Best Over Ear Headphones 2024

To Experience the Ultimate music that shuts out the outside world and lets you completely immerse yourself in the sound you are listening to, You will need the best over-ear headphones 2024. In-ear headphones are also great to hear, but they are used mainly by people who listen to music all the time. In-Ear headphones can never compete with over-ear headphones in case of sound and design.

Over-Ear Headphones are mostly used by audiophiles to get the ultimate music experience. They are super expensive but have superb quality music and design. Furthermore, over-ear headphones also contain budget-friendly headphones that won’t be a significant burden on your pocket and will still sound good. Our compiled list includes headphones that suit all the styles and budgets. You will find wireless headphones, the best bass headphones, and also noise-canceling headphones.

Best Over Ear Headphones 2024:

Do I Need a Headphones Amplifier

A Headphone amplifier plays a great role in the sound. Plugging your headphone into something with a poor amplifier will significantly affect the quality of the sound you listen to. For example, the CD/MP3 player are generally awful and have a very poor quality amplifier. You can’t blame it because this little guy has to power the whole electronic and amplifier with a few volts available. Not only this, some of the better home AV amplifier headphone jacks offer highly variable sound.

To experience the ultimate quality of the sound. You will need to research and find a better sound amplifier if you care about what you listen to and want to experience a better sound quality. You can find both home and portable amplifiers on the market that can handle high-end headphones.

Do a Higher Price Tag Means Quality

Well, this isn’t necessary. Not all the time, money is spent on the quality of the headphones. Sometimes expensive headphones are just gold plating, they may look and feel beautiful, but they aren’t quality. But still, some of the expensive headphones are very good and provide you with the ultimate sound experience. However, inexpensive headphones should not be assumed cheap because sometimes they can give you the best sound and compete with many expensive headphones.

Best Over Ear Headphones 2024

1. Sony MDR7506 Professional

Sony MDR7506 Professional is popular among headphones lovers. Despite being budget headphones, they promise a great design and quality music. They are ideal in studios around the world due to their large diaphragm and other excellent reasons. MDR7506 promises a lot in this price range and easily competes for many expensive headphones. Furthermore, these headphones have been used in live productions and critical engineering environments around the world. Plus, they will stand up for a lot of regular use and can handle some beating.

When it comes to the comfortability of headphones, MDR7506 is suitable for long listening sessions because they are very light and comfortable to wear. They weigh only 8.1 ounces that rest gently on the head and have only a slight tension on the ear pads, making them very comfortable to wear. Being a closed-back ear-cup headphone works well for noise isolation and perfectly seals the outside environmental noise. Moreover, Sony MDR7506 features a long cable of around 6 feet, suitable for desktop and recording studios, but it’s not useful for portable and mobile users.

Sound quality is something that every one of us expects from headphones. Sony MDR7506 is good for using professional studios and critical music listening. With the 40mm drivers and neodymium magnets, they are capable of producing a loud sound. Furthermore, the quality of the sound and signature is great if you are a constant music listener. Also, the bass is there, the mids are great and not muddy at all, plus highs are bright and well-balanced. They are good for professional and casual music listeners. However, they aren’t perfectly flat and for audiophile-grade cans.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35 II

Do you want a headphone that offers both wireless operation and noise cancellation? This may not be an easy job because several issues arise around Bluetooth and the sound quality of headphones. To your surprise, Bose already offers such headphones. It’s not just a sound quality and wireless connectivity but increased importance of a voice assistant. With the Google Assistant onboard, you get to simply press the button and give commands. The assistant also reads out notifications, so you won’t need to take out your phone each time you get a notification.

The design of Bose QuietComfort 35 II is quite simple as the previous generation headphones except for the new google assistant button on the ear-cup. They come in two different colors, silver and black. Being stiflingly generic, they are Favorited by business-class travelers but not those who want to have some impression. Furthermore, the build is a simple plastic that is cheap compared to the other luxury headphones, but that doesn’t affect its quality and durability. Plus, the plastic also helps in the comfort of the headphones, as they are lightweight and comfortable to wear for long sessions.

The best thing about these best over-ear headphones is the active noise cancellation. Just switch on active noise cancellation, and you will feel like walking into a quiet room from being on a busy city street. Bose QuietComfort 35 II draws out everything from a train’s rumble to a car driving and other environmental noises. Furthermore, these headphones effectively block ambient noise even when the active noise cancellation is off due to earpad design. The sound quality is good but not class-leading as the other expensive headphones. Overall, if you want headphones with excellent sound isolation and google assistant, they are one of the best over-ear headphones available on the market.

