best travel over ear headphones

The best travel headphones 2024, chosen by our jet-setting reviewers

Mute airplanes, trains and automobiles

• Best overall
• Best budget
• Best premium
• Best for battery life
• Best earbuds for ANC
• Best earbuds for Apple
• Best mid-priced earbuds
• Best super-cheap earbuds
• Earbuds for in-flight movies
• How to choose
• How we test
• Latest updates

When looking for the best travel headphones, we're slightly adjusting our priorities compared to looking for more general headphones. We're looking for portability, battery life and, of course, active noise cancellation (ANC) more than we might otherwise. For those looking for the best airplane headphones, the option of a wired connection becomes crucial too, for those in-flight movies.

This list of the best travel headphones overlaps heavily with the best noise-cancelling headphones , but focusing more on their battery life, whether they have a folding lightweight design, and making sure they have a 3.5mm jack. Over-ear headphones are better at ANC than wireless earbuds, and wireless buds don't have wired connections, s headphones are our first pick – but best noise-cancelling earbuds have a huge portability advantage, so we've included those too (and one of them actually can handle a wired connection).

Our reviewers have tested all of these travel headphones on the exact kinds of transport we're talking about – our recommendations are based on real-world use for flights, trains, buses and even the occasional boat.

The quick list

Want a simple way to find the travel headphones with the features and price range you want? Use our quick list below – you can click to see a longer write-up of each product for more in-depth information.

The best travel headphones for most people

These headphones offer strong noise cancellation, great sound, good battery life, wired or wireless use, and a comfortable fit in a lightweight folding design. Ideal for travel at a superb price.

Read more below

The best cheaper travel headphones

These headphones can't cut out as much noise as higher-end models, but they're excellent for the price, and come with some useful smart features. They're light, and work wired or wireless.

The best premium travel headphones

The best noise cancellation we've used to date, elite sound quality, spatial audio, and a super-comfortable design that folds up. They're expensive, though, and the battery life is short.

The best travel headphones for battery life

You get glorious sound quality and solid noise-stopping here, with some super-smart features, and wired or wireless use. Oh, and 60 hours of battery life, which crushes everything else here.

The best noise-cancelling earbuds

These offer essentially the best noise cancellation of earbuds, with a solid and secure fit. Great sound quality, smart features, and very good value for premium-level earbuds.

The best earbuds for iPhone and iPad

With noise-blocking powers to challenge the Bose, amazing Spatial Audio for watching movies on iPhone or iPad, and glorious audio quality, these are ideal for Apple fans. 

Load the next products...

The best mid-priced earbuds for noise cancellation

Half the price of Bose headphones or AirPods, and more premium than the Earfun, these hit a perfect balance. You get astounding audio quality, great ANC, and good battery life.

Read more below  

The cheap earbuds with good noise cancellation

For this price, no other buds delivers better noise cancellation. And as an added bonus, they offer a long battery life of 7 hours with ANC on. They're very future-proof for features, too.

The best wireless earbuds for in-flight movie systems

Exquisite sound, decent ANC, weak battery life – but you can connect their case to a 3.5mm jack, and it beams sound to the buds. They're uniquely good for flights, but they'll cost you.

I've been reviewing tech for 14 years, and for pretty much all that time I've been testing headphones and speakers. As one of TechRadar's most frequent travellers, I've tested a ton of headphones and earbuds on flights and train rides, and I've used experience to choose the headphones that best fit the particular priorities of people flying or taking other long journeys.

Recent updates

April 11, 2024 Added the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones based on our review.

The best travel headphones 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The best travel headphones overall

1. Sony WH-1000XM4

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Sony WH-1000 range has gone from strength to noise-cancelling strength with each iteration. While the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are now available, the 2020 XM4s still offer an incredible combination of brilliant ANC and enjoyably balanced audio quality from a lightweight set of folding cans. You could shell out the extra for the latest model but these are a significantly better buy for being slightly older. 

For travel especially, the noise cancelling here is exceptional. You’ll only realize just how loud that plane engine hum actually is when you take these off. This is thanks to Sony’s proprietary processor, which is constantly sampling the world around you and adjusting the noise cancellation accordingly. And not only will intrusive noises disappear but the pleather cups are cosy and comfortable even for long haul journeys, making the Sony WH-1000XM4s our top pick for the very best travel headphones, even though the newer Sony WH-1000XM5 is available – that model lacks the folding design, and is more expensive without being a big leap better.

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM4 review  

• ^ Back to the top

2. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony's more affordable counterpart to its flagship 'XM' model can be found for under $150/£100, but delivers very impressive audio quality regardless, especially when it comes to detail and overall balance. Instruments are crisp, treble and bass both get to shine in their own way, and the mid-range is warm and full.

The noise cancellation really helps clamp down on the volume of outside sounds so that you can hear dialog in a movie on a plane, in our experience, though it does leak in noticeably more sound overall than the higher-end options here (both in terms of over-ear headphones and earbuds), so we had to significantly turn up the volume on a quiet, speech-heavy movie on a plane compared to those options. But it's as good as anything else available for the price.

They're very lightweight and are generally comfortable to use for long periods, which means we can forgive them for not folding. They don't feel as premium as other options here, but again, that's fine. The wired option is very welcome for plane use, and the quoted 35-hour battery life is essentially on the money in our experience.

Read our full Sony WH-CH720N review

The best travel headphones for elite noise cancellation

3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

These are, perhaps, the ultimate travel companion – with just one flaw that might put you off. They check so many boxes, with their best-in-class active noise cancellation at the center of the success. We found in our testing that nothing else stops the hubbub of a city or traffic around you so effectively – though we did find that they reacted oddly to extremely loud sounds (sitting by a bus engine on a hill, and during plane take-off) with some very robotic output. But we were happy to forgive these moments, since they're so good the rest of the time.

And on top of that, you get truly exceptional audio quality that's more exciting, precise and detailed than anything else in this list. They're capable of deep, velvety bass and delicate, elevated treble, with plenty of expression and clarity through the mid-range. And on top of this, they have a spatial audio mode that does a good job of feeling like the sound isn't being pumped right into your ears, from any source, which can help flights to feel less claustrophobic.

And they do all this in a fairly light design that folds up for travel, so they're great for your carry-on (and they come with a hard cases). The only real downside? The 24-hour battery life is lower than other over-ear headphones here, though it's still enough to make it through the vast majority of flights, of course. Just remember to charge when you land. All of this comes at a high price compared to the other headphones here, though we think it's well worthwhile if you can stretch to it. (If not, the non-Ultra Bose QuietComfort Headphones offer very nearly as good ANC for cheaper, and are still light and foldable).

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review

The best travel headphones for huge battery life

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless cans were TechRadar’s favorite headphones of 2022 , the year they launched, and they're seriously impressive headphones that deliver on every level. 

You see, before we even get onto the excellent audio and brilliant ANC, let’s just take a moment to celebrate the 60-hour battery life. Yes, 60 hours , even with ANC and normal volume levels. That’s enough for five transatlantic flights without even having to think about going anywhere near a USB-C port. Oh, and if you do somehow run out of juice, there’s a 3.5mm jack for just that or plugging into a plane entertainment system.

While that battery life would be enough for us, Sennheiser has also managed to cram in wonderfully dynamic audio. No matter the music genre, the Momentum 4 Wireless deliver an ultra detailed and crisp aural performance. There’s a real depth here that is rare even in over-ear cans. Add in strong active noise cancellation (with genius adaptive features you can customize through the app) and you’ll very quickly forgive the slightly basic looks and mildly chunkier weight of these travel cans.

Read our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless review  

The best noise cancelling earbuds for travel

5. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

While some earbuds come with a selection of silicone tips to make sure you can personalize the fit of your buds, the new Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II go one better and customize audio specifically for your ear canals. Thanks to what Bose calls CustomTune, both ANC and audio in these buds are personalized to best suit your ears. And going by the clear and extra-detailed sound here, we can say it’s doing something right. Combined with Bose’s best-in-class noise cancellation, these buds sing with a vibrant soundstage even over the whirr of jet engines. 

The design has been overhauled from the previous generation, with a significantly more comfortable fit that’s ideal for long listening sessions. They aren’t the smallest buds, but they are lighter than the original Bose QC Earbuds, and the lozenges don’t look nearly as bulky in your ears. The downsides here are that there’s no hi-res audio support, no spatial audio, no multi-point pairing, and the chunky design may not suit everyone, though they fit very securely.

And while the active noise cancellation is effectively the best you can get for earbuds (the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are arguably better, but not much better, and they're notably more expensive, though they do also bring spatial audio support), the high-end over-ear stuff is even more effective. But then, they don't slip in your pocket wherever you go, like these do.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 review  

The best ANC earbuds for iPhone and iPad

6. Apple AirPods Pro 2

The AirPods Pro 2 were huge leap forward for the AirPods line, delivering not just a super-convenient experience for Apple users, but audio quality and noise cancellation that's up there with the best in the class. There’s an expansive soundscape that we’ve just not heard on previous AirPods, with incredibly layered audio. Vocals, bass, and even individual instruments all get their chance to shine. 

Add in excellent ANC that's only a hair behind the Bose at #5 on this list , plus a lighter weight and smaller case than almost all similar rivals, and Apple's Find My functionality in case you leave them somewhere, and the AirPods Pro 2 are the perfect travel companions.

The final cherry on the icing for traveling is Spatial Audio, however. Use them with an iPhone or iPad to watch movies and they recreate the feeling of being in a movie theater surrounded by speakers, rather then feeling the sound is pumping right in your ears. It's nice to feel less confined when traveling, and nothing does that more effectively than these.

But this all really applies if you're deep into Apple tech; the functionality is very limited on Android. And note that the six hours of battery life per charge is very average – the Sony WF-C700N at #6 on the list offer 7.5 hours, by comparison.

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

The best mid-priced earbuds for ANC

7. Sony WF-C700N

It's not many products that leads us to say that a pair of earbuds "just ripped our notions on what is achievable at this level to smithereens" in a review, but these did. If you want to spend less than $100/£100 on a pair of earbuds while getting the best possible sound and noise cancellation from them, read no further. Nothing beats these.

It's not just the energetic, accurate, detailed audio quality, but that the effective (and customizable) noise cancellation that makes it easy to hear. Yes, the Bose earbuds or over-ear headphones do it better, but you pay a ton more to get there.

Throw in support for Sony's 360 Reality Audio tech for positional sound, plus generally great app support, a super-light and secure fit, and long battery life from the buds, and you've got a winning package. That you only get one additional charge from the case is a bit of an issue for traveling, but not a dealbreaker. It's the same with the lack of auto-pause when you remove them, or hi-res support – again, we're not concerned for the price. We love them.

Read our full Sony WF-C700N review

Best super-cheap earbuds with good ANC

8. Earfun Air Pro 3

We called these "the best cheap noise-cancelling earbuds you can get" in our review, and that's the long and short of it. Do they block noise as well as the Bose, AirPods, or Sony earbuds also in this list? No – but they're way less expensive (and often discounted further), and they do it as well as anything else at the same kind of price.

And when you then factor in the fantastic nine-hour battery life, and that they're future-proofed with features such as Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio support, they're even more of a bargain. The sound is good for the price, with no obvious weaknesses, even it isn't as rich as more elite models – it's still fun and compelling to listen to.

The design is not very svelte, but we don't mind too much considering what's been packed in there. These are such good all-rounders, and the quality of the sound for the cost makes them our cheapest pick.

Read our full Earfun Air Pro 3 review

Best true wireless earbuds for in-flight movie systems

9. Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2

When it comes to sound quality, few earbuds can match these. We said "you're in for a sonic masterclass" in our review, and raved that dynamic elements are delivered with "more zeal and energy than we've heard from any set of true wireless earbuds to date". When it comes to audio quality, they're second to none.

That's sadly not true when it comes to the quality of the noise cancellation (which let's through far more low-frequency rumble than we expect from something so premium), and the battery life, which is the lowest of anything in this list.

But they have an ace up their sleeve. Unlike basically all other true wireless earbuds, these can be used wired. The case comes with a couple of cables (one USB-C to USB-C, one 3.5mm jack to USB-C), so that you can connect the case to an audio source such as an in-flight entertainment system. The sound is beamed from the case to the earbuds over aptX high-quality streaming.

All of the over-ear headphones we've featured in this list have a wired options, but none of the earbuds does. That's the nature of going true wireless. You get the best of both worlds here. Well, most of the best – if only the noise cancellation was better. They're also very large – those with small ears should give them a test before committing.

Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 review

How to choose the best travel headphones for you

When it comes to choosing the best travel headphones, all of the important decisions are fully subjective. This is about finding the best travel headphones for  you  and not anybody else, so there are a few things to consider. 

The first one is an easy choice. Do you prefer over-ear cans or earbuds? We all have very different preferences, and there’s no right or wrong answer. Some people find in-ear buds invasive or worry about finding exactly the right fit. Thankfully if you’re fretting about the latter, most earbuds now come with a collection of silicone tips to ensure that the buds are snug enough for you not to worry about them tumbling out. Active noise cancelling depends on a good seal, so most ANC pairs have a good selection. Earbuds are also handy for travelling thanks to their compact cases that can slide into an inside pocket. 

But if you’re happy to carry something a little bigger and want some added audio oomph, there are plenty of over-ear options explicitly designed to press the mute button on airports and crowded train carriages. Brands like Sony and Bose have long reigned over the travel crowd, purely for their ultra-comfortable over-ear fit, excellent noise cancellation and satisfying audio chops.

They also fit snugly even when you’re cosied into your neck pillow on the plane, which is incredibly satisfying as you drift off. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for over-ears that come with a 3.5mm cable in the case so you can plug into the airplane entertainment system without having to resort to the free foamy monstrosities so you can watch a movie.

True wireless earbuds won't have a cable option (mostly), so if you're taking them on a flight, make sure you've filled your tablet or phone with entertainment.

Once you’ve decided on a fit, it’s time to think about your budget. If you fly regularly or want to silence a noisy metro train daily, you might want to invest in a high-end pair of ANC cans. If you’re just heading onto one short flight and don’t want to spend as much as the ticket on a pair of headphones, plenty of ANC options are available that won’t break the bank. You’ll sacrifice some bells and whistles, but audio quality doesn’t always have to suffer.

Speaking of ANC, you'll want to consider just how much you want to block out the world around you. As we said above, the more you pay the better the ANC tends to be. But that isn't always the case, so be sure to read our first-hand reviews. All of the options in this guide have some level of ANC – we consider it essential for a pair of the best travel headphones – but we also have a guide dedicated to the best noise cancelling headphones and best noise cancelling earbuds specifically if wrapping yourself up in an immersive cocoon of sound is your number one priority.

Higher-end headphones also may come with a system to adjust the air pressure between the seal and your eardrum, which is obviously nice on airplanes, when the pressure changes. Sony's WH-1000XM4 at #1 on this list feature 'Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing' tech, for example, while AirPods Pro 2 at #7 on this list also feature a pressure-balancing system.

How we test the best travel headphones

When we review headphones with active noise cancellation, we always test them for travel as much as possible anyway, since that's usually the hardest test for their noise blocking powers! We listen to them in cities among traffic, on public transport including trains and buses, and we've tested most of these options on flights, to find the best headphones for airplanes.

For audio fidelity, we test headphones from a range of sources, but mainly the best music streaming services . Our tests range from very high-quality tracks on Tidal to the very basic quality of Spotify's app, plus we'll test podcasts, YouTube , movie streams and other common ways to listen. 

We always test out the apps that most modern headphones have, to see how they can affect the experience (for better or worse), plus any features that are enabled by the apps, such as customizable noise cancellation, EQ settings, or spatial audio.

And we'll test the battery claims with actual use – and we'll use them for a long time to test the comfort, while we're at it.

We're comparing our verdicts in all these areas against other products at the same kind of price to arrive at our conclusion of not only whether something sounds good or blocks noise well, but whether it achieves good value while doing that.

Latest updates to the best travel headphones

December 6, 2023 Checked rankings against recent product launches and added in a new lead image.  

June 25, 2023 This guide launches for the first time! All entries were chosen by our team, based on our own reviews and opinions of the products.

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Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Entertainment, meaning he's in charge of persuading our team of writers and reviewers to watch the latest TV shows and movies on gorgeous TVs and listen to fantastic speakers and headphones. It's a tough task, as you can imagine. Matt has over a decade of experience in tech publishing, and previously ran the TV & audio coverage for our colleagues at T3.com, and before that he edited T3 magazine. During his career, he's also contributed to places as varied as Creative Bloq, PC Gamer, PetsRadar, MacLife, and Edge. TV and movie nerdism is his speciality, and he goes to the cinema three times a week. He's always happy to explain the virtues of Dolby Vision over a drink, but he might need to use props, like he's explaining the offside rule.

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Home » Gear » best travel headphones

The 8 Top Travel Headphones in 2024

These days a good pair of headphones is as important a travel essential as a decent travel bag or travel wallet. Travel headphones are a great way of keeping you entertained while traveling, with many of the best also offering the fantastic added extra of noise-cancelling functionality – which is always appreciated on a plane, train, or hotel with noisy air conditioning! What’s more, travel headphones are lightweight and compact too.

But which of the 250 travel headphones on the market should you spend your hard-earned money on? Check out our detailed reviews of the very best available now!

We’ve covered things like best headphones for hiking, best noise cancelling headphone, most compact, in ear, over ear, good travel headphones on a budget. You get the idea, we’ve got them all!

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Games

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• Top Travel Headphones – Bose QuietComfort 35 II
• Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Under $100 – Silensys E7
• Best Wireless Travel Headphones – Sony WI 1000X
• Best travel headphones for iPhone – Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Apple Devices
• Best Travel Headphones with Microphone – Skullcandy Crusher
• Best Over-ear Travel Headphones – Aftershokz Aeropex Headphones
• Best Travel Earbuds – Skullcandy Earbuds
• BONUS! Best Travel Pillow to use with Headphones – Trtl Pillow Plus

Bose QuietComfort 35 II

• > Wired and wireless
• > Noise-cancelling

Silensys E7

• > Great price
• > Active noise-cancelling

Sony WI 1000X

• > Users can adjust the sound profile

Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Apple Devices

• > Specifically made for Apple devices
• > Built-in microphone

Skullcandy Crusher

• > 40 hours battery life
• > Full range audio drivers plus subwoofer drivers

Aftershokz Aeropex Headphones

• > Lightweight
• > Can be used for fitness routines

Skullcandy Earbuds

• > Made for movement
• > Sweat-resistant

Trtl Pillow Plus

• > Comfortable
• > Perfect for travel headphones!

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These over-ear style closed-back headphones are incredibly comfortable to wear, feel sturdy in the hand, and are simple to set up and use. The QuietComfort 35 II by Bose can be used either wired or wireless and can be connected to two different devices at the same time.

These headphones also offer noise-cancelling functionality, capable of removing a large array of background sounds to create a well-balanced timbre that fits well whatever the music or podcasts you enjoy listening too, although they lack the ability to alter the sound to your own personal likes. The battery life for the QuietComfort 35 IIs is around 20 hours, with charging taking roughly two hours to fully charge.

• Wired and wireless
• Noise-cancelling
• Long battery life
• The over-ear style might not suit every user
• Cannot adjust timbre to personal choice
• Bose AR app only available for iOS users
• Quite bulky

Are the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones for me?

If you’re looking for a pair of over-ear headphones that are going to serve you well during your travels – being comfortable, well-made, and featuring noise-cancelling – then the QuietComfort 35 II by Bose are certainly a very good buy!

The team were super impressed by these headphones, especially those that wanted a superior level of noise cancellation for things like noisy flights or hostel dorms. They love the control they have over the noise cancellation with the 3 levels which is super useful for different travel situations. The addition of alexa, music sharing and the connect app not only adds extra functionality but added levels of control too. They also found the headphones to be pretty light too given their high quality feel.

A pair of travel headphones don’t have to cost hundreds of dollars. Even if you’re on a tight budget as a student or backpacker there are some fantastic pairs of travel headphones on the market to consider. The Silensys E7 active noise-cancelling headphones are one such pair! Though they might lack some of the all-round styling of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones, Silensys E7 do come in five cool colors as well as a glossy black.

More importantly perhaps for those on a budget, these headphones come in at a penny under $70, while still offering active noise-cancelling capabilities in both wired and wireless modes. A built-in microphone allows you to make hands-free calls from your smartphone, while the good-quality sound means you’ll always enjoy using your Silensys E7s.

