The 7 best over-ear headphones of 2026, tested and reviewed by audio experts

The best over-ear headphones combine rich sound quality with all-day comfort and quality design so you can enjoy your favorite playlists in style. Thanks to their roomy earcups, they don't give you that plugged-up feeling some earbuds do. Many of today's top models also pack in modern perks like Bluetooth connectivity and active noise cancellation (ANC). Of course, not every pair is created equal, and the right choice often depends on how and where you plan to use them.

After extensive hands-on testing with dozens of models, our experts have selected the best over-ear headphones across seven different categories. For most people, the Sony WH-1000XM5 hit the sweet spot, offering excellent sound and a well-rounded set of features in a wireless design. If you're shopping on a budget, the Soundcore Life Q30 headphones deliver impressive performance for under $80, making them a standout value.

Our recommendations cover the full range, from wired audiophile picks for critical listening to travel-friendly wireless headphones with powerful noise-canceling tech. No matter your priorities, you'll find a great option below, plus all the guidance you need to choose with confidence.

Our top picks for the best over-ear headphones

Best overall: Sony WF-1000XM5 - See at Amazon

Best on a budget: Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 - See at Amazon

Best for noise canceling: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) - See at Amazon

Best for a comfy fit: Sonos Ace - See at Amazon

Best wired option for audiophiles: Sennheiser/Drop HD 6XX - See at Drop

Best for Apple devices: Apple AirPods Max - See at Amazon

Best premium model: Master & Dynamic MW75 - See at M&D

Best overall

Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones have it all: Fantastic sound quality, high-end noise canceling, great controls, a barrel of features, and lots of customization options, all wrapped in a sleek and comfortable chassis. These headphones aren't cheap, but they're primed to be your ultimate sonic companion from the office to the sky and everywhere in between.

Sitting a step above Sony's WH-1000XM4, the XM5s are built on a foundation of clear and balanced sound that's as accessible as it is engaging. Bass is slightly ramped up by default, but Sony's Headphones Connect app offers many ways to customize it, including a multi-band EQ. The stereo image is spacious and expansive, with palpable dynamics to accentuate the action and isolate quiet moments. Details rush to the surface across your song catalog, letting you find new moments in old tracks.

Active noise-canceling (ANC) performance is equally effective, combined with the headphones' great passive noise isolation, letting you detach from your environment and fall into your music and videos. They're particularly excellent for travel, where they whisk away engine drones while still putting a serious damper on voices and other sounds. This is strong noise cancellation, though it's not quite as powerful as Sony's newer XM6 model or Bose's QuietComfort Ultra.

The XM5s pair great performance with a slick, minimalist design, accented by plush padding on the earcups and headband, making them comfortable for hours. Our only real complaint is that the headband doesn't fold, making these harder to pack than some rivals. Controls are simple and responsive, with swipes for volume and song skip and quick taps for playback. The auto-pause sensors work perfectly, so you'll never miss a moment of your show or podcast, while Sony's Quick Attention feature lets you hold the right earcup to snap between noise canceling and transparency mode for conversations.

Speaking of conversations, the headphones work well for calls and include multipoint pairing to swap between devices quickly. The app unlocks many other options that let you tailor nearly everything to your preference. There are almost too many features for novices, but the design makes it easy to wade into these options at your own pace.

Buyers should note that Sony also offers a newer version of these headphones, called the WH-1000XM6. The XM6s have an improved design with foldable earcups and beefed-up ANC, but they typically cost $60 to $150 more than the XM5s. Given the price difference, we still give the XM5s an edge in overall value.

Check out our Sony WH-1000XM5 review and Sony WH-1000XM6 review.

Visit our guide to all the best headphones and the best Sony headphones.

Best on a budget

Soundcore's Life Q30 are the best over-ear headphones for under $100. They deliver performance that exceeds their price point. It all starts with accessible sound, marked by clean, tight bass, a warm, full midrange, and a clear upper register that seems to lean into virtually everything you play. These things just sound great, making you wonder how Soundcore keeps its cost so low.

