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CNET

TechnologyCNET·Jul 17, 2026·43 min read

Best Over-Ear Headphones We've Tested

There are plenty of great true-wireless earbuds out there, but a lot of folks still love full-size over-the-ear headphones, most of which have active noise cancellation. While many wireless headphones come with a cable for wired listening, I've also included a handful of wired-only headphones on this list for audio purists looking for that extra level of clarity. Note that this list is regularly updated as more over-ear headphones hit the market, with the most recent additions being the Sony 1000X The Collexion, Sennheiser Momentum 5 Wireless, Apple AirPods Max 2 and Anker Soundcore Space 2.

9.2/10 CNET Score

Why I like them

Pros

Redesigned for improved comfort

Reinforced with stainless steel

Upgraded drivers for a more expansive sound stage and refined sound than XM6

More powerful V3 chip, Bluetooth 6.0

Excellent noise-canceling, voice-calling performance

Nice case with built-in handle

New DSEE Ultimate digital processing along with upmix audio modes for music, cinema and gaming

Cons

Very pricey

No USB-C audio

Spatial audio with head-tracking only works with Android devices

Less battery life than XM6

9.3/10 CNET Score

Why I like them

Jump to details

Pros

Upgraded design with wider headband and slightly more comfortable fit

Dual-hinge allows you to fold headphones up and fit into a new, smaller case

Best-in-class noise cancelling and natural-sounding transparency mode

Excellent sound quality with enhanced detail, clarity and bass performance

New, more powerful QN3 chip (seven times faster than previous QN1)

Top-notch voice-calling performance with six beam-forming microphones

Spatial audio with head tracking using 360 Reality Audio technology

Cons

Premium price point that's $50 higher than previous model

No USB-C audio option for digital wired listening

Spatial audio implementation lacks clear on/off controls

Why I like them

Pros

Lightweight, comfortable design with dual-hinges that fold both up and flat

Superb noise canceling that rivals Sony's for ANC on the market

Slightly improved sound quality with new immersive-audio Cinema Mode

USB-C audio

Excellent voice-calling performance with minimal background noise

Intuitive mix of physical buttons and touch controls

Cons

Unclear what hardware changes Bose has made, and this model looks almost identical to the previous model

Pricey

Immersive audio mode hurts battery life (30 to 24 hours)

Why I like them

Pros

Comfortable fit with an attractive, sturdy design

Affordable price

Very good sound for the price

Decent noise-canceling and voice-calling performance

Strong battery life

Hard case included

Cons

Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio mode doesn't really improve the sound

Noise canceling could be a little better

No USB-C audio or ear-detection sensors that automatically pause your music when you take the headphones off

8.1/10 CNET Score

Anker's new-for-2026 Soundcore Space 2 headphones ($130) are a definite upgrade from their predecessor, the first Space. Not only do they feature a more sleek and comfortable design, but they also have improved sound and noise canceling. At around a quarter of the price of Sony's $450 WH-1000XM6 and Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2), they're an excellent, more affordable alternative to those models. While they're more of a B-plus for overall performance, they earn an A-rating in the value department. Read the full review.

Pros

Relatively affordable

Upgraded design with a more comfortable fit

Very good sound for the price

Improved adaptive noise canceling

Long battery life

Integrated voice controls

Strong noise reduction for voice calling

Cons

Callers said my voice sounded a little muffled during voice calls

Noise canceling could be even better

3D Sound mode makes sound quality worse

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Best Over-Ear Headphones We've Tested

What are the best over-ear headphones right now?

Best over-ear headphones of 2026

Best high-end wireless noise-canceling headphones

Best noise-canceling headphones overall

Best Bose noise-canceling headphones

Best value over-ear headphones

Best midrange noise-canceling headphones

Best premium wireless headphones for Apple users

Swanky design with fantastic sound

Upgraded top Sennheiser wireless headphones

Best designed new noise-canceling headphones

Best noise-canceling headphones from Skullcandy

Top wired over-ear headphones for the money

Best noise-canceling headphone with a unique design

Best Beats over-ear headphones

Best noise-canceling headphones for Sonos users

Top value Sony noise-canceling headphones

Top wired studio over-ear headphones

Best entry-level audiophile headphones from Sennheiser

Factors to consider when buying over-ear headphones

How we test over-ear headphones

Other over-ear headphones we tested

Over-ear headphones FAQ

What are the best over-ear headphones right now?

Though the Sony WH-1000X6 are the better bet for most people, the even pricier Sony 1000X The Collexion are arguably the best overall over-ear headphones right now, and also top our list of best headphones of 2026. They're a wireless pair that come with a cord for wired listening, but we also have a list of best wired headphones for audiophiles that exclusively features corded, nonwireless headphones.

Best over-ear headphones of 2026

Pros

Redesigned for improved comfort

Reinforced with stainless steel

Upgraded drivers for a more expansive sound stage and refined sound than XM6

More powerful V3 chip, Bluetooth 6.0

Excellent noise-canceling, voice-calling performance

Nice case with built-in handle

New DSEE Ultimate digital processing along with upmix audio modes for music, cinema and gaming

Cons

Very pricey

No USB-C audio

Spatial audio with head-tracking only works with Android devices

Less battery life than XM6

Why I like them

The Collexion is the top pair of headphones I've tested this year and easily one of the top pairs of wireless headphones out there. Obviously, they're also quite expensive. But like Bowers & Wilkins with its flagship PX8 S2, Sony is catering to an audience willing to pay big bucks for headphones with a true luxury vibe and that extra bit of elevated sound quality. Most people can't afford The Collexion, and it's debatable whether they're worth $200 more than Sony's WH-1000XM6, but there's no denying they're great wireless headphones. Read the full review.

Reasons to buy

If you can afford their exceptionally high price, this is arguably the top wireless headphone out there. It features a very comfortable fit and sleek design; plus, it has great sound, noise canceling and voice-calling performance.

Reasons to skip/keep looking

If you can live with the slightly inferior WH-1000XM6 or another very good premium headphone that costs a few hundred dollars less, you may want to skip these because of the price.

