modern headphones come equipped with various features that can enhance user experience. These include touch controls, voice assistant integration, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, and auto-pause/play sensors. Depending on your usage habits, these features might significantly enhance your daily interactions with your headphones.
- Price: Finally, consider your budget. Over ear headphones can range from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Determine how much you are willing to spend and what features you prioritize within your price range. There are many best budget over ear headphones that offer an excellent balance of cost and quality.
FAQ
Why do people prefer over ear headphones?
People often prefer over-ear headphones for their comfort, superior sound quality, and effective noise isolation. The larger ear cups cover the entire ear, providing a more immersive listening experience and reducing external noise. Additionally, over-ear headphones distribute pressure more evenly around the ears, making them comfortable for extended use.
Are expensive over-ear headphones worth it?
Expensive over-ear headphones can be worth it for those who prioritize high-quality sound, comfort, and durability. They often offer superior sound clarity, deeper bass, better noise cancellation, and greater comfort compared to cheaper models. However, whether they are worth the investment depends on your specific needs and how much you value the enhancements in audio and build quality.
Conclusion
As we've explored, choosing the best over ear headphones involves balancing sound quality, comfort, durability, price, and more. From our picks of good over ear headphones, each model offers unique features that cater to different preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize noise cancellation, bass quality, or ergonomic design, there's a perfect pair waiting for you. So, invest wisely and enjoy the unparalleled sound that only the best Bluetooth over ear headphones can offer.
