Are you looking for a comfortable pair of circumaural headphones for listening to music and movies at home or on the go? Here are the best Bluetooth and wired over-ear headphones to buy today, from top of the range to cheap.
The over-ear headphones are able to completely envelop the ear, limiting ambient noise. Precisely for this reason, they are particularly suitable for those who want to listen to music in an immersive way and seek isolation from the external environment.
Unlike in-ear models that fit inside the ear and on-ear models that rest on it, the over-ear (circumaural) headphone guarantees an optimal listening experience, especially for fans of loud music.
Among the over-ear headphones, we find both wired and wireless models. Wired headphones (without Bluetooth) are often the preferred ones for gaming with PCs and consoles, or for listening to Hi-Fi music. Instead, Bluetooth headphones are very convenient for everyday life and for traveling, and often also have an alternative input for connection via a 3.5 mm jack cable in case the battery is at zero.
One of the characteristics to check is the frequency response, measured in Hertz (Hz). It indicates the range that the headphones are capable of playing. The greater the gap, the better the headphones will be able to handle the various sound frequencies (high, medium, low).
Next, we find the sensitivity, quantified in decibels (dB). Over-ear headphones that possess higher sensitivity require less effort to reach a higher volume threshold.
Another more or less important option is the presence of active noise cancellation (ANC). It allows you to completely eliminate external noises and fully enjoy the sound quality offered by the headphones.
Additional options that may be present are earpad keys (physical or touch), a built-in microphone, compatibility with voice assistants, and support for the aptX and aptX HD audio codecs.
Let’s now see the ranking of the best circumaural over-ear headphones to buy this year, from high-end to cheaper models, with respective technical characteristics and prices.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4
Best wireless over-ear headphones for active noise cancellation
Pros:
- Very light
- Frequency response 4 – 40,000 Hz
- Autonomy of 30 hours
Cons:
- They are not waterproof
The best BlueTooth over-ear headphones are the Sony WH-1000XM4. Available in black or silver, they feature an advanced algorithm for noise cancellation (HD QN1), compatibility with voice assistants and the possibility of a wireless connection (also activated via NFC) and 3.5 mm jack cable.
With a weight of only 254 grams, the model is ultra-light, allowing even several hours of consecutive listening without the head being affected. The frequency response is 4Hz – 40,000Hz , while the sensitivity is 105dB / mW.
The excellent quality audio supports Hi-res and thanks to DSEE Extreme technology the compressed music files will be automatically optimized so as not to lose quality. Through the Sony Headphones Connect application, we will be able to customize the equalizer, highlighting the vocal part instead of the background base, according to our preferences.
Precise Voice Pickup Technology improves the quality of the voice on call, favoring clear communication without the hindrance of external noise.
On the side of the pavilions, we find intuitive touch controls to adjust the volume and go to the next track. Furthermore, with the double tap, we will be able to make calls from the headset. Among the immediate functions, we have, however, are Speak to Chat to block the music when we talk to someone and Wearing Detection for the automatic shutdown when we are not wearing our headphones.
In addition to being able to be paired with two devices at the same time via the Multi-Point Connection mode, the Sony over-ear headphones also have a long-lasting battery. Through a total recharge of 3 hours, we will enjoy 30 hours of listening with active Noise Canceling. Furthermore, with just 10 minutes of charging, we will have 5 hours of playback at our disposal.
2. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
Exceptional sound quality and very comfortable to wear for a long time
Pros:
- Good sound balance
- Noise cancellation
- Frequency response 6Hz – 22kHz
Cons:
- Missing on / off button
- Fair battery life
If you are looking for the best over-ear headphones, with a good balance of highs, mids and lows , noise cancellation and various listening customization settings, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 are among the top-of-the-range wireless headphones ever.
Weighing 304 grams, these over ear headphones connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth or NFC , but also feature a 3.5 mm audio jack for those who prefer to connect via cable. The construction material is resistant and comfortable, with large pavilions in genuine leather and a matte steel headband.
