When it comes to audio experience, having a good pair of headphones can make all the difference. For many, the best best over the ear headphones combine superior sound quality, comfort, and functionality. With the year 2024 upon us, numerous enticing options have emerged for consumers looking to elevate their listening experience. In this article, we will delve into the top ten over-ear headphones available on Amazon and provide a comprehensive buying guide to help you make the right choice.
Top 10 Over-Ear Headphones on Amazon (2024)
1. Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are widely celebrated for their exceptional noise-canceling capabilities and rich sound quality. These headphones feature Adaptive Sound Control technology that adjusts the noise-canceling level based on your surroundings. With up to 30 hours of battery life, they are perfect for long listening sessions. The touch sensor controls make it easy to manage playback without reaching for your device.
The sound profile is well-balanced, catering to both bass lovers and those who prefer a more neutral sound. The option to customize sound settings through the Sony Headphones Connect app allows users to enhance their audio experience further.
Overall, these headphones stand out in 2024 as a top choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION: Premium noise canceling with Dual Noise Sensor technology
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (10 min charge for 5 hours of playback)
- TOUCH SENSOR CONTROLS: Pause play skip tracks, control volume, activate your voice assistant, and answer phone calls.
- SPEAK-TO-CHAT: Automatically reduces volume during conversations
- SUPERIOR CALL QUALITY: Precise voice pick up combines five built-in microphones with advanced audio signal for clear calls
2. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Bose is synonymous with high-quality audio and the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are no exception. Released in 2020, these over-ear headphones feature an innovative microphone system that ensures crystal-clear calls and unmatched noise cancellation. The adjustable noise-canceling levels allow you to tailor your listening environment, giving you control over how much outside sound to let in.
Another notable feature is their 20-hour wireless battery life and intuitive touch controls, making them a user-friendly option. Bose’s sound signature leans toward a smooth and warm audio reproduction, making these perfect for extensive listening sessions.
As we move into 2024, the Bose 700 remains a formidable contender in the over-ear headphone market.
- Powerful noise cancelling headphones: 11 levels of active noise cancelling let you enjoy music, podcasts, videos & calls without distractions
- Astonishing sound: Crisp, clear details. Deep, full bass. These wireless headphones produce exciting, lifelike sound that’s full and balanced at every volume level
- Unrivaled voice pickup: A revolutionary microphone system adapts to noisy and windy environments so your voice always sounds crystal clear on calls
- Keep your head up and hands free: With easy access to voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant for music, navigation, weather, and more, and intuitive touch control on the earcups — you can stay connected without reaching for your phone
- Premium design and comfort: With a lightweight stainless steel headband and earcups tilted for the perfect fit, you can comfortably wear these bluetooth headphones for hours
3. Sennheiser HD 560S
For those who prioritize sound quality over everything else, the Sennheiser HD 560S headphones offer an open-back design that provides a natural and immersive listening experience. These wired headphones are engineered for critical listening, featuring a wide soundstage and an accurate representation of audio frequencies.
Comfort is also a highlight, with plush ear pads and a lightweight design allowing for long wear without fatigue. While they lack wireless functionality, the HD 560S is the go-to choice for home studios and audiophiles looking for the best sound fidelity.
In 2024, these headphones remain a staple for reference monitoring and serious listening.
- Natural and accurate reference sound that reveals the truth in your music
- Lifelike depth and realism from open-back earcups that allow sound waves to expand naturally, New polymer-blend transducer membrane offers highly-linear excursion for superb control
- Wide soundstage from ergonomic acoustic refinement (e.a.r.) that tilts the drivers to the natural angle of your ears
- Extended low-end reach with gratifying presence for clear bass performance
- Connectivity technology: Wired
4. Apple AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max redefined the premium headphone experience upon their release. These over-ear headphones feature a unique design, premium materials, and top-notch sound quality. The Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes allow users to control their listening experience effortlessly.
With a seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, these headphones cater to Apple users who value convenience and cross-device functionality. The 20-hour battery life with spatial audio capabilities enhances the listening experience for movies, music, and podcasts alike.
As we look into 2024, the AirPods Max continues to impress with its high-end features.
- BREATHTAKING AUDIO QUALITY — Apple-designed dynamic driver provides high-fidelity audio. Computational audio combines custom acoustic design with the Apple H1 chip and software for breakthrough listening experiences.
- FOCUS ON WHAT’S PLAYING — Active Noise Cancellation blocks outside noise so you can immerse yourself in music.