• Great price
• Good color range
• Active noise-cancelling
• Over-ear style
• Weight of close to 1.5 lbs
• Batteries not included
• Not as sturdy as more expensive models

Are the Silensys E7 active noise-cancelling headphones for me?

Not only do the Silensys E7 headphones offer an excellent price point for anyone traveling on a budget in the need for a good pair of headphones, but also come in some cool color choices if plain black or white isn’t quite your look. Despite the price, these headphones also offer wired and wireless modes and hands-free call taking!

The team were really impressed by the levels of noise cancellation offered for such a great price. They felt that for those that don’t want to spend a few hundred $ on something that could potentially get broken, stolen or lost pretty easy on the road, these were a great solution. Another thing they liked was the cool range of colours which many other brands don’t offer.

Available in black and gold, the Sony WI 1000X are much more exciting than their name might suggest. These in-ear headphones are another closed-back form with a neckband that is both well-made and looks good. These headphones also offer some good noise cancellation despite not being an over-ear form of travel headphone.

Their basic set-up is pretty well-balanced to suit any genre of music, however, the WI 1000X also connect to Sony’s Headphones Connect app (on Android and iOS), from where users can adjust the sound profile to your exact personal tastes! These headphones provide the option of hands-free calling with vibration notifications on the neckband and have ten-hour battery life.

• Users can adjust the sound profile
• In-ear headphone
• Neckband might feel strange to some
• Only black and gold options
• Ten-hour battery life

Are the Sony WI 1000X headphones for me?

Although they are compact and lightweight, this doesn’t stop the Sony WI 1000Xs being wireless headphones with noise-cancelling functionality. They also boast the ability to receive hands-free calls, while true music lovers will adore the ability to adjust the headphones’ sound profile to exactly your preferred settings via the smartphone app.

Our team felt these were the best travel earphones for those looking for a compact in-ear configuration. They loved the deep base and clearer range of frequencies these Sony headphones offer them. They were also impressed by the fact that such a small, light and in ear headphone offers noise cancellation abilities and they felt they were very effective too.

If you have a more recent edition of an iPhone then Apple’s decision to do away with the standard 3.5mm audio jack a few years ago means you’ll be searching for travel headphones which use a lightning connector instead. Those fine folk at Bose have come to the rescue with the Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise-Cancelling Headphone for Apple devices.

These wired in-ear travel headphones have added StayHear+ tips to ensure the best and most comfortable fit possible, while a built-in microphone, neck-line controls and clothing clip make it incredibly easy to switch between listening to music and making calls on your iPhone.

• Specifically made for Apple devices
• No lightning adapters required
• Built-in microphone
• In-ear headphones
• 16-hour battery life
• Only in black

Are the Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Apple Devices for me?

Apple product users are limited in their choice of headphones to some extent, however, that doesn’t mean they have to settle for second best. The Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Apple devices provide all the features you’d expect from a good pair of travel headphones at this price point while being specifically made for iPhone and other Apple devices!

Our team rate these as their best travel earphones for Apple users due to their superb sound quality and the awesome effectiveness of the noise cancellation for such small headphones. They felt being so small they were pretty much perfect for travellers, especially those who spend heaps of time flying. They also remarked how comfortable these were too.

The Skullcandy Crusher travel headphones are a simply phenomenal pair of headphones all around. Their sleek look – in black, maroon, olive green, and white – make these over-ear closed-back headphones very attractive and street worthy. But more than just looking great, these headphones do their job extraordinarily well too. The use of two full-range audio drivers in addition to two subwoofer drivers creates a strongly immersive experience with adjustable bass levels.

They are also wireless, with up to 40 hours of Bluetooth battery life after a full charge of 2.5 hours, while just ten minutes of charging promises to deliver three hours of functionality. On-ear buttons together with the built-in microphone allow you to answer calls, and adjust sound settings without the need to ever reach for your smartphone!

• Full-range audio drivers plus subwoofer drivers
• 40 hours of battery life
• Over-ear headphones
• Weight of 0.6 lbs
• No horizontal or vertical swivel
• Soft packing bag supplied

Are the Skullcandy Crusher Travel Headphones for me?

Anyone looking for a good pair of travel headphones with a built-in microphone should be drawn towards the Skullcandy Crusher headphones. They have a nice look and excellent audio and subwoofer drivers, while Skullcandy seems to have upped the build quality from previous headphone models! Fully wireless, they also boast an impressive 40-hour battery life.

The team love the Skullcandy headphones for many reasons, but the main one has to be how cool they look! Ok, they’re not that shallow, they also told us just how comfortable these headphones are, in fact, possibly the most comfortable they’ve ever used. They are also great in warmer weather too with the material not being as “sticky” when sweating! They also found the battery level to be almost unbeatable too and perfect for long travel stints and times when recharging is difficult.

We’ve already given you some great examples of over-ear travel headphones in our other categories, but the Aftershokz Aeropex Headphones make the cut as our best over-ear travel headphones for a number of reasons. Firstly, they are incredibly lightweight, weighing in at an almost unbelievable 0.9 ounces! Then there’s the fact these travel headphones are waterproof and sturdy enough in their fit that they can be used for athletic events such as jogging or other fitness routines.

When it comes to tech, the Aeropex Headphones are wireless, and have a built-in microphone and volume control, while fitting snuggly behind the head/neck, allowing bone conduction technology to deliver sound through the skull so you’re still able to capture ambient sounds around you that you might need to hear!

• Lightweight
• Can be used for fitness routines
• Neckbrace style fitting
• 8-hour battery life
• Imported into the US

Are the Aftershokz Aeropex Headphones for me?

If you need a lightweight pair of headphones that aren’t going to fall off as soon as you take a couple of steps jogging, you really should consider the Aftershokz Aeropex Headphones. Weighing less than an ounce, these headphones are waterproof too, meaning you don’t have to stop training with them if and when the weather turns. Additionally, these headphones have built-in volume control and microphone for taking calls!

The team feel these are the best headphones for hiking due to the way in which the design allows you to still be very aware of your surroundings whilst listening to music or a podcast. The design is also perfect for those who want to still be able to hold conversations with their headphones on. The style is also pretty low key and they found they stayed in place well whilst hiking or running and wern’t big enough to get hot or sweaty too.

The Skullcandy Method travel earbuds, or in-ear travel headphones, are also designed with sport and movement in mind and are sweat-resistant as a result. DualLock technology, together with the neck brace or ‘collar’ mean these travel headphones are easy to keep in place even when active.

They have Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in microphone for answering any calls you might receive while out and about, while you’ll find further controls within easy reach on the collar. The battery for the Skullcandy Method Earbuds charges in just 2.5 hours, giving users nine hours of music – enough for a double marathon!

• Made for movement
• Sweat-resistant
• Controls on neck collar
• Neck collar might be uncomfortable to some
• 9-hour battery life
• Not fully wireless

Are the Skullcandy Method Earbuds for me?

Using headphones while doing heavy exercise can be difficult, but the Skullcandy Method Earbuds have DualLock technology and a neck collar to prevent the buds slipping or falling out. What’s more, the collar incorporates a whole load of useful controls alongside a built-in microphone for taking calls and wireless Bluetooth connectivity so you don’t get tangled up in wires as you break those personal training records!

The team were really impressed by the sheer range of features and functions on such a small and lightweight pair of headphones. They felt in terms of travel headphones, there size and weight makes them perfect. In terms of battery life, for their size they were again suitably impressed.

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Ok, so you’ve got some good travel headphones, but you want to use a travel pillow. Hmm, what to do!?

You’re on a plane, or train, or bus, and want to while away the time with music and podcasts but also want to be comfortable throughout by using a travel pillow. What do you do? You need a travel pillow that won’t interfere with your headphones, with the Trtl Pillow Plus a great example of its kind.

Being scarf-like wrap rather than a traditional travel pillow it is soft to the touch, lightweight and unbulky while providing all the support you need to rest well thanks to a in-built plastic headrest. Leaving the ears and lower head free, the Trtl Pillow Plus doesn’t clash with headphones, whether you prefer to use over-ear or in-ear versions, making it the perfect addition to your travel must-haves!

• Comfortable
• Perfect for travel headphones!
• In-built support limits you to one sleeping position
• One-size only
• Not a traditional travel pillow
• No direct connectivity to travel headphones

Is the Trtl Pillow Plus Travel Headphone Pillow for me?

Offering a great combination of features that are easily useable in collaboration with a pair of travel headphones makes the Trtl Pillow Plus a great choice for any traveler. Lightweight, and much less bulky than a traditional travel pillow, it provides comfortable support for those looking to rest that doesn’t get in the way of headphone use.

Our team love this new style solution to that age old problem, sleeping whilst sat upright! The neck support allows them to avoid waking up stiff and sore and the low profile and lightweight construction makes it easier to carry than a conventional pillow/ neck pilow. Most importantly for this post, they love that the design doesn’t cover the ears allowing them to wear pretty much any kind of headphones with ease.

Plantronics Backbeat

The Plantronics Backbeat over-ear headphones have an attractive vintage look of black and tan that provides up to 24 hours of wireless music before having to connect up to a cable or charge. Its Bluetooth connectivity extends to a very healthy 100 meters with the ability to be connected to two different devices at the same time, while these headphones are also great for travel because they can be twisted flat and kept in a protective travel sleeve.

On top of that, the Plantronics Backbeat headphones have active noise-cancelling that massively reduces ambient noise while providing top quality audio with powerful audio drivers which create a sound that is rich right across the sound spectrum.

• Stylish look
• Travel-friendly design
• 100m Bluetooth connectivity
• Very specific style
• 6 lb in weight
• No built-in microphone

Are the Plantronics Backbeat headphones for me?

When it comes to headphones that look the part as well as sounding the part, the Plantronics Backbeat over-ear headphones are another fine choice! Not only do they offer great sound quality, but have a battery life that lasts an entire day on one charge, and twist flat so they can be safely packed away without taking up huge amounts of space.

The team love the classic look of these headphone and for those wanting something that they can wear in professional settings, these worked perfectly. The placement of the controls is also pretty unique and the team felt that they were easier to use than many others on this list. They also loved how bassy these headphones were, especially for those favouring heavy metal and dance music.

Sennheiser HD 4.50

Although the Sennheiser brand may not be as well known as Sony, Bose, or Skullcandy, we think these over-ear headphones deserve looking at! Although wireless, the use of Bluetooth 4.0 and aptx technologies ensures a fine sound quality can still be enjoyed. Users of these headphones can also enjoy NoiseGard active noise-cancelling, removing all that irritating ambient background noise that are frequently found in offices, and on various forms of transport.

Ear-mounted buttons make it really easy and simple to stay in control, while the built-in microphone ensures you can make and take calls without reaching for your smartphone. These headphones also come with a very good battery life of 19 hours after a full charge!

• High-quality sound
• NoiseGard active noise-cancelling
• Ear-mounted buttons and built-in microphone
• Over-ear design
• No protective carry case supplied
• Weight of 8 ounces
• Not great for those larger in stature

Are the Sennheiser HD 4.50 headphones for me?

If branding isn’t all important to you, lesser-known Sennheiser has been creating noise-cancelling headphones since 1984, giving them an incredible pedigree and heritage in this sort of technology. The HD 4.50 headphones also offer wireless listening for up to 19 hours in one go, alongside a built-in microphone for making wireless calls, and ear-mounted buttons for easy control.

The Sennheiser brand is well known throughout our team and they just love the high build quality which gives them a real sense on longevity. Another plus point is the superb and accurate sound levels that really blow other options out of the water.

Jabra Elite 85h

One of the chunkier over-ear headphones on our list, the Jabra Elite 85h are fully wireless headphones with smart active noise cancellation that kicks in automatically if it detects background noise such as the hum of an aircraft. Their very clever SmartSound technology means that you’re always guaranteed the best quality sound for your environment, while even with active noise-cancelling switched on they offer a battery life of 36 hours on a single charging.

Users can also get five hours of action with just 15 minutes of charging – perfect if you’re never in the same place for very long! The Jabra Elite 85h headphones also have eight built-in microphones for the very best call quality whatever the noise coming from your background surroundings.

• Fully wireless
• Smart active noise cancellation
• 36-hour battery life
• Multiple built-in microphones for making calls
• Quite bulky to wear
• Water resistant but not waterproof
• Short charging cable

Are the Jabra Elite 85h headphones for me?

These over-ear headphones are impressive all-rounders in an ever-busier marketplace. With active noise-cancelling that is triggered automatically when it picks up background noise, and SmartSound tech that guarantees top-quality sound whatever that background, users can be sure never to miss a beat. And with 8 different microphones built-in, those you talk to wireless won’t have any problem picking up what you’re saying either!

The team felt these were a great option for those on a budget wanting headphones which offer great noise cancellation, a range of features and functionality as well as looking good too. They also felt the sound quality and the base levels were also pretty damn good too for such well priced headphones.

Bose QuietControl30

The little brother or sister of the Bose QuietControl 35 II (already reviewed above), the Bose QuietControl30 wireless headphones offer great sound despite their lightweight nature! These in-ear headphones and next collar incorporate controls on the wire connecting earbud with collar, while these headphones are otherwise wireless.

These headphones also offer the ability to alter the level of noise cancellation to your immediate surroundings, while offering both Bluetooth and NFC connectivity. A dual microphone system makes calls clearer than with headphones using a single built-in microphone and can be used for up to 10 hours on a single full charge.

• Easy access controls at ear level
• Adaptive noise cancellation technology
• Dual microphone system for clear calls
• Neck collar may be awkward for some
• Do not allow Bose music sharing
• 10-hour battery life

Are the Bose QuietControl 30 headphones for me?

If you like the sound of the Bose QuietControl 35 II but are after something a little lighter and less bulky then the BoseQuietControl 30 are the ideal alternative. With Bluetooth and NFC wireless connectivity and two in-built microphones, you can listen to music and make calls without having to reach for your smartphone, with these headphones having enough battery life to keep you entertained on the move for up to 10 hours.

Our team felt these were a close second when it comes to the best headphones for hiking given how well they stayed in their ears. More than that though they were super impressed by the levels of noise cancellation offered by headphones that are so small and light. They also loved that the Bluetooth transmitter could fit inside a planes standard jack and so connect with the inflight entertainment system easily.

Philips PH805

Folding in on themselves to reduce the amount of space they take up in a bag, these over-ear headphones by Philips have a luxurious-feeling memory foam cover than rests over or on top of your ears, to make sure they remain comfortable throughout the day! There’s in-line control and a microphone switch for moving effortlessly between listening to music and taking or making a call, while the specially-designed standalone acoustic chambers and optimized 40mm neodymium drivers ensure good sound quality. The Philips PH805 headphones also feature noise-cancellation technology, and come in at just 8 ounces in weight!

• Folding to reduce storage space
• Memory foam covers
• Great quality sound
• Noise-cancelling tech
• Lack some style
• Over/on-ear headphones
• Not wireless
• Imported to US

Are the Philips PH805 headphones for me?

These Philips PH805 headphones provide a good balance between cost, sound quality, usability, and size. Ear comfort is protected through the use of memory foam covers, while the drivers and acoustic chambers used to create a wonderful sound. Further, the Philips PH805 have noise-cancelling technology built-in, so however noisy the surrounding environment you find yourself in, you’ll still be able to enjoy music as it should be heard.

For what are a super cheap pair of headphones, the team were pretty impressed by what they offered. For less than 40 quid you get decent noise cancellation, good portability and a lightweight design. The wires might be a drawback but for those wanting to switch between their phone, laptop and the entertainment system on the plane, they know it will be quick and easy.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

How to choose the best travel headphones for you

Over-ear versus in-ear headphones

One of the first questions you should ask yourself when you’re thinking of splashing out on a new pair of travel headphones is which sort of headphone do you prefer? Are you a fan of over-ear headphones that make it much easier to become fully immersed in what you’re listening to, or in-ear headphones which tend to be lighter but have slightly reduced sound qualities as a result? Do you like the feel of the neck collars/braces that accompany many modern in-ear choices?

Also, bear in mind what activity or activities you plan to use these headphones for! For example, if you intend to primarily use your new headphones for exercise or activities with a lot of movement, be sure to pick a pair that are specifically built for the purpose. That way, you’ll be sure that your headphones will last, and resist the rigours of running, for instance.

In general, if you’re going to be running or you’re looking for as an example, the best headphones for hiking, you’re going to want ones that will stay in whilst you’re being active too. So, looking for the best travel earphones, ones that go inside your actual ear, is perfect.

Wired, wireless, and true wireless

For most people, deciding between wired, wireless, and true wireless travel headphones is a pretty easy choice coming down to personal preference and what you’re used to. We’d say doing away with wires is definitely the way to go, especially when traveling, when there are already ten different things to get tangled up in! As for the difference between wireless and true wireless, a wireless travel headphone will connect to your smartphone or device through Bluetooth but might have a wire between earbud and neck brace, while you’ll find no wires on any sort in a truly wireless travel headphone.

Other features to consider

While most brands of headphone in the same price bracket will have similar features, its worth noting down exactly what you are looking for in your pair of travel headphones. We’d say finding a pair with good noise-cancelling functionality is all important when traveling – given the amount of noisy downtime you’re likely to face on planes, trains, and elsewhere. The so-called ‘ambient’ noise on a plane can hit 60 decibels for example, which explains why its always so difficult to fully hear films using the airline’s free headphones.

In addition, are you also looking for compact size, so that your travel headphones pack down really small (another reason to opt for in-ear headphones perhaps)? Maybe it’s sound quality which is more important to you.

You will also want to decide whether or not you’re going to want a built-in microphone system, enabling you to make hands-free calls. Frankly we say that if you’re going to be using your smartphone to listen to music, why not also have that hands-free capability!

There is no perfect or exact science when it comes to testing out travel gear, but here at The Broke Backpackers, we’ve got enough experience to have gotten pretty good at it!

When we set about testing a piece of gear, we start by handing each item out to various members of our team spread around the world. This means we always get different opinions and experiences when it comes to feedback.

Our testing revolves around a series of parameters we use for each item to fairly compare them to one another. We look at how well each piece fulfils its primary purpose. So when it comes to picking out good travel headphones that are things like portability, weight, size, noise cancellations, battery life and durability as well as sound quality.

Finally, we also take into account how an item is priced – So more expensive headphones that performed poorly were treated more harshly when it came to doling out points. On the other hand, cheaper headphones were given a bit more leeway.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

Are bluetooth headphones better than wired headphones?

That depends on your personal preference. Bluetooth headphones are definitely handier but they also need to be charged which can get a bit annoying. However, the wire connected with your headphones can get tangled in your clothes and other objects.

Can you wear bluetooth headphones on a plane?

Yes, you can wear bluetooth headphones on a plane. If you’re worried, keep them disconnected during landing and take-off.

Are noise-cancelling headphones any good?

Noise-cancelling headphones are great for people that need to work on their laptop in a busy environment. There is no disadvantage of noice cancelling, unless you need to be aware of your surroundings.

What are the best budget travel headphones?

The Silensys E7 are the best noise-cancelling headphones that are not just high in quality, but also pretty affordable.

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A final point for all those iPhone and iPad users out there

Don’t forget that if you’re a user of Apple iOS products you’re going to need to take the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack into consideration for wired headphones, or you’ll also be faced with needing to add a lightning adapter to your kit list!

When you’re thinking about travel headphones there’s a lot to consider – as you’ve probably already discovered! However, the good news is that we’ve done much of the hard graft for you guys, and we’ve cast our eyes across the 250 different travel headphones out there to bring you only the very best! What’s more, our links make it really easy to make that purchase a reality – so get clicking!

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We tested the 6 best noise-canceling headphones for travel

I can't fly anywhere without a pair of noise-canceling headphones.

Even if I'm not actively listening to music or enjoying a TV show, I often use noise-canceling headphones to drown out background noise.

If you've traveled recently, I probably don't need to convince you of the value of a pair of these headphones. These days, there are more distractions than ever in airports and on planes — there are only so many times I can hear the same canned pitch for a cobranded airline credit card.

However, if you really want to drown out everything, which pair of headphones or earphones does it best? Here's a guide to my current favorites based on portability, sound experience, comfort, battery life and, of course, how well their noise-canceling abilities fare in the TPG hair dryer test.

