Exceptional Headphones

Check our special over-ear headphones buyers’ guide after the list to see exactly what you should pay attention to before purchasing your headphones. You can also read our methodology to see how we select, test and rank the best over-ear headphones on the market.

If you’re interested in earphones instead, check our ranking of the best true wireless earbuds on the market.

Master & Dynamic MW65: Overall best headphones of 2020

If you’re looking for the perfect blend of premium, luxury materials and the very latest in audio technology, Master & Dynamic’s recent foray into over-ear headphones is sure to delight. The MW65 is built from anodised aluminium and fine-grain leather so it feels light and natural.

Whether you’re looking for superior sound quality or active noise cancelling, the MW65 will fit into your life as a seamless, luxe-feeling accessory. It charges quickly—12 hours’ battery in 15 minutes—so you can be ready for life on the go. The embedded microphones filter out exterior noise so you can enjoy crystal-clear phone calls.

With custom-made 40 mm beryllium adapters, the MW65 is known for rich, beautiful sounds. You can enjoy the depths of the most sonorous bass tracks as well as the most delicate treble riffs in exquisite detail!

The MW65 pairs well with Google Assistant to help you manage your fast-paced life. It comes with a styled canvas carrying case, audio and charging cables, and a flight adapter.

With its gorgeous old-world detailing and of-the-moment design specs, the MW65 is a tour de force in the world of audio equipment! We’re pleased to recommend the Master & Dynamic MW65 as the best overall pair of over-ear headphones.

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Dimensions: 16.5 x 19 x 6.6 cm (6.3 x 7.5 x 2.3 in) 

Weight: 245 g (8.6 oz) 

Battery Life: 24 Hours

Bluetooth Range: 25+ m (65+ ft) 

Digital Assistant Support: Google Assistant

Water Resistant: No

Bowers & Wilkins PX7: Best high-end headphones

For a comfortable, ear-cradling option, turn to the largest over-ear headphones from Bowers & Wilkins. Their PX7 headphones are built with 43.6mm drivers, the largest in their headphone collection, for studio-quality performances. If you’re used to getting headaches and earaches from other brands, check these out. Your ears will thank you!

The PX7 headphones also come with an adaptive noise cancellation feature that automatically adjusts on the fly to deliver the optimal sound, wherever you might be. The dual-cavity memory foam in the earpieces can block out surrounding sound entirely. This will leave you with the peace – or the music – that you need, and nothing more.

And when you do need to hear the world around you, just lift one of the ear cup and the headphones will automatically pause your music. Put it back and the song resumes where you left off. Magic!

The woven carbon fibre composite arms of the PX7 are inspired by the world’s fastest cars to offer strength and agility while being also lightweight and durable. The overall package folds up in a dedicated pouch when you’re travelling.

Speaking of travelling, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 offers 30 hours of battery life. And you can quick charge them in 15 minutes for a fresh 6 hours of additional listening pleasure.

With their excellent ear cups drivers, automatic noise-cancellation capabilities, and the comfort of the overall package, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 are the best high-end headphones in our ranking.

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Dimensions: 8 x 17.5 x 22 cm (3.15 x 6.89 x 8.66 in)

Weight: 303,3399 g (10.7 oz) 

Battery Life: 30 Hours 

Bluetooth Range: 25+ m (65+ ft)

Digital Assistant Support: N/A

Water Resistant: No

Bose Noise Cancelling 700: Best value headphones

With their noise-cancelling capabilities, the Bose Headphones 700 can make any place your office or studio. Their integrated microphones are built to pick up your voice, and your voice only. At both low and high volume, the fine-tuned audio sounds precisely the way you’d like.

The Bose Headphones 700 pair with other elements of the Bose product line to allow for independent volume control and easy, individualised, listening experiences. In addition, with the Headphones 700, Bose has delved into their most famous asset. The Bose Headphones 700 feature 11 distinct levels of noise cancellation to help you customise your listening experience precisely.

Signature active EQ, an impressive bass response, clear and detailed treble sound quality: the audio experience of this headpiece is both top-tier and powerful. The stainless-steel headband features a foam underside to cushion your head for long hours of wear. The earcups are ergonomically angled, and they’re lined with synthetic protein leather.

These headphones are touch-sensitive, making it easy to control tracks and enter conversation mode at a mere tap. With their multiple features at a relatively lower price, the Bose Noise Cancelling 700 are our pick for the best value headphones.

