As an audiophile, you know that excellent sound quality is essential. And over-ear models are typically the best option when it comes to headphones. Not only do they provide superior sound isolation and a comfortable fit, but they also tend to produce better sound quality than their smaller counterparts.

But with so many different over-ear headphones on the market, it can be tough to know which ones are worth your hard-earned money.

Whether you're looking for something affordable or willing to splurge on a high-end pair of headphones, there's an option for everyone.

Here are the best over-ear headphones for audiophiles available today.

Premium pick

1. Apple AirPods Max

9.20 / 10
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The Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones are the ultimate luxury, style, and sound quality. These headphones feature ANC and Transparency mode, so you can customize your listening experience to suit your needs. This is a fantastic feature for those who want to be able to hear their surroundings while still enjoying their music.

When it comes to sound quality, the AirPods Max doesn't disappoint. These headphones use Apple's proprietary AirPods Max sound technology coupled with the Apple H1 chip to deliver rich, powerful sound. They also have a wide soundstage that creates a realistic and immersive listening experience.

What's more, these headphones are compatible with Siri, so you can use your voice to control your music. No more fumbling for your phone when you want to change a song or adjust the volume.

The AirPods Max has an incredible 20-hour battery life so that you can enjoy your music all day long. And when it's time to recharge, simply place them in the included Smart Case and connect them to your Lightning cable.

Key Features
  • Transparency mode
  • Spatial audio
  • Active noise cancellation
  • Adaptive EQ
Specifications
  • Brand: Apple
  • Battery Life: 20 hours
  • Material: Stainless steel, aluminum, memory foam, woven fabric
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
  • Intercom Range: Not Provided
  • Waterproof: No
  • Microphones: Yes
  • Weight: 0.85lbs
  • Colors: Green, Pink, Silver, Sky Blue, Space Gray
  • Supported codecs: Not Provided
  • Audio codecs: Not Provided
  • Foldable: Smart Case
  • Charging type: Lightning
Pros
  • Elegant design
  • Comfortable to wear for long periods
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Robust and stable connection
Cons
  • Slightly bulkier than other headphones
Buy This Product
Apple AirPods Max
Editors choice

2. Sony WH-1000XM5

8.80 / 10
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Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones are the perfect choice for those looking for amazing sound quality and noise cancellation in a sleek and stylish package. These headphones feature Sony's proprietary noise-canceling technology, boasting eight microphones and Auto NC Optimizer.

These headphones have quite a few useful features, including Speak to Chat, which automatically stops your music when you start a conversation. You can also connect the headphones to multiple devices simultaneously, allowing you to switch seamlessly between music and phone conversations. This is an excellent feature for people who are always on the go.

The sound quality of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. These headphones use 30mm drivers to deliver rich, powerful sound. They also have a wide soundstage that creates a realistic and immersive listening experience.

For extended periods of use, these headphones are lightweight and comfortable. You can adjust the headband to ensure the perfect fit, which is only enhanced by the soft, comfortable ear cups. And, to top everything off, the WH-1000XM5 headphones boast an incredible 30-hour battery life to enjoy your music all day. What's not to love?

Key Features
  • Noise cancellation
  • Crystal clear hands-free calling
  • Ambient mode
  • Multi-device pairing
Specifications
  • Brand: Sony
  • Battery Life: Up to 30 hours
  • Material: Leather and plastic
  • Bluetooth: 5.2
  • Noise Cancellation: ANC
  • Waterproof: No
  • Microphones: Yes
  • Weight: 250g
  • Colors: Platinum Silver, Black
  • Supported codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC
  • Foldable: Carrying Case
  • Charging type: USB-C
Pros
  • Premium noise cancellation
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Very good battery life
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Material quality isn't as good as other headphones
Buy This Product
Sony WH-1000XM5

The Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless Over-Ear Headphones are an excellent option for those seeking a fantastic pair of headphones without breaking the bank. These headphones offer superior sound quality and bass that is truly immersive.

The sound quality of the Skullcandy Crusher Evo is very good for the price. These headphones use 40mm drivers to deliver rich, powerful sound, and with a wide soundstage that creates a realistic and immersive listening experience, it's easy to get lost in your music. The Crusher Evo's battery life is impressive too, offering up to 40 hours of playback on a single charge.