Get it now

Pros

Upgraded design with wider headband and slightly more comfortable fit

Dual-hinge allows you to fold headphones up and fit into a new, smaller case

Best-in-class noise cancelling and natural-sounding transparency mode

Excellent sound quality with enhanced detail, clarity and bass performance

New, more powerful QN3 chip (seven times faster than previous QN1)

Top-notch voice-calling performance with six beam-forming microphones

Spatial audio with head tracking using 360 Reality Audio technology

Cons

Premium price point that's $50 higher than previous model

No USB-C audio option for digital wired listening

Spatial audio implementation lacks clear on/off controls

Why I like them

Over the last several years, Sony has made some of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market, so it's a big deal when the company comes out with a new flagship model, like the WH-1000XM6, which arrives three years after the release of the WH-1000XM5. Though the XM5 was -- and still is -- one of the top over-ear Bluetooth headphones, there's always room for improvement. With the XM6, Sony has fixed the small design flaws of its predecessor while bumping up the overall performance. The result is a headphone that's arguably edged just ahead of the competition and is now at the top of its class. Read my WH-1000XM6 review.

Reasons to buy

The WH-1000XM6 are excellent for frequent travelers, remote workers and commuters who demand top-tier sound quality, noise canceling and call quality in a very comfortable headphone. If you can afford the high price, you'll appreciate what Sony has achieved here.

Reasons to skip or keep looking

If you're budget-conscious or already own Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones, you should hold off until they go on sale. They offer some significant improvements over the XM5s, but not enough to justify rushing to upgrade at full price.

Add to compare

Pros

Lightweight, comfortable design with dual-hinges that fold both up and flat

Superb noise canceling that rivals Sony's for ANC on the market

Slightly improved sound quality with new immersive-audio Cinema Mode

USB-C audio

Excellent voice-calling performance with minimal background noise

Intuitive mix of physical buttons and touch controls

Cons

Unclear what hardware changes Bose has made, and this model looks almost identical to the previous model

Pricey

Immersive audio mode hurts battery life (30 to 24 hours)

Why I like them

While the new-for-2025 Ultras look almost exactly the same as the original QuietComfort Ultra Headphones that were released in 2023 -- and it's unclear exactly what's changed from a hardware standpoint -- this second-gen model features several enhancements, including slightly better sound, improved noise cancellation, USB-C audio, a new immersive-audio Cinema Mode and improved battery life (it's now rated for up to 30 hours instead of 24 hours and the headphones can now be charged during use via the USB-C port).

For noise canceling, these are neck-and-neck with Sony's new WH-1000XM6 headphones as the two companies battle it out for ANC supremacy. Before this 2nd-gen model arrived, I had the Sony XM6s slightly ahead, but with the small but noticeably improvements Bose has made, it's hard to say which headphone is better. It may come down to how they feel on your head -- both are quite comfortable though.

Reasons to buy

They're a good choice for frequent travelers, commuters and professionals who want comfortable, well-designed headphones with impressive overall performance, including superb noise-muffling capabilities.

Reasons to skip/keep looking

Those who are on a tighter budget should obviously look toward more midrange and budget headphones options.

Pros

Comfortable fit with an attractive, sturdy design

Affordable price

Very good sound for the price

Decent noise-canceling and voice-calling performance

Strong battery life

Hard case included

Cons

Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio mode doesn't really improve the sound

Noise canceling could be a little better

No USB-C audio or ear-detection sensors that automatically pause your music when you take the headphones off

Why I like them

Baseus has two new-for-2025 earbuds -- the Inspire XP1 and Inspire XC1 -- and one set of full-size headphones (the Inspire XH1) that feature Sound by Bose, and they're all good values. They have solid sound for their price, a more premium design than most "value" headphones and good performance overall. The XH1 are not only fairly lightweight (275 grams) and comfortable to wear, but they have decent build quality, respectable noise canceling and excellent battery life for a little more than $100. I also liked how they not only fold up but fold flat and come with a carrying case and a 3.5mm cable for wired listening. Their controls for playback are also good, though I had to dig into the instructions to figure out that you hold down the volume buttons to advance tracks forward and back.

Reasons to buy

You're looking for a comfortable, well-designed set of noise-canceling headphones that sound good and cost a lot less than premium models from Sony, Bose and others.

Reasons to skip/keep looking

Premium flagship models from Bose and Sony offer better sound, noise-canceling and voice-calling performance. In other words, you can only expect so much from headphones at this price.

Pros

Relatively affordable

Upgraded design with a more comfortable fit

Very good sound for the price

Improved adaptive noise canceling

Long battery life

Integrated voice controls

Strong noise reduction for voice calling

Cons

Callers said my voice sounded a little muffled during voice calls

Noise canceling could be even better

3D Sound mode makes sound quality worse

Pros

Surprisingly comfortable despite being on the heavier side for over-ear headphones

More powerful H2 chip delivers performance and feature upgrades

Upgraded amplifier

Impressive sound (their sound has been improved slightly) and build-quality

Improved adaptive noise canceling and transparency mode are both top-notch

Slightly improved headset performance for calls with Voice Isolation

USB-C audio for hi-res wired listening

Personalized spatial audio for Apple devices

Automatic switching between iOS devices on your iCloud account (multipoint Bluetooth)

Cons

Expensive

Minimalist smart case remains the same and some people may not like its look or protection level

No USB-C to 3.5mm cable included for wired use on planes

Didn't get Apple's H3 chip, rumored to be in development

Android users lose several key features

Why I like them

While the AirPods Max 2 look the same as the Max (USB-C), they now include a new "dynamic range" amplifier and Apple's H2 chip (the original Max was powered by the H1), which adds a host of features already available in the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 and helps improve the headphones' performance in a few key ways. While Apple didn't upgrade the microphones, the H2 chip supports Apple's Voice Isolation feature, which helps with voice-calling and video-calling performance. On top of that, both the sound quality and noise-canceling are improved. Read my full AirPods Max 2 review.