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Dimensions: 5.1 x 15.2 x 20.3 cm (2 x 6.5 x 8 in)

Weight: 249 g (8.8 oz) 

Battery Life: 20 Hours

Bluetooth Range: 10 m (33 ft)

Digital Assistant Support: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant

Water Resistant: No

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i: Best headphones for commuting

Between its modern, modular design and high-quality sound delivery, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i set offers great sound for your everyday life. Comfortable over-ear headphones offer active noise cancelling so you can hear your music or calls perfectly—no matter where you are.

The aluminium interface is soft to the touch; the leather headband smoothes over your hair easily. With ear cushions made from lambskin, you’ll get the sense that your headphones are snuggling up to your ears! The over-ear style means that nothing will feel cramped or crushed. Their high-style look means you’ll want to wear them all day, too.

With the Beoplay H9i, you’ll find you’re equipped for work as well as play. This headset comes with two integrated microphones that are poised to catch your every word. At the same time, the active noise cancellation works at both high and low frequencies. If you require silence, you’ll find it here.

Perhaps most intriguingly, the subtly shiny aluminium caps of the earpieces feature intuitive controls that work like magic. Simply swiping and gliding over these pieces allows you to guide your listening experience with ease. Because of its beautiful features, we consider the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i as the most stylish headphones for commuting.

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Dimensions: 17.78 x 20.32 x 2 cm (7.7 x 8.7 x 2 in) 

Weight: 226 g (8 oz) 

Battery Life: 18 Hours 

Bluetooth Range: 121 feet 

Digital Assistant Support: N/A

Water Resistant: No

Beats Studio3: Best headphones for workouts

Matte grey. Rose gold. Bright red. No matter what your activewear aesthetic is, there’s going to be a Beats Studio3 that is meant for you. The top-tier listening experience that is tuning into these Beats is only enhanced by their stylish exterior.

With real-time audio calibration to help you create the soundtrack of your day, the Beats Studio3 seeks to preserve the original clarity and emotion of your music. Whether you’re working out or walking home, these headphones can help you feel the lilt and the sway of your songs.

Vented and cushioned earpieces make these headphones easy to wear for hours on end. Taking you effectively from the office to the gym, these Beats can enhance every moment of your life. The signature ergonomic pivoting featured in these headphones means they’ll follow you through intense runs and graceful stretching alike.

Designed to fold and fit in a tiny, sleek (and included) carrying case, these headphones are meant to charge and go with your lifestyle. Featuring the latest in Bluetooth technology, these headphones will go for hours with no lags in quality.

We’re pleased to call the Beats Studio3 headphones the best over-ear headphones for gym and, ultimately, the best headphones for workouts.

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Dimensions: 15.24 x 10.16 x 5.08 cm (6.3 x 4.7 x 8.9 in)

Weight: 907 g (31.9 oz) 

Battery Life: 22 Hours

Bluetooth Range: 10 m (33 ft) 

Digital Assistant Support: N/A

Water Resistant: No

Jabra Evolve 65: Best headphones for phone calls

Do you find that your work headset hurts to wear all day? Are you constantly worried about dropping your signal during an important call? If your current headset microphone only picks up every other word you say, it might be time to check out the Jabra Evolve 65.

With passive noise cancellation, an integrated and conveniently-angled microphone, and leather cushions for all-day pain-free use, this headset is as ready to work as you are.

The headband has an integrated busy light. It’ll flick on whenever you’re on a call. No more will people bother you when you’re trying hard to listen in!

Because you can pair up to 8 devices, this headset will truly follow you through your day. More than that, the Jabra Evolve 65 has dual Bluetooth connectivity. This means that you can connect to more than one device at a time—such as your laptop and your iPhone. By allowing you to seamlessly transition between projects and calls, the Jabra Evolve 65 helps you concentrate on the conversation.

With its thoughtful details geared for interruption-free speaking, we’re pleased to name the Jabra Evolve 65 as the best headphones for making phone calls— as well as one of the best headsets.

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Dimensions: 15.24 x 17.02 x 5.08 cm (6.1 x 6.7 x 2.3 in)

Weight: 20 g (0.71 oz) 

Battery Life: 14 Hours

Bluetooth Range: 30.48 m (100 ft)

Digital Assistant Support: N/A

Water Resistant: No

Cowin E7 Pro: Best budget headphones

Looking for a lower-cost alternative that still offers all of the high-tech features you need? With the latest strides in audio technology, luxuriating in high-quality sound no longer needs to cost a fortune.

The Cowin E7 Pro proves this principle. Coming in 7 different stylish colourways, these budget headphones provide crisp, clear sound for all to enjoy. These headphones provide active noise cancelling so you can enjoy your music as it was meant to be heard. Soft ear cushions cradle your ears so you can listen all day if you so choose.