That vibe continues with the noise canceling, which performs better than most headphones we've heard at this price. The noise canceling here isn't as powerful as what you'd get with top Bose and Sony options, but it worked great on a cross-country flight, allowing us to block out distractions as we dived into our favorite music and movies.

The Life Q30 headphones also come loaded with extras. They resemble Bose's older QuietComfort headphones with their understated look, simplified control keys, and pill-box hard case — a rarity at this price. You'll find an EQ and adjustable ambient audio modes within Soundcore's accompanying app, and you can expect up to 40 hours of playback time with noise canceling or a whopping 60 hours without it.

The headphones are also quite comfy, cradling your head with thick, puffy pads that hold up for a long flight or work session. But after a few uses, we have found some cracks in the armor. Namely, the not-so-premium plastic on the earcups and headband, which is prone to scratches. We also noticed the tap command on the right earcup (used to switch between noise canceling and transparency modes) is prone to misfires. That's somewhat annoying but far from a dealbreaker.

Visit our guide to the best budget headphones.

Best for noise-canceling

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) deliver noise-canceling performance that surpasses the competition. They let you enjoy your music in peace, even when trudging through loud streets, helping you detach from chaotic environments. Higher frequencies, in particular, are blocked more effectively with the Bose than with most rivals.

The model we recommend here is the latest second-generation version, released in October 2025. Though sound and ANC performance are about the same compared to the first-gen model, this new edition adds a few welcome tweaks, and its list price is only $20 more. If you can find the first-gen QuietComfort Ultras on sale for a significant discount, they're a better value. However, outside of limited-time deals, we recommend opting for the second-gen model.

The headphones have an elegant design, and the second-gen model adds an extra premium touch with a shiny metal accent where the headband meets the ear cups. The squishy ear cups feel great, and they wear comfortably for hours. A mix of touch and tactile controls makes it easy to move through your library. The Bose app offers a range of features, including a three-band EQ, adjustable ambient audio, and a limiter to reduce sudden loud noises when using Aware mode. That latter feature has been refined compared to the first-gen model and now offers a more natural transition.

Sound quality is also impressive, with a taut and refined midrange, a zippy treble register, and boomy bass. There's also a spatial audio function that creates a surround sound effect, with the ability to use head-tracking. New for the second-generation model is a Cinema mode that builds on spatial audio, enhancing dialogue in movies and TV shows. Although not a must-have feature, we like the way it creates a movie-theater feel while still making it easy to hear people speak.

Battery life has also been improved, offering 30 hours of playtime (ANC on) compared to 24 hours on the older model. We also love the new enhanced head detection, which automatically disconnects and powers down the headphones when you lay them flat on a surface. Then, when you put them back on your head, they quickly turn back on and reconnect. This means you no longer have to rely on a power button during regular use.

On the downside, the QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) are on the expensive side. Listeners who don't require top-notch noise cancellation can opt for more affordable headphones that sound just as good. That said, when it comes to uncompromised silence, the Bose QC Ultra Headphones remain the king of noise cancellation.

Check out our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) review.

Visit our guide to all of the best noise-canceling headphones.

Best for a comfy fit

The Sonos Ace are the most comfortable over-ear headphones we've reviewed, besting other options like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen). They also boast all the essential features we look for in a pair of wireless cans.

We spent a week trying out the Ace and wore them every day. Through hours of testing, the headphones remained a joy to wear. Despite their relatively heavy weight (313 grams), the Ace headphones' soft vegan-leather earpads and headband deliver a cushy yet stable fit that nearly disappears on your head.

And fantastic comfort isn't the only impressive thing about the Ace. These are Sonos' first pair of headphones, and the brand's debut delivers audio quality that stacks up well against the competition. They're not quite as lively as the Bose QuietComfort, but their mellow sound profile results in an expansive experience that highlights lush details and precise separation. Bass is also balanced well, even at the default settings, but you can make EQ adjustments in the Sonos app if you'd like.

Noise-canceling and transparency modes are also excellent, with ANC that nearly rivals Bose's QuietComfort. The Ace also support Sonos' TV Swap function, which lets you wirelessly switch audio between the headphones and a Sonos Arc Ultra, Beam, or Ray soundbar. This lets you instantly enter private listening mode for movies and shows so you can watch TV without disturbing others. This mode also supports Dolby Atmos, providing a surround sound effect that reacts to head movements.