Reasons to buy

Before the Max 2 arrived, I probably would have told you to get Sony's WH-1000XM6 headphones instead of the Max, which just seemed a little behind the times. But now that the Max 2 are here, they do offer some real advantages to Apple users from a features and usage standpoint. As long as you're good with the Max 2's fit, they're a pretty safe choice if you can afford them.

Reasons to skip/keep looking

Aside from their high price, the other potential downside is their heavy weight. Although I found them comfortable, some people may have trouble with that.

Get it now

Pros

Slimmer design than predecessor with slightly more comfortable fit

High-end look and feel and sturdy build quality

Redesigned 40mm dynamic full-range carbon drivers with dedicated amplifier/DAC

Reference quality sound (for Bluetooth headphones) with superior detail and accuracy and a wide soundstage

Improved noise canceling and voice-calling performance

USB-C audio

Ear cushions and the headband are replaceable, but must be replaced by a "trained service engineer"

Cons

Very expensive

Noise-canceling is quite respectable but not up to the level of Sony's and Bose's ANC

Not as feature rich as Sony's WH-1000XM6

Why I like them

If you're looking for evidence that the Trump administration's tariffs are hitting consumer electronics prices, look no further than Bowers & Wilkins' new flagship PX8 S2 noise-canceling headphones. The original version carried a list price of $699 when they launched, but this second-gen model comes out of the gate at $799 (£629). Read review.

Is that too much to pay? For most folks, yes, but the PX8 S2 over-ear headphones are easily among my favorites. Not only do they sound better than the original PX8, but both the headphones and carrying case have been slimmed down and the noise-canceling and voice-calling performance has been upgraded, making them a top premium wireless headphone pick for those with deep enough pockets to afford them.

Reasons to buy

While other premium noise-canceling headphones, such as the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), arguably offer a few more features and superior noise-canceling capabilities, the PX8 S2 boasts a more upscale design and best-in-class sound quality for Bluetooth headphones.

Reasons to skip/keep looking

The PX8 S2 offer a little more refined sound than the Sony WH-XM6s and also a more premium design, but the XM6s also sound excellent, have great noise-canceling and voice-calling performance and are just as comfortable, if not slightly more so (they are lighter) for around $350 less. Bowers & Wilkins step-down PX7 S3 also cost $350 less, and while they don't have as luxurious a finish, and equipped with different drivers (they don't sound as good as the PX8 S2), they share a lot in common with the PX8 S2.

Pros

Impressively detailed, accurate sound with well-defined bass and natural-sounding mids

Comfortable to wear with nicely cushioned earpads

Much improved noise canceling

Redesigned case is slimmer

Up to 57 hours of battery life

USB-C audio

Replaceable battery

Cons

No design changes from Momentum 4 Wireless

Voice-calling performance could be a little better

$50 price bump from its predecessor's launch price

Feature set not quite as robust as some competing models' feature sets

Why I like them

The Momentum 5 Wireless is in the same chassis as the Momentum 4 Wireless, but Sennheiser has significantly boosted its noise-canceling performance. It's also added spatial audio with head tracking, along with a user-replaceable battery and a few other small feature updates. The result is an excellent set of headphones that's a good alternative to Sony's WH-1000XM6, particularly for fans of Sennheiser's appealing, clean and accurate sound. Read the full review.

Reasons to buy

The much-improved noise canceling is really the biggest change to the Momentum 5 Wireless, fixing its predecessor's biggest weakness and making the Momentum 5 a worthy alternative to flagship models from Sony, Bose and Apple.

Reasons to skip/keep looking

Sennheiser will need to get the price of the Momentum 5 Wireless down to more like $300 or $325 to create some price separation and make it easier for consumers to choose them over those competing models.

Pros

Eye-catching, premium design is made out of premium material and is slightly slimmer and lighter

Upgraded ear pads for more comfortable fit

Upgraded biocellulose drive units powered by discrete amplifier improves the sound quality

Improved noise canceling and voice-calling performance with 8 microphones

USB-C audio for lossless wired connection

Cons

Premium price ($50 more expensive than PX7 S2)

Noise canceling isn't quite up to the level of Sony's and Bose's

Headphones fold flat but not up (no dual-hinge)

At default setting, treble may be a touch too aggressive (forward) for some folks

Why I like them

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 may not be the company's flagship headphones (the new PX8 S2 are), but they're arguably the better value as the PX8 S2 cost a whopping $799. While that step-up model does have a little swankier finish, as well as upgraded drivers that make the headphones sound better (the PX8 S2 do sound superb), the two headphones are quite similar looking. Like the PX8 S2, the PX7 S3 offer improved sound quality and superior noise canceling in a trimmer design (300 grams) that fit my head more comfortably. As I said, the drivers aren't the same as the PX8 S2's carbon cone drivers, but the redesigned 40mm biocellulose drive units have an improved chassis, voice coil, suspension and magnet that, according to B&W, deliver "lower coloration and distortion, improved resolution and superior dynamics." Read my review.

Reasons to buy

The sleekly designed, swanky Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 are excellent noise-canceling headphones that are a clear improvement over their predecessor. That said, the biggest reason to buy these over Sony's WH-1000XM6 headphones, which carry the same list price, is that you like their look better. They also feature USB-C audio, while the XM6 don't.

Reason to skip/keep looking

From an aesthetic standpoint, I prefer the design of the PX7 S3 to the Sony WH-1000XM6. But I can't say the PX7 S3 are any more comfortable or sound better (I slightly preferred the sound of the Sony, in fact). The Sonys offer slightly better noise canceling and voice-calling performance, along with some extra features such as Speak-to-Chat and Quick Attention mode. If you already own the earlier PX7 S2e, it's probably not worth shelling out full price for PX7 S3. The same is true if you own Bowers & Wilkins' flagship PX8, which could get the S2 treatment in the future. The PX7 S3 sounds more exciting than the PX8, but it's debatable whether it sounds better. I would give the slight nod to the PX8 but that's just my personal taste.

