As the legendary musician Quincy Jones once remarked, "I like in-ear headphones. That's what I use to check my mixes. But I love my over-ear headphones." This quote highlights the preference of many music professionals for over-ear headphones when it comes to critically assessing and enjoying their work.
7 Best Over Ear Headphones To Buy In 2023
In a world of endless audio possibilities, finding the perfect over-ear headphones is essential for an unparalleled music experience. Explore our top picks for 2023 and immerse yourself in sonic excellence.
While in-ear earpieces have their merits, they come with their own set of challenges. From the constant struggle to prevent tangling to the potential for damage when not handled with the utmost care, in-ear devices often demand meticulous attention. In contrast, over-ear headphones reign supreme in offering a hassle-free listening experience. Their comfortable cushioning and ergonomic design not only ensure a secure fit but also reduce the risk of discomfort during extended use.
In this following article, we will delve into the best over-ear headphones, each meticulously designed to cater to the audiophile in you.
Some Essential factors you should consider when buying an over ear headphone
Sound Quality: Look for headphones with clear, balanced sound and the audio profile that suits your preferences, whether it's bass-heavy, neutral, or something in between.
Comfort and Fit: Ensure the headphones have comfortable ear cushions and an adjustable headband for a secure and cosy fit during extended use.
Noise Cancellation: Decide whether you need active noise cancellation (ANC) for a quieter listening environment or if passive noise isolation is sufficient.
Battery Life: For wireless headphones, check the battery life and consider how it aligns with your usage patterns.
Connectivity: Opt for wired or wireless headphones based on your preference and devices you plan to connect to.
Durability: Assess build quality, materials, and overall durability, especially if you plan to use them on the go.
Portability: Consider the size and foldability for easy storage and transport.
Compatibility: Ensure the headphones are compatible with your devices, including smartphones, computers, and audio sources.
Extra Features: Evaluate additional features like touch controls, voice assistants, and customizable EQ settings based on your needs.
How we chose them for you
Sound Quality Assessment: The heart of any headphones is its sound quality. We analysed the audio profiles, bass response, clarity, and balance of each pair, ensuring that your auditory experience would be top-notch.
User Reviews and Feedback: The insights of real users played a pivotal role. We delved into countless user reviews and feedback to understand the practical experiences of individuals who had already made their choice.
Reputable brands: We prioritised renowned brands with a track record of producing quality headphones and offering reliable customer support.
Safety: We also considered safety factors, ensuring that the headphones are designed to mitigate potential hearing damage and provide safety features where applicable.
Warranty and Support: The availability of warranties and customer support was a crucial factor in our selection process to safeguard your investment.
Below are some of our finest recommendations for you to make that perfect pick.
The best wireless over-ear headphones for a rich audio experience is undoubtedly the JBL Tune 760NC. These headphones allow you to tune out the chaos and immerse yourself in your music thanks to active noise cancellation. Perfected over seven decades, JBL's famous Pure Bass Sound produces rich, punchy bass that carries the intensity of live performances. Savour up to 50 hours of playback; a brief 2-hour charge is all that's needed when the battery runs low.
It's very easy to connect to your Android device now that you have Google Fast Pair and switching between devices is seamless when using dual pairing. They might, however, be a little bulky for certain users but it is no deal breaker as with the JBL Tune 760NC, you can enhance your musical experience and embrace the brand's legendary sound.
Specifications:
Price: 4,498
Model: JBL Tune 760NC
Type: Over-ear, Wireless
Noise Cancellation: Active
Battery Life: Up to 50 hours
Fast Pair: Google Fast Pair support
Dual Pairing: Multi-point connection
Voice Assistant Support: Yes (Google Assistant, etc.)
Warranty: 1 year
Pros | Cons |
Impressive JBL Pure Bass sound | Bulky for some users |
Long-lasting battery life | Heavy bass background noise |
Quick 2-hour recharge | May be a bit tight fit for some |
Seamless device switching | |
Google Fast Pair for Android | |
Comfortable and stylish over-ear design |
What’s in the box?
1 unit of JBL TUNE 760NC Headphones
1 unit of Type-C Charging cable
1 unit of Detachable audio cable
Quick Start Guide
Warning card
Warranty card and Safety Sheet
User’s Review: Out of the box, the headphones are well tuned with a slight bass boost, nothing overdone. I mostly listen to rock music and these sound good out of the box, although i am using an eq, but no major changes done. Vocals are clear and there's good instrument separation. I did play valorant using these too, and they worked fine for gaming, I could identify where footsteps and gunshot sounds were coming from, but they're definitely not for competitive gaming.
