If you want a more circumoral fit or don't like how earbuds feel, you should check out a pair of over-ear headphones. Over-ear pairs often offer better sound than similarly priced in-ear counterparts because of the bigger drivers compared to earbuds.

We've tried dozens of over-ear headphones, both wired and wireless, and those that block out ambient noise. This piece is an introduction to our preferred over-ear headphones, with additional resources for further reading in the accompanying guides.

WH-1000XM4s

The WH-1000XM5s, which we rate as having the best active noise cancellation on the market, have surpassed the WH-1000XM4s as Sony's flagship headphones. However, the WH-1000XM4s are still the best for most people due to their impressive sound quality and features balanced with the lower prices you can now usually find them at.

You can easily switch between two devices with the multi-point pairing function, upscaling to DSEE Extreme, and automatic control settings with the help of built-in sensors.

SPECIFICATIONS

> Acoustic design: Closed
> Weight: 253g
> Frequency response: 4Hz to 40kHz
> Drivers: 1.57-inch
> Dome-type
> Battery life: 30 hours

Grado SR325x

Since its introduction three decades ago, Grado's Prestige brand of wired open-back headphones has been at the center of the company's production. Grado has progressed with the series incrementally throughout the years. No changes have been made to the plot for the 'x' generation.

The 'x' series of headphones sound even more precise and wise than the previous ones, but be assured that these headphones have always been detailed and articulate performers.

These Grados prove that gradual improvement over time is more dependable than dramatic, attention-grabbing design revolutions. Previously, excellent has improved much more.

SPECIFICATIONS

> Bluetooth: No
> Noise-cancelling: No
> Battery life: N/A
> Charging: N/A
> Type: Open-back
> Cable length: 1.8m

Focal Bathys

Since Focal already occupies the high end of the wired market, it is not unexpected that the company has entered the rapidly expanding market for premium Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones.

It's one of the most interesting wireless headphone performances we've ever heard. And if you want to use them as home headphones for extended listening sessions—something they are more than capable of handling—you should know that using the wired DAC/USB-C connector does improve the sound quality.

Beyerdynamic T1

Regarding high-quality headphones, we often return to the original T1 models, which first appeared on the market a decade ago.

The result is a sound very close to the originals but cleaner and crisper, less bright and slightly rounded in the treble, making them more tolerant of forceful electronics and recordings.

A well-shaped, Alcantara-covered headband and large, velour-lined earpads make them suitable for extended listening.

SPECIFICATIONS

> Bluetooth: No
> Noise-cancelling: No
> Battery life: N/A
> Charging: USB-C
> Type: Open-back
> Cable length: 3m

Sony WH-CH720N

Sony's WH-CH720N earphones are a pared-down version of the company's flagship WH-1000XM3 models. As the greatest low-cost alternative available, they provide an ideal balance between audio quality, noise cancellation, and cost.

Support for Sony's 360 Reality Audio format, DSEE upscaling of low-quality tracks, multi-point pairing, and adaptive active noise cancellation set them apart from other headphones. However, they are not quite at the same elite level as the Sony WH-1000XM4. The audio quality is likewise excellent, with plenty of subtleties in the music and sound effects.

SPECIFICATIONS

> Acoustic design: Closed
> Weight: 192g
> Frequency response: 7Hz-22,000Hz
> Drivers: 30mm dynamic
> Battery life: 35 hours

Sennheiser Momentum 4

Sennheiser's flagship over-ear headphones stand out as superior compared to competing high-end headphones. The Momentum 4s can fully immerse you in a musical soundscape because of their exceptional 60-hour battery life, user-friendly software, wide feature set, simple on-ear controls, skilled adaptive noise reduction, and enthusiastic sound.

Although the Momentum 4 Wireless are not very attractive and do not fold up for convenience, Sennheiser has included everything but the kitchen sink in its feature list. They include an impressive 60-hour battery life, a sidetone function for improved call clarity, 'sound zones' that allow for individualized EQ settings,

SPECIFICATIONS

> Acoustic design: Closed
> Weight: 293g
> Frequency response: 6Hz-22,000Hz
> Drivers: 42mm dynamic
> Battery life: 60 hours

1MORE SonoFlow

The style of 1More's Sono Flow headphones is reminiscent of vintage Sony models and the cutting-edge Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 4. They lack unique style but are stylish and, most importantly, quite comfortable. The acoustic performance is likewise quite high-quality. It's not quite as good as the sound quality from higher-end devices like the Momentum Wireless 4, but it's not too far behind either. The Sono Flow headphones provide a clear, undistorted sound with well-defined bass (but not as rich or dynamic as the premium versions I described). In addition, they work with the LDAC audio codec.

SPECIFICATIONS

> Colour: Black
> Form Factor: Over Ear
> Connectivity Technology: Wireless

SIVGA SV021

While Sivga may not be a household name, their Oriole headphones are sure to leave an impression.

The Sivga Oriole, the company's more expensive alternative to the Robin, are the best you can get at this price point because of the improvement in sound quality afforded by the huge 50mm dynamic drivers.

They lack fancy features like Bluetooth and active noise reduction but offer everything you need. The Sivga Oriole has a hemp-carrying bag, a 1.8-meter cord, and a 3.5mm-to-6.3mm adaptor.

SPECIFICATIONS

> Acoustic design: Closed
> Weight: 280g
> Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
> Drivers: 50mm dynamic
> Battery life: 50 hours

Bowers & Wilkins PX8

Regarding form and function alone, the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 are the best wireless over-ear headphones available.

The crux of the matter is that B&W PX8 are rather pricey. There are rational, reasonable explanations for this, such as the fact that the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2's bio-cellulose driver has been replaced with a new carbon cone 40mm drive unit, and the PX7 S2's die-cast aluminum arms increase the price.

SPECIFICATIONS

> Acoustic design: Closed
> Weight: 320g (without carry case)
> Frequency response: TBC
> Drivers: 2 x 40mm dynamic full range
> Battery life: 30 hours

Bose Noise Cancelling 700

Even though Bose has released another set of headphones in the years following the release of the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, the former remains among the best available.

Only the Sennheiser Momentum has more noise-cancelling settings, with 12. However, the newer Bose QuietComfort QC45 headphones exclude this feature for some reason.

The Bose headphones are a strong contender to our top-rated Sony WH-1000XM4s due to their comfortable design and high-quality sound. They have a very exciting personality, and their music is well-balanced.

SPECIFICATIONS

> Acoustic design: Closed
> Weight: 0.64 lbs (289g)
> Frequency response: N/A
> Drivers: 40mm
> Battery life: 20 hours.