Best Over-Ear Headphones
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Many of the best-sounding headphones in Consumer Reports' ratings have one thing in common: They all fit over the ears. Yes, in-ear models can sound great—and of course they're lightweight and easy to stuff in a pocket—but audiophiles looking for excellent sound still have more choices with traditional over-the-ear cans.
You may find over-ear headphones more comfortable, too. And if you wear certain types of hearing aids, over-ear models are the only practical option.
CR membership comes with access to our reviews of more than 150 headphones, from feathery, true wireless earphones to wired, studio-worthy cans.
We buy every product we test at retail to bring you an independent perspective you can rely on.
Below, you'll find great picks for over-ear headphones whether you're looking for uncompromising sound, wireless capability, excellent noise-canceling functionality, or just decent performance at a great price.
Wired
We've yet to test a pair of wireless headphones that sounds as good as the best wired models. If you want the best audio that headphones have to offer, you'll find that it comes with a wire.
And unless you've got noise-canceling headphones, you don't have to worry about batteries dying the way they might if you're using Bluetooth.
The best: The Grado Prestige SR325e is the company's flagship model. Performance comes at a price; these headphones sell for $295. But according to our testers, the SR325e really is a sound-quality champ. Keep in mind that the open-back ear cups—a design choice intended to add clarity to the audio and give it a more natural feel—aren't meant to block sound from bleeding in or out. That means they’re best for quiet environments where you won't bother your neighbors and they won't bother you.
The bargain: The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a popular choice for home and studio use. These $150 headphones have a great sound, and their closed-back design will muffle some external noise and limit the amount of sound escaping. If you're looking for something really cheap, you can check out the Monoprice HiFi DJ-Style Pro, a closed-back pair with okay sound that sells for just $15.
Wireless
You don't need earbuds to get the freedom of wireless headphones. Some over-ear Bluetooth headphones deliver admirable audio and come with integrated controls for calls, volume, and playback.
The best: Marshall puts out more than iconic British guitar amps; the company makes some impressive headphones as well, starting with the Marshall Monitor Bluetooth. They are among the best-sounding wireless models in our tests. They come with a detachable audio cable, so you can use the headphones without draining the rechargeable battery, and the ear cups fold in for easy storage.
The bargain: The Skullycandy Hesh 3 Wireless doesn't score quite as high in our tests, but it has decent audio quality, and we've seen it sell for less than $80. Like the Marshall listed above, it comes with a detachable audio cable for battery-free listening.
Noise-Canceling
Noise-canceling headphones are a must-have for some consumers who want to tune out the world and focus on their music—or just tune out the world.
The best: The over-ear Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II is one of the best-scoring noise-canceling headphones in our tests, both for that feature and for sound quality. These headphones have built-in call, volume, and music player controls. A dedicated smart-assistant button lets you cycle through the model’s variable noise-canceling functions to let in more or less sound from your environment. According to Bose, the Series II has a generous 20-hour battery life with Bluetooth and noise-canceling turned on.
The bargain: Great noise-canceling headphones don't come cheap, but the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC delivers fantastic noise-canceling capability and you can find it for as little as $180. This over-ear headphone has high-quality sound as well, though it doesn’t match the best headphones in our ratings. The HD 4.50 BTNC has integrated volume, playback, and call controls that work with paired Bluetooth devices. With Bluetooth and noise-canceling turned on, the headphones have a claimed 19-hour battery life.
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