3. Sennheiser Momentum 2.0

The original Sennheiser Momentum headphones have already changed our assumptions about portable music and new generation headphones. Momentum 2.0 is pushing the original concept to another level. There aren’t many changes, but still, it induces 18-Ω neodymium transducers that work flawlessly with all the modern devices like smartphones and other audio devices. However, if the momentum was so popular and well regarded, why aren’t they ranked as the best over-ear headphones. Some say that earpads are a bit small to be perfectly comfortable, which results in sore ears. Well, momentum 2.0 fix this by featuring larger ear cups and pads to provide the ultimate comfort.

It was a great move by Sennheiser for overall comfortability. This benefits not only the comfort but also the aesthetic of the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0. The design is quite similar to the predecessor, with ear-cups a bit bigger. The pad of these over-ear headphones is memory foam and tapped with leather. The same is the case with the headband making it very comfortable to wear for long sessions. They sit nicely on the head with a feather-light contact with your head and also stick well. Being comfortable and lightweight makes it perfect for exercise, running, and gym. Furthermore, they do an excellent job of noise isolation due to larger ear pads. Plus, you can get them in the color of your own choice.

Actually, these headphones are special because of have 18-ohm transducers, capable of delivering a wide range of frequency responses with almost any device you can connect to. This feature is an expensive one which justifies the high price of the headphone. When it comes to the sound quality, Sennheiser momentum 2.0 does some magic with smoothness and spark in the rendition of mids. The bass is there, controlled and all the detail are easily recognizable. So, you can say these over-ear headphones steal the show with the perfect design, powerful features, and ultimate sound quality.

4. Bowers & Wilkins PX

Bowers & Wilkins are new to the market. Their first headphones hit the market in 2009, and the company hasn’t looked back since. Their headphones were fabulous and had much impact as their traditional B&W’s loudspeakers. Bowers & Wilkins PX headphones are the first pair of noise-canceling headphones by the company. Their biggest problem was lacking sound quality due to Bluetooth. Still, implementing the new aptX HD Bluetooth codec has created the best traveling and noise-canceling headphones for noisy offices and train stations.

Px Wireless isn’t just different internally from what the company has done before, but also the design is entirely different. The look of the headphones isn’t as fantastic as before, but the build quality is super excellent. The chunky yet sleek construction is sturdy in hand and also feels good on the head. Furthermore, when it comes to the features of the headphones, everything is there. USB type C? check. Complete set of button controls? Check. Long battery life? Check. Bluetooth aptX codec? Check. So, you can say these headphones have a high build plus all the essential features included.

It is the first noise-canceling headphones by Bowers and Wilkins. You will be surprised to see that the functionality of the headphones is very impressive. You will love the noise cancellation done by these over-ear headphones, and they easily compete with other established players in the market. However, as with the noise cancellation technology, sound quality isn’t as impressive. The biggest problem you are going to face is in the mids and trebles, they are fuzzy. So, overall, you can say they are suitable for professionals and casual music listeners, but they may not impress audiophiles.

5. Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2

Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2 is a second-generation headphone that fixes first-generation headphones mistakes. They offer excellent sound quality and hold well up to the competition of the over-ear headphones. The original headphones weren’t perfect, but they worked pretty well. They had an excellent sound quality, premium look, and better active noise isolation. Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2 repeats what was better and fixes everything bad.

The design of these best over-ear headphones is quite generic, and you will either love them or hate them. You will find glitter silver mesh rings for the ear-cups on each, which houses the headphone’s noise-canceling mics. On the left ear-cup, there are controls for playback, volume, and toggle for active noise cancellation. Talking about the comfort of the headphones, they feature leather around the ear-cups and on the headphones, making them highly comfortable to wear for hours. They are smaller and lighter than the original headphones, making them easy to carry on traveling.

They keep some of the good things from the original, which is fun, a bass-heavy sound signature. They are pleasing to many, but audiophiles may not like it, but they can use them in wired mode, which tames the bass quite a lot. The highs are a bit rolled off, which may not be suitable for some, but they are preferred for long flights because highs won’t fatigue you. Mids are good and have an average soundstage, so don’t expect an overhead experience. Battery performance is quite enormous, and you won’t need to worry about charging them all the time. So as a whole, they are one of the best over-ear headphones with a good design, sound quality, and noise-active cancellation.

6. Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 are serious headphones, and they are specially designed for portable use, like listening to music on a train station or an 8-hour long flight. The sound quality of the headphones is quite improved and has a great design stylish enough to go head to head with big names like Sony and Beat Studio. Audio-Technica may not be a style guru or trendsetter, but they have produced headphones that look good and sound good enough to satisfy music enthusiasts.