Apple AirPods Pro

How portable are they.

Since their introduction in 2019, Apple's AirPods Pro have been my go-to travel headphones, thanks in no small part to their portability.

AirPods Pro have two components: a charging case and the earbuds. The charging case is where the AirPods sit when they're not in your ears, and there's even a built-in speaker to help you find the case if you misplace it.

The actual earbuds are much smaller than Apple's entry-level AirPods, and they're much less bulky and unwieldy than some other earbuds on the market.

How is the sound?

Apple recently introduced the second-generation AirPods Pro with a claim of double the active noise cancellation of the legacy model. If you were on the fence about these earbuds before, this updated model should make them a no-brainer for most travelers who use an iPhone.

With the second-generation buds, I am disturbed by fewer announcements and chatty passengers than with the original model. The sound quality is also noticeably better, thanks to a more powerful audio driver.

How comfortable are they?

Aside from the portability, the AirPods Pro also excel in terms of comfort.

As you decide which headphones are right for you, you'll need to choose between in-ear and over-ear models. Back in the day, in-ear headphones didn't offer great noise cancellation. However, Apple and its competitors have since introduced earbuds that feature this travel must-have.

That's great news since I find earbuds are generally more comfortable than over-ear headphones. Also, with four tip sizes included with the AirPods Pro, you're bound to find the right fit.

How is the battery?

The second-generation AirPods Pro offer up to six hours of listening time with a single charge. The charging case offers 30 hours of listening time, and just five minutes in the case provides about one additional hour of listening time.

The hair-dryer test

To simulate the background noise on an airplane, I borrowed my wife's Dyson hair dryer and blasted it at full force next to my ears while listening to the same song (Taylor Swift's "Enchanted") through each of the following six pairs of headphones (set at the same 80% volume level).

The verdict? I could hear the blow dryer when it was at the highest setting, but only just.

Are they worth it?

The fact that the AirPods Pro fit in my pocket makes them a game changer for travel. I used to lug around bulky over-ear headphones, but why bother when you can get great sound quality in a pair of earbuds that fit in the palm of your hand?

Sure, there are headphones that offer better noise cancellation, but the AirPods Pro pack the best mix of sound, noise cancellation and portability that an iPhone user will find in a small package.

Additionally, with multiple microphones, they double as a great set of headphones for those who make phone calls while on the road.

Buy now for $199.00 and save 20% on the standard price of $249.00

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Bose's Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are the company's sleekest over-ear headphones, but you'll still need to tote around a nearly 1-pound pouch when the headphones are stowed safely in your bag.

Aside from Bluetooth wireless connectivity, I love that you can also use the provided 3.5-millimeter audio cable to plug the headphones into seatback entertainment systems that don't yet support Bluetooth.

Bose is renowned for its best-in-class noise-canceling headphones, and the 700 series builds on that legacy with some of the best sound and noise cancellation you'll get in a pair of headphones.

I always feel immersed in my music when I listen to these headphones, and the noise cancellation is among the best I've experienced.

I also love that you can adjust the noise-cancellation levels to control how much of the outside world you want to hear.

These headphones are much more comfortable than some of Bose's older models, but they aren't for everyone.

During long-haul flights, I find that my ears sometimes start feeling numb after wearing these headphones for prolonged periods (something that hasn't bothered me with other over-ear headphones like the AirPods Max).

Bose's top-of-the-line headphones offer up to 20 hours of nonstop listening. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to fully recharge the headphones, and a quick 15-minute charge will provide up to 3 1/2 additional hours of battery life.

I couldn't hear the faintest sound from the hair dryer, even when it was blasting at full force.

Back in the day, Bose was No. 1 when it came to noise-canceling headphones. The company now has some formidable competitors, but Bose builds on a very strong foundation with the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.

These are among the world's best over-ear noise-canceling headphones, and you certainly can't go wrong with them. I just wish they were a tiny bit more comfortable for prolonged periods of use.

Buy now for $299.00 and save 21% on the standard price of $379.00

Sony WH-1000XM5

Like any over-ear noise-canceling headphones, you'll need to make room in your bag for Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones, though they only weigh around 250 grams and shouldn't add too much weight to your luggage. They come with a carrying case to keep them in tip-top shape while you're on the move — just note that the ear cups don't fold in for a more compact carrying experience.

Like the Bose headphones, Sony's top-of-the-line model can connect directly to seatback entertainment systems using a 3.5-millimeter audio cable.

These headphones pack some serious active noise-cancellation chops, building on the company's already industry-leading noise-canceling technology.

Unlike the Bose offering, you can't adjust the level of noise cancellation, but you'll have no issue tuning out your surroundings when listening to music with these headphones.

I find these headphones to be perfectly comfortable for long-haul flights. They aren't too heavy on the head and ears, and the padded headband helps keep them in place throughout the journey.

Sony's headphones offer some of the best battery life you'll find. The company advertises up to 30 hours of nonstop use, with the ability to quickly charge the headphones for three minutes to unlock an additional three hours of music playback.

Just like the Bose 700s, I couldn't hear any noise from the hair dryer while listening to music with these headphones. To test them further, I blasted some music at 100% volume on my home speaker, and I could still barely hear any distractions with the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.

Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones are about as good as you can get in the roughly $400 range. They've got great sound in a (somewhat) portable package with top-notch battery life.

In my experience, the Sony WH-1000XM5s slightly outperform the similarly priced Bose headphones in terms of noise cancellation — I am usually less distracted when wearing Sony's headphones on a plane.

Buy now for $328.00 and save 18% on the standard price of $399.99

Apple AirPods Max

There's no denying that these are among the sleekest headphones on the market, though that comes at the expense of some portability.

The AirPods Max include a magnetic smart carrying case, but it only protects the actual earpieces themselves. The headphones can't be folded to create a more compact configuration, so you'll need to make room in your bag for them.

While you might think that the AirPods Max only connect via Bluetooth, there's some great news. You can actually plug them directly into seatback entertainment systems using a Lightning to 3.5-millimeter Audio Cable, sold separately for $35.

As the most expensive headphones in this guide, you might not be surprised to learn that they offer the best noise cancellation I've experienced yet.

You can't control the level of noise cancellation, but when flying around with these headphones, you won't want to. With the AirPods Max, I had no trouble drowning out a crying baby sitting three rows behind me.

Combine this impressive noise cancellation with immersive sound, and these headphones offer travelers the best listening experience.

The AirPods Max aren't just sleek — they also boast an incredibly snug fit on the ear.

Apple did a great job designing the AirPods Max for inflight use, and for most domestic and transatlantic flights, your ears should stay cool and comfortable while using these headphones.

That said, some friends have complained about them getting a bit uncomfortable during the longest flights, something experts call "eardrum suck."

The AirPods Max offer up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge, and five minutes of charging provides roughly an additional hour and a half of listening.

These numbers mean that you're set for all but the longest flight in the world (nearly 20 hours from pushback in New York to landing in Singapore).

As you might expect, the AirPods Max passed the hair-dryer test with flying colors.

The AirPods Max combine a best-in-class audio experience with top-notch noise cancellation in a modern and sleek package.

As the most expensive headphones in this guide, the AirPods Max are most definitely a splurge. However, if you're already in Apple's ecosystem and looking for the best travel headphones, these are it.

Buy now for $449.00 and save 18% on the standard price of $549.00

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Much like the AirPods Pro, these earbuds are among the most portable noise-canceling headphones you'll find. They also magnetically snap into a separate charging case, which is longer and narrower than the AirPods Pro case.

The buds themselves are small and sleek and should fit into your ear without any issues — more on that below.

What sets these earbuds apart is the noise cancellation. They're just as good, if not a tiny bit better, than Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro.

That said, I find the overall listening experience on AirPods Pro to be more immersive — I don't feel nearly as engrossed with my music when using the Bose earbuds.

Bose's QuietComfort Earbuds II are very comfortable. There are three different size options for the tips and ear bands.

With nine different possible combinations, you shouldn't have a problem finding a very stable fit, no matter the shape of your ear.

Bose advertises up to six hours of battery life on a single charge, but I was able to beat that estimate by about 30 minutes on a recent flight.

The charging case offers 18 additional hours of battery life, and just 20 minutes of charging in the case should deliver up to two additional hours of listening time from the earbuds.

Bose's earbuds outperformed the AirPods Pro on the hair-dryer test. They blocked slightly more noise, but both sets of in-ear headphones should do the trick on most flights.

For most travelers, these earbuds will compete head-to-head against the AirPods Pro. If you aren't in the Apple ecosystem, the Bose buds may be the right choice for you.

For everyone else, the choice is much trickier. AirPods integrate seamlessly into the entire iPhone (and Apple product) experience. Coupled with a quick setup and familiar controls, the AirPods will certainly do the trick for many.

However, if you're looking for best-in-class noise cancellation, I'd consider the $50 splurge over the AirPods Pro for Bose's earbuds.

Buy now for $236.55 and save 21% on the standard price of $299.00

Soundcore by Anker Life Q20

One of the best travel features of the Life Q20 headphones is that they swivel inward for increased portability. They come with a drawstring travel pouch, and they won't take up as much space as the other over-ear headphones in this guide.

Aside from Bluetooth wireless connectivity, you can use the provided 3.5-millimeter audio cable to plug the headphones into seatback entertainment systems that don't yet support Bluetooth.

As you might expect for a sub-$60 pair of headphones, the Life Q20s aren't going to beat the likes of Apple, Bose or Sony.

That said, given the price tag, they offer an impressive amount of active noise cancellation. I find that the sound quality is better than expected for such an inexpensive pair of noise-canceling headphones.

With memory foam ear cups, these headphones do a pretty good job of molding to your ears. They're a bit bulkier than some of the other over-ear models, but that's a trade-off you have to make, given the price.

Of all the headphones in this guide, the cheapest ones also pack the longest battery life. Anker advertises 40 hours of wireless playback on a single charge.

If you're pressed for time, you can quickly charge these headphones for five minutes to add four hours of listening time.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, these headphones did the worst job of blocking out the background noise from the hair dryer. At the highest setting, I could definitely hear the noise from the Dyson.

If you aren't a super-frequent traveler, the Life Q20s may be a great starter option for you. The active noise cancellation and sound quality aren't as impressive as with the other, more expensive brands, but you're saving around $300 with these headphones.

Several other features may feel quite basic, including the outdated micro USB charging port. However, that's not stopping nearly 50,000 customers from leaving five-star Amazon reviews for these headphones.

Buy now for $59.99

• Electronics

The Best Over-Ear Headphones

By Lauren Dragan

Lauren Dragan writes about audio tech and OTC hearing aids. She has tested nearly 2,000 headphones and earbuds in her decade at Wirecutter.

Over-ear headphones are for people who want to totally immerse themselves in their listening or don’t like the feeling of earbuds in their ears. The larger drivers, compared with those in earbuds, generally allow over-ear pairs to produce better sound than comparably priced in-ear models.

We’ve tested hundreds of over-ear headphones, including wireless Bluetooth, traditional wired, and noise-cancelling sets. This article provides an overview of our top over-ear picks across our different headphone guides, with links to our full coverage.

Choosing headphones

Wired headphones are simple to use and don’t need to be charged, but there’s no denying the freedom and convenience of Bluetooth.

Do you want an all-purpose pair of headphones or a pair that excels at a specific function, like noise cancellation or vocal clarity?

Comfort is crucial. Headphones should feel good on or over your ears and stay put without squeezing your head too tightly.

Today’s headphones can be loaded with features, like adjustable noise cancellation, voice control, and advanced sound equalization.

The research

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When it comes to headphones, one size does not fit all, both literally and figuratively. You have a lot of factors to consider in your personal quest to find the “best” pair of over-ear headphones. Here are some important questions to ask yourself:

Wired or wireless? Generally speaking, you can get better performance for less money if you choose wired headphones, since the cost goes mainly into performance and design instead of features like Bluetooth. And with wired headphones, you don’t have to worry about charging a battery. Still, many people love the freedom and convenience that wireless headphones bring, especially now that headphone jacks are disappearing from smartphones. If both connection methods sound appealing, consider a pair that can work both wired and wirelessly, but be sure to check whether some features are disabled in wired mode.

How will you use them? Are you looking for a good all-purpose pair of headphones that you can take everywhere? Or do you have a specific use in mind, such as travel, workouts, TV watching, office use, or gaming? Some headphones do everything well, while others excel at a certain task. Are you mostly listening to music, or do you need good microphone quality for phone calls and video chats? For office use and gaming, a headset with a boom mic might be the way to go. Do you need your headphones to be waterproof or sweatproof for workouts?

Do you want active noise cancellation? Active noise cancellation is great for reducing lower-frequency sounds like the hum of an airplane engine or an HVAC system, but it isn’t as effective with higher-frequency sounds like voices. How effective and adjustable do you need the ANC to be? Some headphones offer just on/off, while others offer adjustable ANC that makes it easier for you to find a performance and comfort level that works. If you don’t like how ANC affects your ears at all, an over-ear pair with excellent passive noise isolation may be a better choice.

How long is the battery life? Are you good about keeping your wireless devices charged, or do you need wireless headphones that can go for long stretches of time without being plugged in? Be honest with yourself on this one, or you’ll just be frustrated later.

Do you prefer an over- or on-ear design? Comfort is a crucial element of overall headphone enjoyment. Larger, over-ear designs generally cause less pressure on your ears and block sounds more effectively, but a smaller, on-ear design may be better for people who wear glasses. If you’re shopping for more audiophile-oriented headphones, you should also decide between closed-back headphones, which block out noise, and open-back designs, which can deliver a more spacious, airy sound.

What (and how intuitive) are the control options? When it comes to controlling power, volume, track skip, and the like, do you prefer physical buttons or touch-sensitive pads? We recommend that you try both kinds of controls before you buy, if possible. How important is voice control, and are you tied to a certain platform, such as Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant?

JBL Tour One M2

The best bluetooth wireless headphones.

This versatile, over-ear pair sounds great, has a long battery life, and offers premium features at a lower price than its competitors. Some controls are a bit sensitive, though.

Buying Options

May be out of stock

Who this is for: The JBL Tour One M2 has an intuitive design with a comfortable fit and great battery life, making it an excellent choice when you want a convenient and long-lasting wireless listening experience.

Why we like it: The sound is good right out of the box, and it can be further improved with the use of the EQ settings in JBL’s app. The battery life, rated at 30 to 50 hours, is excellent, and the battery recharges quickly. Voice control is available via the always-listening Alexa and Google Assistant functions, and Apple users can access Siri via a simple button push. The M2 supports dual-device connectivity, and the built-in microphones reduce wind and background noise remarkably well, ensuring clear phone calls—even on the go. Plus, this pair is water-resistant (with an IPX5 rating).

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The controls are more sensitive than we’d like, and we wish the physical volume buttons were larger. JBL has included an automatic ANC setting, which adjusts the noise-cancellation levels based on your surroundings or how much sound is leaking in. But we found the real-time changes to be disconcerting, similar to your ears popping when a plane lands, so we chose to turn off that feature.

Battery life: 30 to 50 hours Warranty: one year

For more info, see our full review of the best Bluetooth wireless headphones .

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The best wireless noise-cancelling headphones.

The Bose 700 over-ear headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.

Who this is for: This set is great for frequent flyers or commuters on public transit who need strong (but adjustable) noise cancellation and prefer an over-ear design to earbuds.

Why we like it: The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is the best pair of headphones that Bose has ever released. These headphones are expensive, but we think they’re worth the cost if you put a high premium on performance and comfort.

They offer the superior noise cancellation that Bose is known for, plus more adjustability than on any noise-cancelling headphones we’ve tested. You can adjust the active noise cancellation (ANC) level on a scale from 0 to 10, so if you find that you are experiencing the uncomfortable “eardrum suck” issue —or if you just want a little more sense of your surroundings—you have more flexibility to find a level that works for you.

These headphones also have a lightweight design that is comfortable to wear for hours, and they feature an easy-to-use combination of touch controls and physical buttons that you can access without looking.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The sound quality is good but not as crisp as on the best over-ear headphones we’ve tested, and the app can be vexing. The battery life isn’t industry-leading, but at 20 hours it’s more than sufficient.

Battery life: 20 hours Warranty: one year

For more info, see our full review of the best noise-cancelling headphones .

Sony WH-1000XM5

Best wireless headphones for the office.

This feature-packed pair significantly reduces the noise of voices around you and can sound fantastic. But these headphones are pricey and require a good deal of setup.

Who this is for: The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are worth considering if you work in an open office (or a crowded home office), because they are great at blocking out voices around you.

Why we like it: We love these headphones for their comfortable fit, solid noise reduction, clear microphone sound quality, and handy add-ons, such as the voice-activated awareness mode.

Although the active noise cancellation on the Bose 700 performs better on lower-pitched, sustained sounds like airplane noise, the Sony WH-1000XM5 has superior isolation—which is more effective at blocking higher-pitched and quick sounds like barking dogs, coffee-shop noises, and the human voice.

These over-ear headphones are also comfortable enough to wear all day, and the microphones are effective at reducing background noise during phone calls and video meetings.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Out of the box, this pair’s tuning isn’t ideal, but these headphones can sound amazing with some effort put into adjusting the equalizer settings in the app. As mentioned above, the active noise cancellation isn’t quite as effective as on our top ANC picks for airplane use. Although the XM5 can handle a light spritzing rain, it isn’t built for water resistance.

Finally, Sony claims a battery life of 30 to 38 hours max. However, in our testing, we were able to eke out only 24 hours of playtime with ANC on. That’s still better-than-average performance, especially when the quick-charge feature gets you three to five hours of use from a 10-minute charge.

Battery life: 24 hours Warranty: one year

For more info, see our full review of the best Bluetooth wireless headphones.

Insignia NS-HAWHP2

The best wireless tv headphones.

The NS-HAWHP2 over-ear headphones are comfortable, with solid sound and no audio lag. The transmitter doubles as a charging base for the headphones, but the system supports only a single pair of headphones.

Who this is for: This wireless headphone system is for anyone who wants to watch TV or play video games without disturbing others in their household or who needs to listen at a higher volume to hear dialogue properly.

Why we like it: The easy-to-use Insignia NS-HAWHP2 system sounds good and delivers a comfortable fit so you can enjoy marathon binge-watching and gaming sessions. The package includes a single pair of headphones and a wireless transmitter that doubles as a docking station for storing and charging the headphones when you aren’t using them.

Insignia promises 10 hours of battery life, but we got more than 11 hours on a charge, so you could easily binge an entire eight-episode season of Stranger Things in one sitting. The NS-HAWHP2 uses radio frequency (RF) wireless transmission, and in our tests we didn’t notice significant lag between the audio and video, which can be a problem for Bluetooth-based systems.

These headphones delivered the most consistent, balanced sound in our recent tests, and they were also lighter and more comfortable than many competitors.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The main downside is that the Insignia system comes with only one pair of headphones, and you can’t add more. If you need multiple pairs of headphones, consider our also-great pick, the Power Acoustik HP-902RFT .

Battery life: 11 hours Wireless connection type: RF

For more info, see our full review of the best wireless TV headphones .

Monolith by Monoprice M565C

For your first audio upgrade.

These sealed headphones have a detailed, exciting sound that’s good for any type of music. They’re comfortable but bulky.

If you prefer open-back headphones

These open-back headphones deliver a spacious, balanced sound, but the design lets sound in and out, which may not be for everyone.

Who these are for: These types of wired headphones are for music connoisseurs who don't care about features like Bluetooth or noise cancellation. You can spend a lot more in this category, but our picks are affordable and sturdy enough that you won't be afraid to take them with you to work or school.

Why we like them: The Monolith by Monoprice M565C headphones have an exciting, detailed sound, beating out pairs that cost hundreds more. Suitable for any genre of music, the planar-magnetic drivers are housed in isolating closed-back ear cups, so you can block out distractions and focus on enjoying your playlist. They have a sturdy, comfortable build and replaceable cable, and Monoprice’s five-year warranty is about the longest of any headphones we’ve seen.