Check out our Sonos Ace review.

Visit our guide to all the best Sonos soundbars.

Best wired option for audiophiles

The term audiophile gets thrown around a lot in the tech world, but the Sennheiser HD 6XX live up to that lofty moniker at a price that's nearly unheard of in this class. The HD 6XX are a tweaked version of Sennheiser's pricier HD 650 headphones, but this edition is sold exclusively through Drop at an incredible discount. Pound for pound (or should we say ounce for ounce?), these wired open-back headphones offer some of the best sound quality on the market.

Performance is king for the HD 6XX. If you're new to the audiophile set, you're likely to be blown away by what you hear — and what you've never heard before. You'll find a warm and full midrange, ultra-clear treble, and spacious depth in the soundstage, allowing instruments to interweave and expand. You won't just hear the tone and timbre of a guitar, but the texture of the wood, the brassy sparkle of the strings, and the long sustain of each note. Vocals come alive, exposing every breath and even every tiny movement between the singer and the microphone.

It's an aural feast for the senses that brings you closer to your favorite music than anything we've heard at this price point, and even well above it. The HD 6XX's one sonic drawback, if you can call it that, is that the bass is more resigned for a flatter, less accentuated punch. Those used to the heavier bass signatures of most wireless headphones may find it lacking, but it's enough to hold down the foundation and let the rest of the music flourish.

When it comes to wires, these are plug-in only, connecting with a six-foot 3.5mm cable. They'll work with everything from a PC to a phone (with an adapter), but they sound best when driven by a dedicated headphone amp.

While their plush earcups are cozy, the headphones have a tighter clamping force than we'd like. It's a minor drawback, but one that does hold back the HD 6XX's overall comfort. It's also important to note that the open-back design means that nothing you listen to is for you alone. Your music will spill out into the world and vice versa. There's no ANC or much passive noise isolation, so these are meant for at-home listening.

The HD 6XX headphones don't come with a hard case, but then again, their exposed exterior means you'll likely want to keep them by your desk anyway. You won't get nearly the same versatility here as what's offered by wireless headphones, but if sound quality is your primary objective, you simply won't find a better pair at this price.

Check out our Sennheiser HD 6XX review.

Best for Apple devices

Apple's space-age metal headphones are easily the best over-ear headphones for those who want the full Apple experience. Thanks to their built-in H1 chip, the AirPods Max work brilliantly with Apple gear. You can connect, share audio, and swap between iCloud devices with ease, while Always-on Siri lets you quickly chat with Apple's handy digital assistant hands-free. They're definitely expensive, but you can often snag them on sale.

Apple says the AirPods Max's computational power is key to their impressive noise canceling. The headphones' transparency mode is also among the most natural on the market. Their Adaptive EQ adjusts the sound to your exact fit, with crystal clarity across registers and a wide soundstage that provides just the right space for instruments and effects in movies and TV shows. The Max also support Apple's take on spatial audio, and it's among the best implementations of this technology that we've tried.

Their metal chassis is impressively well-made, with a simple control system via a digital crown for precise volume adjustment. Thanks to robust base materials like aluminum and steel, the headphones look and feel premium, and they're available in multiple colors. They're also comfortable, though quite heavy, which can wear on your head over time, even with their forgiving canopy headband.

Apart from their heft, the AirPods Max's unique design has some limitations. They don't include a traditional case; instead, they come with a wrap that offers little protection for travel. We recommend visiting our guide to the best AirPods Max accessories for better storage options. The headphones can't be turned off completely either; they stay in standby mode when wrapped or laid down, slowly draining the battery over time. That's particularly notable, given that their 20-hour battery life is among the worst in their class.

Although their premium build helps justify their high cost, they're optimized only for those deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, making them less versatile than competitors. There are plenty of more affordable alternatives on our list, not to mention compact earbuds like Apple's AirPods Pro, that offer similar features for less money. That said, the Max are a good choice for those after premium over-ear headphones that play nicely with all things Apple.