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 is quite a flashy take on your typical over-ear headphones. Everything in MSR7 is carefully lathered in a modern style. The headband is coated with leather, and the inside is stuffed with enough padding to give you a very comfortable experience. The ear-cups hinges can glide smoothly up around 90 degrees, so the ear-cups, when not in use, can rest on your chest. However, they don’t fold up to be adjusted in the smallest pouches. You will love the various shapes, colors, and angles offered by Audio-Technica.

Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 has undoubtedly the best look, but when it comes to the sound performance of the best over-ear headphones, they shine with the most satisfying audio performance. Featuring 45mm drivers inside, they excel at whatever you are listening to. Furthermore, MSR7 doesn’t have noise activation technology but still, with a closed-back design and dense leatherette in the earpads, creates a peaceful and quiet environment to enjoy music even in the noisiest places. However, these closed-back designs and tight ear-cups may be good at noise isolation, but they aren’t too comfortable. Especially during summer, your ears are going to cook. So, overall, rather than being a little uncomfortable, they are excellent at everything.

7. Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling

Beats has been the market king for years. They have been producing headphones that ensure a quality design, a good battery life, durability, and audio quality. Beats is a go-to brand when you are confused and want something that really clicks your likes and interest. Beats Studio3 Wireless is their full-sized flagship model released back in 2017. These over-ear headphones provide an aesthetic design, excellent battery life, and sound quality you have never experienced before.

Beats Studio3 Wireless has been designed with great care. The soft ear cushions are specially designed to provide ultimate comfort and a flexible fit for any head shape or size. Also, these headphones are so comfortable that you can use them for hours without any sweat or burning of the ears. Furthermore, the Apple W1 chip features Class 1 Bluetooth that ensures signal strength and long-range. Plus, a multifunction controller is used to take calls, skip songs, use Siri, or control volume. So, Beats studio3 is the best over-ear headphones with all the amazing features and quality.

When it comes to the sound quality of the Beats Studio3 Wireless. Buy them, put them on and we believe that you won’t be disappointed. They won’t provide you with audiophile-level quality sound, but they are still pretty good as per their price. The bass is there, the sound is detailed, and the Highs, Mids are good. Furthermore, they feature Pure ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) specially designed to avoid noise and distortion of the outside environment. Honestly, they are quite good at everything, and you should definitely give them a try.

8. Shure SRH1540 Premium Headphones

Sound is everything when it comes to headphones. Audiophile-level sound quality will cost you in over thousand of dollars. That may not seem achievable, but with Shure SRH1540 Premium Headphones, you can achieve the ultimate sound at a lower price. They don’t have wireless connectivity, no active noise cancellation, and no microphones control cable. In the feature department, you won’t find much, but they are the best over-ear headphones that you will find at this price in the audio performance.

They are incredibly lightweight, and you can carry them on your travel whenever you go on a business trip or do the traveling. The outside of the earcups is garnished with carbon fiber accents. The inside of the ear-cups is made of memory foam to give a very comfortable experience and wear them for long hours without any fatigue. They perfectly sit on your ears and seal them to block noise from the outside environment. So, you can say that they do well in the audio performance department plus have excellent comfortability.

Name anything related to headphones, and we can say with confidence that SRH1540 will may you happy in that department. They are just magical with intense bass and always in line with the source. Also, Mid-range is totally clear of congestion plus treble sparks, shines and rings with perfect intonation. Overall, they are good at everything related to performance. So, if you are not a fan of shiny design plus features and care about performance, nothing can beat these best over-ear headphones.

Steps To Buy Best Over-Ear Headphones in 2024

Buying a good pair of headphones isn’t an easy job because they are expensive, and you won’t want to waste your money on some cheap quality headphones. Forget about cheaply made earbuds and headphones that come with your phone or MP3. The right pair of quality over-ear headphones can take your listening experience to another level. Whether at home or on the go, consider spending some money on quality headphones, and you will thank us later.

Identify how You will Use Your Headphones

The trick is finding the right kind of headphones in understanding the precise requirement. If you don’t know what you need or why you are buying your headphones. You will always buy the wrong pair of headphones. So before buying headphones, first think about how are you going to use them. Will you be using them while traveling, sitting at home, or exercising in the gym? For each situation, there are different types of headphones. This guide will take you through every step you need to know to buy the best over-ear headphones.

Closed Vs. Open-backed Headphones

Closed-back Headphones: In this type of headphones, there are no holes or vents in the casing, and the entire structure is made to ensure that all the sound produced by a driver goes directly into the ear. Of course, the part that seals the space between your ears and outside is made of soft, cushiony material and is quite comfortable. This is the most common type of over-ear headphones.