The FiiO FT3 headphones are for those who prefer an open-back design, which provides richer detail in high frequencies and a more spacious, balanced sound. This pair also has solid low-frequency output, a rarity for most open-back headphones. The sound profile can be slightly modified depending on which pair of included earpads you choose to outfit them with.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: For people who prefer to keep a lower profile when listening, the M565C may not be ideal due to its bulkier design. This pair doesn’t fold up, and the hard-sided storage case is one of the largest we tested. The M565C doesn’t deliver quite as much presence in the mids as we’d like, and some of our panelists would have preferred a little extra sparkle on the highs. Plus, the cable is a bit noisy if you move around a lot. The M565C set doesn’t come with a cable that has a remote and mic option for mobile use.

Not everyone prefers the sound created by open-back headphones like the FiiO FT3. Because the ear cups are unsealed, sound is able to filter in and out, meaning you can hear your surroundings and people around can hear what you’re listening to. The FT3’s chassis and cable are also bulkier than we prefer. This pair’s sound quality was better than that of other open-back headphones we tested, but open-back models lack substantial bass compared to closed-back headphones, and we noticed a slightly spiky emphasis in the 5 and 8 kilohertz ranges.

Other wired picks: In our guide to the best audiophile headphones for everyday use , we also have a wired, over-ear pick for those who want a serious step up in sound quality ( Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Closed ).

Monolith by Monoprice M565C Weight: 13.7 ounces Warranty: five years

FiiO FT3 Weight: 13.8 ounces Warranty: one year

For more info, see our full review of the best audiophile headphones for everyday use .

Sony MDR-7506

The best wired headphones under $100.

The Sony MDR-7506, a longtime favorite of audio professionals, offers more reliability, more comfort, and better sound than many headphones twice its price.

Who this is for: Audio fans, musicians, and podcasters alike will find this headphone style practical because it sounds great and never needs to be charged.

Why we like it: The Sony MDR-7506 has been a longtime studio and live-audio staple. Not only does it provide accurate-sounding bass, mids, and treble, but it also gives you a better sense of the depth and dynamics of your music than many models twice the price. Durable, comfortable, and reliable, this pair usually costs under $100.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The long, coiled cable is great for musicians and studio artists who need to move around, but it’s cumbersome for listening to music from your phone.

Accessories: storage bag, ¼-inch plug adapter Warranty: 90 days

Who this is for: Kids headphones are sized for smaller heads (roughly, ages 2 to 12), and the best ones include a volume-limiting feature to protect the hearing safety of kiddos who listen via headphones frequently.

Why we like it: We offer a variety of over- and on-ear recommendations for different uses. We like the Puro BT2200-Plus  pair for everyday music and video listening, the PuroQuiet-Plus set for travel (thanks to its good active noise cancellation), the JLab JBuddies Play headphones for online schooling and gaming (with a built-in, extendable boom mic), and for value the Onanoff BuddyPhones Explore+ (for toddlers) and Altec Lansing MZX4500 (for kindergartners to tweens).

For more info, see our full review of the best kids headphones .

Soundcore Space One

The best budget noise-cancelling headphones.

This affordable pair of over-ear headphones sounds good, is comfortable to wear, and has a long battery life. Plus the noise cancellation is above average.

Use promo code SPRING15OFF

Who this is for: If you spend a lot of time in environments with low-frequency, steady sounds like motor hums or plane-engine noise and want the best noise cancelling you can get for around $100, this pair is for you.

Why we like it: If you want a solid pair of wireless noise-cancellation headphones for around $100, we recommend the Soundcore Space One . The noise cancellation is effective, though not as superb as that of the Bose NC 700.

The sound quality is solid out of the box and adjustable to your taste, and the design is lightweight, with memory foam ear cups that are soft and comfortable. The three microphones ensure that your voice sounds clear over calls and video chats, and the “easy chat” hear-through mode works well with quick calls.

The 40-hour battery life with ANC on is impressive for wireless headphones at any price.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The small physical buttons (in lieu of touch controls) present a learning curve and can be difficult to navigate when you’re not looking at them. While the sound is enjoyable and adjustable, we noticed that it can become muddled when listening to male vocal ranges and coarse with higher frequencies.

Battery life: 40+ hours Warranty: 18 months

For more info, see our full guide to the best noise-cancelling headphones .

Meet your guide

Lauren Dragan

Lauren Dragan is a senior staff writer and has tested nearly 2,000 headphones for Wirecutter. She has a BA from Ithaca College in music performance and audio production. She’s been featured in Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News , The New York Times, and more. Additionally, she’s a voice actor whose work includes projects for Disney and Mattel.

Further reading

The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones

by Lauren Dragan

Whether you prefer over-ear or in-ear noise-cancelling headphones, we have recommendations to help bring peace to your next trip.

The Best Headphones Under $100

If you’re looking for backup headphones or just don’t want to spend a lot, we reviewed all the best cheap headphones for you.

The Best Bluetooth Wireless Headphones

The JBL Tour One M2 over-ear Bluetooth headphones sound great, have a long battery life, and offer premium features at a lower price than the competition.

The Best Sleep Headphones (But We Hoped for Better)

All of the sleep headphones we tested fell short in some way, but we still have three recommendations for different uses and budgets.

• Reviews TV REVIEWS   v1.11 HEADPHONES REVIEWS   v1.7 MONITOR REVIEWS   v2.0 SOUNDBAR REVIEWS   v1.3 MOUSE REVIEWS   v1.5 KEYBOARD REVIEWS   v1.3.1 PRINTER REVIEWS   v1.2 VACUUM REVIEWS   v1.3 PROJECTOR REVIEWS   v0.8 TOASTER REVIEWS   v1.0 BLENDER REVIEWS   v1.0 KEYBOARD SWITCH REVIEWS   v1.0 SPEAKER REVIEWS   v0.8 CAMERA REVIEWS   v0.12.1 LAPTOP REVIEWS   v0.8.2
• In Progress
• Newsletters
• Table of Contents
• Best Headphones
• Best Upper Mid-Range
• Best Mid-Range
• Best Budget
• Best Sounding
• Best Audiophile

Notable Mentions

Recent updates, all reviews, the 6 best over-ear headphones - spring 2024 reviews.

Over-ear headphones, also called around-ear headphones, are among the most popular headphone types. While they can be a little bulky and don't breathe as well as in- or on-ears, most people find them the most comfortable headphones for extended listening periods. They often have more features than many in-ear or earbud options and have longer batteries than their smaller, more portable counterparts.

We've tested over 375 pairs of over-ear headphones, and below are our recommendations for the best over-ear headphones to purchase. Also, make sure to check out our recommendations for the  best on-ear headphones , the  best earbuds and in-ear headphones , and the  best Bluetooth over-ear headphones .

Best Over-Ear Headphones

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are the best over-ear headphones we've tested. They're Bose's top-of-the-line model, and you can expect outstanding noise isolation performance thanks to their premium active noise cancelling (ANC) system. They can easily cut down the rumble of bus and plane engines as well as tackle ambient chatter and the whine on computer fans. With their ANC on, they last over 29 hours continuously. You can even use them wired, though you'll need to still have the headphones on for them to work. It's in the name—their comfortable fit lasts through long days on the go.

They have a bassy sound out of the box that delivers extra thump, rumble, and boom to mixes. If you prefer a different sound, their companion app offers a three-band graphic EQ and presets so that you can fine-tune their sound. The app also has Immersive Audio, which is a head-tracking feature that can make your audio seem more immersive. If that's not enough, you can pair these headphones with up to two devices at a time, allowing you to stay connected to your PC and smartphone simultaneously.

Consider the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless if you're looking for Bose headphones at a slightly more digestible price. They offer a similar level of noise isolation and are just as comfortable, which can make all the difference during long trips. However, they don't feel as premium, and you lose out on features like Immersive Audio.

See our review

Best Upper Mid-Range Over-Ear Headphones

For something premium at a bit more of a manageable price, check out the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. They're not quite as comfortable as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless , but they're similarly high-end in design and even offer fantastic noise isolation performance. Overall, their ANC blocks a significant amount of environmental noise, and with ANC on, they last longer than the Bose. However, their ANC doesn't block out wind noise as well as the Bose. Their over 37 hours of playback time will be enough to get you from point A to B without a recharge.

These well-built over-ears have a very bassy default sound, which is good if you like genres like EDM and hip-hop. However, their extra bass muddies vocals and instruments. Luckily, their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets if you want to adjust their sound to your tastes. They also have a spatial audio feature and support LDAC, Sony's propriety codec for streaming high-quality audio. They also support multi-device pairing.

Best Mid-Range Over-Ear Headphones

The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless are a great mid-range pick. They don't feel as luxurious or well-built as the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless , but these cans still offer well-rounded and feature-loaded performance at this price point. Unlike the Sony cans, their adaptive ANC system has a wind reduction mode to effectively reduce unpleasant-sounding interactions between the wind and exterior ANC mics. The ANC automatically adjusts to your surroundings, blocking out loud vehicle engines and other people's conversations on your commute and at the office. They're pretty comfortable for most people, but their plastic frame can put pressure on the top of your head after a while. Their onboard controls aren't as easy to use, either.

Still, these headphones have a great sound that's suitable for many different genres. Their V-shaped sound profile emphasizes the bass and the treble for a punchy, sparkling sound. There's even a graphic EQ and presets in their companion app to fine-tune their sound to your liking. Unfortunately, these headphones have a high noise floor when the ANC is set to 'Adaptive' or 'Max' mode, which can result in an annoying sound that's persistent throughout your listening experience. If you can learn to ignore it, you'll enjoy around 28 hours of continuous battery life with their ANC on. However, 28 hours is less than the manufacturer's advertised 50-hour battery life, but it's still excellent for wireless noise cancelling headphones.

Best Budget Over-Ear Headphones

The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless are the previous generation of the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 Wireless . They're a great budget pick with a mostly unchanged design from their predecessor, meaning you can expect the same comfortable fit at an affordable price. If you plan to use them on the go, you'll be happy to know that their multi-setting ANC feature performs similarly to our previous pick, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless . That said, you need to manually switch between the Q30's ANC settings, which isn't as convenient as the Q45's adaptive ANC system.

These headphones also have a V-shaped sound profile that packs extra bass while vocals and lead instruments sound bright. You can tune their sound to suit your preferences using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. Unfortunately, there's a difference in sound quality depending on if the ANC is on or off. They also aren't very breathable, and some users have noticed their unit's headband break or crack over time. Still, they're worth a look if you're shopping on a budget.

Check out our article on the best budget and cheap headphones for more budget-friendly options.

Best Sounding Over-Ear Headphones

If you're looking for wireless over-ears and don't want to compromise on sound quality, the Focal Bathys Wireless offer the best of both worlds. These headphones are suitable for both casual use and critical listening, with a fairly neutral sound that delivers solid warmth and punch. Astute audiophiles will notice that instruments and vocals are slightly veiled, but you can make up for this using the graphic EQ and presets in their companion app. These headphones also support aptX Adaptive codec for streaming audio in higher quality with compatible apps, like TIDAL. They even have an optional wired USB-DAC connection that converts digital audio signals to analog, ensuring a smoother sound with better audio fidelity.

However, there are a few drawbacks for either type of user. For audiophiles, their closed-back design means they won't create a wide and spacious soundstage as you would get with traditional open-back headphones, but you can take closed-backs with you on a commute without bothering anyone with leakage. If you listen to music while on the go, these headphones are bulkier than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless , and their ANC doesn't cut out as much low-end background noise, although the Focal headphones have a more granular EQ for discerning listeners. Overall, they're still comfortable, well-built headphones that are worth a look.

Best Audiophile Over-Ear Headphones

If you want headphones to truly upgrade your listening experience, the Sennheiser HD 800 S are the best audiophile over-ear headphones we've tested. They have a premium build quality and a very comfortable fit but differ from the previous picks as they have an open-back design that allows audio to leave the ear cup and interact with the space around you. The result is a wide, spacious, and out-of-head passive soundstage to help immerse you in your audio. They aren't designed for use outside your home or studio since they can't isolate you from ambient sound and leak a lot of audio.

They have a very neutral sound profile and can accurately reproduce vocals and lead instruments. They suit most genres, but their open-back design lacks some rumble and punch in the bass range. The equally high-end HiFiMan Arya feature planar magnetic drivers that deliver much more low bass, but these headphones are much bulkier than the Sennheiser. They may feel less comfortable if you prefer a lighter set of cans.

That said, this range of headphones isn't for everyone, as their high price point puts them well out of reach of more casual users, and you still need to invest in a good headphone amp to drive them if you don't already have one. Check out our article on the  best audiophile headphones  for hi-fi options to suit every budget.

• Apple AirPods Max Wireless: The Apple AirPods Max Wireless boast superb noise isolation thanks to their adaptive ANC. With Apple-exclusive niceties like the H1 chip and Apple Spatial Audio, you can experience seamless device switching and immersive audio. Their mesh ear pads feel nice and lend airflow, but they're not as lightweight as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless, which, unlike the Apple headphones, supply the same features regardless of whether you use Apple iOS or Android. See our review
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless: The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are comfortable, well-built wireless headphones with a bass-heavy sound profile that delivers extra thump and rumble to mixes. However, they're leaky at high volumes, and their ANC doesn't block out noise as well as their predecessor or the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. See our review
• Jabra Evolve2 85 Wireless: The Jabra Evolve2 85 Wireless are versatile wireless headphones with good mic recording quality and an intuitive control scheme, which is great if you make many calls. They can receive audio via USB-A or their 1/8" TRS cable. However, the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless are better built and can block out more background noise. See our review
• Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless: The Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless are over-ears with a haptic bass feature, meaning you can customize the amount of thump and rumble in your mixes. This feature is great if you like genres like EDM and hip-hop, but it overwhelms and bloats vocals and lead instruments. Unlike the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless, they also lack more robust sound customization features. See our review
• Philips Fidelio X2HR: The Philips Fidelio X2HR are entry-level open-back over-ears that are more affordable than the Sennheiser HD 800 S. They have a very comfortable fit and a balanced, detailed sound profile with an immersive passive soundstage. However, they're bulky, leak a lot of audio, and don't have the premium build quality of the Sennheiser. See our review

Apr 19, 2024: The Apple AirPods Max Wireless have been added as a Notable Mention. The picks on this list are unchanged, but minor text changes have been made to reflect the Test Bench 1.7 update on noise isolation, where applicable.

Mar 22, 2024: We've checked this article to ensure product availability and text accuracy, but we haven't changed our recommendations.

Feb 23, 2024: We've made small changes to the text to improve readability and checked to ensure all our picks remain in stock and the pricing remains the same.

Feb 02, 2024: We've made minor updates to the text to improve readability and accuracy. Our picks remain the same.

Jan 05, 2024: We've ensured all products are in stock and updated the Notable Mentions to include the Philips Fidelio X2HR.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best over-ear headphones to buy for most people in each price range. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).

If you would like to choose for yourself, here is the list of all our reviews for over-ear headphones. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.

Sound On, Noise Off: The 7 Best Travel Headphones to Take on Your Next Trip

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

At a Glance: The Best Travel Headphones

• Best Overall: Sony WH-1000MX5
• Best Noise-Cancelling: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
• Best Sound: Bang & Olufsen Px8
• Best Under $150: Soundcore by Anker Space Q45
• Most Durable: Sennheiser Momentum 3
• Best Audiophile Sound: Bowers & Wilkins Px8
• Most Compatible: Shure AONIC 50 (Gen 2)

Traveling and daily commutes can be stressful, to say the least. Often, the culprit is noise — be it a plane engine, crying babies, or loud road-trip companions. But with a pair of the best travel headphones , flights, road trips, and train rides can quickly become a peaceful time with your favorite music, podcasts, and movies.

Related: Tune Out to Jet Off: These Are the Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for Travel

Because so many people are now finding tranquility with a pair of noise-reducing headphones , dozens of brands are making solid options with travelers in mind. But only a handful of these headphones can offer the crispness, full bass, and effective noise-reduction that audiophiles and frequent flyers are looking for.

The Best Travel Headphones to Buy Right Now

1. sony wh-1000mx5.

BEST OVERALL

Sony’s WH1000MX5s aren’t just the best headphones for travel – they’re also our number one pick for some of the best noise-cancelling headphones in general. Their predecessor, the WH-1000XM4s, were great, but the WH-1000MX5s introduce some slight improvements to make them the best in the business.

Editor’s picks

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Noise-cancellation was central in the WH-1000MX5s development, as the headphones boast industry-leading noise cancellation, now with the Auto NC Optimizer. Eight microphones pick up ambient noise, run it through a Noise-Cancelling Processor — we’ve been on several flights wearing these, and there’s truly minimal outside sound whether you’re in a busy airport or on a road trip .

These stellar headphones also offer multipoint pairing, which lets you connect to multiple devices at once. This means you can seamlessly switch between, say, Netflix on your laptop and a call on your phone. This is just one of the WH-1000MX5s several convenient features, which also includes auto-pausing when you speak. Plus, the headphones feature incredible 30-hour battery life, plus three hours of battery with a quick three minute charge.

2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra

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As expected from premium headphones, sound quality with the QuietComfort Ultras is crisp and deep thanks to active EQ. You also get plenty of customizability with the sound through the Bose app. In terms of comfort, the QuietComfort Ultras get top marks as well with a lightweight, half-pound build and enough padding for hours of use while catching a long flight or grinding in the office (and with a pricey piece of tech, this is a major plus). Plus, they’ve got a stellar 24-hour battery life (18 with immersive audio turned on), so they’ll last through the longest hauls of your travels.

3. Bowers & Wilkins Px8

When celebrated audio companies try their hand at high-end headphones, it doesn’t always work. With Bowers & Wilkins , it did, and their latest PX8 headphones are the proof.

Soft earcups and a large, cushy headpiece make the Px8s comfortable enough for long-period usage, but the headphones’ real strength is audio quality. Beefy 40mm drivers and tuning by the B&W experts provide seriously good sound — no matter what type of music or movie you’re watching.

The Px8s are also very impressive technology-wise with a six-microphone setup for capturing and adapting to outside noise. They have what B&W calls “Ambient Pass-Through,” which is meant to relay the important stuff like conversational noises (so the plane engine will be silenced but you might catch the flight attendant’s drink offer). Plus, the headphones feature multipoint pairing for connecting to multiple devices at once.

For their sound quality alone, we recommend these headphones, but the added ANC and lengthy battery life makes these a great choice for travel .

4. Soundcore by Anker Space Q45

Traveling is pricey, but the best travel headphones don’t have to be. Case in point is these Soundcore Q45 headphones from Anker . At $150, the headphones are much more affordable than our other picks, but their sound quality and noise cancellation powers punch far above their price point.

In an effort to communicate better with your audio streaming device, the Q45s use LDAC technology to enhance Bluetooth files. Inside the cans are 40mm silk-diaphragm drivers, which lend enough bass for thumping hip-hop and full orchestral riffs. Noise cancellation, meantime, comes from two microphones on each earcup that pick up sound and adapt to block it out.

Other features we like about the Q45s are wearer detection (which turns off audio when you take off the headphones) and an exceptionally lightweight build. This lightness is both comfortable for long sessions and helpful when it comes to keeping luggage weight to a minimum. Overall, the headphones offer perhaps the best value of any travel headphones.

5. Sennheiser Momentum 3

Don’t get us wrong, the comfort factor is still there thanks to a headband made from genuine sheepskin leather and soft ear cushions with plush memory foam. Compared to Sennhesier’s newer Momentum 4s, we prefer the hard plastic and metal design of these headphones , especially with their sturdy frame and matte steel arms that can withstand being tossed around any carry-on bag.

Instead of plastic toggles, the Momentum 3s feature a rubberized material three-button interface that lets you quickly switch between listening to music and making phone calls, activating voice assistance, and adjusting the volume.

Sound performance is also stellar under the hood as well , with a 42-millimeter dynamic driver and an internal audio equalizer you can adjust from the Sennheiser app. Active noise cancellation and transparency mode also make it easy to wear these headphones out into the world and not worry about being interrupted while you’re playing your tunes or missing an important announcement in a train station or airport.

6. Bang & Olufsen H95

If you’re looking for a pair of luxury headphones fit for first class, check out these Bang & Olufsen H95s . The real upgrade with the H95s is in design quality, with the headphones sporting memory foam earcups, a leather headpiece, and anodized aluminum discs on the earcup exterior. These upgrades translate to more comfort (from the memory foam), an extremely elegant look, and lasting quality.

