Best Over-Ear Headphones for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: March 18th, 2024

🎧Over-ear headphones can really elevate your listening game. They've got these big ear cups that wrap around your ears, blocking out much of the outside noise, and giving you that 'immersed-in-sound' vibe. Whether you're after something with crystal clear sound, top-notch noise cancellation, or a budget-friendly option, we've done the digging and comparing. Here are the top over-ear headphones we've found for 2024.

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Overall Best: Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony WH-1000XM5 The Best Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones with Auto Noise Canceling Optimizer, Crystal Clear Hands-Free Calling, and Alexa Voice Control, Midnight Blue Midnight Blue One Size Headphones

Our top pick for 2024 is the Sony WH-1000XM5, which sets the bar high with its remarkable sound quality and industry-leading noise cancellation. With up to 30 hours of battery life, these headphones are designed for extended listening sessions. The Sony WH-1000XM5 uses advanced noise-canceling technology featuring four microphones to ensure crystal-clear calls and audio. Designed for comfort, the plush ear pads and lightweight build make them perfect for long travels or relaxed home use. The intuitive touch controls and seamless Bluetooth connectivity further enhance the user experience.

Lowest at Amazon
$229.99 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$10.62 at Bonanza

More Answers

Still curious about the Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How is the sound quality of the Sony WH-1000XM5?
So, if you're curious about the sound quality of the Sony WH-1000XM5, here's the lowdown. From what we've gathered, these headphones really impress in terms of performance. You'll find the mids are clear, the highs are crisp, and the bass is deep, which makes them great for pretty much any type of music or audio you like. Everything sounds really well-balanced, so you won't get hit with overpowering bass or sharp high notes—just a nice, immersive listening experience. There's also a good sense of depth and detail, letting you catch all those little elements in your favorite tracks that you might miss with other headphones. What's also cool about the WH-1000XM5 is its noise-cancelling ability. The manufacturer says they use top-notch noise-cancelling tech, and based on what we've found, that's definitely true. They do a great job of blocking out ambient noise, whether you're on a plane or at a busy café, making the listening experience far more peaceful. Another thing to mention is the support for high-resolution audio formats. The manufacturer claims these headphones are compatible with LDAC, which means if you've got a device that supports it, you can stream high-quality audio that really stands out—perfect if you're an audiophile or just love high-quality sound. Comfort-wise, the WH-1000XM5s don't disappoint either. The ear cushions are super plush and the design is lightweight, so you can wear them for long periods without discomfort. This comfy fit also helps with the noise cancellation and overall sound quality, creating a good seal around your ears. So, if you're after headphones that deliver on sound quality and noise cancellation, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a fantastic option. They're great for both casual listening and more serious audiophile moments.
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How comfortable are the Sony WH-1000XM5 for long listening sessions?
The **Sony WH-1000XM5** headphones are pretty comfortable, especially for long listening sessions. Our research indicates they’re designed with comfort in mind. They’ve got these really soft, pressure-relieving earpads made from synthetic leather that sits nicely around your ears. This definitely helps if you’re wearing them for long workdays or while traveling. The manufacturer's product description mentions that they’re lightweight too, which helps reduce strain on your head and neck over time. Plus, they have an adjustable headband and swiveling earcups so you can get a snug fit. This is useful for finding that perfect fit without pressure spots—something heavier headphones often miss. According to our research, lots of people find these features great for extended listening. The weight is well-distributed, so there shouldn't be any pressure points, and the active noise-canceling really enhances the overall listening experience. It’s also worth noting that they’re quite breathable, which keeps your ears cool even during longer sessions. So yeah, if you plan to use them for hours on end, the Sony WH-1000XM5 seems like a solid choice with their soft materials, lightweight design, and adjustable features.
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What is the battery life of the Sony WH-1000XM5?
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones have a pretty solid battery life. According to the manufacturer's description, you can get up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge, even with noise-canceling switched on. Basically, you can listen to your tunes, podcasts, or audiobooks all day without worrying about charging. From what we've found, a lot of people even say the battery lasts that long or sometimes a bit longer, depending on usage. And if you’re in a rush and need a quick boost, a 10-minute charge can give you up to 5 hours of playtime. That quick-charge feature is super useful for those times when you're on the go and need a quick top-up.
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Runner-up: Apple AirPods Max

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone – Sky Blue

As the runner-up, the Apple AirPods Max offer a compelling blend of balanced sound quality and premium design. These headphones provide up to 20 hours of playback, along with active noise cancellation and a transparency mode that lets you hear your surroundings when needed. Despite their slightly heavier weight, the breathable mesh headband and plush ear cups ensure a comfortable fit for long listening sessions. Seamless integration with Apple devices and high-quality build make the AirPods Max an excellent choice for Apple users and audiophiles alike.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$459.00 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Soundcore by Anker Life Q30

Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones with Multiple Modes, Hi-Res Sound, Custom EQ via App, 40H Playtime, Comfortable Fit, Bluetooth, Multipoint Connection

