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10 Best Over The Ear Headphones 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8  score

Beats Studio Pro - Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones - Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatibility, Up to 40 Hours Battery Life - Black

Sound Quality: Custom acoustic platform, lossless audio, spatial audio
Comfort and Fit: Over-ear design, weight 260g, faux leather
Noise Cancellation: Adaptive ANC, Transparency mode
Battery Life: 40 hours, 10-minute charge 4 hours
Connectivity: Class 1 Bluetooth, USB-C, 3.5mm jack
Durability: Not water-resistant
Additional Features: On-device controls, voice-targeting mics, carrying case

Chosen by 1202 this week

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones with Mic for Phone-Call and Alexa Voice Control, Black WH1000XM4

Sound Quality: DSEE Extreme technology
Comfort and Fit: Updated design relieves pressure
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation, Dual Noise Sensor
Battery Life: 30 Hours
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, multipoint connection
Additional Features: Speak-to-chat, wearing detection, superior call quality

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black

Sound Quality: High-fidelity audio, adjustable EQ, deep bass
Comfort and Fit: Plush earcup cushions, padded headband
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation
Battery Life: 24 Hours
Connectivity: Bluetooth multipoint, wired connection
Durability: Primarily plastic construction
Additional Features: Bose app support, software updates

Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones, HD NC Processor QN3, 12 Microphones, Adaptive NC Optimizer, Mastered by Engineers, Studio-Quality, 30-Hour Battery, Black

Sound Quality: clear, balanced, high-res audio support
Comfort and Fit: wide soft headband, cushioned ear cups
Noise Cancellation: Active ANC, 12 mics, adaptive optimizer
Battery Life: up to 30h, quick 3-min charge
Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless
Durability: sturdy for regular use
Additional Features: foldable, compact case, ambient mode, touch
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Beats Studio Pro - Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones - Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatibility, Up to 40 Hours Battery Life - Black

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,202
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Noise Cancellation

Most important from
22878 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is excellent, delivering crisp highs, deep bass, and an overall immersive experience whether listening to music, watching movies, or taking calls.
Comfort and Fit
The headphones are very comfortable to wear for extended periods, with soft ear cushions and a snug but not too tight fit.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is impressive, effectively blocking out background noise to stay focused without distractions.
Battery Life
Battery life is a huge plus, lasting hours on a single charge, reducing the need for constant recharging.
Connectivity
Connectivity is seamless, working perfectly with both Apple and Android devices.

The Beats Studio Pro wireless Bluetooth headphones deliver impressive sound quality thanks to BEATS' custom acoustic platform, making them suitable for music lovers and those who frequently take calls. The inclusion of lossless audio via USB-C and three distinct built-in sound profiles further enhances the listening experience. These headphones provide two listening modes: adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) for immersive sound and Transparency mode to stay aware of surroundings, perfect for varied environments. The personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking offers a unique 360-degree listening experience, adding to the immersive quality of the sound.

With up to 40 hours of battery life and a quick 10-minute charge providing 4 additional hours, the Beats Studio Pro is reliable for extended use. The headphones also feature on-device controls for easy music and call management and Class 1 Bluetooth for a robust wireless connection with minimal dropouts. Compatibility with both Apple and Android devices makes them versatile for different users. The weight of 260g and the faux leather material may affect long-term comfort, but the over-ear design generally offers a good fit. Built-in voice-targeting mics ensure clear call quality by filtering background noise.

However, the headphones are not water-resistant, which could be a drawback for users planning to use them during workouts or in adverse weather conditions. The included carrying case, USB-C charging cable, and 3.5mm audio cable add value to the package. The Beats Studio Pro headphones are a strong choice for users prioritizing sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life, though their non-water-resistant design and potential comfort issues over long periods should be considered.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,202
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Noise Cancellation

Most important from
22878 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is excellent, delivering crisp highs, deep bass, and an overall immersive experience whether listening to music, watching movies, or taking calls.
Comfort and Fit
The headphones are very comfortable to wear for extended periods, with soft ear cushions and a snug but not too tight fit.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is impressive, effectively blocking out background noise to stay focused without distractions.
Battery Life
Battery life is a huge plus, lasting hours on a single charge, reducing the need for constant recharging.
Connectivity
Connectivity is seamless, working perfectly with both Apple and Android devices.
#2

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones with Mic for Phone-Call and Alexa Voice Control, Black WH1000XM4

Rating
9.6
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Noise Cancellation

Most important from
60255 reviews

Sound Quality
Sound quality is excellent, clear, and without malfunctions, providing a rich listening experience.
Comfort and Fit
The XM4 headphones are incredibly comfortable, even for long listening sessions, and are a great fit for users who wear glasses.
Noise Cancellation
The noise cancellation on the XM4 is impressive and almost comparable to the Apple AirPods Max, making it ideal for blocking out ambient noise.
Battery Life
Battery life is outstanding, lasting several days without needing a recharge, and the auto-off feature helps save battery.
Connectivity
Connectivity is seamless with Apple devices, and the Sony Connect app is user-friendly, offering great customization options.
Durability
The plastic build may not feel premium, but the headphones are sturdy and durable.
Additional Features
Gesture controls work accurately, and features like speak-to-chat enhance the user experience.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones are a top choice in the over-the-ear headphones category, especially for users looking for high-quality sound and advanced features. One of the standout features is the active noise cancellation, which uses Dual Noise Sensor technology to effectively block out ambient noise, making them ideal for noisy environments. The sound quality is excellent, with the DSEE Extreme technology upscaling compressed digital music files in real-time for a richer listening experience.

