Best Over-Ear Headphones: Top 5 Reviews Guides

Looking for the best over-ear headphones on the market? With the fact that there are plenty of over-ear headphones out there, you would surely have a difficult time picking out which one would be the best ideal for you.

So, this guide will provide you with an idea of the things that you need to consider in order for you to get a hold of the best over-ear headphones. To provide you with an outstanding experience as you listen to your favorite music.

Features Of The Best Over-Ear Headphones Should Have

Noise cancellation

There is indeed nothing more irritating than having to turn up the volume just so you could still hear your music in noisy environments. This is the reason why you need to consider its noise-canceling feature. Noise-canceling headphones have the ability to keep the music in while blocking the noise coming from the outside.

This is exactly the reason why it is best for people who have long flights or those who need to commute for a long time. With this feature, you also get to save the battery of your device as the volume is just at the right level.

In addition to that, listening to loud music for a long time can have a negative effect on your hearing. So, it would definitely be best for you to look for headphones with better noise-canceling features for that is one feature of the best over-ear headphones.

Also, look for headphones that sound more natural rather than distorted. In my opinion, the Bose qc35 is one of the best noise-canceling headphones, For more detail on this headphone see the Bose qc35 review.

Sound quality – best over-ear headphones

Like everything else, each one of the wireless headphones in the market differs in terms of the quality of the sounds that it produces. So, try it out first before you buy it.

If it started to rattle when the deep or loud bass content is played, then it definitely is poorly built but when the sweeping tone is clear and pure in all frequencies. That means that it produces good sound quality and that is the kind of headphones that you should opt for.

There is also a need for you to know that the wider the frequency range of the over-ear headphone is. The more you can hear from the music. The best over-ear headphones typically have a frequency range of 10-25,000 Hz. Also, the higher the dynamic range it has, the better the isolation it offers.

Open or closed back?

There are two kinds of over-ear headphones – the open and closed back. The best over-ear headphones with a closed-back are great for isolation. It allows you to hear even the very low-level details of the music that you are listening to and at the same time, it has low leakage. As it blocks the noises from the outside, you can completely focus on the music that you are listening to. This is the reason why most of the best over-ear headphones are closed-back headphones too.

On the other hand, open-back wireless headphones are becoming more popular for the reason that they can provide more natural sounds. This can be a great choice on your part if you are the type of person who loves listening to ensembles, choir, or orchestra. Also, with lesser material for the ear cup, this one is lighter than the closed-back headphone.

Wireless

Bluetooth and wireless headphones have also become in demand in the market as it combines comfort and functionality. Through it, there would no longer be a need for you to deal with dangling wires that can get annoying, especially when they get tangled as you place them on your bag. What people love about wireless headphones is that it offers flexibility to the one using it. It is very much suitable for people who love listening to music on the go.

Driver and Sensitivity

The driver is another very important component that you need to consider when buying your headphones. After all, this is the one that turns the electrical signal to sound pressure. It is the one that actually creates the sound. So, when buying headphones, it would be best for you to opt for the one with a larger driver for it only means that it can create a better sound.

For over-the-ear headphones, the ideal driver is 40mm or larger than that. Now, sensitivity is basically how loud the headphones can go. It would be best for you to look for headphones with a sensitivity of not more than 85dB in order for you to prevent hearing loss, especially if you plan to listen to music for a long time.

If you want to make the best investment, then you should definitely opt for only the best over-ear headphones and consider all of the things mentioned above. For sure, regrets will never cross your mind. So, start your search today!

Best Over-Ear Headphones – Top 5 Reviews

First of all, let’s look at the specs and features comparison table of these 5 best over-ear headphones.

These over-ear headphones are of great sound quality and have many features that give your choices to pick one of the best over-ear headphones.

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 – World-Class ANC & Best Over-Ear Headphones

For years, Sony has been one company that has been dominating other noise-canceling headphones. The old model like Sony WH-1000XM2 or the next model, Sony WH-1000XM3 is the leading class over-ear noise-canceling headphones. Both are very popular in the ANC headphones market and are among the top-selling on Amazon. But until Aug 2020, they release new series,  Sony WH 1000XM4 which is probably the most game-changing headphone available in the market right now.

Same as top-brand like Bose, Sennheiser, or Jabra. Now, Bose had released Bose 700 noise-canceling to fight WH-1000XM4 and also other scary rivals like Sennheiser PXC 550 ii or Jabra Elite 85h. All of these claim that they are the best active noise-canceling headphones on now.

We will talk about all of these, but the first is Sony WH-1000XM4.

The Design is not diff from WH-1000XM3, closely to the same. The overall material is still plastic, but lightweight and soft touch. The weight is just 9 ounces and comfortable for wearing and not fatiguing ears.

I know, the Sony WH-1000XM4 does not come cheap, quite expensive. But they have come many great features in this price tag.