Sound qualities are good, supported frequencies range from 6Hz to 22,000Hz, and average battery life is 17 hours. Playback is automatically stopped with the Smart Pause function when it is detected that it is not in use or if the headphones are stored in the protective case. Precisely for this reason, there is no on and off button.
Among the customization options we find: three different noise cancellation modes based on the environment in which we find ourselves and the Transparent Hearing function to converse with those next to us without having to block music playback.
The latter option can be activated via a button on the right pavilion, located near the volume and play / pause.
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 also have a special key for the activation of voice assistants, such as Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri . Furthermore, while through the Sennheiser Smart Control application we will be able to adjust the equalization levels, with the Tile app we will be able to find the headphones in case they are lost nearby.
3. Bowers & Wilkins PX7
Carbon fiber Bluetooth over ear headphones
Pros:
- Durable material
- Autonomy of 30 hours
- Personalization settings
Cons:
- Inconvenient controls
- It lacks equalizer in the app
Bowers & Wikins PX7 is one of the best models of bluetooth over ear headphones , usable with 3.5 mm jack cable and via Bluetooth, with noise cancellation, long battery life and good sound quality.
Available in gray and silver, it features excellent 43 mm drivers and a weight of 302 grams . The arms are constructed of carbon fiber for greater impact resistance. The physical controls are positioned along the circumference of the pavilion and this constitutes the risk of involuntary activation. Through them we will be able to pair, manage the volume and answer incoming calls.
The low, mid and high frequencies are well balanced. The sound is clear and smudge-free , but there is no manual equalizer within the application, to adjust the listening to your liking.
The Noise Canceling headset has three modes (High, Low, Auto), which can be selected by pressing and holding the appropriate button on the left ear cup. If, on the other hand, we want to hear what is happening around us, just hold down the same button for a few seconds.
It supports aptX and aptX HD technologies , and the sound performance is customizable through the production house app.
The over ear headphones feature fast charging (5 hours of battery life with 15 minutes of charging) and 30 hours of battery life. Furthermore, being equipped with motion sensors, as soon as we lift the pavilion from the ear to listen to whoever is next to us, the listening will pause automatically.
4. Bose Noise Cancelling 700
Great microphone quality, Bose sound and modern design
Pros:
- Intense bass
- 11 noise cancellation options
- Good fit
Cons:
- Headband not foldable
The best over-ear headphones from Bose are the Noise Canceling 700, which allow you to save slightly compared to the Sony counterpart, have a good autonomy, optimized noise cancellation and Active EQ technology deep and clear bass .
Available in black, blue, white and silver, they weigh just 249 grams due to the lightweight stainless steel headband . The latter is not foldable and the only moving part is given by the pavilions that rotate 110 °, have excellent wearability and wrap the ear well allowing for immersive listening. In addition to Bluetooth 5.0 they can be connected to a device via 3.5 mm cable.
The Noise Canceling 700 are high-quality over-ear headphones with microphone for smartphone calls, Bose has in fact provided an internal structure with 8 microphones in total, 6 of which to capture the surrounding environment and activate noise cancellation, and the rest to isolate voice during calls.
Noise Canceling technology has 11 levels of environmental sound reduction , where level 0 provides passive isolation, while the tenth allows total isolation from the outside world. In addition, 3 preset modes are available, which can be selected via a special touch control on the roof.
There are also other touch controls to change songs , answer calls and activate voice assistants (Alexa and Google Assistant). The Bose Music app, on the other hand, is useful for customizing listening through the equalizer and checking the battery level at any time.
The autonomy of the Bose 700 headphones is 20 hours , obtainable with a charge of only 2.5 hours. If we had little time to recharge them, we will be able to have more than 3 hours of continuous listening in just 15 minutes.