Why it's worth buying: Worth buying for exceptional sound quality and an extensive 50-hour battery life, with the added confidence of over 46,000 Amazon ratings.
The ideal fusion of outstanding sound quality and portability can be found in the ANKER Soundcore Life Q20i wireless Bluetooth headphones. With sound quality reaching up to 40 kHz, the Life Q20i, a member of Anker's Soundcore audio brand that is adored by over 10 million people globally, offers Hi-Res Certified Sound, guaranteeing an incredibly immersive listening experience that accurately captures the artist's intentions.
When combined with oversized 40mm dynamic drivers, the unique BassUp technology amplifies bass in real-time, providing an incredible 100% boost in bass. Get an amazing 60 hours of playback, and if you need to get away quickly, a quick 5-minute charge will get you 5 hours of playback. Extra convenience is provided by the USB-C charging port. Upgrade your listening experience with the ANKER Soundcore Life Q20i, where Anker's dedication to quality sound shines through.
Specifications:
Price: 4, 899
Sound Quality: Hi-Res Certified, BassUp technology
Battery Life: Up to 60 hours
Fast Charging: 5 minutes for 5 hours
Charging Port: USB-C
Drivers: 40mm dynamic drivers
Pros | Cons |
Hi-Res audio quality | ANC could be better |
Impressive 60-hour battery life | No multipoint pairing |
Rapid 5-minute fast charging | No app for customization |
BassUp technology for enhanced bass | A bit on heavier side |
USB-C charging for convenience | |
Intuitive control and comfortable fit |
What’s in the box?
1 Charging Cable
1 Ear Cushions
1 Headband
1 Wireless Charging Case
User’s Review: This headphone has better audio quality than most others in this price range. What sets it apart is the more balanced, natural sound profile which I like. If you want you can use the dedicated bass button on the headphones and also tweak the equaliser settings on soundcore's app . I find it comfortable around my head although it is a bit on the heavy side in terms of weight. Battery life is excellent and it is foldable enough to be carried around without much hassle.
Why it's worth buying: Worth buying for exceptional audio quality and 4.2 stars on Amazon reflect satisfied customers' consensus on its performance and value.
An elegant fusion of design and functionality is the HAMMER Bash Max Wireless Bluetooth Headphones. Your music experience will be more convenient with these over-ear headphones since they feature touch control for easy track and volume adjustments. Enjoy a staggering 18 hours of nonstop playback—ideal for lengthy playlists. Because of their comfort fit design, you won't feel uncomfortable wearing them for long.
Strong and consistent connectivity up to 10 metres is possible with Bluetooth 5.3, which also features an integrated microphone for crystal-clear calls. These headphones produce excellent audio quality thanks to their 40mm sound drivers. They fit comfortably, although they might be a little heavy for some users it can still be manageable . HAMMER Bash Max is a product that combines style and substance to elevate your workouts and travel experiences.
Specifications:
Price: 1,999
Control: Touch-sensitive for tracks and volume
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
Comfort: Ergonomic over-ear design
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 with a 10m range
Sound: 40mm drivers for superior quality
Built-in Mic: Ensures clear calls
Pros | Cons |
Touch controls for convenience | Slightly bulky for some users |
Extended 18-hour playtime | Mediocre call voice quality |
Comfortable for long wear | Lacks an app for noise cancellation and equaliser adjustments |
Stable Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity | Punchy bass at the expense of tonal quality |
Superior sound with 40mm drivers | |
Built-in mic for clear calls | |
Very affordable price |
What’s in the box?
Over ear Headphone
1 User Manual
1 Warranty Card
User’s Review: The product is very reasonable and has very good sound quality and has a superb base . I’m very much happy with this headphone . This is a full paisa vasool product. And has very good battery backup and can go up to 7 days when fully charged. I use this headphone while doing workout and playing pubg . You’ll get good and better sound quality and have a good base .
Why it's worth buying: Worth buying for exceptional audio quality and 4.2 stars on Amazon reflect satisfied customers' consensus on its performance and value.
