The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (2024)

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (1)

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OVER-EAR HEADPHONES don't get as much credit as they should these days. Sure they aren't going to provide the versatility and ease-of-use like earbuds do, but what over-ear headphones do provide is high-quality audio for a number of specific uses. No matter if you're hitting the gym, taking a long flight, or sneaking out to the living room for a late-night gaming session, the best over-ear headphones are made to deliver premium comfort and sealed-off sound for extended periods of time.

Although earbuds are more breathable and lighter, over-ear headphones essentially top out in every other category. Over-ear headphones are capable of having a longer battery life and better sound quality (more tech can be packed into the design). Over-ear headphones are also typically more comfortable and therefore able to be worn for hours on end.

Yes, we understand we're painting with broad brushstrokes here, as all headphones vary due to their design and quality. To help you decide which over-ear headphones are truly worth making a reasonable investment on, we pulled together the best models for all types of uses. You're not going to see any ridiculous $1,000 pair of cans in here. Instead, we curated headphones that cater to price points of $500 and under—because buying a pair of headphones for anything more is honestly more suited for audio connoisseurs. Ready to see what's ahead?

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BEST OVER-EAR HEADPHONES FOR WORKOUTS

Skullcandy Crusher Evo Sensory Bass Headphones

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (12)

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (13)

BEST OVER-EAR HEADPHONES FOR WORKOUTS

Skullcandy Crusher Evo Sensory Bass Headphones

Pros
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (14)High performance, especially when it comes to bass
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (15)Durable, sweat-resistant construction
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (16)Under $200
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (17)Wide array of colors available
Cons
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (18)Foam ear pads can sometimes wear down too quick

Thanks to a few viral hits on TikTok in the past year, the Crusher Evo Sensory Bass skyrocketed in popularity for gymgoers. They deliver bass like the best of them and come with the ability to customize their audio with the Audiodo app. As far as battery life goes, they can hold up to 40 hours of playtime on a full charge and 4 hours of playtime on a 10-minute quick charge. Best of all is the fact these durable headphones are only $200, so you can get them sweaty and banged up without having to worry.

We raved about the Crusher Evo in our review best workout headphones. Now it's time to rave about them here.

Battery LifeUp to 40 hours
Waterproof RatingNo IP rating. Water-resistant.

amazon's choice

Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Noise Canceling Headphones

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (19)

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (20)

amazon's choice

Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Noise Canceling Headphones

Now 33% Off

Pros
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (21)Over 33,000 five-star Amazon reviews
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (22)Only $60
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (23)Easy to replace if banged up
Cons
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (24)Not as high quality of audio as some of the top brands on this list
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (25)Lifespan not as long as some headphones on this list

Soundcore's Anker line of tech products is some of the best when it comes to delivering quality audio for an insanely affordable price. The Anker Life Q20 provides a nice cushioned feel and quality sound for all types of uses. It won't be anything close to what brands like Bowers & Wilkins and Bose put out, but that's not what they're aiming for. If you want a pair of headphones you can bang up—from wearing during yard work to wearing on the beach—then these are going to deliver time and time again. Guys, this is a $60 pair of headphones that really performs more like something you'd see retailing for $120.

Battery LifeUp to 40 hours
Waterproof RatingNot waterproof.

Best Over-Ear Headphones for Long Flights

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (26)

Best Over-Ear Headphones for Long Flights

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Pros
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (27)Trusted level of noise cancellation
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (28)Comfortable enough to fall asleep with on for long hours at a time
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (29)Great for watching movies and TV
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (30)Crisp acoustics and deep bass
Cons
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (31)Headphones can feel a bit fragile in-hand. Band could break easily.

Compatible with Alexa, the Bose 700s are the latest iteration of Bose's top-of-the-line noise-cancellation headphones. Like the models that came before the 700, these bad boys are pretty much the immediate go-to for frequent flyers. The 700 promises long-term comfort on the ears for hours thanks to a lightweight frame and perfectly cushioned ear pads. And as for sound quality, you're promised crisp and clear acoustics and deep bass, making it great for listening to music and watching movies during your long-haul flights. Keep these on hand with all your essential travel gadgets going forward.

Battery LifeUp to 20 hours
Waterproof RatingNot waterproof.