1. The battery life is maximum playtime of up to 30 hours.
2. Touch sensor
3. seamless multiple devices paring
4. Auto down volume during conversation
5. Wearing detect technology
6. Personalized listening experience with Adaptive control features
7. Long-lasting comfortable with relieves pressure
8. Give a superior call quality with built-in 5 mics and advanced audio signal technology
9. Quick attention mode, just press the hand on the right earcup to start the mode
10. Amazon Alexa built-in
11. Ambient sound control – the external essential voice can in with this mode
12. Automatic balanced noise-canceling level when you start some activities.
13. premium sound with a 40mm driver (Liquide Crystal Polimer Diaphragms) reproduces a full range of frequency
14. Customizable sound with the Sony app
15. 360 Reality Audio

This is just a sample of Sony WH-1000XM4s’ great features. Many more you will get if you have one.

Sony WH-1000XM4 VS Sony WH-1000XM5 Vs Sony WH-XB910N Vs Beoplay HX –  Compared to Similar Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Quite a great sound quality, the mids are outstanding and the low is strong and deep. Overall the sound is warm and sweet, ideal for listening to music of all genres. The ANC system can block external sound very well. I hardly hear noise from outside, like feel that I am the only one in the world with my music.

Keep in mind that, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is not water-resistant headphones. So if you wear them while walking outside, be careful about the rain. These over-ear headphones are not ideal for running or intensive outdoor activities. Because the over-ear style is bulky and too weight on the head for exercising. If your target is headphones for sports or outdoor activities, wireless earbuds are better and more suite than over-ear.

Where to buy Sony WH-1000XM4 

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is available in black, blue, and silver on Amazon or eBay.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35 ii – Best Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

When talking about the best noise-canceling headphones, Bose always top 5 in the best list. It has gained immense popularity since its launch. and still selling well, till now Although the Bose QC45 and Bose 700 noise-canceling headphones have already been released, the QC35 ii are still worth mentioning. Bose QC35 ii, are high-quality noise-canceling headphones, which are not come at a cheap price, particularly if they are made by a well-known brand like Bose. However, nowadays Amazon is running a rare sale on one of Bose’s best products.

Someone said that “Bose QC35 ii is one of the best wireless noise-canceling headphones”, that’s true?

Bose QC35 II is available in black and silver colors, these headphones are built to provide an immersive listening experience, with customizable noise cancellation levels via the mobile app. You will love these Bose headphones if you try the noise-canceling feature of QC35 ii. That you feel only just you and your song are in the world. The connectivity of Bluetooth will let you tune in wire-free.

The QC35 II is up to 20 hours of battery life that will keep the music playing all day long. This headphone is also compatible with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant. Therefore, you would be able to control the playback using your voice only.

We are totally in love with these headphones due to the presence of many features available. On Amazon, Bose QuietComfort 35 II is having 4.6 stars out of 5 which was given by more than 20000 active users. You can find the Bose QC35 ii review from users who are using this for several months and are really enjoying it.

Bose QuietComfort 35 ii Vs Bose QC45 Vs Bose 700 Vs Bower & Wilkins PX7 – Compared to Similar Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Somethings that I like and don’t for Bose QC35 II

These may be not the most exciting-sounding headphones but they will give a great sound to most of the listeners.

Where to buy Bose QC 35 II

3. Jabra Elite 85H – Wireless Noise-Canceling Over-Ear Headphones

The Jabra Elite 85H is a semi-over-ear and on-ear headphone. Someones say that it is an over-ear fit type and some people think it is on-ear. However; the Jabra Elite 85H is quite perfect sound quality whether it is on-ear or over-ear. These headphones are supremely comfortable, even with glasses. The ear cups are rather bulky (40mm drivers) and also foldable and fold-flat design. It’s convenient to pack into the sports backpack with a nice carrying case. Nevertheless is not as travel-friendly as true wireless earbuds.

The smart noise-canceling is a great feature that Elite 85h provides. There are eight mics to filter out surrounding sound. These mics detect unwanted noise, then the ANC auto-on. More than that; the Jabra Elite 85H allows customize of pre-distracting noise with the Jabra Sound + app. In another way, HearThru features can also be customizable too. This feature helps you hear environmental sounds for more safety.

The Elite 85H are Bluetooth 5.0 headphones that work in the range of 10 meters. I recommend should upgrade firmware version 1.4.1 or later (through the Jabra Sound+ app) so that you will get benefits from AAC support for high-quality and more reliable streaming on iOS devices. Android users can use it too but its performance is not good as iOS.

When it comes to sound performance, it doesn’t support codecs like aptX, but these headphones still produce fantastic sound quality. The sound is clear and not emphasized bass too much. The vocal gives excellent details. This headset doesn’t support aptX, that’s quite a pity. However; the Jabra Elite 85H comes with new technology, SmartSound audio, this tech will analyze your sound environment and automatically apply your personalized sound. It will give you the sound you need.

This over-ear headphone comes with ANC, the same as the prior item. Impressive noise-canceling system although not the best active noise-canceling headphones. The Elite 85h can block outside noise very well and is quite quiet immediately once you turn ANC on. However; if you are concentrating to listen to music while on ANC, a little bass feels missing. However; the overall sound quality does not drop too.