The Sennheiser HD ANC wireless over-ear headphones represent the epitome of audio quality and innovation. Designed in Germany, they offer seamless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0, including support for AAC and AptX Low Latency codecs. With impressive active noise cancellation (ANC), your listening experience remains undisturbed. Enjoy an extended 30-hour battery life, thanks to USB-C fast charging, and intuitive controls with a built-in Virtual Assistant button for Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.
While the Sennheiser App enhances your experience with an equaliser, Podcast Mode, and firmware updates, some users have noted minor comfort issues due to ear cuff size and potential compatibility challenges when used on a PC. Regardless, Sennheiser's two-year warranty ensures peace of mind. Elevate your audio journey with Sennheiser HD 450 SE and experience audio excellence, even though comfort and PC compatibility may need some consideration.
Specifications:
Price: 7,989
Design: Over-ear, foldable
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, AAC, AptX support
ANC: Active Noise Cancellation
Battery Life: 30 hours, fast USB-C charging
Virtual Assistant: Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant
Warranty: 2 years
Pros | Cons |
Exceptional sound quality | Slight discomfort for some due to ear cuff size |
Powerful active noise cancellation | Limited PC compatibility for microphone use |
Fast USB-C charging | Average ANC |
Virtual assistant support | |
Virtual assistant support |
What’s in the box?
HD 450SE Wireless headphones
USB-C charging cable
Audio cable
Carrying pouch
Quick guide
User’s Review: It's not like those high end headphones but if you are daily driving these then they are amazing and the audio is decent. Moreover I'm impressed with the battery life. You can easily sail through a day with full charge. For me it takes about 2 hours to fully charge from 10%.
Why it's worth buying: Worth buying for exceptional sound and powerful ANC, backed by Sennheiser quality and a 2-year warranty.
The most effective and popular Bluetooth wireless over-ear headphones boAt Rockerz 558, is made for performance and ease of use. These headphones are ideal for both sports and adventures because they feature the newest Bluetooth V5.0 technology and are IPX5 dust and water resistant. They provide immersive audio for up to 20 hours on a single charge thanks to their 50 mm dynamic drivers.
The physical noise isolation and ergonomic over-ear design provide a peaceful and quiet listening experience. Although the design is attractive, some users have complained that it becomes a little bulky after prolonged use, so it might not be the best option for extended wear. However, Rockerz 558 offers a reliable and affordable audio solution owing to its excellent battery life and impressive mic quality.
Specifications:
Price: 1,799
Connectivity: Bluetooth V5.0 and AUX
Drivers: 50mm dynamic drivers
Battery Life: Up to 20 hours playback
Features: IPX5 water resistance, noise isolation
Design: Ergonomic over-ear design
Pros | Cons |
Impressive battery life | Bulky after extended use |
Water-resistant for sports | May not be ideal for long durations |
Good noise isolation | Slight delay in dual device switching |
Dual connectivity options | |
Balanced audio quality | |
Comfortable over-ear fit |
What’s in the box?
Rockerz 558
Charging Cable
User Manual
Warranty Card
User’s Review: What I found the most interesting was that I bought it about 1 month ago and I actually have just charged it 2 times even with almost 8 hrs usage daily.
Why it's worth buying: With over 61,000 ratings averaging 4.1 stars, these headphones are a compelling choice for its impressive battery life, water resistance, and balanced audio quality, delivering a satisfying listening experience at an affordable price point.
The Bose QuietComfort 45 redefines the listening experience with its signature quiet, comfort, and sound. These over-ear headphones are made of lightweight materials for unmatched comfort and proprietary acoustic technology for crystal-clear audio. High-fidelity audio and an Active EQ with volume optimization create a sound that is harmoniously balanced, providing clarity without being overly bass-heavy.
You can Select the Quiet or Aware Mode to adjust the noise cancellation or environmental awareness to your preference. These headphones are made of luxurious synthetic leather and have an amazing 24-hour battery life. They are perfect for all-day use. Although the audio quality is superb, the microphone quality could be better, and some audiophiles might find it a little less astounding. Nevertheless, the Bose QC 45s raised the bar for luxury headphones by providing exceptional noise cancellation, comfort, and durability.
Specifications:
Price: 18,987
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
Noise Cancellation: Yes
Comfort: Lightweight, plush ear cushions
Audio Quality: High-fidelity, balanced sound
Pros | Cons |
Exceptional comfort for long wear. | Audio quality is not mind-blowing |
Top-tier noise cancellation. | Mic quality could be better |
Impressive battery life. | Not water resistant |
Durable build quality. | |
Travel-friendly carry case. | |
Aesthetic low-profile design. |
What’s in the box?
