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The Best Over-Ear Headphones

Last updated on August 3, 2024
Categories Electronics Tags

We looked at the top 7 Over-Ear Headphones and dug through the reviews from 26 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Over-Ear Headphones.

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Our Review Process

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Our Picks For The Top Over-Ear Headphones

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
Pros
Cons
 Best Overall

Sony ZX Series Stereo Over-Ear Headphones

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Sony

ZX Series Stereo Over-Ear Headphones

Not only does this set of over-ear headphones have comfortable earpads, but they also swivel for better portability. Although the headphones are wired, they use a y-type cable that resists snags and tangles. Users will appreciate the 30 mm driver units and the standard 3.5 mm stereo mini headphone jack.

Overall Take

Lightweight and PortableIf you're searching for a lightweight set of over-ear headphones that are easily portable, this set is your best bet.

Pros
" Great value, lightweight, and comfortable. These wired on-ear headphones swivel to fold down for easy portability."
Cons
"Not wireless.Only two colors to choose from."
 Sophisticated Design

Sennheiser HD 600 Open Back Professional Over-Ear Headphones

Sennheiser

HD 600 Professional Over-Ear Headphones

Featuring high-quality open metal mesh earpiece covers, this set of over-ear headphones is designed to impress. Both the earpieces and the headband are cushioned for comfort, especially if you're using them for several hours in a row. Of course, the lightweight aluminum voice coils, neodymium ferrous magnets and the detachable copper cable all make...

Overall Take

Elegant AestheticIf you're in the market for an elegant set of over-ear headphones with a more sophisticated design, this model is for you.

Pros
" We think the HD 600 model is even better, and as of this writing it costs less than the HD 650. The over-ear, open-back HD 600 headphones have a classic sound that fans of jazz and classical are likely to..."
Cons
"Bass extension is a bit light. Sometimes more width is appreciated."

Sony XB550AP Extra Bass Over-Ear Headphones

Sony

XB550AP Extra Bass Over-Ear Headphones

Overall Take

Pros
" Nothing delivers an extra helping of bass more easily than Sony’s XB series headphones. The 550s offer incredibly good value, producing clear and detailed sound. Although they’re geared more towards certain music styles than others, it’s unlikely that you’ll find..."
Cons
"Despite having a small frame, the headphones are unable to collapse its own structure. This makes it potentially hard to carry as it does not conform to a manageable shape. It could also potentially cause unnecessary stress on the joints..."

OneOdio Adapter-Free Closed Back Over-Ear Headphones

OneOdio

Adapter-Free Over-Ear Headphones

Overall Take

Pros
" These Over-Ear Headphones are flexible. The ear-cups can rotate 90 degrees both left and right for the single-ear monitor. It is a super durable headphone in stylish look, it is made of black matte plastic. It is durable enough to..."
Cons
"Some materials feel a bit lightweight and “cheap”. Some reports of breakage after a few months of use."

Buying Guide

Headphones are an extremely popular item. Thanks to both wired and Bluetooth connections, headphones can now be attached to everything from smartphones to tablets to home computers. Surveys show that most individuals actually own more than one pair of headphones, as they are extremely convenient and provide a personal experience. If you’re in need of a set of headphones, you’ll want to make sure you’re using a quality pair.

Determine whether you need a set of over-ear headphones that are wired or wireless. Some sets even come with both options. If the headphones are wired, you want a model like the Sony ZX Series Stereo Over-Ear Headphones, which has a T-type cord to prevent snags and tangles.

Decide how portable you want the headphones to be. If you enjoy using the headphones on a plane, while walking to work or during a family road trip, you’ll want a pair that is lightweight and compact. Check to ensure that the earpieces fold or swivel in for easy transport. Additionally, some over-ear headphones are sold with a complimentary storage bag, which protects the headphones from harm when not in use.

Check the headphone’s listening quality next. While many headphones offer 30 mm drivers, the Mpow H7 Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones come with 40 mm drivers and a set of controls located directly on the earpiece. With just the switch of the dial, users can answer a call, adjust the volume of their conversation and even pause the music they’ve got playing.