But the H95s aren’t all looks. Bang & Olufsen has equipped the headphones with Advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) which discerns and effectively blocks outside noises of different frequencies using eight microphones. And when you feel like hearing the world around you again, swipe the left earcup to activate transparency mode. The earcups also feature intuitive touch controls for pause/play, switching tracks, and so on. Further sound customization is available via the Bang & Olufsen app.

7. Shure AONIC 50 (Gen 2)

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Sound quality is very impressive with the Aonic 50s , largely thanks to the headphone’s 50mm drivers (hence the name). What’s more, the Shure headphones sound good with almost any input music as they support a very wide range of codecs. No matter what you’re listening to, expect balanced, full sound at every frequency.

Thanks to memory foam earcups, the Anoic 50s are prepared to sit comfortably on your head for long flights, road trips, and work sessions. The headpiece is also nice and chunky to avoid discomfort up top. Plus, since the design is foldable it makes it easy to carry them on the go.

You get two settings — “active noise-cancellation” and “environment mode” — but the latter (which lets in some outside noise) features multiple levels ranging from minimal noise to essentially transparent. This can be controlled via the ShurePlus PLAY app, while onboard buttons offer basic controls. You’ll also get up to 45 hours battery life with quick charge capabilities, more than doubling its runtime from the prior generation.

Buying Guide: How We Picked the Best Travel Headphones

Even top-of-the-line headphones have some variation in features and quality. Here are a few considerations we kept in mind while choosing the best travel headphones for your needs.

Noise-Cancellation : Not all noise-reduction systems are made equal. The headphones in our roundup all boast the maximum level of noise-cancellation, but some have more adjustability. This will allow you to customize noise reduction to your setting and needs (for example, transparency mode while walking down a busy street).

Comfort : The best travel headphones should be comfortable enough to wear for hours. But not all cans have the same level of comfort: some have softer ear cups and headpieces, while others are more lightweight. We’ve chosen brands that have taken extra steps to make their headphones as comfortable as possible, like adding memory foam or leather padding to the headset.

Battery : We’ve picked headphones with industry-leading battery life of at least 24 hours (or, about enough for two long-haul flights). Still, there’s some variation, and if you’re constantly on the go, a large battery of up to 40-50 hours is a must-have.

Microphone : All the headphones above have mics for making calls or talking to virtual assistants (i.e. Alexa, Siri, etc), but some have engineered their mics to block out ambient noise as well. This means your call recipient will actually hear your voice — and not the loud airport chatter around you.

Durability : Sadly, your new headphones are bound to be dropped, bumped, or caught in the rain while traveling. For this reason, we picked travel headphones with at least an IPX4-5 water resistance and a somewhat rugged build.

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Best over-ear headphones in 2024: Top picks tested by experts

Our best over-ear headphones balance great sound with comfort and a wealth of features

About the author

Best overall

• Best noise canceling
• Best for battery life

Best premium

Best luxury

• Best for audiophiles
• Best for iOS users

Best under $99

• Specs compared
• How to choose
• How we test

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best value 4. Best noise-canceling 5. Best battery life 6. Best premium 7. Best luxury 8. Best for audiophiles 9. Best for iOS 10. Best under $99 11. How to choose 12. How we test

Whether you're looking for the best over-ear headphones for sound quality, the best noise canceling tech to block out your surroundings, or the longest lasting pair of headphones for commutes and travel, this buying guide breaks down all the top performers for every category. 

With dozens of designs to choose from all offering similar features and high levels of performance, finding the best over-ear headphones that fill your entire ear with sound can sometimes feel overwhelming. But with models starting from $99 and every price point in between up to $699, I've done all the hard work for you by selecting the best over-ear headphones you can buy right now for every activity. 

All the over-ear headphones have been tested by audio experts who know everything about great sound so you can rest assured you'll be getting the best audio experience in models with strong durability and high comfort levels. Read on to find the best over-ear headphones right for your budget.

The Quick List

The Sony WH-1000XM5 have top active noise cancelation, strong call quality, intuitive controls and enhanced connectivity. The elite sound, user experience, and hefty 30-hour battery life will not disappoint.

Read more below

The first model in an all-new range aimed at introducing the maker's signature sound, strong noise-canceling tech and class-leading battery life at a mid-level price point. These cans deliver high levels of sound and comfort at a great price.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones represent a big step forward with best-ever ANC, Immersive Audio and improved battery life. The all-new lightweight design is comfortable enough to be worn for hours, too.

Best battery life  

Although the revamped design of Sennheiser's fourth generation Momentum Wireless headphones don't stand out quite like their classic-looking predecessor, the 60-hour battery life is a real crowd pleaser and make these the one to beat.

The evolved version of B&W's entry-level over-ears are beautifully constructed, come with effective ANC and a robust control app. Extended functionality may be short compared to price rivals, but if you care about sound these are the very best under $400.

Read more below  

A confident addition to the luxury market, sound quality is top-notch via Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive and aptX HD support, plus there's wired connectivity. Finish and styling are second to none with a soft leather headband and earpads for high comfort levels and they come in four color options.

Hi, I'm Lee and I cover all things audio for Tom's Guide, including maintaining our buying guides on the best headphones, wireless speakers, soundbars, and computer audio. I am passionate about sound quality and getting the best sound for all kinds of setups. I've been testing and writing about audio for more years than I care to remember, and I love providing sound advice to help shoppers make informed buying decisions to achieve great sound. 

The best over-ear headphones you can buy right now

Best over-ear headphones overall.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

As Sony ’s XM-series flagship headphones, the XM5 launched in 2022 improve upon the already great XM4s with better active noise cancelation, call quality, sound, comfort and connectivity in streamlined design with signifacnt eco credentials. Although the majority of the performance changes aren't huge — though the first two are certainly noticeable — it's enough to ensure the latest version of the popular XM-series retains top ranking. 

The touch controls and battery life (30 hours with ANC on, 40 with it off) are also to be commended, as is the excellent Sony Headphones Control app, which lets you tweak the EQ to your preference. The slightly bland design might count against them for some buyers (the XM4s are still around and cost less), but overall there's no question that these are the best wireless headphones you can buy. If you're still not convinced then check out our Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. WH-1000XM4 face-off to see how they compare.

• Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review

Best value over-ear headphones

2. Sennheiser Accentum

Sennheiser Accentum are a mid-priced ANC pair of headphones with plenty of flagship features. Probably the most outstanding thing about the Accentum noise-canceling headphones, though, is the 50-hour battery life and quick charge that's achieves up to 5 hours of listening time from a 10-minute top-up. 

These low-cost Sennheisers are based around the Momentum 4 Wireless (ranked below), and although they have slightly smaller drivers, they master the company's signature sound. There are plenty of rich bass notes on hand to give whatever you're listening to the right level of energy without over emphasizing low frequencies. Everything feels nicely proportioned and there's plenty of mid-range clarity.

ANC is very effective at reducing background sounds to a pool of silence, and Transparency mode was effective during my testing, too. When it comes to taking voice calls, the Accentum has two built-in microphones and a dedicated wind-reduction mode. Multipoint seamlessly switches from one Bluetooth device to another, and there's an adjustable side-tone to help keep conversations feeling natural.

• Read our full  Sennheiser Accentum review

Best noise-canceling over-ear headphones

3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the best noise-canceling headphones overall. As the replacement for the  Bose 700 , the company has raised the bar yet again for active noise-canceling headphones, effectively silencing outside world around you. The new model throws in Immersive Audio tech and plenty of extras including Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity, aptX Adaptive support, and touch volume control. This all comes in an all-new modern and lightweight design that's comfortable enough to be worn for hours.

There are multiple levels of noise cancelation to balance the level of quiet with Aware mode (transparency) to suit your surroundings. Battery life has been extended to give up to 24 hours, while changes made to the controls and design make usability more practical and seamless. While the Bose 700 are a great alternative option to consider and can often be found discounted in our best headphone deals , the QC Ultra raise Bose's game and are as close to perfect as you’re going to get in the noise-canceling headphones category.

• Read our full  Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Best over-ear headphones for battery life

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

Although the revamped design of Sennheiser's fourth generation Momentum Wireless headphones don't stand out quite like their classic-looking predecessor, the 60-hour battery life is a real crowd pleaser and makes them the one to beat. Add in the easy-going Sennheiser sound and effective noise canceling, and the Momentum 4 are one the most practical wireless headphones we've seen, perfectly built for a life on the road rather than tethered to a power socket needing regular battery top ups. 

During my testing, Sennheiser's smooth house sound handled a wide range of music content, from pounding beats to more mellow tunes with aplomb. They have Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive support, and there's a supplied 3.5mm cable for audiophile wired connections. ANC performance was effective, and auto Wind Noise Reduction is very impressive when stood on a windy train platform on daily work commutes. The combination of great sound quality, high comfort levels and 

• Read our full  Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless review

Best premium over-ear headphones

5. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e

Just like the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2, the new S2e are an 'evolved' version of the company's entry-level headphones. They are priced at $399, which is exactly the same as the Sony WH-1000XM5 — see how they compare in my Sony WH-1000XM5 vs. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e face-off. 

They feel just as good as their predecessor and look identical. They are beautifully constructed and look much better than most price rivals in terms of build and finish. For example, several noise canceling headphone price rivals look plasticky by comparison, but the textured finish of the Px7 S2e looks stylish and doesn't show up finger marks in the way that some rivals do. On the other hand though, much like the S2 the new S2e version doesn't have much in the way of extended functionality. 

As an evolved version, the S2e takes inspiration and learnings from the company's Px8 flagship headphones together with a re-tuned acoustic performance and 24-bit digital signal processing (DSP). In short, they're designed to deliver the best wireless sound this sort of money can buy, and they do. In my review, I particularly liked the bass kick they brought to my music, which had a bit more energy than many of their price rivals. The rest of the frequency range felt nicely judged, and noise canceling was effective but not the strongest model around at the price. 

Overall, these are a great buy for anyone truly serious about sound quality, and less bothered about noise canceling or the latest features.

• Read our full Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e review

Best luxury over-ear headphones

6. Bowers & Wilkins Px8

The Px8 are Bowers & Wilkins' most advanced noise-canceling headphones to date, and a confident addition to the luxury headphone market. Wireless audio is via Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive codec support when connected to compatible playback devices, and cables are suppled for wired headphone jack connections too. 

The bespoke 40mm Carbon Cone drive units present even more sound details across all parts of the frequency range than the the company high-ranking Px7 S2, and have sumptuous soft leather to further aid comfort. Bass performance is more agile on the Px8, thanks to the new driver material. But it's the mid frequencies where these flagship headphones excel, delivering an abundance of natural detail and midrange clarity to make every voice syllable sound convincingly realistic. Despite the sound quality gains though, the higher price compared to its fellow Px7 S2 and near rivals, means they rank slight lower in terms of overall value. But for practical luxury style and high comfort levels on longer listening these are hard to beat.

• Read our full  Bowers & Wilkins Px8 review

Best audiophile over-ear headphones

7. Focal Bathys

The Focal Bathys offer ingenious versatility: they're a superb, high-performance headphone that's perfectly suited to critical audiophile listening at home, while also practical and conveniently wireless to enable owners to enjoy them on the go. The price may initially seem high, but when you weigh up flagship features like Focal’s dynamic drivers, integrated DAC with full hi-res audio support, and top-tier audio performance, $799 feels like something of a bargain.

The combination of Focal’s M-dome speaker drivers and support for  Hi-Res Audio  ensures the Bathys sound spectacular. Recordings were deeply layered during our listening sessions, giving instruments plenty of room to breathe, and the onboard DAC is awesome for uncompressed 24-bit sound when connected to lossless sources such as Apple Music and Tidal . Fidelity is increased and there’s a greater degree of tightness in the delivery. 

• Read our full Focal Bathys review

Best over-ear headphones for iOS users

8. Apple AirPods Max

Although the AirPods Max have been around since 2020 and have mostly stuck with their exceedingly high price (although they can regularly be found discounted online), they've maintained their ranking among the best headphones and continue to be popular. Their distinctive look with aluminium and mesh fabric may divide opinion among buyers, but they're plush and comfortable and sound quality and ANC effectiveness are still among some of the best noise-canceling headphones around.

They may lack support for Apple Adaptive Audio , Apple's newest suite of features, but they do have Adaptive EQ. This tailors the sound output according to how the AirPods Max sit on your head: frequencies are tweaked to account for the fit of the earcups and the size of your ears. 

While we found something to appreciate about the AirPods Max’s sound output across all our favorite musical genres during our testing, our favorite aspect came from Apple's spatial audio listening feature, which was a real game changer. Ultimately, the AirPods Max are the most expensive pair of Apple headphones, but the combination of cushy comfort, pristine audio quality, and killer features like spatial audio make them a great over-ear option ideal for iOS users.

• Read our full Apple AirPods Max review

9. Anker Soundcore Space One

The Soundcore Space One boast a variety of premium features, including adaptive  active noise cancellation , Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC codec support, customizable sound, multipoint technology, and some of the strongest quick charging out there. Lengthy playtimes, personalized listening modes, and safe volume settings add to the lengthy list of features. 

Our reviewer found that the Space One had deep bass, but felt that Anker had tweaked the sound profile to balance mids and highs, and that listening with ANC on upticks the low end. Complementing the Space One’s dynamic sound quality is adaptive ANC that can be personalized and used in different ways. There is Adaptive Noise Cancelling for adjusting performance to your surrounding noise levels or Customize Noise Cancelling for setting noise neutralization to 1 of 5 levels. These are a great budget option available in jet black, latte cream and sky blue colorways and a possible best value contender at the $99 price. 

• Read our full Anker Soundcore Space One review

Best over-ear headphones specs compared

How to choose the best over-ear headphones for you, things to consider before you buy.

1. Design: When shopping for headphones, you’ve already narrowed things down massively by deciding on a pair of over-ear cans specifically. But there can still be much variation in the design of individual pairs, so you should still look out for factors like the headband shape or the amount of earcup padding to judge how comfortable they might be. Don’t be afraid to pass on headphones you don’t like the aesthetics of, too.

2. Sound quality: This is clearly important. You can read more about how we test this below, but you should consider whether you’d prefer a balanced sound or once that favors a particular part of the frequency spectrum — electronic fans might prefer heavy bass, for example. That said, several over-ear headphones have mobile apps that let you tweak the EQ to your liking.

ANC technology can compress sound and reduce dynamics, which may affect audio performance when turned on. In some cases, you’ll notice a background hiss when listening to music. However, the best noise-cancelling earbuds limit these disruptions to deliver full, crisp sound.

3. Battery life: Think about how much battery life you’ll need as well. Over-ear headphones can deliver anywhere between about 20 and 60 hours of playback so you should never need to recharge too often, though naturally longer is usually better. Keep in mind that ANC will reduce battery life when it’s turned on, as it needs to permanently power the onboard microphones.

4. Pricing considerations:  Obviously, price is a big consideration when looking for the best over-ear headphones. Although there are always exceptions, big-name brands will typically command a bit extra, but generally speaking, the less you spend on a pair of headphones the greater the chance that sound and features will be compromised. Going for a budget option isn't always the best choice, as any money you save on your purchase won't do you much good if you're constantly needing to recharge your audio gear, or the sound quality is poor. 

As the saying goes: timing is everything; and right now many of our favorite models are being discounted by online retailers, meaning you can bag a bargain for even less. Bookmark our  best headphone deals  page to keep track on the latest discounts.

How we test the best over-ear headphones

We thoroughly test every pair of headphones based on a variety of factors, and employ a consistent testing approach so any comparisons with other pairs are trustworthy and fair. Over-ear designs also do a good job of reducing the external noise of your surroundings, and our extensive tests show that this kind of passive noise isolation is very effective at minimising disruptive background noise even before you've switched in any active noise cancellation (ANC) tech your chosen model may have.

In this case, every pair of over-ear headphones has been used over the course of a week for 2 hours at a time. This allows the tester to both gauge the sound quality across a mix of genres and volumes, and to see how comfortable the headphones are when worn for extended periods. We’ll listen to hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical, pop and more to see how each pair performs, and will do the same with movies, podcasts and games, where applicable. Find out how we test and try out demo tracks for yourself in our guide to getting the best headphone sound for you . 

We also test the effectiveness of features like noise-cancelling in real-life situations, and will make sure manufacturer claims about battery life and Bluetooth range are accurate. Build quality, the ease of setup and any control schemes — including those involving an app — will also be judged.

We rate over-ear headphones with a 5-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Products that excel in one or more particular fields that's rated 4 stars or above may also receive an Editor’s Choice award.

Find out  how we test  for more information on our reviewing procedures.

Contributions from: Alex Bracetti, Simon Lucas, Kate Kozuch

More from Tom's Guide

• Check out our pick of the best headphones that prioritize sound above all else
• 5 wireless earbuds with the best battery life
• 3 headphones that are better value that the AirPods Max

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As a former editor of the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s. Lee covers all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring.

Sony WH-CH520 review

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• ZolaIII Just a shot comment on your spousedly "best pick" the Sony WH-1000XM4. After recent detail measurements on ASR I can say how those are absolutely horrible (in the worst possible way) by any standards in a passive mode, ANC one partially compensate that but still not enough. They got a passing judgment there of course not deserved one (headless panther or anything else is only appropriate one). Reply
• Jumbleman Could anyone have picked a more overpriced, ridiculously priced, best over-the-ear headphone list? Wow. I have have bought cars that were considered luxury in their heyday that run and drive with no work required when purchased for substantially less money than most of these priced headphones . They're not that over the top better than a set that cost a fraction of this nonsense. I think this list was done by picking the most expensive brands that you can find online To fill up a top 10 list. No actual research went into this Whodunit list? Tom your guidance is lacking. Where once there was trust now only comes questions of your trustworthiness. Reply
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The Best Wireless Travel Headphones of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Take your tunes with you with our top picks

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Tripsavvy / Alli Waataja

Every traveler needs a great pair of headphones. After all, they’re the key to warding off boredom on long journeys by losing yourself in your favorite music and movies. Wireless headphones make sense if you’re often on the move since they afford greater mobility, have fewer parts to lose, and feel more compact. Other things to look out for include effective noise cancellation (essential for when you inevitably get seated next to the crying baby), superior sound quality, and the ability to fold into a robust carry case capable of withstanding life on the road.

To help you navigate the many options, our travel experts tested 14 of the best wireless travel headphones on the market, including options from top brands such as Bose, Apple, and Sennheiser. We scored each one for ease of use, functionality, sound quality, and noise cancellation—and the results determined the winners of categories ranging from Best Budget to Best Battery Life. The Soundcore by Anker Life Q35 headphones took the top spot, combining exceptional sound quality with lightweight comfort and an affordable price tag. Check out the other wireless travel headphones we tested below. 

• TripSavvy's Picks
• Other Options We Tested

How We Tested

What to look for, why trust tripsavvy, best overall, anker soundcore life q35 wireless.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5
• Sound Quality 5 /5
• Battery Life 5 /5

Lightweight, secure-fitting comfort

Three effective noise cancellation modes

Unbelievably good value

If you’re looking for flawless performance at an incredibly reasonable price, you’ll love the Soundcore by Anker Life Q35 Wireless Headphones. We did, so much so that they received perfect scores across the board during testing. We connected them to our phone and laptop in less than a minute, with no instructions or specialist apps needed. They’re incredibly lightweight, with memory foam padding on the headband and ear cups—making them super comfortable to wear for extended periods. We especially liked that they remained securely in place even during an intense cardio session.

With 40-millimeter silk-diaphragm drivers, a Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification, and advanced LDAC technology that transfers three times more sound detail than regular Bluetooth, the sound quality is insane. We experienced faultless consistency and found that the connectivity never wavered, no matter how far we moved away from the phone or laptop. The headphones also offer three noise-canceling modes (Transport, Outdoor, and Indoor), allowing us to eradicate ambient noise completely. When receiving phone calls, you can tap to switch to Transparency mode for crisp, clear sound on both ends of the conversation. 

Other highlights included the touch controls, a built-in sensor that automatically pauses sound when removing the headphones, a two-hour full charge time, and a battery life that we felt exceeded the 40 hours advertised. Finally, your purchase includes a compact travel case and an airplane adapter for easy integration with in-flight entertainment. 

Playtime: 40 hours | Charge Time: 2 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux, NFC | Charge Port: USB-C

TripSavvy / Marco Bebawy

Best Overal, Runner-Up

Bose quietcomfort 35 ii headphones.