A travel case
A 3.5mm-2.5mm TRS cable
A USB type A to C cable
Assorted documentation.
User’s Review: Listening to a first song will raise eyebrows with ace music clarity and decent bass, every music instrument can be heard as intended by the composer. It's a completely different experience. I started listening to all old forgotten songs with curiosity to experience it in this headset. It's a great buy !
Why it's worth buying: Worth buying for its unparalleled comfort and top-tier noise cancellation, making it a premium choice in its class. Its extensive 18,000+ Amazon ratings reflect its widespread popularity and user satisfaction, justifying the investment.
The Space One Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones by Soundcore, a brand known for its commitment to quality audio. With their 2X stronger voice reduction, these headphones are excellent at reducing sounds from mid- to high-frequency ranges, keeping you focused on your travels through busy periods. They can reduce noise by up to 98% thanks to adaptive noise cancelling, which senses outside noises and automatically adjusts for the best reduction. With 40mm dynamic drivers and LDAC support, enjoy Hi-Res audio for rich, wire-free listening.
With an integrated headband and 8° rotating ear cups, the headphones are comfortable and offer an amazing 40 hours of ANC playback. However, despite the touch sensor's high responsiveness, some users have reported minor button clunkiness and problems with call quality. With a sleek design and fast Bluetooth connectivity, the Space One headphones offer a blend of style and substance, although ANC performance may not match some competitors.
Specifications:
Price: 8,999
Noise Reduction: 2X Stronger Voice Reduction
ANC Performance: Up to 98% noise reduction
Audio Quality: Hi-Res 40mm LDAC drivers
Battery Life: 40 hours ANC playtime
Design: 8° rotating ear cups, soft headband
Connectivity: Swift Bluetooth pairing
Pros | Cons |
Effective noise reduction | Subpar call quality initially |
Hi-Res audio quality | Clunky physical buttons |
Extended 40-hour playtime | Touch controls are overly sensitive |
Comfortable and stylish design | ANC performance not top-tier |
Fast Bluetooth connectivity | |
Responsive touch controls | |
Eye-catching black and gold design |
What’s in the box?
Soundcore Space One Headphones.
Carrying Case.
USB-A to USB-C charging cable.
3.5mm audio cable.
User’s Review: Quality is great, performance is also great, comfort level is awesome one can't feel irritated even after hours of listening to music. Light weight "both on pocket & head". Earlier used audio technica/bluedio compared to that both ,this one is just great.
Why it's worth buying: Worth buying for its effective noise reduction and Hi-Res audio quality, validated by an impressive 4.5-star rating from over 49,000 Amazon reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are over-ear headphones more comfortable than on-ear headphones?
Over-ear headphones are often considered more comfortable for extended use since they don't exert pressure on the ears, but comfort can vary between different models.
Do over-ear headphones provide better sound quality than in-ear headphones?
Over-ear headphones typically offer better sound quality due to larger drivers and better noise isolation, but this can vary based on the specific model and brand.
Can I use over-ear headphones for sports and workouts?
While over-ear headphones are not specifically designed for sports, there are models with sport-oriented features. However, many users prefer in-ear or on-ear headphones for physical activities due to their lightweight and secure fit.
What is the average battery life of wireless over-ear headphones?
The battery life varies between models, but many wireless over-ear headphones offer 20-40 hours of playback on a single charge, depending on usage and features like ANC.
How can I clean and maintain over-ear headphones?
To maintain your over-ear headphones, wipe them with a clean, damp cloth, clean the ear cushions regularly, and avoid excessive bending or twisting to prevent damage to the cables and hinges.
Final Verdict
These headphones are guaranteed to meet high performance and customer satisfaction standards owing to our meticulous research and selection process. By picking from our selection, you're investing in an improved audio experience that meets your specific needs rather than just purchasing a pair of headphones.
With these suggestions offering a balance of comfort, value, and quality, you can elevate your musical journey with confidence and know that your purchase will be a valuable addition to your collection of audio equipment.
Disclaimer: The above content is non-editorial and produced by a third party partner. Outlook India does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of the content*.
*The product prices mentioned in the article are subject to change
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