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The over-ear headphones with the best overall value

Sony WH-1000XM5

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (32)

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (33)

The over-ear headphones with the best overall value

Sony WH-1000XM5

Now 18% Off

Pros
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (34)$100 cheaper than the AirPods Max
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (35)Supreme sound quality
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (36)Sleek design
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (37)4 built-in microphones that allow hands-free calling
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (38)Up to 30 hours of charger
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (39)Compatible with Alexa
Cons
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (40)Can feel a little heavy
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (41)iPhone users should probably still consider the AirPods Max
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (42)Expensive

The WH-1000XM5 headphones were viewed by many as Sony's answer to the AirPods Max. They're $100 less than than the AirPods Max, yet they pack insane sound quality thanks to a new Integrated Processor V1 chip for faster processing. The battery life holds up to 30 hours and can deliver up to 3 hours of playback on a 3-minute quick charge. The design is sleek and the headphones are easy to pack away. Oh, and the best part about these headphones is the hands-free calling, which makes the WH-1000XM5 great for taking a Zoom call when WFH or making a call at your gate before boarding a flight.

Battery LifeUp to 30 hours
Waterproof RatingNot waterproof.

Best everyday pair of over-ear headphones

Marshall Monitor II A.N.C.

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (43)

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (44)

Best everyday pair of over-ear headphones

Marshall Monitor II A.N.C.

Pros
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (45)Respectable price point when you consider features and build quality
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (46)Cool retro design
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (47)Google voice assistance
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (48)Noise cancellation mode
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (49)Collapse into simple travel bag
Cons
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (50)Some might prefer a bigger ear cup design.

Marshall continues to impress with their array of headphones and Bluetooth speakers. As far as everyday headphones go, it's clear the MONITOR II A.N.C. is made for comfortable on-the-go use. They're made with highly cushioned ear pads and designed to collapse neatly into an accompanying travel bag.

As far as sound goes, the legacy brand added customized 40mm drivers to deliver a classic sound that works well when the Monitor II's headphones have noise cancellation on, and off. With noise cancellation on, they can last up to 30 hours on a single full charge. And with noise cancellation off—which is a crucial feature to have if you want to still hear the world around you while you're on your way to work—they can go up to 45 hours. Oh, and these cans come with Google voice assistance too.

Battery LifeUp to 30 hours
Waterproof RatingNot waterproof.

The Over-Ear Headphones worth the investment

Apple AirPods Max

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (51)

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (52)

The Over-Ear Headphones worth the investment

Apple AirPods Max

Pros
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (53)Easy to use with iPhone
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (54)Stylish design
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (55)Supreme sound quality
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (56)Effective noise cancellation mode
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (57)Transparency mode works great for commutes and walking in public
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (58)Several colors available
Cons
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (59)Heavy design. Can feel discomfort after wearing for a few hours
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (60)Battery not as long as some would prefer
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (61)Expensive

We'll get our two cons of the AirPods Max out of the way: they have a high price point and are heavy on the head. Ok, now that's over we'll also tell you that you won't regret an investment in this pair of headphones. The AirPods Max is easy to pair and seamless to use with your iPhone. They have a top-of-the-line sound that features Apple's iconic spatial audio plus noise cancellation and transparency mode. We're also talking adaptive EQ and up to 20 hours of charge with noise cancellation or transparency mode turned on. As far as comfort goes, the mesh canopy band and memory foam ear cups are breathable and comfortable—the only time they get uncomfortable is with several hours of wear due to weight.

At the end of the day, you're going to get your best value out of these if you're an Apple user. You're going to pay a pretty price, but when you consider the amount of tech packed in—and the fact the AirPods Max has really become a fashion-statement when wearing in public—this is a pair of headphones that exists in a league of its own.

Battery LifeUp to 20 hours
Waterproof RatingNot waterproof.

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Best Over-Ear Headphones for Gaming

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal Gaming Headset

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (62)

Best Over-Ear Headphones for Gaming

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Portal Gaming Headset

Pros
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (63)Beautiful design
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (64)Memory foam ear cups
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (65)Can be used for PC, Xbox, and Playstation
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (66)No microphone arm that extends out across your face
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (67)Versatile enough to use as a regular pair of headphones too
Cons
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (68)Mic quality not as good as a specially made gaming headset
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (69)Expensive when not on sale

If you're a serious gamer you might be better off going with a big fat headset that's optimized for gaming only. Casual gamers, on the other hand, should aim for a headset that's more tame. The Beoplay Portal blends together beautiful design and high-quality B&O performance to give you a pair of over-ear headphones that work as a top-tier set of gaming headphones. They're compatible with PC, Xbox, and Playstation, and are outfitted with memory foam ear cups, adaptive surround sound, and customizable sound EQ.

The only downside is the mic might not be as up-to-standards as some gamers prefer, but it's pretty sweet for not being designed with a long arm that stretches out across your face. Best of all is the fact you can use them as a regular pair of over-ear headphones.