Add to compare

Pros

Relatively lightweight and comfortable

Not only fold flat but fold up into a nicely designed crossbody travel bag

Very good sound after tweaking EQ settings

Well-designed physical controls

Good noise-canceling and voice-calling performance

THX spatial audio with head tracking

Strong battery life (up to 50 hours with ANC on)

Cons

No USB-C audio

Fairly pricey

No support for LDAC and aptX audio codecs (AAC and SBC only)

Why I like them

We reviewed Skullcandy's wired Aviator Roc Nation headphones all the way back in 2011. Now Skullcandy's brought the Aviator design back in a wireless noise-canceling model called the Aviator 900 ANC headphones. This surprised me because Skullcandy is better known for its Crusher headphones, which deliver bone-rattling bass but not so-called premium-sounding headphones. However, the Aviator 900, developed in partnership with THX, deliver surprisingly impressive sound. They're not so great out of the box, but after you make some tweaks to the EQ in the app and turn on the THX spatial audio, the sound improves dramatically and is arguably more exciting than the new Nothing Headphone (1)'s sound and more fun to listen to.

Like the Nothing Headphones (1), the Aviator 900 ANC also list for $300 and have a translucent theme. However, the Aviator 900 is lighter (289 grams) and more comfortable to wear. Plus, it not only folds flat, but it folds up into a well-designed crossbody travel bag and has some nifty physical control buttons. I also liked the integrated mini LED display, though it's value is dubious because you can't see it while you have the headphones on. It too, features good noise-canceling and voice-calling performance, though the Nothing Headphone (1) may have a slight edge in those departments. Even so, I slightly preferred Skullcandy headphones for their fit and sound, especially after a firmware upgrade fixed an early issue that some people experienced with the sound distorting at higher volumes.

Reasons to buy

The Aviator 900 ANC headphones offer a comfortable fit and strong overall performance in a unique, eye-catching design.

Reasons to skip or keep looking

The headphones are fairly pricey, so you may want to wait for them to go on sale. They've dipped to as low as $200 during Amazon Prime Day, and I suspect we'll see them sporadically discounted to near $200 as we head into the holiday buying season.

Add to compare

Pros

Exceptional sound quality with excellent clarity, accuracy and tight bass

Distortion-free performance even at higher volume levels

Easy to drive at 50 ohms without requiring dedicated amplification

Lightweight and comfortable with cushy ear pads that provide good passive noise isolation

One short (1.2 meter) and one longer (2.5 meter) cable included, as well as a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter for professional audio equipment

Cons

Not a foldable model, so no carrying case or pouch included

Ear pad depth may be too shallow for all ear sizes

No active noise cancellation, inline controls or microphone on included cables

Purely wired design with no wireless connectivity options (requires adapter for use with newer smartphones lacking headphone jacks)

Why I Like Them

We've always been fans of Sony's MDR-7506 wired studio monitor headphones, which have long been favorite headphones of recording engineers and other sound professionals. The 2024 MDR-M1 are essentially a premium version of the 7506, delivering sound that's hard to match for the price. These are the wired headphones that will make you realize what you're missing after listening to wireless headphones for so long. They have big, open sound with excellent clarity, accuracy and tight bass. Not only is their sound a noticeable step up from the 7506s, but these get high marks for their comfort level (they weigh a svelte 216 grams). No, there isn't any noise canceling, but the soft, cushy ear pads offer good passive noise isolation.

Though they play louder with a headphone amp, they're easy to drive (50 ohms), so you can plug them directly into a computer's headphone port or a smartphone (likely with a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter). They come with 1.2m and 2.5m straight detachable cables and a 3.5mm to 6.3mm screw-in plug adapter, but no carrying pouch or case is included. The only downside I see is that the ear pads aren't all that deep, so it's possible those with large ears that stick out a bit might have some issue with the M1's fit -- your ears might press up against the drivers, which are notable for serving up distortion-free audio, even at higher volume levels. That said, they look and feel like an upgraded version of the 7506, so if those worked for you, these should too.

Reasons to buy

You can get more expensive audiophile wired headphones, but the MDR-M1 deliver very good bang for your buck thanks to their relatively affordable price point. They both sound great and are comfortable to wear.

Reasons to skip/keep looking

Those seeking the convenience of wireless connectivity should obviously look elsewhere, as these are purely wired headphones. Additionally, while these are clearly an upgrade over the MDR-7506, some people may find that the price increase from that model doesn't quite match the performance improvement the MDR-M1 offers. In other words, you may be just fine with the MDR-7506, which costs less than half the price.

Add to compare

Pros

Sturdy, eye-catching design with translucent elements

Clean, clear sound with well-defined bass that's enjoyable to listen to

Strong noise-canceling and voice-calling performance

Excellent controls that are intuitive to use

USB-C audio

Nice carrying case (although some find the zipper problematic)

Cons

Headphones are a little heavy and not quite as comfortable as some competing models

They fold flat but don't fold up

Sound quality is good but not a wow

The ear pads are not easily removable and it's unclear whether they're replaceable

The Nothing Headphone (1) ended up being more impressive than I thought it would be. Nothing has always been a good marketing company that usually does a bang-up job hyping its products. Its first earbuds were a little more style over substance (the performance has improved with more recent models), but this headphone's sturdy, eye-catching design is backed by strong performance. While I have some quibbles with the headphone being a little heavy, and I slightly prefer the sound quality of some competing models, this is one of the best new headphones of 2025. It will be interesting to see if its price can come down a bit to make it an even more compelling premium noise-canceling headphone option. Read Nothing Headphone (1) review.

Reasons to buy

If you can't afford the AirPods Max or Sony WH-1000XM6 and want a pair of unique-looking, sturdy headphones that also offer strong performance, the Nothing Headphone (1) is an intriguing alternative.

Reasons to skip/keep looking

The design isn't for everyone, and they fall a little short compared with top premium models like the Sony WH-1000XM6.