• Comfort 4.5 /5

Three effective noise-canceling modes

The crisp, clear call quality

Easy set-up and personalization via the app

Sound could be richer at low volumes

Offering wired, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Headphones are a worthy alternative choice. We could pair them immediately with our phone and laptop, then used the Bose Connect app for a guided tour of the different functions and features. The app also allows you to personalize your audio settings. The headphones also work with Bose AR and Amazon’s Alexa (giving you voice-control access to music and information). 

The headphones boast volume-optimized EQ, meaning balanced audio at any volume. Although the sound was generally clear and powerful, we had to increase the volume to get our desired richness for music and movies. The three levels of noise cancelation, though, were very effective. When we tested the call function, we could hear and be heard perfectly, while the padded headband and ear cups made the headphones incredibly comfortable. Finally, Bose claims a 20-hour battery life, but we could go weeks without charging them.

Playtime: 20 hours | Charge Time: 3 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux, NFC | Charge Port: Micro USB

TripSavvy / Lydia Price

Best Budget

1more sonoflow.

• Sound Quality 4 /5

Intuitive setup and operation

Reliable, high-quality sound

Impressive battery life

Noise cancellation was not very effective

The only option on this list to retail for under $100, the 1More SonoFlow Wireless Headphones impressed us with their excellent value, sound quality, and comfort. We found them incredibly easy to set up and connect, and the connection remained reliable even when we moved away from the phone. Operation is intuitive, too, with four easy-to-use buttons. The headphones feature 40-millimeter dynamic drivers and support LDAC coding technology for detailed Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified sound. 

We were impressed with the sound quality, especially given the headphones’ budget price. Clarity was best at higher volumes. Calls came through clearly thanks to an AI algorithm and beamforming microphones, and we found that the headphones fit comfortably, even over multiple ear piercings. With soft leather ear cups, they’re also pretty light. The only downsides were some slight slippage during active exercise and the underwhelming noise-canceling mode (although the headphones naturally muffled quite a bit of background noise). 

Playtime: 70 hours | Charge Time: 3 to 4 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux | Charge Port: USB-C

TripSavvy / Alessandra Amodio

Best for Kids

Puro sound labs puroquiet.

Volume is limited to a safe level for kids

It can still be used while charging

Hard case protects from rough handling

Relatively pricey for kids' headphones

Designed especially for children, PuroQuiet headphones offer one-touch Bluetooth pairing with all iPhone and Android devices and a generous 30-foot range. We found them amazingly easy to pair, set up, and use, even without instructions. They also come with a 3.5-millimeter audio cable if your child prefers a wired connection. The padded headband was very adjustable, allowing for a secure fit on various head sizes. Meanwhile, the heavily cushioned ear cups provide maximum comfort. 

We especially liked the sound quality, which was great at every volume. Volume is limited to 85 decibels to protect children’s sensitive hearing, but with effective noise canceling, they can still hear clearly no matter what’s happening in the background. We tested the headphones on a noisy airplane and found we couldn’t hear other passengers. Other clever features include a built-in microphone ideal for online classes, a cable with an audio splitter that allows two Puro headphones to connect to the same device, and up to 35 hours of playtime. 

Playtime: 35 hours | Charge Time: 3 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux | Charge Port: Micro USB

Best Battery Life

Sennheiser momentum 4 wireless.

• Ease of Use 3.5 /5

Super-fast recharging time

Amazing, customizable sound

Hinged headband for added comfort

Slightly tricky to pair initially

Considernnheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones if you want world-class battery life. Boasting up to 60 hours of battery, they particularly excel at recharging quickly—so much so that when they died, we only had to charge them for five minutes to watch an entire movie. The Auto On/Off feature also helps save battery. We did struggle to pair them at first, but once we did, the sound quality was phenomenal (and remained so no matter how far we moved from our device). 

The Sennheiser Smart Control app offers built-in EQ presets, sound modes, and full Sound Personalization. We found the noise cancelation effective even in a busy airport—and when you need to hear what’s happening around you, activate Transparency mode with a touch. Other clever features include Smart Pause (triggered when you remove the headphones) and dual beamforming microphones for crystal-clear calls on each side. We found the padded, hinged headband comfortable and secure, even when wearing glasses.

Playtime: 60 hours | Charge Time: 2 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux | Charge Port: USB-C

TripSavvy / Morgan Ashley Parker

Best Splurge

Apple airpods max.

One-tap set-up across Apple devices

Exceptional sound at all volumes

Complete noise cancellation

It could be a little bit lighter

At roughly 3.5 times the price of our overall winner, the Apple AirPods Max headphones are undoubtedly a splurge; but one that we feel is worth it. Set-up is effortless—you can pair them with any of your Apple devices with a single tap. The frame features super strong and flexible stainless steel, with telescoping arms that adjust easily to create the perfect fit and a mesh headband so light we could barely feel it (although the ear cups are noticeably heavier).

The anodized ear cups rotate independently to create a perfect seal. Along with Apple’s custom-built driver and personalized Spatial Audio, this results in an unbelievably clear sound that’s powerful and vibrant at all volumes, with a distinct surround sound effect. A control dial lets you change the volume, skip tracks, answer calls, and activate Siri, while playback automatically pauses and resumes when the headphones are taken off and put back on. Finally, the noise cancellation is exceptional. We used it on a plane and the subway and could hear nothing unless we switched to Transparency mode. 

Playtime: 20 hours | Charge Time: 2 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux | Charge Port: Lightning 

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Best Sound Quality

Microsoft surface headphones 2.

• Comfort 3.8 /5

Intuitive voice, touch, and fingertip controls

Thirteen levels of Active Noise Cancellation

Excellent sound quality across all volumes

Pairing to Apple devices can be tricky

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 can connect to multiple devices simultaneously, and although our tester did have a few issues connecting to his Apple laptop, it was possible. Once made, the connection was strong and consistent even from several rooms away, while the voice, touch, and fingertip controls are intuitive and easy to locate. You can use them to play audio, make calls, or get help from your preferred digital assistant. The headphones are also compatible with Microsoft 365 for voice dictation in Word etc. 

We found that the headphones stayed in place well, even when we bent over or jumped while wearing them. They were a little uncomfortable after several hours; however, the crystal clear Omnisonic sound more than made up for this. Even at the very loudest volume, the sound quality was flawless. We were also impressed with the efficient, customizable Active Noise Cancellation, which is adjustable to 13 levels. Dual microphones offer exceptional call clarity, while audio automatically pauses after removing the headphones. 

Playtime: 18.5 hours | Charge Time: 2 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux | Charge Port: USB-C

TripSavvy / Kathryn Braet

TripSavvy's Picks

The Soundcore by Anker Life Q35 Wireless Headphones (view at Amazon ) was our top pick, standing out for their fantastic sound quality, comfort, lightness, and complete noise cancellation. For a worthy budget alternative, try the 1More SonoFlow Wireless Headphones (view at Amazon ). 

Other Wireless Travel Headphones We Tested

Bowers & wilkins px8 wireless headphones.

These headphones had a lot to like, including their adjustable fit, comfort, and ease of use. However, the noise canceling mode was underwhelming, especially given the high cost.

Technics EAH-A800 Wireless Headphones

Accessing and understanding instructions for these headphones was a little tricky, and while we found them comfortable, we couldn’t get a secure fit. However, the sound quality was good. 

Urbanista Los Angeles Solar-Powered Headphones

Determining the headphones’ remaining battery was difficult, although they did last for the test duration. We also found them uncomfortable while the sound quality could be crisper. 

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Headphones

These headphones were intuitive and quick to set up. The sound quality was consistently good, too, so although they have few bells and whistles, we feel they’re worth their reasonable price. 

Jabra Elite 45H Wireless Headphones

These headphones did not come with instructions. The fit was too loose, they don’t have a noise canceling mode, and the call quality was poor. However, they were comfy with good battery life. 

Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT Wireless Headphones

These headphones charged quickly and connected easily. They fit comfortably and stayed in place while exercising, but they didn't offer noise cancelation or work during our test calls.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones

We could pair the headphones easily with both a phone and a laptop. They were very comfortable and cut ambient noise reasonably well. We would like to see the sound quality improved.

First, we unboxed and assembled (where relevant) each set of headphones. We assessed how clear the instructions were and how easy the headphones were to set up, including calibration, Bluetooth connectivity, and app installation. Next, we put them on and evaluated their fit, adjustability, and comfort. Then, while listening to music at an average volume, we scored each for sound quality and consistency, the stability of the Bluetooth connection, and how audible the external noises were. 

Tests continued with a thorough check of all functions, from adjusting the volume to skipping songs and testing “aware” and “noise cancellation” modes where relevant. We also tested how easy it was to receive a call while listening to music and call quality. Finally, we carried out a group test to check the efficiency of the headphones’ noise-cancelation feature. Testers were exposed to a series of noises at various volumes (corroborated by a decibel meter). Different headphones were compared side-by-side to see how well they blocked ambient noise. 

At the end of the testing process, headphones were scored from 1 to 5 for ease of use, functionality, sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and value. Overall scores determined our category winners. 

When deciding which wireless travel headphones to purchase, consider the kind of activities you’ll use them for. If the answers are mainly sedentary (like listening to music on the plane or taking work calls while driving), on- or over-ear headphones are typically best for comfort and unparalleled sound quality. But if you plan on using your headphones for physical pursuits like hiking or going to the gym, in-ear headphones are lighter, less bulky, and more secure. Of course, compactness is key for all travel headphones, so a foldable design and a durable carry case that will fit easily in your bag is important no matter what style you choose. 

Sound Quality

Sound quality depends on many different factors and is not necessarily correlative to headphone type (e.g., high-quality in-ear headphones may provide better sound quality than low-end over-ear headphones, and vice versa). Generally speaking, though, over-ear headphones offer the best potential for flawless sound for two reasons. One, they create the best seal, blocking out ambient noise and amplifying bass tones in the most natural way. Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enhance this isolating effect. Two, their size means they can accommodate a much larger driver diameter than in-ear headphones. 

Bluetooths and Mics

When it comes to wireless headphones, those with LDAC technology claim to deliver three times more sound detail than regular Bluetooth. It’s worth noting that Apple products do not currently support LDAC. Other Bluetooth factors to consider include how easily the headphones will pair with your existing devices. If you have an Apple smartphone or laptop, for example, opting for Apple headphones will enable you to pair in a matter of seconds simply by tapping an on-screen prompt. Some headphones offer NFC technology, allowing them to be paired with an NFC-enabled device by tapping them together. When it comes to microphones, choose headphones with dual beamforming mics on both sides to ensure superior call clarity.

Headphones on this list range in price from just under $100 to almost $550, and there are many options at even more extreme ends of the cost spectrum. While it’s generally true that trusted brands (like Apple, Microsoft, or Sennheiser) offer some of the best products on the market in terms of performance, it’s also true that supporting one of these big tech companies could see you paying over the odds for the brand name. Our overall winner, the Life Q35 headphones from Soundcore by Anker, was also one of the most affordable products we tested. It’s a good idea to check user reviews and industry write-ups carefully to get the best idea of which headphones offer the best value for money. 

For over- or on-ear headphones, start by removing the ear pads. Then, use a soft, clean toothbrush to remove visible debris, making sure not to push it into the drivers. Once finished, you can use a dampened microfiber cloth (not soaked) with soapy water to gently clean exterior surfaces. Repeating this step with rubbing alcohol will eliminate lingering germs, but be careful not to damage leather and plastic components. Finally, pat dry with a clean sheet of paper towel before reassembling. For in-ear headphones, remove the ear tips and use the included cleaning tool or a Q-tip to remove ear wax or other debris. You’ll also need to clean the charging case. In both cases, warm soapy water and/or rubbing alcohol work wonders. 

 You can wear whatever headphones you like when traveling by plane. Many people choose ones with Active Noise Cancelation to block out the engine's sound and other passengers. Using your personal headphones to listen to in-flight entertainment can be trickier. Some airlines now offer Bluetooth connectivity and allow Bluetooth devices to be used in flight mode at all times except during take-off and landing. Otherwise, you can purchase Bluetooth transmitters to make this connection. Some planes have standard 3.5-millimeter ports if you're using wired headphones. Others use two-pin ports that are only compatible with airline headphones; in this instance, you’ll need to purchase a special adaptor.

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert. She also regularly contributes commerce articles relating to adventure and family travel. As a frequent traveler with a passion for music (and as the mom of a daughter who likes to watch Frozen on repeat in the car), she understands the value of a great pair of wireless headphones. This article is based on the results of real-life tests carried out by TripSavvy’s team of travel experts. 

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The 11 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested noise-canceling headphones to find the best options for all of your travels.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

• Others We Liked
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Whether you can’t get enough of music, podcasts, or audiobooks, a pair of the best noise-canceling headphones can significantly improve the quality of your listening experience — especially if you’re traveling on a plane, commuting on a busy route, or working amid an abundance of background noise. 

In our New York City lab, we tested 27 pairs of noise-canceling headphones from the industry’s leading brands, including Apple, Samsung, and Jabra. We performed a series of tests that evaluated ease of use, functionality, comfort, and, of course, sound quality. We listened to a series of noises at different frequencies, such as a screaming baby, an airplane cabin, and a siren, to discover which headphones truly have the most ear-saving power. We then also tested all of these headphones out in the real-world to guarantee the best results to guide you while you shop.

The best noise-canceling headphones we tested are the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700. These tried-and-true wireless headphones blew us away with the ability to silence any fracas with their active noise-canceling. On top of that, they are exceptionally comfortable to wear and are easy to set up and use. If over-the-ear headphones aren’t your style preference, we also have versatile earbud recommendations as well as verdicts on the best multi-use and budget options.

Best Overall

Bose noise cancelling headphones.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Functionality 5 /5
• Sound Quality 5 /5
• Noise Cancelation 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

These have a unique adjustability with an expandable headband and ear cups that slide up and down for an even better fit.

They didn't feel as secure on the head as other headphones we tested.

The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 earned the top spot on our list for the best noise-canceling headphones with superior performance across all of our testing categories. Most notably, these headphones blocked almost all outside sound with their active noise-canceling feature turned on. There are 11 levels of passive and active noise-canceling on this Bose model, and when we used the headphones at the highest setting, we couldn’t even hear ourselves voice talking. Even after six months of use, we found these to have the best noise cancellation capabilities of any headphones we tested.

Along with the great noise cancellation quality, we also love how slim the case is — those two qualities seem ideal for commuting to the office. We wore these on a five-hour flight, and they were comfortable the whole time. The right earcup has touch sensors to adjust the sound level and noise-canceling presets as well as power the headphones on and off. Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa can work with these Bose headphones to allow hands-free assistance for answering texts or changing music selections. They're simple and easy to set up, but users will need to download the Bose app to take advantage of the headphones’ full functionality. Additionally, they're comfortable to wear, but when we moved around a bit, they didn’t feel as secure as some of the other headphones we tested.

The Details: Up to 20 hours battery life | Up to 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 8.96 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Budget

Anker soundcore life p3.

• Sound Quality 4 /5
• Noise Cancelation 4 /5
• Comfort 4.5 /5

The sound quality of the music is sharp and vibrant.

The sound quality isn’t as good during phone calls and it takes a few moments to turn them off and on.

For a pair of noise-canceling headphones at such an accessible price, we were impressed with the excellent sound projected from the Anker Soundcore Life P3 during testing. When listening to music at a low level, the active noise-canceling concealed all outside sounds, including the decibel tests with a baby screaming, a siren, subway sounds, and more. However, during the phone test, the person on the other end of our call could hear outside sounds. If some background noise during phone calls doesn’t bother you, this shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s something to consider if your primary use of these headphones would be for something requiring no disturbances.

After using these headphones for a full month, we found them to be so comfortable that we often forget we're wearing them. There are also several different sizes of tips included so you can tailor your headphones to your own preference. Users will need to download the Soundcore app to control the noise-cancelation settings, but the app was simple to use and the earbuds paired to our device immediately. 

The Details: 7 hours of playing time and another 35 hours with the case | Android and iOS | 2.24 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Best Sound, Earbuds

Samsung galaxy buds pro.

The headphones have crisp and clear sound quality. 

The price depends on the color — some are more expensive than others.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro headphones block out all surrounding noise and provide a vibrant sound. We love how lightweight and comfortable the earbuds are to wear, and they feel secure when you’re on the move. In lab testing, the active noise-canceling feature prevented almost all outside noises from being heard, except for some ambient noise at 84.5 decibels. Other than that, we couldn’t hear a siren, a baby screaming, an airplane cabin, or a construction drill at various decibel levels. Although Samsung is an Android product, we used an iPhone to pair with the earbuds and it was simple and hassle-free. Users can tap an earbud to adjust the active noise-cancelation and transparency levels as well as pause or play a song. We loved that it does a great job of adding bass to songs, creating a vibrant listening experience.

The Details: Up to 8 hours battery life | Up to 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 1.2 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Best Sound, Over-ear

Jbl tour one m2.

The smart noise cancelation instantly adapts to mask any new sounds introduced to your environment.

Talking on the phone or during video calls takes some getting used to as your own voice may sound echoey.

For daily commuters, frequent travelers, or anyone else who wants to be completely immersed in sound, JBL's Tour One M2 headphones have the adaptive technology you need to get that concert-quality experience. You can use these over-ear headphones right out of the box without the app, you just connect them to your device as you would any other Bluetooth device. The app, however, is helpful with interactive images to help guide you through headphone setup or to change the settings including the tap controls. Throughout our tests, we were able to connect to multiple devices, and especially love how it prioritizes your phone so, if you get a call while listening to your computer, it automatically switches devices when you answer.

These headphones are perfect for audiophiles as the noise-blocking capabilities are so advanced, it actually takes some getting used to. The Tour One M2's have smart noise cancelation that continuously adjusts as you’re wearing so if, for example, a train or siren goes by, the noise is blocked along with the regular nat sound of the room. We loved listening to music on these and felt more focused when listening to podcasts and audiobooks because there wasn’t any distracting background noise. It really allows you to be in your own world with whatever you’re listening to.

The Details: Up to 50 hours battery life | Android and iOS | 9.6 ounces | Over-ear

Most Comfortable, Over-ear

Sony wh-1000xm5 headphones.

 Amazon

• Ease of Use 2 /5
• Functionality 4 /5

They completely block out loud sounds and background noises.

The set-up can be tricky at first.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are one of the most impressive all-around noise-canceling headphones we've used. We loved the lightweight and comfortable fit of the headphones; they aren't too snug or too loose but do appear slightly bulky on the head. During lab testing, these headphones impressed us with their automatic adaptive noise-canceling, which turns the noise-canceling on and off when someone starts speaking and allows users to easily skip or pause songs by tapping the side of the ear cups. When the active noise-canceling was turned on, it could prevent the sounds of a ride-on lawnmower from being heard while landscaping. And, when we walked around the city, the headphones created a “bubble” where outside noises were completely tuned out.

We did have some difficulties setting up the headphones due to a lack of instructions included by Sony, but once the app was downloaded, it became a much more intuitive experience. While the setup was tricky, these headphones more than made up for the inconvenience with incredible active noise cancelation.

The Details: Up to 30 hours battery life | Up to 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 8.8 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Most Comfortable, Earbuds

Jabra elite 85t earbuds.

• Functionality 4.5 /5
• Sound Quality 4.5 /5
• Noise Cancelation 4.5 /5

The Jabra app has a tool that tests sound leakage and recommends which size of the rubber earbud tip should be used.

You may have to read the directions to help with connecting to your computer.

Earbuds can be uncomfortable to wear for long amounts of time, but the Jabra Elite 85ts come with several thoughtful features to enhance comfort. There are three different sizes of rubber earbud tips, and the Jabra Sound+ app has a tool that emits a sound to test for leakage so that it can recommend the best fit for improving sound and comfort quality. We loved how lightweight and secure the earbuds felt.

There are 11 sound levels with active noise-canceling and a transparency mode for when you need to hear surrounding sounds better. You can toggle between six included sound settings and create custom presets on the app or by tapping the earbud. After wearing these headphones regularly for one month, we found that the noise-canceling aspect does work really well and makes for much more pleasant rides on the commuter train. These earbuds would be ideal for commuting or extended flights when travelers want to listen to music for long periods of time without having to worry about ear pain. 

The Details: Up to 25 hours battery life | 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 1.06 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen

Best Splurge

Apple airpods max.