The hardware providing that sound is impressive at this price point. 45-mm large-aperture drivers allow for pounding bass lines. You can also choose to use these headphones with or without wires, for a grounded or freeing experience as you like! If you choose to use these wire-free, you have over a day—thirty full hours—of battery life to employ.

With its high battery life and enjoyable sound quality, the Cowin E7 Pro is a good product for a low price. That’s why we’re pleased to call these the best budget headphones—in particular, they’re certainly the best over-ear headphones under $100.

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Dimensions: 15.00 x 16.02 x 4.08 cm (6.0 x 6.2 x 2.0 in)

Weight: 20 g (0.71 oz) 

Battery Life: 30 Hours 

Bluetooth Range: 10m (33 ft) 

Digital Assistant Support: N/A

Water Resistant: No

Mpow 059 headphones are even more cost-efficient, and are highly rated on Amazon! We’ll call these another good option for the best cheap headphones—truly the best over-ear headphones under $50.

MPOW

059 Over-Ear Headphones

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Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT: Best for studio professionals

If your life is music, if you spend your days immersed in sound, you need the best tool for the job. You need a headset that is primed to last all day—and more. 

The Audio-Technica headphones are sensitive, powerful, and easily manipulable. They feature thoughtful details such as an easy-fold design that help them integrate into your life. Their sonic signature allows both heavy bass and delicate melodies to come through with precision.

You can achieve complete economy of motion with these headphones. Simply touch the sides to activate voice assistance. Take calls, sift through tracks, listen to podcasts and music and more: You can wear these all day with no pain whatsoever. The ergonomic earpads and headpads have been engineered for hours of comfort.

Charge them overnight, and you’ll be ready to use them wire-free all day. We’re pleased to call these Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT headphones the best for professionals – and best for studio use.

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Dimensions: 20.32 x 10.16 x 22.86 cm (8.66 x 4.33 x 9.84 in) 

Weight: 308 g (10.86 oz) 

Battery Life: 40 Hours 

Bluetooth Range: 10 m (33 ft) 

Digital Assistant Support: N/A

Water Resistant: No

These Sony MDR7506 pose an excellent alternative option: they’re similarly powerful, and they’re Amazon’s choice for this type of professional headphones.

SONY

MDR7506 Headphones

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Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50: Best gaming headphones

Searching for a set of headphones that are geared for action? With connectivity to Windows platforms as well as all gaming consoles, the Turtle Beach headset offers lightweight comfort for hours on end. Whether you’re playing by yourself or with friends, this headset has everything you need.

An extendable microphone allows you to connect to online chat. Over-ear cushions allow for seamless, long-term comfort. The 40 mm speakers allow you to hear the glittering highs and thundering lows, whether you’re in combat or peacefully enjoying your in-game life. The synthetic leather that’s wrapped around the earpieces is soft and supple. They fold flat for easy storage when not in use.

Although it’s primed for excellent gaming experiences, these Turtle Beach headphones can work for multiple purposes. Simply remove the microphone to enjoy music or TV, and clip back on when the action is ready to begin anew.

Due to their lightweight feel, easy chat features, and seamless (and ubiquitous) connectivity, the Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50 are our choice for the best gaming headphones. However, they can be used for anything: The best headset for gaming means that it’s likely up for any activity.

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Dimensions: 22.19 x 7.62 x 22.86 cm (8.74 x 3.94 x 9.53 in) 

Weight: 198 g (7 oz) 

Battery Life: Wired

Bluetooth Range: Wired 

Digital Assistant Support: N/A (Connectivity to gaming consoles) 

Water Resistant: No 

Sony WH1000XM3: Best over-ear headphones to run in

If you’re looking for the best headphones to take out on a run, you’re likely looking for something lightweight. Sweat-proof. Long-lasting. And chic enough to make you feel like you’re dashing through a high-octane music video.

Enter: Sony headphones. With the backing of hundreds of Amazon reviews and a confidence-boosting middle-of-the-road price point, these headphones are a good choice for a number of activities. We like them for exercise because of their adaptability. They feature active noise cancellation, so you won’t be distracted by cars going by. They feature quick attention mode, so you can quickly say hello to anyone you might see on the street.

Most importantly, however, these Sony headphones deliver great sound for a long time. With 30 hours of playback, you won’t have to worry about charging these particularly often. The earcups are ergonomically angled, making them a treat to wear. Nothing about these headphones will distract you from the run.

Because of every thoughtful detail, we’re happy to name the Sony WH1000XM3 the best over-ear headphones to run in. However, you can use the best headphones for running for anything: they’re ready to come with you on your fast-paced life.