They are most pleasing if you are into music for real. Just close your eyes, and you will feel an orchestra playing in your head. Meanwhile, the person sitting next to you will have no idea what you are listening to. So, the whole concept is cutting from the outside world and

Open-back Headphones: Well, open-backed headphones have holes and vents. The drivers are exposed to the outside world, and the vents let air flow in and out of the ear. Some say that these headphones have more natural sound and give the illusion of true stereo. If we stick to listening to an orchestra analogy, we become the second person sitting with musicians.

However, these headphones aren’t ideal for public places because everyone around you will hear the music you are listening to. So, it’s better to think about before buying that if you will use them at home or office or public places.

Wired or Wireless

At first, when Bluetooth was invented, somebody put it in a pair of headphones. The quality was of the music was awful, like an AM radio awful. But with time, everything changed. Premium Bluetooth headphones these days have an incredible sound quality and are indistinguishable from the headphones’ wired version.

Wireless headphones give you a sense of freedom, and you no longer are physically tethered to your music device. They are of course expensive, but if you can afford them, you should buy them. Also, most of the wireless headphones are shipped with a wire, if you need it.

On the other side, wired headphones have their benefits. If you are a serious musician, audio tech, or audiophile, you need to buy hard-wired headphones. It’s only because, no matter how robust your Bluetooth is, it can never meet the sound quality of the wired headphones.

The second big reason is the battery of wireless headphones. You will need to charge it every time, and you don’t know when it will end. In the case of wired headphones, you don’t need to worry about that. Still, nowadays, premium wireless headphones come with long battery life.

Remember what you are Paying for

Generally, more expensive headphones are more high quality. They are made with excellent material that can last longer and will also sound better. There are better quality equipment and engineering involved in ensuring a better sound. You can’t expect quality from 30$ headphones that you get from a 60$ and so on. A more expensive model will sound better, and you will hear the detail that you have never heard before.
Furthermore, better-quality headphones happen to last longer. Cheap headphones can last for the longest a year and also will not sound better. On the other hand, expensive headphones can last for a long time. You may have heard about people that used headphones from the late 70’s or 80’s that still work today. It’s only because they are built with good material. So, not always when you shop for a big name; it’s not just a name; it’s the trusted quality you pay for.

Sound Isolation

Sound Isolation is fundamental when you listen to quality headphones because no one want’s to hear the background sound of a train, bus, or people chattering around you. Nothing can be more annoying than turning up the volume to block the outside noise. Blocking the outside noise isn’t the only case. If you turn up the volume, the people around can hear your music, too, and you give them something to gossip about. So, proper headphones with sound isolation will save you from turning up the volume every time to avoid the noise and save you precious battery.

Earbuds are good at sound Isolation due to the seal they provide in your ear, but while buying stereo headphones, you need to be careful. Over-ear headphones come into two types. Open-backed and closed-backed. Open-backed headphones tend to be more natural and distort-free, but people around you will hear your music if the volume is turned up. So they are more comfortable and recommended to be used at home. On the other hand, closed-back headphones are better at sound Isolation and sound like the music in your head.

Some people prefer closed back for having a booming bass and sound Isolation, while others back off open again for the more natural and precise sound experience.

Frequency Range

The frequency range is the most critical thing that headphones offer. The wider the frequency range, the more you hear from the music. Longer ranges, such as 10Hz to 25000Hz, are recommended. Headphones in this range will sound good.

The most important thing is the curves of the sound. The sound curve, frequency response curve, and sound signature decide how much the headphones are worth. If you notice that the low end on the graph is higher, that means that there will be more bass, but that doesn’t mean that the bass will be precise and better. For example, some headphones have boosted the bass, but it’s muddy and boomy with no precision.

Typically, Cheaper headphones like under 100$ will have a U curve, which means that the mid-range is cut out, and they will sound flat. At first, it may seem pleasing, but you won’t be able to hear the details and layer of music you are expecting to listen to. So, flat sound headphones aren’t good at any range. At every range, whether it be a low range, mid-range, or higher, you will experience the same layer of music. Also, these headphones have no bass at all and will sound boring eventually.

Avoid Noise Cancelling Headphones

Noise Cancelling comes at a very high cost and is mostly found in gaming headsets. Anything you get under 200$-250$ is not worth it. They may promise you to noise-canceling, but they are just not worth it 90% of the time. Some may cancel some noise, but most of the time, they do is turn up the volume. However, if you are interested in noise-canceling, look for high brands like Bose and Etymotic, but that comes at a cost.

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