The downside of these over-ear headphones is that there's no active noise cancellation, so if you're looking for a pair of headphones to use in noisy environments, you may want to look elsewhere. However, they offer a good seal against outside noise, so you can still enjoy your music without being disturbed too much by the outside world.

Key Features
  • Personalized sound via the Skullcandy app
  • Haptic bass
  • Battery life up to 40 hours
  • Rapid charging for just 10 minutes can give you up to 4 hours of battery life
Specifications
  • Brand: Skullcandy
  • Battery Life: 40 hours
  • Material: Leather, Metal, Plastic
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: No
  • Intercom Range: Not Provided
  • Waterproof: No
  • Microphones: Yes
  • Weight: 0.69lbs
  • Colors: Chill Grey, True Black, Light Grey, Inequality, Collina Strada
  • Supported codecs: Not Provided
  • Audio codecs: Not Provided
  • Foldable: Foldable
  • Charging type: USB-C
Pros
  • Great sound quality
  • Bass immersion
  • Amazing battery life
  • Good build quality
Cons
  • No ANC
Buy This Product
Skullcandy Crusher Evo

Bose is a well-known and respected name in the audio world, and their QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones are some of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market. This is a great perk for commuters who want to block out exterior sounds.

The sound quality of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is excellent, with clear and powerful bass and treble. Lows tend to get a preference over other sounds, but it isn't too noticeable, meaning there's actually quite a good balance all-around.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones are also quite comfortable, with soft ear cushions and an adjustable headband. They're also lightweight, so you can wear them for extended periods without discomfort.

These over-ear headphones aren't cheap, but they're worth the price if you're looking for a top-of-the-line pair of noise-canceling headphones.

Key Features
  • Clear and powerful sound quality
  • Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa-enabled
  • Noise cancellation
Specifications
  • Brand: Bose
  • Battery Life: 20 hours
  • Material: Stainless steel, faux-leather, Alcantara
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
  • Intercom Range: Not Provided
  • Waterproof: IPX4
  • Microphones: Yes
  • Weight: 0.52lbs
  • Colors: Black, Silver
  • Supported codecs: Not Provided
  • Audio codecs: Not Provided
  • Foldable: Carrying case
  • Charging type: USB
Pros
  • Clear and powerful sound quality
  • Comfortable
  • Lightweight
  • Durable
Cons
  • Limited in app controls
  • Expensive
Buy This Product
Bose QuietComfort 35 II

Beats by Dr. Dre is a well-known brand for its high-quality audio products, and the Beats Studio3 are no exception. These headphones feature the Apple W1 headphone chip, which, when paired with Bluetooth connectivity, offers far fewer dropouts and extends the range.

The Beats Studio3 also have an impressive battery life of up to 22 hours so that you can enjoy your music all day long. If you're looking for a great pair of wireless headphones that will last a long time and let you enjoy your music in peace thanks to ANC, the Beats Studio3 are a great choice.

The sound quality of the Beats Studio3 is excellent, with deep bass and clear highs that make your music sound great. The app also allows you to adjust the noise-canceling and equalizer settings to find the perfect sound for you.

You'll appreciate the comfortable over-ear design and the sleek, stylish look of these headphones. Although the Beats Studio3 are a bit pricey, they're definitely worth the investment if you're looking for a great pair of over-ear wireless headphones.

Key Features
  • Up to 22 hours of battery life
  • ANC
  • Apple W1 chip for easy pairing with iPhone
Specifications
  • Brand: Beats
  • Battery Life: 22 hours
  • Material: Matte plastic
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
  • Intercom Range: 300 ft
  • Waterproof: No
  • Microphones: Yes
  • Weight: 2lbs
  • Colors: Matte Black, Blue, Red, White, Defiant Black, Midnight Black-Red, Shadow Gray
  • Supported codecs: SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs
  • Audio codecs: AAC, SBC
  • Foldable: Foldable
  • Charging type: micro USB
Pros
  • Clear sound quality
  • Comfortable
  • Long-range wireless connection
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • The earcups are rather rigid and may not be comfortable for everyone
  • Disappointing mids
Buy This Product
Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones

The PX7 headphones by Bowers & Wilkins are a step up for audiophiles who want more out of their listening experience. The clean sound and taut bass make you feel like royalty as it soothes your ears with every song played on this high-end device.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 headphones are the perfect choice for anyone who values high-quality sound and reliable connectivity. These over-ear headphones feature aptX Adaptive, which helps improve audio quality and transmission rates when connected wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Although the price may be a bit high for some, the PX7 headphones offer an unrivaled listening experience that is worth every penny. With its incredible sound quality, sleek design, and easy-to-use features, the PX7 is the perfect choice for anyone who wants the best of the best.

Key Features
  • 43mm large diaphragm speaker
  • ANC
  • Smart Power Management
  • aptX Adaptive wireless codec
Specifications
  • Brand: Bowers & Wilkins
  • Battery Life: 30 hours
  • Material: Carbon fiber composite
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
  • Intercom Range: Not Provided
  • Waterproof: No
  • Microphones: Yes
  • Weight: 0.68lbs
  • Colors: Silver, Carbon, Space Grey
  • Supported codecs: Not Provided
  • Audio codecs: AAC, SBC, aptX
  • Foldable: Carying case
  • Charging type: USB-C
Pros
  • Solid build quality
  • Great audio
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • No EQ adjustment
  • On the expensive side
Buy This Product
Bowers & Wilkins PX7

Are you looking for headphones that will completely immerse you in your music? If so, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 wireless headphones are the perfect choice for you. These over-ear headphones feature ANC technology that blocks out unwanted noise, so you can enjoy your music without distraction.

Sennheiser has also thrown in its smart control app, which allows you to manage all your music from one place. The app also provides an equalizer, so you can customize your sound to fit your needs.

In addition to its incredible sound quality, the Momentum 3 also boasts a sleek, stylish design that is sure to turn heads. The ear cups are made from luxurious leather, while the headband is adjustable so that you can find the perfect fit.

Although the battery life is only 17 hours, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 wireless headphones are worth the investment for anyone looking for an immersive, high-quality listening experience.

Key Features
  • ANC
  • Alexa-enabled
  • Sennheiser Smart Control App
Specifications
  • Brand: SENNHEISER
  • Battery Life: 17 hours
  • Material: Leather
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Noise Cancellation: Yes
  • Intercom Range: Not Provided
  • Waterproof: No
  • Microphones: Yes
  • Weight: 0.67lbs
  • Colors: Black, White
  • Supported codecs: Not Provided
  • Audio codecs: aptX, aptX LL, AAC, SBC
  • Foldable: Foldable
  • Charging type: USB-C
Pros
  • Comfortable to wear for long periods
  • Superior design
  • Durable
  • Excellent sound quality
Cons
  • The microphone quality could be better
  • Battery life could be better
Buy This Product
SENNHEISER Momentum 3

FAQ

Q: Do Over-Ear Headphones Sound Better?

Over-ear headphones tend to provide a more immersive listening experience, as they completely surround your ear and block out external noise. They also tend to have better sound quality, as the larger drivers can produce richer, more detailed sound.

Q: Are Over-Ear Headphones Good for Running?

If you're looking for headphones to wear while you're running, over-ear headphones may not be the best option. They can be bulky and difficult to keep in place, and they may not be as sweat-resistant as other types of headphones.

However, there are some over-ear headphones that are specifically designed for use during exercise, so it's worth doing some research to find the perfect pair for your needs.

Q: Are Over-Ear Headphones Comfortable?

Over-ear headphones can be quite comfortable, as they don't put any pressure on your ears. However, some people find them to be bulky and difficult to wear for long periods of time. If you're worried about comfort, it's worth trying out a few different pairs to see which ones work best for you.

Q: Can Over-Ear Headphones Cause Headaches?

If you wear your over-ear headphones too tightly, they can cause headaches. However, this is usually not a problem if you adjust the fit so that they're snug but not too tight. If you experience headaches frequently, it's worth seeing a doctor to rule out any other potential causes.