Keep the length of playing time in mind as you shop for the best over-ear headphones. While many models come with 18 hours of playing time, there are headphones with as much as 100 hours of playing time. That means you could go an entire month without ever having to power your headphones versus the week you’d get with just 18 hours.

Look at the headphone’s available features to determine whether they will meet your business needs. The LETSCOM Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones has a built-in microphone and allows for hands-free calling. It’s equipped with Bluetooth technology and provides a stable connection that you can rely on. The ergonomic design of the earpieces also allows for comfortable wearing during work hours.

Consider going with over-ear headphones that make a statement. The Sennheiser HD 600 Professional Over-Ear Headphones, for example, have an elegant black and gray finish and a sophisticated design. Their open metal mesh earpiece covers surely make a statement, while the extra padding along the inside of the headband provides extreme comfort.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
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Products Considered

We identified the majority of the over-ear headphones available to purchase.
7

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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26

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: BestReviews, New York Times Wirecutter, Tech Radar, Soundguys, RTINGS.com.

131,972

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 7 Over-Ear Headphones and also dug through the reviews from 26 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Over-Ear Headphones.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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What to Look For

  • You’ll want to handle your headphones with care to extend their life.
  • Certain models only have their microphones programmed to work when the headphones are set on the wireless mode. If you prefer to use the microphone while the headphones are wired, you’ll need to read the product packaging to find a brand that is equipped for this.
  • In some cases, the tightness of the headbands on your over-ear headphones may feel a bit uncomfortable when you first put them on. They are kind of like a pair of sneakers, in that, you need to break them in. After a few uses, the headphones will loosen up and become more comfortable to wear.
  • It’s recommended that you give your ears a break from constant headphone use by taking them off every two to three hours. After a short break, you can begin using them again.
  • Although you may enjoy listening to music loudly using your over-ear headphones, noises that are too loud can actually damage your hearing. It’s best to keep your music between 65 and 80 decibels. Experts suggest limiting usage of the headphones to just 15 minutes if you have the decibels turned up to 100. If you’re unsure of the loudness of your music, you can use a sound meter to determine the exact decibel level.
  • It’s good practice to clean your over-ear headphones from time to time. Always start by unplugging the headphones or powering them off if they are wireless. Next, remove the earpads and set them aside. Wipe down the rest of the headphones with a little soapy water. You can set them aside to air dry and move on to wiping down the actual earpads with an alcohol wipe. If you need to reach in any tiny crevices, you can dip a cotton swab into some alcohol and use that. Set the earpads aside to dry and reassemble the headphones once all the pieces have finished drying out.
  • Over-ear headphones come in a wide range of prices based on construction materials, sound quality and extra features. One of the most affordable sets is the Sony ZX Series Stereo Over-Ear Headphones. You’ll pay a moderate price for both the Mpow H7 Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones and the LETSCOM Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones. If you can afford to for a high-end set of headphones, the Sennheiser HD 600 Professional Over-Ear Headphones are a great choice.

More to Explore

Did you know that headphones have been referred to as “earspeakers” and even “cans”? Here are a few more interesting facts about this popular invention:

  • Telephone operators used a type of headphones back in 1880. It had just one earpiece and was extremely heavy, weighing between 6 and 11 pounds.
  • Nathaniel Baldwin is credited as developing the first working set of headphones that most closely resemble the headphones we have today. He created them right in his kitchen. Although he never filed for a patent for his design, he was able to sell the headphones to the Navy.
  • John C. Koss was the first to come up with stereo headphones in 1958, which he designed for consumers to be able to listen to LPs at home.
  • Shockingly, the second most expensive set of headphones across the globe is made with 20-carat diamonds and costs $80,000. The most expensive is Focial Utopia, which features diamonds, gold and gemstones throughout. It has a price tag of $120,000. Ouch!
  • A host of celebrities have come out with their own headphone lines. They include House of Marley by Bob Marley, Beats by Dre, Soul by Ludacris and SMS Audio 50 by 50 Cent.

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