5. Jabra Elite 85H
Great over-ear headphones for music in the mid-price range
Pros:
- Autonomy of 41 hours
- Resistant to rain and dust
- Tecnologia Smart Sound
Cons:
- Improved frequency (10 Hz – 20 kHz)
- It does not support aptX
The Jabra Elite 85H are the best value for money wireless over-ear headphones, with noise cancellation, good wireless range, decent frequency and great fit.
The available colors are: black and titanium, black and copper, blue, gold. The weight is 296 grams, with 40 mm drivers that give depth and musical clarity . The wireless distance that allows listening without signal loss is 10 meters. In addition, thanks to IP52 certification they resist rain and dust.
Thanks to Smart Sound technology , this pair of headphones analyzes the surrounding environment and personalizes the audio giving us a pleasant and optimized sound experience. Noise cancellation and HearThrough are also available. As soon as we remove the pinna from the ear, the music will automatically stop.
The 8 microphones available allow excellent call quality and good noise cancellation. The latter and the equalization options are customizable via the Jabra Sound + app. The controls on the pavilion, on the other hand, are touch-sensitive and in addition to the options to change tracks and make hands-free calls, there is a button for activating the voice assistant (Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant).
The autonomy is 36 hours with Noise Canceling active and 41 hours if it is deactivated , while the complete recharge is possible in 2.5 hours. Thanks to the fast recharge we will have 5 hours of listening through 15 minutes of connection to the power outlet. The headphones do not support the aptX and aptX HD audio codecs.
6. Sony WH-CH710N
Wireless over-ear headphones with active ANC
Pros:
- Active noise cancellation
- Up to 35 hours of autonomy
- Bluetooth
Cons:
- Totally plastic design
- Case is missing
- It does not support HD codecs
The Sony WH-CH710N are among the best bluetooth over ear headphones for value for money , with Noise Canceling technology, soft oval earpads for maximum comfort and 30 mm drivers for total immersion in sound.
The supported frequencies range from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz with wireless connection and from 7 Hz to 40,000 Hz if the 3.5 mm jack cable is used. The downs are profondi and dynamic , while we note some shortcomings in the medium-high frequencies that might turn up their noses at audiophiles.
The weight is 223 grams and the pavilions rotate 180 °. However, since there is neither a case, nor the possibility of folding the headphones on themselves, there could be some difficulties for transport.
There is nothing to say about active noise cancellation . Thanks to the pavilions that completely envelop the ear and the dual built-in microphones that pick up all sounds coming from outside, we will have a truly significant noise reduction.
On the left pavilion we will find all the physical controls, including: the on and off button, the NFC module , the microphone for speaking in calls, the input for the jack cable and the USB-C port for charging. On the right pavilion we find the buttons for noise cancellation and music playback management.
Pairing via Bluetooth 5.0 is fast and there are rarely any dropouts or lag issues. The Sony WH-CH710N over-ear headphones enjoy an autonomy of 35 hours with ANC active (45 hours if deactivated) and fast charging with the possibility of listening to up to 1 hour of music with only 10 minutes of connection to the power outlet.
7. Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The best entry level circumaural headphones
Pros:
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Good wearability
- Well balanced audio
Cons:
- Improved design
- Manca USB type C
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are among the best entry level over ear headphones , this is a 2017 model that is still appreciable for fit and functionality, with the possibility of connection via Bluetooth or NFC , optimized bass and good autonomy.
The circumaural headphones are available in black, rose gold, blue and silver, and have a weight of 310 grams. The closed design and foldable headband make them comfortable to wear and easy to fold to carry in the hard case. Inside the structure there are microphones for noise cancellation with integrated Alexa and compatibility with Siri and Google Assistant.
Through the ear cups we will be able to control the volume, make the Bluetooth association, change the music track, adjust the volume and activate the voice assistant. This last button, located on the left pavilion, can be reconfigured via the Bose Connect app with the possibility of putting the command to select the noise cancellation levels. In addition, there is a 3.5 mm jack cable entry and a micro USB port for charging.