Pros

Significantly improved sound quality with better clarity, definition and tighter bass

Durable, seamless faux-leather earpads for excellent comfort and acoustic seal

Improved noise canceling and more natural sounding transparency mode

Very good voice-calling performance

Spatial audio with head tracking for Apple users

USB-C audio for lossless wired listening

Cons

Uses custom Beats chip rather than Apple's H2 chip (limits future feature upgrades)

No ear-detection sensors to automatically pause/resume audio

USB-C listening mode disables noise cancellation and transparency features

Why I like them

Love 'em or hate 'em, Beats Studio headphones are among the most popular headphones of all time, launching as a wired headphone back in 2008. This is the fourth generation of them, and they carry the same list price as their predecessor and look very similar on the outside but have some big changes on the inside that make them significantly better headphones. I'm tempted to describe them as more affordable plastic versions of the AirPods Max. However, that's not quite accurate due to a choice in chipsets and one notable missing feature. But read my full review to find out what makes this a very good headphone with some small caveats.

Reason to buy

The Studio Pros are the best Beats over-ear headphones, geared toward both Apple and Android users. Android users get multipoint Bluetooth pairing with automatic switching between devices linked to your Google account, while Apple users link to their iCloud account but have to manually switch between devices. For Apple users, there's spatial audio with head tracking when watching videos and hands-free Siri access. Those who prefer a more exciting, forward sound signature over more laid-back options will find these appealing, and they should work well with a variety of music genres.

Reason to skip/keep looking

The one big miss here is the lack of ear-detection sensors -- most $350 over-ear headphones have this feature, meaning your music doesn't automatically pause when you take the headphones off. I also think it was a mistake for Beats not to power these with Apple's H2 chip, as going forward, you won't get feature upgrades designed for that chip. Android users don't get spatial audio with head tracking or hands-free Siri.

Pros

Sleek, sturdy design and comfortable fit

Excellent sound quality with rich, well-balanced audio

Very good noise canceling and strong voice-calling performance with effective background noise reduction

Spatial audio with head-tracking for both iOS and Android

USB-C audio for digital lossless wired connection

TV Audio Swap feature for Sonos users

Cons

Premium price point

Not true Wi-Fi headphones, despite having Wi-Fi chip

TV Audio Swap can be a little glitchy

Why I like them

A lot of people expected Sonos' first headphones to be able to stream lossless audio over Wi-Fi in your home and then use Bluetooth outside your Sonos home network. However, Sonos reps told me that listening to music over Wi-Fi would greatly reduce the headphone's battery life and the company opted to leave that feature off. So even though they're equipped with a Wi-Fi chip so you can tap into a Sonos sound bar at home for private late-night viewing (Sonos refers to this as the TV Audio Swap feature), they're not really Wi-Fi headphones and are first and foremost noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones -- and I was mostly quite impressed by them. Read my Sonos Ace review.

Sleekly designed, at 312 grams, they're not as light as the 254-gram Sony WH-1000XM6s or the 253-gram Bose QuietComfort Ultras, but they're considerably lighter than the 385-gram AirPods Max and I found them quite comfortable to wear, with a relatively small gap between the headband and my head (they hugged my head nicely with just the right amount of clamping). I also appreciated that their chrome metal yoke allows the headphones to swivel in multiple directions -- the hinge is hidden -- and the ear cups adhere magnetically like they do on the AirPods Max and are replaceable, which is good.

All in all, the Sonos Ace headphones perform very well across the board, with strong noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, and very good voice-calling performance. Well balanced, they're clean sounding with nice detail and sparkle in the treble, along with punchy, powerful bass that doesn't get boomy. Vocals sounded natural and the headphones have a relatively wide soundstage. It's also good to see that the headphones have USB-C audio support (wired listening with a USB-C cable) and spatial audio with head-tracking.

Reasons to buy

The Sonos Ace are one of the top noise-canceling headphones on the market, rivaling flagship models from Sony, Apple and Bose. Now that they've been out for more than a year, we're seeing some good discounts on them, which makes them a better value, and a potential alternative to Sony's new WH-1000XM6 headphones. While you don't have to be an owner of Sonos speakers to buy them, Sonos soundbar owners can leverage the TV Audio Swap feature for private late-night viewing (the Ace delivers virtual surround sound in this mode).

Reasons to skip/keep looking

You can make the argument that Sony's new WH-1000XM6 are slightly better overall for around the same price (I'm talking list price -- and yes, they're too pricey for some folks). But with the Ace selling for as low as $330, they're an easier sell.

Get it now

Pros

Lightweight and comfortable

Good sound with very good noise canceling and ambient sound mode

Good voice-calling performance

Multipoint Bluetooth

35 hours of battery life

Robust EQ settings

Cons

No carrying case or pouch included

Missing more advanced features like ear-detection sensors, LDAC audio codec support and Sony's Quick Attention and Speak-To-Chat

Why I like them

Sony's improved entry-level noise-canceling headphones, the CH-720Ns, have a bit of a plasticky budget vibe, but they're lightweight (only 192 grams) and very comfortable. Part of me was expecting them to sound pretty mediocre, but I was pleasantly surprised, as these headphones offer good overall tonal balance with punchy bass, decent clarity and a fairly wide soundstage (the headphones are suitable for a variety of music genres. They also offer decent noise canceling and good voice-calling performance.

No, they don't sound as good or perform as well as Sony's WH-1000XM5 or new WH-1000XM6 headphones. But they sound more premium than they look -- and feel -- and their overall performance is a step up from their predecessor, the CH-710Ns. Are they worth $150? Maybe -- or maybe not. But the good news is that, like the CH-710N and WH-XB910 before them, these are frequently discounted to closer to $100, which makes them a good value.

Reasons to buy

Budget-conscious buyers seeking Sony quality at an accessible price will find these offer a significant step up from truly entry-level headphone options.

Reasons to skip/keep looking

The main reason not get these is that you simply want a more premium noise-canceling headphone that not only offers better build quality but better overall performance along with more advanced features like ear-detection sensors, LDAC audio codec support and Sony's Quick Attention and Speak-To-Chat features. Sony also leaves out any sort of carrying case or pouch with these headphones, which is slightly disappointing.