Comfort is another strong point, with an updated design that relieves pressure, making them suitable for long listening sessions. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 30 hours on a single charge, and the quick charge feature provides 5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.0 and multipoint connection, allowing for easy switching between devices. The touch sensor controls are intuitive, enabling users to manage playback, volume, and calls effortlessly. Additional features like speak-to-chat, wearing detection, and superior call quality with five built-in microphones add to the convenience and user experience.

They are not water-resistant, which limits their use in wet conditions. Additionally, they are relatively lightweight at 9 ounces, but some users might find the plastic material less premium compared to metal alternatives. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Sony WH-1000XM4 remains a highly recommended option for those seeking a combination of excellent sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, and comfortable design for everyday use.

Rating
9.6
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Noise Cancellation

Most important from
60255 reviews

Sound Quality
Sound quality is excellent, clear, and without malfunctions, providing a rich listening experience.
Comfort and Fit
The XM4 headphones are incredibly comfortable, even for long listening sessions, and are a great fit for users who wear glasses.
Noise Cancellation
The noise cancellation on the XM4 is impressive and almost comparable to the Apple AirPods Max, making it ideal for blocking out ambient noise.
Battery Life
Battery life is outstanding, lasting several days without needing a recharge, and the auto-off feature helps save battery.
Connectivity
Connectivity is seamless with Apple devices, and the Sony Connect app is user-friendly, offering great customization options.
Durability
The plastic build may not feel premium, but the headphones are sturdy and durable.
Additional Features
Gesture controls work accurately, and features like speak-to-chat enhance the user experience.

Buying Guide for the Best Over The Ear Headphones

Choosing the right over-the-ear headphones can greatly enhance your listening experience, whether you're using them for music, gaming, or work. The key is to understand the various specifications and features that can affect sound quality, comfort, and usability. By knowing what to look for, you can find a pair that best fits your needs and preferences.
Sound QualitySound quality is crucial as it determines how well you can hear the nuances in your audio. This includes clarity, bass, treble, and overall balance. High-end headphones often offer superior sound quality with a balanced sound profile, while budget options might emphasize bass or treble. If you are an audiophile or use headphones for professional purposes, look for models with high-fidelity sound. For casual listening, a balanced sound profile with good bass might be sufficient.
Comfort and FitComfort and fit are important because you'll likely be wearing your headphones for extended periods. Over-the-ear headphones should have cushioned ear cups and an adjustable headband to ensure a snug but comfortable fit. Lightweight materials and breathable padding can also enhance comfort. If you plan to use your headphones for long listening sessions, prioritize models known for their comfort.
Noise CancellationNoise cancellation is a feature that reduces unwanted ambient sounds using active noise control. This is particularly useful in noisy environments like airplanes or busy offices. There are two types: active noise cancellation (ANC) and passive noise isolation. ANC uses microphones and speakers to cancel out noise, while passive isolation relies on the physical design to block sound. If you need to focus in noisy settings, ANC is a valuable feature. For quieter environments, passive isolation might be sufficient.
Battery LifeBattery life is a key consideration for wireless over-the-ear headphones. It determines how long you can use the headphones before needing to recharge. Battery life can range from a few hours to over 30 hours on a single charge. If you use your headphones frequently or for long periods, look for models with longer battery life. For occasional use, shorter battery life might be acceptable.
ConnectivityConnectivity options include wired and wireless (Bluetooth) connections. Wireless headphones offer more freedom of movement and are convenient for use with smartphones and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. However, they require charging. Wired headphones don't need charging and can offer better sound quality, but they limit mobility. Choose wireless if you value convenience and mobility, and wired if you prioritize sound quality and don't mind the cable.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the headphones can withstand wear and tear. This includes the build quality of the headband, ear cups, and cables. Materials like metal and high-quality plastics are more durable than cheaper alternatives. If you plan to use your headphones on the go or in rough conditions, look for models known for their durability. For home use, durability might be less of a concern.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the usability and functionality of your headphones. These might include built-in microphones for calls, touch controls, voice assistant integration, and customizable sound profiles. Consider which features are important to you based on how you plan to use the headphones. For example, if you take a lot of calls, a built-in microphone with good call quality is essential.

FAQ