Over-ear headphones are favored for their superior sound quality, long battery life, and strong noise cancellation, making them ideal for activities such as watching shows or traveling. Testing dozens of headphones, NBC Select has compiled a list of the best over-ear headphones based on comfort, ease of use, battery life, and noise-canceling capabilities. Some of the top picks include the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones, Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless Headphones, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Headphones, Apple AirPods Pro Max Wireless Headphones, Sony Ult Wear Wireless Headphones, and Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones are lightweight and comfortable with excellent sound quality, active noise cancellation, and intuitive touch controls. The Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless Headphones offer excellent value with features like ANC, transparency mode, long battery life, and fast charging. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Headphones stand out for their best-in-class ANC, comfortable fit, and great build quality, making them ideal for users who prioritize noise cancellation. The Apple AirPods Pro Max Wireless Headphones are perfect for Apple users, offering smooth connectivity and comfortable fit, but may not work as well with non-Apple devices.
For bass lovers, the Sony Ult Wear Wireless Headphones provide a competitive price point, great battery life, and robust on-ear controls. Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones are best for travel with a lightweight and comfortable design, excellent noise cancellation, and good battery life. To get the most out of over-ear headphones, users should utilize the different noise cancellation modes, download the headphone’s app for customization, and take breaks to prevent discomfort or headaches caused by prolonged use.
NBC Select works with experts like chiropractor Dr. Allen Conrad to provide unbiased and independent recommendations on products like over-ear headphones. Reporter Harry Rabinowitz tested a variety of over-ear headphones for this piece, considering factors such as comfort, sound quality, and functionality. Readers can trust NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, technology, wellness, and more to make informed decisions about the products they purchase.