Watch this: Sony The Collexion Review: Bad Name, High Price, Fantastic Headphones

07:16

Pros

Comfortable

Clean, clear sound

More dynamic sounding and less bass shy than many studio headphones

Good build quality

Cons

Wired-only headphones with no extra features

Why I like them

I was a fan of Beyerdynamic's earlier DT 770 Pro headphones. The newer DT 700 Pro X is easier to drive than the 770 Pro, thanks to the company's new Stellar.45 sound transducer with an impedance of 48 ohms, so it plays better with smartphones, tablets and laptops without requiring a headphone amp.

These headphones are targeted at content creators who want accurate audio reproduction, but it's a bit more dynamic sounding and less bass-shy than many studio headphones, which tend to restrain the bass and hew toward a very neutral sound profile. The DT 700 Pro X are revealing, clean-sounding headphones that offer invitingly open sound (particularly for closed-back headphones) and make you realize what you're missing after listening to similarly priced Bluetooth headphones.

Unlike the earlier DT 770 Pro, which is being sold at a nice discount (around $160), the DT 700 Pro X comes with two interchangeable (detachable) straight cables in different lengths, and the DT 700 Pro X arguably has a little cleaner look than their predecessor.

Solidly built -- they weigh 350 grams -- they're quite comfortable, featuring upgraded soft, velour-covered memory foam earpads that offer decent passive noise isolation. The earpads and the headphones' other parts are replaceable, Beyerdynamic says.

Reasons to buy

If you're looking for a great-sounding wired studio headphone that's fairly affordable, the DT700 Pro X fit the bill.

Reasons to skip or keep looking

Beyerdynamic also sells the open-back DT 900 X for $30 less. That model should provide slightly more open, airy sound, but the big drawback is people around you can hear whatever you're listening to -- and sound also leaks in. This closed-back version is more versatile.

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Why I like them

At $280, Sennheiser's HD 505 open-back headphones aren't cheap, but they're pretty affordable as far as audiophile-grade headphones go. Though these aren't a major upgrade over the HD 560S -- they're built on the same HD 500 series chassis -- they are superior. They include some small design improvements and they sound better, with slightly tighter bass and smoother treble, which makes the headphones more revealing.

I found the 237-gram HD 505 headphones lightweight and quite comfortable to wear during longer listening sessions. According to Sennheiser, they have a 120-ohm transducer with frequency response stretching from 12 to 38,500 Hz and less than 0.2% harmonic distortion (I used them with iFi's new $80 Go Link Max DAC dongle). The headphones come with a 6-foot cable with a 3.5mm plug, and they include a 6.3mm adapter. The cables and ear pads are modular, which means they can easily be swapped out.

Reasons to buy

You're looking for great-sounding open-back headphones that are relatively affordable.

Reasons to skip or keep looking

Open-back headphones do leak sound, so these aren't the best for folks to use while working in open-office environment.

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Budget

Before anything else, you'll want to figure out how much you're willing to spend on new over-ear headphones. The quality of value-priced headphones continues to improve, so you can find good affordable headphones for less than $100. The premium models, which offer better build quality and performance, tend to cost $300 or more -- sometimes much more, upwards of $650.

Noise canceling: Yes or no?

The majority of over-ear headphones feature active noise canceling. It does slightly affect sound quality, so if you're an audio purist, you may want to go with a model that doesn't have noise canceling. You can also sometimes save some money by getting non-ANC headphones, although noise canceling is becoming a fairly standard feature.

Wired or wireless

Most headphones these days are Bluetooth wireless headphones. You still tend to get the best sound going the wired route. Many wireless headphones also come with a headphone cable for wired listening (and some offer USB-C Audio using a USB-C cable). We have a few headphones on this list that are wired-only.

Fit, aka comfort

It's key that the headphones you buy fit your head well. They should offer a comfortable fit that's snug yet not too snug. Ideally, you want headphones you can wear over a day with minimal breaks.

Durability

You want headphones that hold up well over time, so look for models that we note have sturdy build quality.

Maximize performance and features for your budget

You want the best-sounding headphones with the best noise canceling, call quality and features for whatever you're able to spend.

Return policy

It's critical to buy your headphones at a retailer that has a good return policy, in case you have buyer's remorse. Some people who are having trouble deciding between two models sometimes buy both, try them out for a few days and then return one.

We test over-ear headphones based on six key criteria: design, sound quality, noise-canceling performance, voice-calling performance, features and value.

Design

We assess not only how comfortably the headphones fit (their ergonomics) but also their build quality and how well the controls are implemented. With over-ear headphones, we'll note if they're water-resistant, but only a few over-ear headphones have water- and dust-resistance ratings.

Sound quality

We evaluate sound quality by listening to a set playlist of music tracks and comparing headphones to top competing products in their price range. Sonic traits such as bass definition, clarity, dynamic range and how natural the headphones sound are key factors in our assessment.

Noise-canceling performance

If the headphones we're testing feature active noise canceling, we evaluate ANC performance by wearing the headphones in the same spot indoors near a noisy HVAC unit to see how well they do at muffling lower frequencies. Then we head out onto city streets to test the headphones in a real-world environment where we see how they muffle not only street noise but also people's voices.

Extra features

Some great-sounding headphones aren't loaded with features, but we do take into account what extra features are on board. These include everything from quick-access awareness to transparency modes (your music pauses and the headphones open up to the outside world so you can have a conversation) to special sound modes to ear-detection sensors that automatically pause your music when you take the headphones off your ears. We also take a look at the companion app for the headphones if there is one and how user-friendly it is.

Voice-calling

When we test voice-calling performance, we make calls on noisy city streets and evaluate how well the headphones or earbuds reduce background noise and how clearly callers can hear our voices.

Value

We determine value after considering the strength of the headphones against all these criteria and what they're able to deliver compared with other models in their price class.

Focal Bathys: French audio company Focal is known for its high-end speakers and headphones. You might call it the Bowers & Wilkins of France. Back in 2022, it finally did done what a lot of high-end audio companies have had to do in this age of on-the-go wireless music listening: They made active noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones. Easily one of the best-sounding wireless headphones, the pricey Bathys (now down to $600 from their list price of $850) feature not only wireless connectivity but also a built-in digital-to-analog converter for USB wired listening with any computer, smartphone or tablet with USB-C. Read the full review.