Check out our AirPods Max review.

Check out our guide to the best Apple AirPods.

Best premium model

Nothing makes you feel like part of the glitterati like a pair of headphones that actually glitter. Master & Dynamic's high-end MW75 offer audio performance befitting of their price point. But what really makes them special is their premium design, which is equal parts stunning style and luxurious fit.

With earcups etched from sparkling aluminum and tempered glass, the headphones feel cool and sleek to the touch. Their simplified control system features tactile aluminum keys located on the right and left earcups for volume and playback commands. The cushy headband and earpads are cloaked in gorgeous lambskin, which looks especially lovely in cognac brown. They feel as soft as a law firm's couch, and though they get a little warm after a few hours, it's hard to find much fault with anything that looks this cool. The earcups are also removable and replaceable.

There's substance beneath that glam exterior, too. The headphones sound excellent, with the kind of pristine clarity and taut punch we've come to expect from Master & Dynamic, elevated to its finest form. The instrumental separation and soundstage are clean and spacious, respectively, and bass booms big from the 40mm beryllium drivers.

Within the M&D Control app, you'll find a minimalist layout of features, including auto-pause sensors and timers, EQ presets (but no multi-band control), and adjustable ANC and transparency modes. The noise canceling on offer isn't as good as the Sony and Bose options we recommend, and you'll hear some soft white noise when it's activated, but it does the trick. Accessories include a sleek and durable hard case loaded with multiple adapters and USB-C cables for charging and audio playback.

These aren't ultimate, do-everything cans, and they'll cost you a pretty penny. But if you're after a plush pair that looks and feels as good as it sounds, these are the wireless over-ear headphones to grab.

M&D also sells a unique variation of the MW75 that it developed in partnership with Neurable. Called the MW75 Neuro, this model features electroencephalography (EEG) sensors built into the ear pads that track your brain's concentration levels to help you optimize your productivity. If you're actively seeking help with focus while working, the MW75 Neuro can offer valuable insights.

Check out our Mater & Dynamic MW75 Neuro review (MW75 with EEG sensors).

How we test over-ear headphones

To find the best over-ear headphones, our experts tested dozens of models in a wide range of environments before narrowing the list down to our top seven picks. Our team has more than a decade of experience reviewing audio gear, and we rely on that hands-on expertise to shape how we evaluate every pair.

Whenever possible, we use consistent, repeatable testing methods. That includes listening to a curated playlist of familiar tracks across multiple genres, along with podcasts and video clips to assess clarity, detail, and balance. To evaluate features like active noise cancellation, we use controlled test sounds — such as airplane cabin noise and background chatter — played through speakers to simulate real-world conditions.

Of course, lab-style testing is only part of the story. We also wear each pair in everyday situations. For this guide, that meant bringing multiple headphones on a cross-country flight and testing them outdoors in windy conditions to check call quality and transparency mode performance. We spend several days with each model to verify battery life claims and test features like multipoint pairing to see how well they work in practice.

For more information about our testing process, check out our breakdown on how we review tech products.

Meet the experts behind this guide

Ryan Waniata, contributing reporter: Ryan is a former contributor to Business Insider's Reviews team and now writes for Wired. He brings a rare mix of sound engineering chops and years of consumer tech reporting to everything he covers. He's not just skimming spec sheets — he's listening closely, drawing on trained ears and real technical know-how to figure out which over-ear headphones are actually worth your time. His picks in this guide reflect hands-on testing, everyday use, and a practical focus on getting you the best sound for your money.

Steven Cohen, senior tech editor: Steven heads up tech coverage for Business Insider's Reviews team and has spent more than a decade writing about home entertainment gear, including headphones in just about every shape and size you can imagine. He's the kind of person who geeks out over comparing sound profiles and debating noise-canceling performance. Alongside his team of reviewers, he regularly tests new headphones and revisits longtime picks to ensure the recommendations in this list stay fresh, thoughtful, and genuinely worth your money.

Learn more about the Reviews team at Business Insider.