For those on a budget, the Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 delivers excellent performance without breaking the bank. These headphones offer hybrid noise cancellation, multiple sound modes, and an impressive 40-hour battery life. Despite their affordable price, the sound quality is robust and well-rounded, making them ideal for casual listeners. The lightweight design and comfortable ear cups make them suitable for prolonged use, offering great value for money.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$79.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Soundcore Life Q30 Headphones? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Do the Soundcore Life Q30 work with a wired connection?
Yeah, the **Soundcore Life Q30** headphones can totally be used with a wired connection. They come with a 3.5mm audio cable, so you can plug them directly into any device that has a 3.5mm jack. It's super handy if the battery runs out or if you're using something like in-flight entertainment or a gaming console that doesn’t have Bluetooth.
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How durable are the Soundcore Life Q30 headphones?
When it comes to durability, the Soundcore Life Q30 headphones have received mixed feedback. Here's what we found from our research and data about their durability and other key points: ### **Build Quality and Materials** The headphones are made with a mix of plastic and metal components. The ear cups are padded with memory foam, and the headband has soft padding too. This generally makes them pretty comfy. But, according to our research, some folks have reported that the plastic parts, especially around the hinges, can crack over time, particularly with heavy use. Not everyone experiences this though, and many people highlight the lightweight build and overall comfort. ### **Comfort During Extended Use** Most people find the memory foam ear cups very comfortable for long periods. However, if you have a larger head or ears, you might feel they're a bit tight or could slip off with movement. Overall, they seem to offer a decent fit for mid to long-term use. ### **Battery Life and Usage Durability** The battery life is another strong point. You get up to 40 hours with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on and up to 60 hours without it. Plus, a quick five-minute charge can give you up to four hours of playback. This means you won't have to charge them too frequently, which can help with reducing wear and tear. ### **Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Audio Customization** While this isn’t about physical durability, the hybrid ANC works well and has three modes: Transport, Indoor, and Outdoor. These features can enhance your usage experience and may add to the perception of overall quality. ### **User Concerns and Longevity** We did come across some concerns about the longevity of the plastic parts, especially near the hinges. Some users have noticed cracks after a few months if the headphones aren’t handled carefully. ### **Overall Durability Verdict** All in all, the Soundcore Life Q30 headphones offer great features like ANC, long battery life, and comfort. But, you might want to be careful with the plastic components around the hinges to make them last longer. They’re priced at $79.99, so you get a lot for that price, but it's good to keep the durability aspect in mind.
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Are the Soundcore Life Q30 good for phone calls?
Hey, if you're thinking about using the [Soundcore by Anker Life Q30](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsoundcore%2Blife%2BQ30%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) headphones for phone calls, here's what we found based on our research. They're pretty solid but have some quirks to keep in mind. ### Noise Cancellation and Mic Quality The Q30 has pretty impressive hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC) with three modes—Transport, Indoor, and Outdoor—to help reduce background noise. This can make your calls a lot clearer. The built-in mic is decent, but according to our research, it might pick up some background noise if you're in a particularly loud place. ### Battery Life One of the standout features is the battery life. With ANC on, you get up to 40 hours, and without it, up to 60 hours. Plus, if you're in a rush, a quick 5-minute charge gives you about 4 hours of playtime—not bad if you suddenly need to take a long call. ### Comfort and Wear These headphones are designed to be comfy with plush ear cups. However, some folks with larger heads have mentioned they can be a bit tight. They also come with a hard-shell carrying case, which is nice for protection on the go. ### Connectivity and Controls The multipoint connection lets you swap between devices easily, like your phone and laptop, which is super handy for calls. Just watch out for the touch controls—they can be a bit sensitive and might accidentally activate features like Transparency mode during your call. ### Durability Concerns Some people have pointed out that the plastic around the hinges can be a bit fragile. So if you plan to use them a lot, that's something to consider. ### Overall In a nutshell, the [Soundcore by Anker Life Q30](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsoundcore%2Blife%2BQ30%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) headphones are a good pick for phone calls. They have solid noise cancellation, decent mic quality, and great battery life, though with a few minor issues. If those quirks don't bother you, they're definitely worth considering.
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Best for Audio Editing: beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO

beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio Headphones

For audio professionals and enthusiasts, the beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO is the best choice for audio editing. These headphones are known for their accurate sound profile and open-back design, which provides a spacious soundstage essential for mixing and mastering. They are built for comfort during long sessions, thanks to their plush ear pads and balanced weight. While not ideal for noisy environments, their precision and clarity make them a crucial tool for critical listening and professional audio work.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$449.99 at Amazon

Best Noise-Canceling: Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones with Mic for Phone-Call and Alexa Voice Control, Black WH1000XM4

The Sony WH-1000XM4 continues to be the gold standard in noise-canceling headphones. Equipped with dual noise sensor technology, these headphones effectively block out ambient noise, making them perfect for busy or noisy environments. With a battery life of up to 30 hours and quick charging capabilities, they ensure you won't miss a beat. The AI-powered sound adjustments offer a dynamic listening experience, and the lightweight, comfortable design is complemented by intuitive touch controls and flawless Bluetooth pairing.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$198.00 at Amazon
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