Battery LifeUp to 12 hours with Xbox. Up to 24 hours with bluetooth and ANC.
Waterproof RatingNot waterproof.

Most Durable Over-Ear Headphones

Under Armour Project Rock Over-Ear Training Headphones

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (70)

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (71)

Most Durable Over-Ear Headphones

Under Armour Project Rock Over-Ear Training Headphones

Now 50% Off

Pros
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (72)IPX4 waterproof rating
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (73)Made of strong materials
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (74)Fast-drying ear cups
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (75)Up to 45 hours of play time
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (76)Good sound quality for gym headphones
Cons
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (77)Expensive when not on sale
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (78)Not as good of sound quality as top brands like Bose and Bowers & Wilkins

Named our "Most Durable Pair of Workout Headphones", the Project Rock Over-Ear Training Headphones are the gift that keeps on giving. Made with a durable IPX4 waterproof design and a battery that can hold up to 45 hours of playtime per charge, these headphones are capable of handling the nastiest and sweatiest workouts. Under Armour added Storm Super Grip technology to prevent the headphones from slipping—which works like a pro—and designed the ear cushions to be fast-drying.

The $300 retail price is more for Dwayne Johnson's name and the tough build of the headphone. The sound is definitely good but it's nothing like the noise-canceling headphones in the $300+ price range. The good news is these bad boys are on sale as we speak, and they're a dang good deal.

Battery LifeUp to 45 hours
Waterproof RatingIPX4

best affordable pair of over-ear headphones for audiophiles

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Over-Ear Headphones

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (79)

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (80)

best affordable pair of over-ear headphones for audiophiles

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Over-Ear Headphones

Now 28% Off

Pros
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (81)15 minute quick charge that products 7 hours of playback
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (82)Incredible audio quality for the price point
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (83)Soft ear pads
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (84)Great for flights
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (85)Hands free calling
Cons
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (86)Expensive if looking for everyday pair of headphones
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (87)Design can feel fragile to some

In the same manner as the Px lines before it, the Px7 S2 from Bowers & Wilkins are some of the most elite noise-canceling headphones around. The headphones are a lot like the Bose 700: lightweight, comfortable, and capable of producing incredibly crisp acoustics and deep bass. They're certainly good for flying, but after our dedicated Px7 S2 review, we found they feel more like quality headphones for audiophiles who don't want to shell out a grand for a pair of headphones. You can secure a pair for yourself and quickly become immersed in that early 90s rap catalog you've been meaning to explore. Or, you can gift these to your dad and watch as he cracks a smile the first time he turns on his favorite classic rock.

Battery LifeUp to 30 hours
Waterproof RatingNot waterproof.

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Most comfortable over-ear headphones for the gym

Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (88)

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (89)

Most comfortable over-ear headphones for the gym

Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

Now 52% Off

Pros
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (90)Multiple colors available
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (91)Soft ear pads
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (92)Comfortable headband
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (93)High quality bass that's great for working out
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (94)Ample battery life
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (95)Sturdy design
Cons
  • The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (96)Expensive when not on sale

The Studio3 headphones work as excellent everyday headphones, but really where they shine is as a comfortable pair of gym cans. The ear pads are seriously soft, and hold tight even when you start to sweat. Even the cushioned headband feels good on the head. You're also promised heavy bass and a battery life that feels like it goes much longer than its reported 22 hours of playtime. Simply put, these headphones were made for a long and heavy lift at the power rack.

Battery LifeUp to 22 hours
Waterproof RatingNot waterproof

Are Over-Ear Headphones Worth Buying?

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (97)

Every guy should own a good pair of over-ear headphones. While you might use your earbuds more frequently when traveling from Point A to Point B, over-ear headphones are better suited for blocking out noise. Over-ear headphones are perfect for wearing in public and in the office. They're also great for wearing to the gym or on a plane, as mentioned earlier.

There's also something to be said about over-ear headphones being better at protecting you're hearing. This is due to the fact the over-ear design works well at blocking outside noise, so if you want a clear and full sound you won't have to turn up your volume very loud. And a lower volume is always going to pay off better for your hearing in the long run.

How We Selected

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (98)

For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's Fitness and Gear editors on the top over-ear headphones for men. Experts including our gear and commerce editor John Thompson, put tested countless pairs of over-ear headphones and evaluated their sound, design, comfort, and special features. We also considered price points, as some pairs of headphones provide a greater overall value than others.

The 10 Most Comfortable Pairs of Over-Ear Headphones Our Editors Love (2024)
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