What to look for in a pair of over-ear headphones

When shopping for the best over-ear headphones, focus on the features that match how and where you'll use them most. Key things to consider include:

• Wired vs. wireless: Wired headphones are best for audiophiles since they avoid Bluetooth compression. Wireless models prioritize convenience and portability, and many still deliver excellent performance thanks to modern codecs like AAC, aptX, and LDAC.
• Sound quality: Look for clear mids, detailed highs, and balanced bass. Some headphones emphasize deep low frequencies, while others aim for a more neutral, studio-style sound.
• Comfort and fit: Plush earcups, an adjustable headband, and a lightweight design matter for long listening sessions.
• Active noise cancellation (ANC): Important for travel, commuting, or noisy offices.
• Battery life (for wireless models): Aim for at least 20 to 30 hours per charge, with quick charging if possible.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth multipoint, wired backup options, and codec support (like AAC or LDAC) can improve flexibility and sound quality.
• Microphone quality: Essential if you plan to use your headphones for calls or video meetings.
• Portability: Foldable designs and included carrying cases make travel easier.
• Price and value: Decide which features are must-haves and compare models within your budget.

Over-ear headphones FAQs

Are over-ear headphones better than earbuds and on-ear headphones?

Determining what type of headphones are best is ultimately subjective and comes down to what you need and how you use them. But in general, most audio professionals agree that over-ear headphones, which fit around your ears rather than wedging into your ear canals, offer the best overall audio performance. This is partly due to basic physics: their larger drivers and acoustic chambers can reproduce sound frequencies more faithfully than those of smaller on-ear headphones or earbuds. The best over-ear headphones may also have an advantage in fit and comfort, since their larger earcups can offer more padding and accommodate a wider range of users.

That said, thanks to technological advancements, certain in-ear headphones can now outperform some over-ear headphones. Moreover, in-ear headphones are more compact and much easier to bring along, which makes them arguably more convenient as your sonic daily driver. Check out our guide to the best earbuds for some of our top in-ear headphone picks.

On-ear headphones, which are harder to find nowadays, are the odd man out. They can't create a seal as tight as that of over-ear or in-ear headphones, which puts them at a disadvantage in terms of performance and comfort. But for some users, on-ear headphones are preferable since their fit is less dependent on a person's ear or head shape.

Are over-ear headphones good for fitness activities?

Generally speaking, earbud-style headphones are a better fit than over-ear headphones for active use, such as running or other exercise. This is because earbuds are more compact and less restrictive while you move. A good pair of fitness-focused earbuds will stay secure in or around your ears during rigorous activities without moving around too much. Conversely, over-ear headphones are larger and less comfortable to wear while moving and sweating.

For fitness-focused recommendations, check out our guides to the best headphones for running and the best workout headphones.

What is noise canceling?

Active noise canceling (ANC) uses onboard microphones and processing to capture the sounds around you and reverse their frequencies, helping block external sounds from reaching your ears. Noise-canceling headphones can't suppress all sounds; they often struggle with high-frequency noises like sirens, dog barks, and loud voices, especially when trying to block other sounds like plane engines at the same time. But top noise-canceling headphones from brands like Bose and Sony do a good job of minimizing ambient sounds.

What is transparency mode?

Transparency mode is essentially the opposite of noise canceling, using the same microphones meant to block sounds around you to amplify them instead. This is done to help keep you aware of your surroundings and/or communicate while wearing over-ear headphones and earbuds. The best over-ear headphones can provide a natural-sounding transparency mode, while some even add features like compression or limiting to keep sudden loud sounds from blasting your eardrums.

What is a multipoint connection?

Multipoint connection enables Bluetooth headphones to pair with two or more devices simultaneously, letting you quickly switch between them. This is most useful when multitasking, letting you transition from listening to music on your phone to hearing a video call on your laptop without the need to disconnect/reconnect devices.

What are open-back headphones?

As the name implies, open-back headphones have open or vented earcups. This open design is most commonly found on wired audiophile headphones, creating a more airy sound that is unconstrained by the confined acoustics of traditional headphones. While this can improve sound quality, it means that whatever you're listening to may be audible to those around you, and vice versa.

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