The audio is stabilized with dynamic and deep bass , and the supported frequencies range from 10 Hz to 22,000 Hz, with a sensitivity of 90 dB and an impedance of 55 Ohms. One of its strengths is certainly the ANC with 3 levels of reduction and a very high level of sound insulation. The range of the wireless signal is approximately 7 meters. The Bose over-ear headphones have an autonomy of 20 hours with active Bluetooth and 40 hours with cable.
8. Fresh ’n Rebel Clam
The best over ear headphones under 100 euros
Pros:
- 35 hours of continuous listening
- Integrated Bluetooth
- Ultra light
Cons:
- No active ANC
- Smart app not available
The Fresh’n Rebel Clam are comfortable over-ear headphones with integrated Bluetooth with an excellent value for money, perfect for those looking for an economical but reliable model.
The colors available are: blue, ice gray, dark gray, pink, ruby red and mint green. The foldable design, the squared shell shape and the weight of 240 grams make them ergonomic and easy to carry around. The leatherette padiglioni are soft and rotatable 90 ° to position them horizontally during moments of pause from listening.
While it lacks active noise cancellation, the shape and width of the drivers allow for discreet acoustic isolation from ambient noise.
The Fresh n ‘Rebel Clam over ear headphones are compatible with both iOS and Android. Although there is no smartphone app to customize music playback, the automatic equalization gives natural emphasis to the bass . Configuration via Bluetooth takes place within seconds by pressing the button on the ear cups.
The autonomy is about 35 hours of playback with a charge of only 3 hours . In addition, the headphones are compatible with the aptX protocol and have key commands on the earpads to manage volume, tracks and incoming calls.
9. AKG K92
The best over ear headphones with cable
Pros:
- Balanced frequencies
- Good passive sound insulation
- Good for Hi Fi music
Cons:
- Bluetooth is missing
- Less noticeable bass
- Headband not foldable
The AKG K92 are the best over-ear headphones with cable in the quality price range, suitable for making music, with balanced and balanced sound reproduction.
The studio headphone comes with a black and gold color design, large earpads for good sound insulation and low sound dispersion, a self-adjusting (non-foldable) headband and a weight of only 200 grams which makes transport simple and comfortable .
The 40mm drivers support frequencies from 16Hz to 22,000Hz, an impedance of 32 Ohms, and a sensitivity of 113dB. The sound is neutral, without a particular emphasis on the bass and with a good balance even in the medium and high frequencies. Precisely for this reason, the headphones adapt to any type of musical genre and are among the most suitable models for long listening periods.
The connection to the smartphone takes place via a 3-meter non-removable cable and a 3.5 mm gold-plated plug. A standard adapter from 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm is also available, always gold-plated, for connection to a musical instrument or to an amplifier system. In addition to smartphones, the AKG K92 over-ear headphones are also highly recommended for Hi Fi listening at home.
10.Edifier W860NB
Best budget wireless over ear headphones
Pros:
- Ultra light
- ANC active
- Controlli Smart Touch
Cons:
- Non ha USB type-C
- Not suitable for audiophiles
The Edifier W860NB are the best budget over ear bluetooth headphones . Available in gold, black and white, they have an excellent quality / price ratio and good reproduction autonomy.
Thanks to the 40 mm neodymium drivers, we will be able to listen to music and enjoy rich , deep and controlled bass . The weight of 285 grams and the rotation of the foldable ear cups make the headphones ergonomic and comfortable to carry .
The headphones have good active noise cancellation that allow for decent isolation from the outside world. Furthermore, the Smart Touch controls allow us to adjust the music reproduction and the audio volume through simple touches, without the need to always have the phone at hand.
The connection to the smartphone can take place either via Bluetooth 4.1 or with a 3.5 mm jack cable. The distance allowed in Wireless mode is 10 meters from your device and through the integrated microphone we can make calls directly from the headset.
As for the autonomy we will have 45 hours of wireless use available, reduced to 25 hours with ANC active . Despite being in the economic range, the headphones are also equipped with Qualcomm aptX codecs to guarantee an excellent level of reproduction.
Photo: amazon.com
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