The sound quality and noise-canceling are excellent during phone calls.

They don't turn off unless they're in the case, so you have to always carry the case with you.

Apple’s first pair of over-the-ear headphones, the AirPods Max earned our fandom with noise-canceling abilities that blocked out nearly all outside commotion while providing crisp and vibrant sound for music and phone calls. We found the sound quality to be much higher than other options, and the cancel/transparency range is larger. We also appreciated how intuitive the headphones are to use thanks to buttons along the earpiece that allow you to adjust the sound level, play or skip a song, and change the active noise-cancelation and transparency settings. During our decibel tests, the headphones only let in the sound of a screaming baby at 75.3 decibels; otherwise, the noise-cancelation blocked out sirens, talking, construction drills, and more. Even with the transparency setting on, we noted that the headphones provided a noise-blocking effect.

The headphones are comfortable to wear and shaped nicely to our heads without many adjustments needed, but they still not be the best option to use during your workouts. Although these Apple headphones have a higher price point than some, we think the sound and material quality match the cost for those who have a larger budget. Even after six months of regular use, these headphones certainly live up to the hype and continue to deliver an amazing listening experience.

The Details: Up to 20 hours battery life | 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 13.6 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Best Battery Life

Jabra elite 85h.

There are six preset equalizer settings, but you can save custom presets, too.

The noise-cancelation didn’t feel as strong as other headphones we tested.

On one single charge, the Jabra Elite 85H has a 36-hour battery life with the active noise cancelation turned on — an ideal length for travelers that might not have regular access to a power-up. To pair the headphones and control the noise-canceling abilities, users will have to download the Jabra Sound+ app, which includes features like sleep mode and a headphone tracker to find them if they get misplaced. We had no issues setting up the app and appreciated the tour the app gave that outlined how to use the headphones. After one month of regular use, these exceeded our expectations. The audio quality is amazing and the noise cancelation and hear-through mode works like a charm.

The noise-canceling feature especially impressed us by blocking out ambient noise like the sounds of an airplane cabin. We were able to hear the highest-pitched sounds like a baby screaming, but thoughtful features like the ability to play white noise from the app help block out noise. The headphones are comfortable to wear but aren’t as lightweight as the others we tested. On the plus side for portability, they fold up and fit into a compact carrying case that is perfect for air travel. 

The Details: Up to 36 hours battery life | 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 10.4 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Best for Apple Users

Apple airpods pro.

• Durability 4.5 /5

It takes Apple users seconds and almost no effort to pair Apple AirPods Pro.

After six months of use, we noticed the battery life doesn't last as long as when they were new.

Apple users who are looking to stay within the iOS family should consider the AirPods Pros. The pairing process for Apple users takes minimal effort and almost no time at all. We paired the headphones to a phone easily and were able to adjust the active noise-canceling and transparency features without issue. The sound quality of the headphones didn’t blow us away, but we were thoroughly impressed with the noise-canceling ability that silenced any outside noise, including our simulated tests with sounds like a siren, a screaming baby, and a car honking. On a flight, we were impressed with the quality and its ability to drown out the airplane noises.

To suit your size preference, the Apple earbuds come with three different earbud tips so you can customize how snug you want them to feel in your ear. Another great feature for Apple users is the ability to track your earbuds if you misplace them by using the Find My Friends app on an iPhone. Android users can certainly enjoy a pair of AirPods Pros, but we think Apple users or people new to using wireless earbuds will appreciate the convenience the most. [Note: We tested the first generation headphones here, but we've also later reviewed the newer model as well.]

The Details: Up to 5 hours battery life | Android and iOS | 0.18 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Best Multi-use

Beats fit pro noise canceling earbuds.

• Ease of Use 4.5 /5

You can skip songs and adjust the volume level by tapping on the earbud.

The control buttons aren't easy to locate; you may have to feel around to find them.

Whether you're traveling, commuting, or working out at the gym, you'll love how comfortable and intuitive the Beats Fit Pros are. Pairing the headphones to a phone is incredibly easy — all you have to do is open the case and the device will automatically connect via Bluetooth. These earbuds have special audio that allows users to adjust the sound transparency to completely block out noise or allow it to filter through while using the earbuds. The sound quality for playing music was powerful, and nothing leaked through the active noise-cancelation. However, when talking on the phone, you may not want to activate the noise-canceling feature, otherwise you may not sound clear on the other end. After six months of regular use, we're so impressed with the battery power on these headphones and find that they only need to be charged once a week.

The Details: Up to 24 hours battery life | 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Best Customizable

Bose quietcomfort earbuds.

• Ease of Use 4 /5
• Comfort 3.5 /5
• Noise-Cancellation 5 /5

We love the quiet mode for when you really need to focus.

They may not be comfortable for people with small ears.

When it comes to noise-canceling headphones, we usually focus on blocking out sound so you can hear your music or movie without distraction. These headphones take things one step further by allowing users to customize their own noise-cancelation mode from a full cancelation "quiet" mode to a fully aware mode that automatically adjusts based on your surroundings. There's also an app you can use to track you earbuds — not just the case — in case one gets lost. We were also very impressed with the sound quality of these earbuds when listening to music. It feels like a full surround system and the music is so clear. The downside is that the left earbud doesn't work on its own since the Bluetooth actually connects to the right bud. Both earbuds also have tap controls, so these are best used together for optimal listening.

The Details: Up to 6 hours battery life | 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 0.3 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

We gathered our product testers in our New York City lab to find the best noise-canceling headphones through a series of tests that evaluated ease of use, functionality, sound quality, comfort, noise-cancelation, and overall value. We tested 27 earbuds and headphones from industry-leading tech and audio brands like Apple, Bose, Sony, and more.

To test the ease of use, we had our participants unbox each set of headphones and note how easy it was to pair their cellphones to them. Some brands require an app to be downloaded that controls the features of each headphone, whereas others can be controlled by tapping on the earbud to adjust the settings. These features were tested for functionality to determine how difficult it was to navigate the headphones’ features.

Next, we carefully considered the comfort of each pair of headphones and earbuds. Some earbuds came with multiple sizes of rubber tips, and the over-the-ear headphones could be adjusted to fit the shape of the user’s head. Everyone made a phone call to test the microphone and asked the person on the other end of the call how clear their voice sounded. 

Our team used the headphones during a variety of noise-canceling challenges that included listening to music while walking around outside and participating in frequency assessments to listen for sounds at different levels with and without music playing. The decibel tests included a baby screaming, sirens, subway noises, construction drills, cars honking, and airplane cabin noises.

Travel + Lesiure / Vicky Wasik

Other Noise-canceling Headphones We Liked

Some noise-canceling headphones came close to making our list of top performers, but the pairs below lacked features and qualities compared to our winners. 

Bose QuietComfort 35 II : These headphones were comfortable to wear and easily blocked ambient sounds, but the sound quality didn’t impress us, and we think there are better headphones out there for the same price or less. 

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX : These have a great battery life and the app is easy to use, but the price is high considering we couldn’t fully tell the difference between the active noise-canceling and transparency settings. 

Sony WH-1000XM4 : Despite having excellent sound quality and noise-canceling abilities, the newer version of these headphones outperformed this older set during testing. 

OnePlus Buds Pro True Wireless Earbuds : These earbuds are simple to use, but they weren’t the most comfortable to wear and felt disorienting when listening to only one earbud at a time.

Tips for Buying Noise-canceling Headphones

Consider your primary use .

Depending on what you plan on using a pair of noise-canceling headphones for, be sure to consider factors like earbuds versus headphones, noise-canceling ability with phone calls versus music, and the price. If you’re planning on using a pair of noise-canceling headphones for work, consider prioritizing headphones that block out noise during phone calls specifically. For travelers, a lightweight pair of earbuds will be best for portability as well as long battery life and overall comfort for long journeys. 

Know the pros and cons of overhead versus earbuds

Overhead headphones and earbuds can both offer excellent noise-canceling abilities but differ when it comes to style, portability, and comfort. Travelers might find earbuds to be easier to carry around — especially if they are already bringing along a travel pillow — but headphones that go over the ears may end up being more comfortable for longer amounts of time. Plus, while earbuds are small and discreet, headphones are noticeable and could get in the way of workouts or sleeping on your side.

Noise-canceling headphones are designed to reduce background noise while listening to music or talking on the phone. While they can’t eliminate all surrounding sounds, active noise-cancellation can help with drowning out ambient noise and providing clear and crisp sound quality whether you’re listening to music or taking a phone call. Some headphones, like those from the Jabra brand, have white noise features that let users listen to sounds like ocean waves to help cover outside noise.

Active noise-canceling (ANC) neutralizes outside sounds using built-in microphones to pick up sounds and using sounds that are out of phase with the external sounds to counteract ambient noise. Passive noise-canceling features are the physical design of the earbud or headphones that prevent outside noise. For example, the shape and cushion of ear cups and the rubber tips on earbuds are passive noise-canceling features. 

Noise-canceling headphones, especially over-ear headphones, generally have padding and other components that block noise even when they are not projecting music. Active noise-canceling headphones (ANC) can block noise whether or not you are playing music.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best noise-canceling headphones based on a series of tests completed by our testers in our lab.

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Related Articles

5 Best Pairs of Travel Headphones in 2024: Tested by Our Gear Experts

Enjoy your entertainment everywhere you go.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

In order to find a pair of cans built for everything from road trips to long haul flights, the Men's Health tech team tested and reviewed over 20 pairs of headphones and found 5 pairs that performed exceptionally well in travel settings. Want to know our favorite pair of travel headphones? That would be the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 , and you'll find out more below as to why every traveler should consider buying them for the rest of their trips in 2023.

Best Travel Headphones Overall

Bose noise canceling headphones 700.

The Close Second, Best Overall

Sony wh-1000xm4.

Best Value Travel Headphones

Soundcore anker space q45.

Best Audio Quality

Bowers & wilkins px8.

Most Stylish

Apple airpods max.

Read more: How Men's Health Tests Products

Our testing methods for our best travel headphones involve taking the pairs out into real world first, whether it be in an Uber on the way to the airport to the actual plane ride itself. We also took headphones on trains, walks, and car rides. Next, we brought the headphones back to our office in New York City for a deeper review on potential flaws and unique features that we might find worthy to bring to light.

Ahead, you'll discover the top headphones for all types of travel. Outside of naming the Bose 700s our best pair overall, we also named headphones that are best suited for long haul flights and business travelers, as well as headphones for those on the hunt for a great deal. Let's get to the list.

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Lightweight, durable, and driven by performance, the Bose 700 showcases what has made the brand such a staple in travel bags for years. For starters, the 700 has a seriously good level of noise cancellation (11 different levels!) that can drown out everything from crowd noise in a cafe to jet engines roaring on an airplane. You also get 20 hours of battery life, which is long enough to run all the way through long haul flights.

It's true the performance of the 700 can be compared several other pairs of headphones on this list (there's actually one or two pairs that has them beat on sound quality alone), however what the 700 does exceptionally well is comfort. The band that sits on the head is thin and lightweight, which helps prevent fatigue when wearing for hours watching movies on the plane or listening to podcasts in the car. The ear pads also have what feels like the perfect shape and cushioning on the ear. Second, the 700 has actual button controls, making the headphones user friendly in the times you don't want to use its touch controls. And last, the 700 comes in a price point that packs a ton of value. Now, we realize $400 is no number to call "affordable" but the fact these headphones outperform many of the top-of-the-market headphones that are north of $500 gives assurances you're getting your monies worth.

Travel headphones should be approached as an investment if you want smoother, more comfortable travels. Going all-in on a noise cancelling pair like these will give you hours-long comfort so you can enjoy all your entertainment.

Read more: Best Travel Pillows

In many ways, the XM4 from Sony stands toe-to-toe with the Bose 700. The noise cancellation on the XM4 is about that same as the 700, blocking out deep bass and loud muffling from cars, planes, and more. The sound quality of the XM4 is also elite, with clear audio for music, movies, and podcasts.

But what the XM4 does better than the Bose 700 is in sound quality is bass. The XM4 just bumps in a bass-heavy way that makes listening to certain genres of music much more enjoyable—like hip-hop and pop. The XM4 also beats the Bose 700 is battery life with a steady 30 hours of run time, compared to the the 700's 20 hours.

So why is the XM4 a close second? Well, the Bose 700 is frankly more comfortable thanks to it's thin build and gentle positioning of the headband and ear pads. But if you are willing to sacrifice comfort for a bit better performance and a longer battery life, then the XM4 is the choice for you. Just be aware you might need to pop the headphones off after a couple hours of wearing to give your head and ears a rest.

Read more: Best Workout Headphones

You can save some money on your travel gear and get quality performance by buying a pair of Anker Space Q45 headphones. The Q45 packs an impressive level of noise cancellation that performs well on planes, and they have a great battery life of up to 50 hours with noise canceling on. Other features on the Q45 includes an accompanying app you can control the EQ on and an ability to choose between five noise canceling levels.

What we love the most is the sturdy build and friendly price point of the Q45. They are a little bulky and the sound quality is not as supreme as the other headphones on this list, but they nonetheless provide solid noise cancellation and perform much better over any other headphone you can find for $150.

These are also a great buy if you have a premium set of earbuds but have yet to get a pair of over-ear headphones to partner them with.

Read more: Best Outdoor Speakers

Bowers & Wilkins Px8

If you're looking for a Rolls Royce level of performance and comfort, then you've come to the right place. The Px8 over-ear headphones are widely regarded as having some of the best audio quality around, and we can confirm that is in fact true. Inside the headphones is a 24-bit DSP (digital signal processing) chip that helps create elite noise cancelation for music, movies, podcasts, and more. The Px8 also offers a unique addition of carbon fiber to its drivers (called a Carbon Cone) to make the sound much more rigid and help create crystal clear audio to the highest frequencies. The Carbon Cones can therefore help capture every single droplet of sound for a fully immersed experience.

To have this kind of listening while traveling is, well, pretty dang awesome. The Active Noise Cancellation performs like a champ too and can be controlled via your phone through the B&W app. We haven't even got to mention the aluminum frame and cushioned ear pads, which are comfortable and sturdy enough to handle constant long-haul wear. The last detail to point out is the awesome battery life of up to 30 hours; an impressive feature that's hard to find on headphones like these with such a high level of performance.

The glaring downside to these headphones are the price point. The Px8 is the most expensive offering from B&W and the most expensive headphones on this list, yet we believe because of how high they achieve in performance and luxury they deserve recommendation. Ultimately, we see the Px8 fit for audiophiles who are passionate about their music and for business travelers who are on the road often.

Read more: Best Travel Shoes

The most stylish and most seamless headphones for iPhone users, the AirPods Max combine high design with performance in a way that's almost unique in-and-of-itself. With the AirPods Max you get Active Noise Cancellation that drowns out plane engines and locks you into your deep and rich tunes. We found the AirPods Max work well for watching TV shows and movies on your phone, as well as for listening to music and podcasts when going for morning walks to explore a new city you're trying to get familiar with.

In many ways the AirPods Max provide similar audio performance to most of the headphones on this list. What they do exceptionally well is they blend right into the Apple ecosystem and will immediately pair with your phone when put over your ears. You have the Transparency Mode button you can press to let in surrounding sounds in (great for keeping awareness when walking), and you also have the nice little volume toggle button that makes it easy to turn your volume up or down. The magnetic ear pads have a nice airy comfort other headphones do not have, and they can be swapped out over time with ease as they wear down. The metal mesh on the headband is a good design note in the way it allows air in to keep your head cool too.

One major downside is the AirPods Max is inherently heavy due to the materials used. Apple tried to compensate for this by adding the metal mesh on the headband but the fact is if you wear these headphones for more than a couple hours at a time your head and neck can start getting tired. The headphones are also tight on the heads of people who have larger domes, which is really bothering when trying to watch movies on a flight. The price point is more elevated than one would like too.

However, if you can deal with the discomfort after long periods of wear, and you can buy-in on the price or get these headphones on sale, then the AirPods Max are a nice investment for travel. They really do have solid performance, and they have the best pairing for iPhone users and the best style of all the headphones on this list.

.css-1c42clk{font-family:Knockout,Knockout-roboto,Knockout-local,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1c42clk{font-size:3rem;line-height:1;letter-spacing:0.06rem;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1c42clk{font-size:3.125rem;line-height:1;letter-spacing:0.06rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1c42clk{font-size:3.75rem;line-height:1;letter-spacing:0.075rem;}}.css-1c42clk b,.css-1c42clk strong{font-family:inherit;font-weight:bold;}.css-1c42clk em,.css-1c42clk i{font-style:italic;font-family:inherit;}.css-1c42clk a{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:#FFF200;text-decoration-thickness:0.19rem;}.css-1c42clk a:hover{color:#D2232E;} What to Consider When Buying Travel Headphones

• Noise Cancellation: All travel headphones should have some level of noise cancellation. Buying a pair of headphones without the tech is just going to be a pain to use for hours on end, plus the fact you'll be turning up the volume to try and drown out noise around you is not good at all for your ears. Some headphones have multiple levels of noise cancellation you can switch over to, while others have special active noise cancellation that will adjust to the environments around you in real time. It's worth mentioning once you start hitting that headphone price point of around $400 that most of the noise cancellation is at a premium level that won't be drastically improved further unless you buy headphones that are for professional use—which would not be the case in the instance of buying for travel.
• Weight: Travel headphones should obviously be comfortable, but a key detail on travel headphones that can make or break their overall comfort is weight. Even the slightest bit of weight can quicken fatigue and create discomfort, and so when you're planning on wearing headphones for long periods of time its essential to stick to a pair that's not going to make your head or neck tired after an hour or two of use.
• Battery Life: The more battery life, the better. However we believe you can sacrifice some battery life when traveling to gain in areas of comfort and performance just because you're likely going to be so close to outlets/power banks for quick charging—if you ever need to do so.
• Microphone: Most over-ear headphones have decent microphones for video calls and phone calls these days, but some of them combine their noise cancellation in with the microphone to produce an excellent mic quality. The travel headphones with the best microphone quality on our list would be the Bose 700, the Sony XM4, and the AirPods Max,

Why Trust Us

The MH tech and gear team is constantly testing all of the latest headphones to keep up with new new headphone innovations and releases. We test and review our headphones by taking them out into real world environments first, followed by a hands-on inspection here at our office in New York City. Through the entire process, we rate performance and material quality, while also looking for potential flaws and unique features we find worthy of bringing to buyers attention.

In the past three years, we have tested and reviewed well over 50 pairs of headphones and published our very best recommendations in our evergreen roundups. We also highlight our favorite new headphone releases in our annual Fitness Awards , Tech Awards , and Outdoor Awards .

How We Selected

Our MH commerce team thoroughly researched and tested 20 pairs of headphones ranging in all different price points. We evaluated headphones based on design, durability, special features, style, and price point. We also considered how each pair of headphones performed in all types of travel settings, from flying to driving, to taking the train to walking.

The list above represents our honest picks for the best travel headphones in 2023.

.css-1fpt53b{height:1.25rem;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1fpt53b{overflow:unset;line-height:1.25rem;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-1fpt53b{line-height:1.25rem;}}.css-1fpt53b:before{background-color:#D2232E;color:#fff;margin-right:0.625rem;width:1.25rem;height:1.25rem;content:'';display:block;} Technology & Gear

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The 12 Best Noise-canceling Headphones To Buy for Travel [2024]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

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Table of Contents

How do noise-canceling headphones work, active noise cancellation explained, the 12 best active noise-canceling headphones, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Noise-canceling headphones use fancy technology that helps eliminate annoying external noises, allowing us to concentrate only on what we want to hear.

Perfect for busy commuter trains, noisy subways, and even to drown out the sound of fellow air passengers, noise-canceling headphones are the way forward for anyone who wants to be alone, even in public.

Of course, these wonders of modern technology come with an elevated price tag to match. But if you really want to enjoy uninterrupted tunes — or simply tune out from the world while you listen to your latest audiobook — these beauties can achieve levels of peace and quiet that leave regular headphones in the shade.

Noise-canceling headphones work by creating a noise-canceling wave that is 180 degrees out of phase with the ambient noise around you.

This wave acts like a noise eraser and cancels out any surrounding sounds that diminish the audio you really want to hear. Noise-canceling headphones aren’t magic, but they can feel like something close to it in the right situations.