Noble Fokus Apollo: Noble is an audiophile brand known more for its in-ear monitor headphones, but it released a wireless noise-canceling headphone called the Fokus Apollo a couple of years ago that sounds terrific and features a special dual-driver design that combines a 40mm dynamic driver with a 14.5mm planar-magnetic driver (the upgraded $699 Fokus Apollo Pro arrived in May of 2026). The result is rich, open sound, with tight bass and excellent treble detail and clarity, especially for a wireless headphone (it sounds a tad better in wired mode but it's not a huge difference). It's more dynamic than many monitor headphones that have a flatter, more neutral sound profile, but it still leans toward being an accurate, well-balanced headphone.

Anker Soundcore Space One: While the newer Soundcore Space 2 offer a more streamlined design and beter performance across the board, the Soundcore Space One by Anker are still a decent at less $100, offering a strong feature set along with good sound quality and performance. They can't compete sound-wise with many of the premium noise-canceling models, but you don't feel like you're giving up that much on the sound front to save a good deal of money. They lack a bit of that natural, refined quality you look for in a great set of cans, but the Space One sound respectable, with decent clarity and bass definition and measure up well to the more expensive Soundcore Space 45.

CMF Headphone Pro: Nothing started out with a few different wireless earbuds but has now branched into the over-ear headphones market with its eye-catching Nothing Headphone (1) and the budget-oriented CMF Headphone Pro, which also have a pretty unique look and feature interchangeable ear pads in a few different color options. I was expecting all that much from these headphones, but after using them for a week, they check a lot of boxes for a top value headphone, including a comfortable fit (they pretty lightweight at 283 grams), decent build quality and good sound quality that's highlighted by powerful bass that can be dialed up or down with a slider control on the left ear cup (you can also tweak the sound in the companion app). The Skullcandy Crusher 2 headphones have a similar slider, but the CMF's bass doesn't get to head-rattling levels (the Crusher 2's bass literally makes the headphones vibrate).

Earfun Wave Pro: Earfun has made some very solid budget earbuds, and now it's entered the full-size ANC headphone space with a few different over-ear models, including the Wave Pro (add the code EWPROCNET at checkout on Amazon to receive an additional 10% off). While they may not sound as good as premium noise-canceling headphones from Bose or Sony, they're comfortable to wear, feature decent sound with punchy bass (they're a bit lacking in clarity and bass definition compared to more expensive models), and they offer respectable noise canceling (you can toggle between two levels of ANC) and voice-calling performance. The headphones do come with a cable for wired listening -- you can plug into an inflight entertainment system -- but the noise canceling cuts off when you're in wired mode, which is unfortunate.

Edifier W830NB: The Edifier W830NB remain a good value noise-canceling headphone pick. They look slightly more premium than their predecessor, W820NB Plus, and and are fairly lightweight (265 grams) and comfortable, with cushy memory foam ear pads. They also sound very good for their price, offering decent clarity and fairly well-defined bass with an amply wide sound stage (they lack the refinement and depth of higher-end headphones, but you can't expect the world from sub-$80 headphones). You can tweak the sound profile in Edifier's companion app for iOS and Android.

QCY H3 Pro: QCY is another Chinese brand like Tribit, Earfun and plenty of others that make budget-priced headphones that sound better than you'd think they would for their relatively low price (the company says the Q stands for quality, C stands for creative and Y stands for youth). Its new-for-2024 H3 Pro headphones are similar to models in this price range from 1More, Tribit and Edifier, but they arguably sound a touch better and I found them relatively comfortable to wear, as they feature a lightweight design and memory foam ear pads.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones: When Bose released its new flagship QuietComfort Ultra Headphones in late 2023, it also replaced the QuietComfort 45s with a slightly updated model simply called the QuietComfort Headphones. Like the QC 45s, this model carries on the comfortable tried-and-true legacy QuietComfort design that's been around for a few generations that a lot of people continue to love. The QC Ultra Headphones add Bose's new Immersive Audio feature and have a more refined design with some metal parts (they also have Bluetooth 5.3 instead of Bluetooth 5.1). But the QuietComfort Headphones still have good sound (the Ultras offer a small step up in sound quality), excellent noise canceling and strong voice-calling performance.

Sony WH-1000XM5: Sony has released its new-for-2025 WH-1000XM6 headphones, but its former flagship model, the XM5 is still an excellent headphone that's often on sale for closer to $300. Their noise-canceling, voice-calling and sound isn't quite as good as what the XM6 offers (the XM6 sounds a little more detailed with improved bass performance) and the XM6 has a dual-hinge design that allows them to fold up, not just fold flat. As a result, the XM6's case is a little smaller. Additionally, the XM6 is powered by a new QN3 chip that Sony says delivers 7 times the performance of the QN1 chip found in the XM5s. All that said, while the jump in performance from the XM5 to the XM6 is certainly noticeable, it isn't huge; the XM5 still offers good sound, noise-canceling and voice-calling performance that should satisfy most people. Read my Sony WH-1000XM5 review.

Sennheiser Accentum Plus: If you can't afford Sennheiser's flagship Momentum 4 Wireless headphones or other premium models from Bose, Sony and Apple, the Sennheiser Accentum Plus is a good midrange alternative that doesn't quite offer the same performance as those higher-end models. However, it does offers better build quality and sound than most budget noise canceling headphones. In essence, these are a slightly stripped down version of the Momentum 4 Wireless and share a similar aesthetic and the same touch controls but feature different drivers (the Momentum Wireless 4 have larger 42mm drivers and offer richer, more detailed sound with slightly better bass performance). Still, these sound good for the money, offer respectable noise canceling and support USB-C audio wired listening and the AptX Adaptive audio codec that's compatible with some Android devices.

Master & Dynamic MH40 (2nd gen): All of Master & Dynamic's headphones are well-built and have a unique retro-modern look. The higher-end MW75 has active noise canceling and sounds a little better than the updated MH40 ($400), which features new drivers and a new chipset that delivers improved sound and performance. The MH40 sounds more refined than its predecessor, with better clarity and definition, and now offers support for the AAC and AptX audio codecs, plus improved voice-calling performance. Additionally, you can plug its USB-C cable into a computer or Android smartphone for a wired digital connection for high-resolution audio. Battery life is rated at a healthy 30 hours.

Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2: Many of us liked Shure's original Aonic 50 headphones, but they had relatively mediocre noise cancellation. Well, the 2nd-gen version addresses that issue -- the noise canceling is much improved -- and Shure has more than doubled the battery life to around 45 hours (they now have a quick-charge feature) and also shrunk the headphone's carry case a bit, although it's still not that compact. Those upgrades make the Aonic 50 Gen 2 a top noise-canceling headphone. The Aonic 50 Gen 2s are pretty heavy at 334 grams, they're built sturdily and are also comfortable to wear, with nicely padded ear cups. They feature excellent sound quality with very good clarity and well-defined bass. Shure calls them a "studio headphone," so the sound profile is fairly neutral, but you can add more bass in the EQ settings in Shure's companion app for iOS and Android (engaging the Spatializer setting in the app expands the soundstage slightly but doesn't make a big difference).

Bang & Olufsen's Beoplay HX: Bang & Olufsen's Beoplay HX headphones are the successor to the company's H9 series headphones (the X is the Roman numeral for 10) and, like those earlier H9 models, the HX headphones carry a list price of $599 (some colors are discounted at Amazon). That price makes it a direct competitor of Apple's AirPods Max, which is heavier at 385 grams versus the HX's 285 grams. I don't know if the HX headphones are more comfortable than the AirPods Max, but I found the two models pretty equal in the comfort department over longer listening sessions, and these do feature the usual swanky B&O lambskin-covered memory foam earpads. Their sound measures up well to the AirPods Max's sound -- overall, it's well-balanced, with deep, well-defined bass, natural-sounding mids (where vocals live) and inviting detail in the treble.

V-Moda M-200: V-Moda's M-200 is one of the few wired headphones on this list. Released in late 2019, these clean- and detailed-sounding over-ear headphones have excellent bass response, and the cushy earcups mean they're also comfortable to wear. Featuring 50mm drivers with neodymium magnets, CCAW voice coils and fine-tuning by Roland engineers -- yes, V-Moda is now owned by Roland -- the M‑200 is Hi‑Res Audio-certified by the Japan Audio Society. Other V-Moda headphones tend to push the bass a little, but this set has the more neutral profile that you'd expect from studio monitor headphones. They come with two cords, one of which has a built-in microphone for making calls. It would be nice if V-Moda offered Lightning or USB-C cables for phones without headphone jacks. Note that last year V-Moda released the M-200 ANC ($350), a wireless version of these headphones that includes active noise canceling. They also sound great, but their noise cancellation, call quality and overall feature set don't match those of the AirPods Max.

Mark Levinson No. 5909: These are premium audio brand Mark Levinson's first headphones and, yes, they're really expensive at $999. They're also really good. They have a sturdy design without managing to feel hefty on your head (read: they're substantial but not too heavy) and they're comfortable to wear over long periods, thanks to their nicely padded and replaceable leather-covered earcups and headband. Read our Mark Levinson No. 5909 hands-on.

OneOdio A10: The OneOdio A10s deliver more than you'd expect for their relatively modest price, which is why they're featured on several of our best lists. They're built better than you think they would be for around $90 and are pretty comfortable to wear. They have a dual-hinge design and feel sturdy, weighing in at 395 grams, making them perfect headphones for a workout. They sound surprisingly decent and have reasonably good noise canceling with a transparency mode (which has a slight audible hiss). The headphones also have very good battery life. No, they're not as comfortable as Bose's and Sony's models (they do feel a tad heavy) and their sound lacks that extra bit of clarity, bass definition and depth that more premium headphones tend to deliver. They did exceed my expectations and come with a decent carrying case, even if the OneOdio logo splayed across it is a bit garish.

Technics EAH-A800: There's a bit of an old-school vibe to the Technics EAH-A800 -- and it's not just the Technics brand, which Panasonic resurrected in the last few years. Their design is something of a throwback, but these headphones are comfortable and both fold up and fold flat. They feature a big, energetic sound with powerful bass and good detail, although they take a day or two to break in.

Do over-ear headphones sound better than on-ear headphones?

Usually but not always. Over-ear headphones tend to have bigger speaker drivers (bigger isn't always better when it comes to speaker drivers, but it can be), which can lead to better sound. Also, the way over-ear headphones cover your entire ear can create better acoustics and help passively seal out more ambient noise. It's also worth noting that over-ear headphones tend to be more comfortable than on-ear headphones, although in warmer environments over-ear headphones will steam up your ears more than on-ear headphones.

Are over-ear headphones bad for your hearing?

Only if you play them too loud for long periods. It's best to keep volume levels in the 50% to 70% range.

What makes over-ear headphones comfortable?

Lighter headphones tend to be more comfortable, and companies like Sony and Bose have made an effort to shave as much weight as they can off their premium over-ear noise-canceling headphones. You also want headphones that have soft earpads and a comfortable headband, with high-quality memory foam and good padding. Heavier headphones, like Apple's AirPods Max, can be comfortable, but the weight distribution has to be good, along with the cushioning on the headband at the top where it meets the crown of your head.

Is it 'noise-canceling' or 'noise-cancelling'?

Short answer: both. Either spelling is correct, as "canceling" is more common in American English, while "cancelling" is more common in British English. CNET uses "noise-canceling" since the company is based in the US, but the noise is canceled just the same, regardless of spelling. If you're looking to see what different noise-impacting technology is out there for headphones, check out our article on noise-canceling versus noise-isolating headphones, which highlights differences in function (and not just a difference in spelling).

Can I connect over-ear headphones to my TV?

In short, yes. Wireless over-ear headphones can be connected via Bluetooth if supported by your television. Otherwise, you're likely able to connect your over-ear headphones to your TV through an AUX cable or included wire with the appropriate dongle attachment. If you're really looking for the best sound from your TV, we recommend investing in a great soundbar or home theater system to bring the movie magic to life.

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