Some good points that Elite 85h offers are the battery, Jabra Elite 85h gives playtime of up to 36 hours, and a fast-charge feature that gives you 5 hours for charging just only 15 minutes. Another good news is you can pair up to eight devices to the Elite 85H and connect two devices at the same time. It also supports voice commands like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. With the rain-resistant, you can take it with you go on.

Jabra Elite 85H Vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 Vs Anker Soundcore Space A45 Vs Audio-Technica ATH-ANC900BT – Compared Specs & Features

Somethings that I like and don’t of Jabra Elite 85H

Where to buy Jabra Elite 85h

Although the Jabra Elite 85H is not the best noise-canceling headphones, the Elite 85H offers pretty good noise cancellation. The sound quality is so good and their price is less expensive than some high-end ones like Bose QC45 or Sony WH- 1000XM5

4. Bose 700 Noise Canceling Headphones – Best Over-Ear Headphones With Great Noise-Canceling

Bose has been successful in the noise-cancellation headphones market, and flagship model like Bose QuietComfort ii dominates the market for active noise-canceling fields. But now Sony has finally emerged as a formidable competitor in the field. And it’s not clear who wins.

However, Bose has released a new noise-canceling headphone. Completely redesigned, it looks stylish and unique. It is completely different from its predecessor QC35. The Bose 700 noise-canceling headphones are the latest model that we are reviewing as the best over-ear headphones.

Bose 700 is not the next series from QC35 ii. All new redesign both of earcups and headband, but can’t fold. The headband padding with soft material keeps the headset feeling soft and light. The earcups wrap up with leather-like cushions that give a feeling of super soft and also study.

Excellent Noise Cancellation

Bose 700 provides 11 levels of noise cancellation that are adjustable. You can choose the comfort level you need. These best over-ear headphones from Bose deliver sound are very crisp and clear details, and also lifelike sound too. Besides, the bass is powerful and deep. All in all, the sound quality is very great and balances at every volume level.

When it comes to terms of call quality, which is another future that 700 noise-canceling headphones have improved. There are eight microphones (four on each earcup). It’s working together to offer a clear and excellent voice to both you and whoever talking with you on the other end.

Battery Life

Bose claims that 700 noise-canceling headphones will provide 20 hours of playtime which is not the longest playtime. The Beoplay HX and Beoplay H95 give more than that, they provide playtime for around 30+ hours, which is more impressive than Bose 700 in terms of battery life. Nevertheless, bose 700 has a fast charge feature, just only 15 minutes of charging will give additional playtime of 2 hours. For a full charge, Bose 700 noise-canceling headphones use the time for 2 hours. Besides, it also supports voice assistance like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri.

Bose 700 Vs Technics EAH-A800 Vs Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 Vs Beoplay H95 – Compare Specs & Features

Something that I like and don’t for Bose 700

Where to buy Bose 700 Noise Cancellation Headphones

I don’t know the feeling of who has used the Bose 700. And how feels? Might feel the same or different from me. But for me, it’s very happy to use it. It delivers great sound performance and natural and lifelike sound. I like the great feature like 11-level noise-canceling that can be adjusted and the new modern design, it’s unique. Unfortunately, it does not come with a foldable feature. However; Bose 700 can fold flat and come with a hard carrying case. This keeps your headphones safe and convenient to travel. To sum up, the Bose 700 is the best over-ear headphones, chic design, is very comfortable, and also has excellent sound quality.

5. Sennheiser HD 800 S – Best High-End Over-Ear Headphones

The last one is not closed-back style, these best over-ear headphones from Sennheiser are open-back designs. A modern classic from Sennheiser, the Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones are delivering natural sound. Sennheiser’s engineers have succeeded in enhancing the reproduction of sound which seems to be a perfect formula.

Industrial design has combined form and function seamlessly. The layered metal and the plastic headband are constructed attenuate the vibrations to the earcups.

While the handmade microfiber earpads are offering exceptional comfort for long periods of listening and enjoying music. It is crafted for perfection, HD800 is precisely built in Germany from the finest materials and components.

The stainless steel material encases the transducer and the headphone mounting and the headband are utilizing the most advanced materials, which is developed in the aerospace industry. This material is having very high strength and minimal weight.

The Sound reproduction of HD 800 S is achieved through the addition of innovative absorber technology that was pioneered in the Sennheiser IE 800. This is a breakthrough technology that preserved the audibility of very high-frequency sounds by eliminating the phenomenon which is known as the masking effect.

In the masking effect, the human ear is struggling to hear the frequencies of sound when lower frequencies of higher volume occur at the same time. The energy of resonance is absorbed, Sennheiser has patented this absorber technology which is preventing unwanted peaks.

Where to Buy Sennheiser HD 800 S & Compared to Similar Items

Something that I like and don’t for Sennheiser HD 800 S

The innovation was the key element in making Sennheiser 880 S headphones as the world’s sounding over-ear headphones which is helping in greater purity and precise sound.

Where to buy Sennheiser HD 800 S

We hope that these over-ear headphones review and buying guide provides useful information for your decision to buy the best over-ear headphones for you. If the top 5 over-ear headphones you might not like yet, I recommend checking out the list below, it might be a good choice for you.