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — Transparency mode lets you hear and interact with the world around you.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — With sound that suits your unique ear shape along with dynamic head tracking, AirPods Max deliver an immersive listening experience that places sound all around you. You can also listen to select songs, shows, and movies in Dolby Atmos.
- ACOUSTIC-FIRST DESIGN — Designed with a knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions for an exceptional over-ear fit that perfectly seals in sound.
5. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones have gained a cult following due to their affordability and impressive sound quality. These professional studio headphones are designed for audiophiles and casual listeners, making them a versatile choice for any setting.
The robust build quality and detachable cable make them ideal for studio use and portability. The comfortable ear pads ensure long-lasting comfort, and the sound profile provides excellent bass response along with clear mids and highs. These headphones are a great pick for anyone looking for professional-grade audio on a budget.
In 2024, the ATH-M50x continues to stand out as a top choice under $200.
- Critically acclaimed sonic performance praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers
- Proprietary 45 millimeter large aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range with deep accurate bass response
- Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
- 90 degree swiveling earcups for easy one ear monitoring and professional grade earpad and headband material delivers more durability and comfort
6. JBL Club One
JBL’s Club One headphones combine cutting-edge technology with great sound quality. These over-ear headphones feature adaptive noise cancellation and customizable EQ settings through the JBL app, ensuring a tailored listening experience based on personal preference.
The 45-hour battery life is impressive, and the quick-charge feature means you’ll have hours of playtime with just a short charge. The soft ear cushions and sturdy design make them comfortable for long-term wear.
As we move into 2024, the JBL Club One headphones offer a fantastic blend of technology and sound quality, maintaining their status as a top-tier option.
- True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient: Enjoy the soundtrack of your life no matter where you are. True Adaptive Noise Cancelling technology automatically uses 4 noise sensing mics to adjust to your surroundings in real-time, minimizing distractions when you need to focus, optimizing the JBL Tour One M2's performance for a superior audio experience—all while you adjust ANC mode control with the JBL Headphones app.
- 4-mic superior calls with voice control: The 4-mic crystal call algorithm of the JBL Tour One M2 allows you to have better conversations even in loud or windy environments or to get help from your preferred voice assistant. And with VoiceAware, you can choose how much of your own voice to hear by controlling the amount of mic input routed back into your headphones.
- Smart Ambient technology: Stay alert to the sounds of the world around you while enjoying your music with Smart Ambient, controlling the ambient sound levels and turning the Personal Sound Amplification button on through the JBL Headphones App to boost the conversations' volume with +15-20dB and adjust the L/R balance.
- Smart Talk for seamless chats: Thanks to the Smart Talk feature, you don't need to pause the music to have a quick conversation: its advanced voice recognition technology reacts to your voice pausing the music and enabling TalkThru.
- Legendary Pro Sound: Thanks to extensive global research and testing, the superior JBL sound curve delivers precise, accurate audio and less distortion with all the music you love at any frequency or volume. The Tour One M2 40mm drivers let you experience the ultimate sound performance, from rich, punchy bass to thrilling top notes.
7. AKG K371
The AKG K371 headphones are notable for their combination of studio quality and everyday usability. They offer a balanced sound profile with excellent clarity and detail, making them suitable for both casual listening and professional monitoring.
These headphones have a comfortable fit and foldable design for portability. The 50-hour battery life on these wireless headphones is highly commendable and perfect for users on the move. They are versatile, making them a fantastic option for both DJs and everyday use.
Looking ahead into 2024, the AKG K371 headphones continue to impress with their quality and performance.
- Closed-Back, Oval Over-Ear Design Offers Superior Isolation, Improved Low-Frequency Response, Ergonomic Fit
- Largest-In-Class, Titanium-Coated 50Mm Transducers With Pure Ofc Voice Coils
- Engineered To Match Akg’S Reference Response Curve Acoustic Target For Accurate, Neutral Sound. Features: Best-In-Class Frequency Response: 5 Hz To 40 Khz, Best-In-Class Sensitivity: 114 Db And Optimal 32-Ohm Impedance To Supports A Range Of Sound Sources
- Country Of Origin : China
8. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones are a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike. Their closed-back design offers superior isolation and performance, making them ideal for studio environments.
Available in different impedances, these headphones cater to studio use and mobile use, giving flexibility depending on your needs. They provide exceptional sound quality with high accuracy and a well-defined bass response. Comfort is also a critical factor, with soft velour ear pads for extended listening sessions. Perfect for 2024’s sound engineers, the DT 770 Pro remains a force to be reckoned with in over-ear headphones.
- Closed over-ear headphones, ideal for professional recording and monitoring
- Perfect for studio and stage recordings thanks to their pure, high-resolution sound
- The soft, circumaural and replaceable velour ear pads ensure high wearing comfort
- Hard-wearing, durable and robust workmanship Made in Germany. Innovative bass reflex system
- Practical single-sided cable (3.0m cable) . Comfortable fit due to rugged, adjustable, soft padded headband construction
9. Philips PH805
The Philips PH805 offers a strong balance of performance, comfort, and affordability. With effective noise-canceling technology and a solid battery life of up to 30 hours, they cater to commuters and frequent travelers.
The sound profile is generally well-rounded, suitable for all genres of music, and they come with touch controls for easy operation. Their foldable design and lightweight nature make them an excellent choice for those on the go. As we step into 2024, the Philips PH805 represents a great value proposition for over-ear headphones.
- Active Noise Canceling (Anc). Lose Yourself, Not The Music.Leave It All Behind With Active Noise Canceling. Shut Off The Noise Of A Train Or Busy Office At The Touch Of A Button. If You'Re Out And About, You Can Listen To Your Music And Stay Tuned To The Noise Of The Street In Awareness Mode.
- 30 Hours Play Time Or Talk Time (25 Hours With Anc On). On Any Trip, These Headphones Are Up To The Task. A Single Charge Takes Just 2 Hours. You Get 30 Hours Play Time (Or Talk Time) With Active Noise Canceling Off, And 25 Hours With It On.
- 40Mm Neodymium Acoustic Drivers For Highly Detailed Sound And Strong Bass
- Hi-Res Audio.Hear Every Detail.Twinkling Pianos. Blistering Rock. Whatever You Love, Hi-Res Audio Headphones Let You Feel The Full Impact Of Every Note. When Wired To A Hi-Res Source Via The Included 2.5 Mm To 3.5 Mm Cable, You'Ll Get The Full Benefit Of Lossless Audio That'S Recorded At A Higher Sample Rate Than Cds' For A Brilliantly Lifelike Performance.
10. Focal Listen Wireless
The Focal Listen Wireless headphones deliver a luxurious audio experience with a sophisticated design. Known for their rich soundstage and clarity, these headphones are perfect for audiophiles who appreciate detail in their music.
With Bluetooth connectivity and a strong battery life of up to 20 hours, usability is also commendable. The plush ear cushions provide comfort for long listening sessions, and they include a wired option for those who prefer a wired connection for pristine audio quality. As 2024 approaches, the Focal Listen Wireless continues to remain popular among discerning listeners.
- Exclusive cone technology offering acoustic transparency and excellent dynamics.
- Precision and neutrality.
- Total control over the audio spectrum.
- Excellent isolation and optimal comfort.
- Compact, rigid carrying case.
Buying Guide for Best Over-Ear Headphones
Choosing the best best over-the-ear headphones requires careful consideration of several factors. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
Sound Quality
The primary reason to invest in over-ear headphones is for superior sound. Look for headphones that deliver a well-balanced sound profile, clear bass, mids, and highs. Reading customer reviews and expert evaluations can help gauge sound quality.
Comfort
Comfort is crucial, especially if you plan to wear your headphones for long periods. Consider the materials used, including padding on the ear cups and headband. Adjustable headbands and lightweight designs also contribute to comfort.
Noise Cancellation
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a sought-after feature for many users. This technology can drastically reduce background noise, making it easier to focus on your music or podcasts. Look for models that offer adjustable ANC levels for maximum flexibility.
Wireless vs. Wired
Determine whether you prefer the freedom of wireless headphones or the reliability and potential sound quality of wired models. Many modern headphones offer both options, providing versatility depending on your situation.
Battery Life
If you choose wireless options, consider the battery life. Longer-lasting battery life is a significant advantage, especially for travelers or commuters who might not have immediate access to charging facilities.
Special Features
Features like touch controls, built-in voice assistants, customizable sound profiles, and support for high-resolution audio can enhance your overall experience. Prioritize features that align with your listening habits.
Price and Warranty
Lastly, set a budget. Over-ear headphones vary significantly in price, and finding a suitable model without breaking the bank is essential. Always check for warranties to ensure coverage in case of defects or issues.
In conclusion, the best best over-the-ear headphones of 2024 are packed with features catering to comfort, sound quality, and technology. Keep the buying guide in mind as you venture forth to find the perfect pair that will elevate your audio experience.