The clever processes that cancel out intruding sound waves only work really well at blocking out certain frequencies. On an airplane, for example, the low hum of engine noise is almost completely obliterated. But higher or transient sounds like crying babies and people’s voices may still be able to seep in depending on the quality of your headphones.

There are 2 commonly accepted forms of noise-canceling headphones available on the market. Passive noise cancellation relates more to the make and design of the headphones, which reflects the amount of noise cancellation offered by the physical device — or how well the headset works like an earplug.

But active noise cancellation is where the really clever stuff happens, as unique technological processes block out the bad sounds and emphasize the good ones.

With active noise cancellation (or ANC) technology, the headphone features a chip that “listens” to noise and generates audio that is opposite to it in nature (also known as pink noise), thus canceling it out.

Using simple physics, we know that sound travels in waves. So by firing out a sound wave that is the opposite phase and amplitude as an audio wave, you can cancel the original wave out.

Still with us? Just think of ANC technology as the antidote to unwanted sound — the unseen hero that takes care of distracting, annoying, and unwanted sounds and actively erases lower-frequency sound waves by using additional powered instruments.

ANC headphones work better when worn on your head instead of stuffed inside your ear canal. There can also be an element of decreased sound quality with ANC headphones, and a slight background hiss may be detectable over your music.

But, you win some, you lose some, right? ANC headphones still beat other types hands-down for a completely immersive listening experience.

1. For Those Who Like Big Brand Names and Crave Extra Gadgets

Bose quietcomfort 45 wireless anc headphones.

Weight: 8.5 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 22 hours wirelessly, 40 hours wired

Cable Length: 3.9 feet

When is a pair of headphones not just a pair of headphones? When it can seamlessly interact with your other favorite technology, of course.

Bose doesn’t just bring the noise better than the competition — they are also world leaders when it comes to bringing the internet of things right to you, courtesy of your earholes.

These ergonomic, good-looking headphones don’t just offer fully balanced audio, hassle-free Bluetooth pairing, and noise-rejecting microphones for crystal clear sound. They now also allow you to ask Alexa to play your music or provide you with information whenever you need it. Bravo Bose, Bravo!

Of course, the biggest reason to choose Bose is the solid sound quality and future-proof technology. With the QuietComfort 45 series you can enjoy personalized settings as well as access to all future updates using the very smart and efficient Bose Connect App.

What We Like

• Alexa-enabled to control playback with your voice

What We Don’t Like

• Bluetooth connection can be intermittent

2. Best for Serious Music Enthusiasts With Deep Pockets

Sony WH1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Over Ear Headphones

Weight: 8.8 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 30 hours

Cable Length: N/A

These industry-leading noise-canceling headphones bring you the very best and nothing less when it comes to total musical immersion. With premium sound quality, you’ll never miss a beat thanks to the 40-millimeter liquid crystal polymer drivers, and the 30-hour battery life will keep you tapping your toes on even the longest of flights.

For those who don’t want to be left out even when listening hard, the Sony Speak-To-Chat and Quick Attention mode allows effortless conversation with those around you — without ever taking your headphones off.

A touch sensor control also allows the user to pause/play/skip tracks, control the volume, activate the voice assistant, and even answer phone calls effortlessly.

As you would fully expect from Sony, these are solidly built and include everything they promise and more. Excellent sound quality, 30-hour battery life (with a quick charge for an extra few hours when you need it), and smart auto-settings to optimize listening automatically based on your own behavior make these babies worth every last cent.

• Quick attention mode for conversations without removing the headphones
• Microphone can be sensitive to external noises when on the phone

3. Older Noise-canceling Headphones (But Still Competitive)

Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WH1000XM4

Weight: 9 ounces

Fly high with these awesome noise-canceling headphones from global giant Sony. With an ergonomic design that wouldn’t look out of place on the coolest of cats, these ANC headphones offer punchy bass, refined treble, and brilliant noise-canceling capabilities.

Being the 2021 model in this range, you should be able to pick these up cheaper than the Sony WH1000XM5 .

The touchpad built into the surface of the right earpiece makes it simple to control the volume of your music or come back to reality for a moment using the Quick Attention Mode. You can also easily pause/play/skip tracks, control the volume, activate the voice assistant, and even answer phone calls.

Sony’s patented Smart Listening is the piste de resistance in these cans, as the headphones cleverly detect your activity to automatically adjust the ambient sounds you hear. Genius!

Up to 30 hours of battery life with quick charging capability (10 minutes of charging for 5 hours of playback) means these headphones allow you to be as engaged with the real world as you want to be — or not!

• Quick charging for hours of playback
• Headband can break easily

4. For Minimalist Apple Lovers

Apple AirPods Pro

Weight:  0.19 ounces

Battery Life:  At least 24 hours of listening time, up to 11 hours of talk time

Cable Length:  N/A

Following the success of the first generation of Apple AirPods, the newly released AirPods Pro bring even more adaptive sound quality and high-tech features to the table.

Light as a feather, and incredibly easy to use, the new and improved AirPods Pro are designed to sync super quickly to your iPhone, iPad, or other Apple devices. They are also more comfortable than ever before, coming complete with a selection of different-sized ear tips to enable you, the user, to tailor the fit of the pod to your ear shape and size.

As a bonus, there is also a small pressure valve on the inside to help reduce the pressure inside your ear, making them feel more comfortable for longer.

To appeal to those that like to listen to music while they work out, the AirPods Pro are water-resistant and have an IPX4 rating that makes them far more resilient to sweat and water than ever before. Take note though, water-resistant is not the same as waterproof , and drenching them with water will inevitably ruin them.

Probably the most noteworthy addition to the AirPods Pro is the introduction of the active noise cancellation function that can be fully customized by the listener. Shut out the ambient sounds around you and lose yourself in the music, or set to transparency mode to allow you to hear what is happening around you at all times.

• Wireless charging case for on-the-go charging
• Speakers are very sensitive when cleaning

5. Award-winning Superior Quality (and Perfect for Anyone Who Really Appreciates Music)

Sennheiser Momentum 4.0 Wireless with Active Noise Cancellation

Weight: 10.3 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 60 hours

These fourth-generation award-winning headphones from Sennheiser remain the #1 choice for hip and fashion-conscious music lovers . Thick leather ear pads, new padded headband, and foldable design make them easy to love before you’ve even started listening to them.

When it comes to sound quality, Sennheiser certainly does it well. The exciting blend of strong bass and subtle higher notes makes for a rich overall performance that’s so impressive you’ll want to close your eyes and just enjoy it.

To keep unwanted sounds at bay, these little beauties do an awesome job of lowering the external hubbub in an incredibly natural way.

With up to 60 hours of wireless play, intuitive controls, stylish looks, and awesome sound quality, you may even forget that these are some of the pricier ANC headphones on the market. Worth it? You decide.

• Exceptionally good sound quality
• Bluetooth range could be better

6. Entry-level ANC Headphones (That Compete With the Bigger Boys)

Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Weight: 8.0 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 30 hours wirelessly

Always serious about sound, Sennheiser developed these handsome (and surprisingly slim) cans that are as clever as they are attractive. Say goodbye to traffic noises and office hum — the PXC 550s hit each note with perfect clarity every time.

Intuitive user control means you can benefit from voice prompts, touch controls, NFC pairing, smart pause, and automatic on/off. Or go full space-age and use the Sennheiser CapTune App to manage the music player, check your battery status indicator, and adjust your EQ settings.

Its Bluetooth 4.2 wireless technology works seamlessly, and the lightweight design (paired with the clever way they collapse for storage) makes these a great choice for travel. With just one touch you can activate your voice assistant Alexa, Google, or Siri, to help you on your travels or play music.

Small enough to pack away into a compact ball but big enough to eliminate all the background noise you never want to hear, these are a smart pair of headphones for the serious music lover who wants to look cool.

• Small and compact, perfect for travel
• Battery life can reduce over time

7. Bose-brand Brilliance for Budget-conscious Music Lovers

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

Weight: 8.3 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 20 hours wirelessly, 40 hours wired

Perfect for those who want all the quality of Bose on a smaller budget, these noise-canceling headphones are a great entry-level pair. First launched in 2017, they still stand strong against the competition and will diminish most background noise to let you hear your tunes with clarity.

The lightweight and comfortable ergonomic design means you’ll never tire of wearing these little beauties, and the music, EQ, call-answer features, and other extras can be controlled simply by using your smartphone.

Designed to reduce unwanted noises while still producing powerful sounds, these headphones are comfortable enough to wear all day. And with a battery life of up to 40 hours on a single charge, there is literally nothing stopping you from doing just that.

• Has an option cable connection as well as Bluetooth
• Noise cancellation can turn off by itself

8. Noise-canceling Headphones for Those Who Don’t Follow the Crowd

Bowers & Wilkins PX Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones

Weight: 11.8 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 22 hours wirelessly, 50 hours wired

Cable Length: 4 feet

Looking for something a little different? Bowers & Wilkins have proven their place as David against the Goliath of big brands like Sony and Bose with these really great noise-canceling headphones.

Offering a satisfying user experience, reliable Bluetooth connection, and easy-to-control audio playback, these headphones will cut out the drone of your daily commute and let you concentrate on your music.

B&W made a serious effort to ensure no noticeable drop in sound quality — even including the same drive units found in the revered P9 headphones by the same brand. It has also subtly angled the drivers to provide a natural, all-encompassing stereo sound every time you use them.

The PX is as smart as they are beautiful, too. Want to stop listening? Simply raise an ear cup — and when you’re done for the day, the PX stops playing when you put them away.

With an impressive 22-hour battery life, an instant power-saving sleep mode, and a dedicated Bowers & Wilkins headphone app, these are definitely the real deal.

• Easy to pause playback by lifting an ear cup
• Takes some time to get used to wearing them

9. Lightweight, Enjoyable ANC Audio for Those on a Budget

AKG Noise Canceling Headphone Black (N60)

Weight: 5.3 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 15 hours wirelessly, 30 hours wired

Perfect for those on the go, these budget-friendly headphones can give you over 15 hours of listening pleasure using aptX Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. Better still, the wireless connectivity automatically turns on the active noise cancellation , making them a safe bet for those who like to listen while they run, walk, or travel.

Lightweight and easy to wear, these headphones remain well secured to your head, meaning you can bounce in them without them slipping off. The 3D folding mechanism and carry case also make it super easy to listen when you need to and store them when you don’t.

Sound quality is also impressive — beats are delivered with detail and precision, while the mid-range and treble remain crisp and delicate in every song. If you want great quality ANC headphones at a bargain price, the AKG N60 is a major contender that really can hold its own against the might of the bigger brands.

• Lightweight and comfortable to wear on the go
• Noise cancellation could be better

10. Efficient  Sennheiser Headphones for Those on a Budget

Sennheiser HD 4.50 Bluetooth Wireless Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation

Weight: 8.4 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 20 hours

A futuristic-looking and ergonomic design is the first thing you’ll notice about these headphones. How cool will you look wearing them?

But the delight doesn’t end there: good sound quality comes in an affordable package, as the well-tuned mid-range and deep, throaty bass will have you nodding along wherever you are.

As you would expect from Sennheiser, the Bluetooth 4.0 and aptX technologies deliver seamless connectivity, while the NoiseGard active noise cancellation does its important job of reducing ambient noise levels and improving your overall listening experience.

With a 19-hour battery life, you should be all set for most long journeys — if you need to listen longer, use the connection cable for battery-free listening that still sounds great .

Ear-cup mounted controls offer intuitive options for changing tracks, upping the volume, or even making calls to tell someone how much you really love your new Sennheiser headphones. A great pair for anyone on a budget.

• Great value mid-range headphones
• You can’t charge and listen at the same time

11. Semi-noise-Canceling Headphones for Those Who Like Their Beats on a Budget

Plantronics Voyager 8200 – Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Weight: 10.2 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 24 hours

While these may not be the prettiest things to look at, they are certainly worth considering if you want more bass for your buck. A solid choice for fans of rock music and EDM, these produce heavy, thumping low notes while keeping the mid-range crisp and clear.

Class 1 Bluetooth enabling means you can stream your favorite tunes from 98 feet (30 meters) away , and enjoy wireless connectivity for those moments when the air guitar solo comes calling.

The design of the Voyager 8200 is lightweight and practical, but not as chic as some of its main competitors. That said, the sound quality more than makes up for any loss in looks — so take your pick on which factor is more important to you.

Finally, this set’s 24-hour battery life will give you weeks of traveling joy, and you can recharge using a cable or USB.

• Great value headphones with superior sound
• The noise canceling could be improved

12. Acceptable Noise-canceling Capabilities With Plenty of Customizable Options

JBL Everest Elite 750NC Wireless Headphones

Weight: 9.88 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 20 hours wireless and up to 15 hours with noise cancellation activated

These JBLs are a solid choice for music enthusiasts looking for all-around performance paired with customizable options and an affordable price tag.

Offering Bluetooth 4.0 technology, it’s simple to stream your tunes from a variety of Bluetooth-enabled devices. The My JBL Headphones App offers simple controls and further customizable options.

End-user satisfaction is guaranteed if you don’t expect these to sound like a $400 pair of headphones . However, reliably good quality sound will come pouring into your ears, while annoying external noise will be muted for the most part. The adaptive noise-canceling technology means that you can control how much ambient noise you want to let in.

The rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery offers 15 hours of playback, and you can reach a full charge in just 3 hours.

• Handy app for checking the charge level
• Can’t use the headphones while charging

If you’re looking for an awesome pair of noise-canceling headphones that will keep the world out and the music in, there are a lot of choices out there.

For jaw-dropping sound quality that will keep you utterly immersed for hours on end, the Sennheiser Momentum 4.0 really is one of the best of the bunch . That said, the Sony WH1000MX5 is certainly on par performance-wise, and choosing a clear winner between them can only really come down to personal taste. The Bose QuietComfort 45 is also well worth considering.

However, any of these options have an investment-worthy price tag and should be treated as such. You’ll want to look after your new headphones carefully, as they may well cost more than the device you choose to stream from!

For a more affordable option, the Plantronics Voyager 8200 offers decent noise elimination and good throaty bass lines for those looking to enjoy proper tunes while they travel, while keeping those looking to drown out their daily commute perfectly happy.

If the brand is important to you or you want your headphones to look pretty, the Sennheiser PXC 550-II will give you the logo you’re looking for — but it won’t necessarily thrill you as much as the signature Momentum headphones. Alternatively, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II will give you good sound quality and a premium badge.

Are you interested in more top products to help you get the most out of your travels? Check out these other articles we’ve published:

• The Best Travel Cameras – Compact, DSLR, and Mirrorless Camera Guide
• The Best Camera Bags for Travel
• What Are the Best GoPro Alternatives? [We Found Several Options]
• The Best Laptop Backpacks to Buy for Travel
• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth buying noise-canceling headphones.

If you are prepared to invest in a quality listening experience and the added benefit of blocking external noise when you’re in noisy situations, noise-canceling headphones are worth buying.

Can noise-canceling headphones cause hearing loss?

Noise-canceling headphones do not emit low-level radiation as phones do, so the risk is minimal. However, listening to music loud on any device, not just noise-canceling headphones, may be hazardous to your hearing.

What are the best noise-canceling headphones for travel?

These are some of our favorite noise-canceling headphones:

• Bose QuietComfort 45
• Bowers & Wilkins PX Active
• Sennheiser Momentum 4.0
• Sony WH1000XM5

Are noise-canceling headphones worth it for flying?

Noise-canceling headphones are worth the price tag, especially when flying. On an airplane, the low hum of engine noise is almost completely obliterated. But higher or transient sounds like crying babies and people’s voices may still be able to seep in depending on the quality of your headphones.

How do noise-canceling headphones work?

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The best over-ear headphones you can buy: Expert tested

If you're looking for a new pair of headphones, you may be tempted to buy the most popular pair. But popularity doesn't equal functionality, and despite the positive reviews, those headphones might not accommodate your preferences. 

Believe it or not, buying a pair of headphones is a highly personal choice. The headphones your best friend loves and recommended to you may not be a good fit for you, and vice versa. When you're looking for a new pair of headphones, consider which features you value most, whether it be sound, design, noise-canceling strength, or price, and make your decision from there.

I've tested many headphones over the last year, and my goal is to expose you to many options to help you choose the right pair. Some of the headphones on this list are from big names like Sony and Bose, some headphones are close to $400 while others barely scratch $100, and some headphones cancel noise better than others. Keep reading as I help you find your next pair of daily drivers.

What are the best over-ear headphones right now?

My top pick for the best over-ear headphones goes to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra due to its superior comfort, advanced ANC, and premium design. These headphones boast a list of future-proof software features while staying true to their most important features: strong noise-canceling and all-day comfort.  

The best over-ear headphones of 2024

Bose quietcomfort ultra, best over-ear headphones overall.

• Comfortable
• Superior ANC
• Premium design
• Not ideal for outdoor activities
• Short battery for the price

The Bose QC Ultra headphones are great for people who spend a lot of time working at a desk or commuting. Their ANC does a great job at blocking out office chatter and the low hums of a plane, train, or car. The QC Ultra's all-day comfort and versatile use for casual mobile gaming, watching videos, taking calls, and listening to music make them the best over-ear headphones all around for people who like having one pair of headphones they can take anywhere. Reddit users seem to agree with me, as one user called out that the QC Ultra are very well-rounded.

Review:  Bose QuietComfort Ultra

The Bose QC Ultra headphones are my favorite everyday headphones and I rarely complete a workday without putting these on my head. Plushy padding on the ear cups, improved sound quality, and insanely effective noise-canceling tech put these headphones above the rest.

Bose's latest release put the quiet in QuietComfort, as the QC Ultra headphones take the spot for best noise-canceling on this list. There's no hiss or hum, and only loud conversations in close proximity will cut through the Ultra's ANC. The QC Ultra's noise-canceling properties are a major high point, as it's more effective than any other headphones from Bose and is slightly stronger than the noise-canceling from Apple and Sony.

To go even further, the QuietComfort Ultra headphones are the best you'll get from Bose. The sound quality is clear, balanced, and detailed. Of course, the sound quality isn't as good as what you'll find in a pair of audiophile-centered consumer headphones like the Sennheiser Momentum 4. Still, Bose's QuietComfort Ultra's sound is definitely fuller than the XM5 headphones and clearer than AirPods Max.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra tech specs:  Weight:  8.96 oz (254 g) |  Battery life:  24 hours |  Bluetooth:  Yes (5.3) |  Multipoint:  Yes

Sony WH-1000XM5

Best over-ear headphones for software fanatics.

• Best for your money's worth
• Great audio quality
• ANC not the best for the price
• Mediocre portability

The WH-1000XM5 headphones offer every premium headphone feature you can think of. If you like highly personalized headphones, these are for you. If you want a pair of headphones that has it all -- and does it all well -- you'll want the XM5.

Review:  Sony WH-1000XM5

Despite their impressive and extensive internal audio components, the XM5 over-ear headphones remain light and comfortable for long-term wear. While Sony's headphones aren't my top pick for sound quality or noise-canceling, Sony gives you great quality all around. ZDNET's Matt Miller tested the XM5 headphones, and called them "basically perfect," due to their simple design, effective ANC, and all-day comfort.

Sony's XM5 over-ear headphones also have a useful companion app that's full of personalization features and future-proof software capabilities. The XM5 headphones are highly popular, and that's for good reason. Amazon customers rave about the XM5's battery life, comfort, ANC, and warm sound.

Sony WH-1000XM5 tech specs:  Weight:  8.8 oz (249.5 g) |  Battery life:  30 hours |  Bluetooth:  Yes (Bluetooth 5.2)  |   Multipoint:  Yes

Sennheiser Momentum 4

Best sound quality for over-ear headphones.

• Superior sound
• Marathon battery

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 are the perfect headphones for anyone who likes to take high-quality sound on the go. Not to mention, their 60-hour battery life means you'll get through the week or through a days-long trek in and out of airports without needing to charge them.

Sennheiser's Momentum 4 over-ear headphones are the best wireless option for listeners with a trained ear. Sennheiser is known for its professional-level audio equipment and implemented its higher-caliber audio technology into a pair of consumer headphones.

Review:   Sennheiser Momentum 4

The Momentum 4 easily tops Apple, Bose, and Sony in the audio department but certainly falls behind all three in the noise-canceling category. For wireless headphones, the Momentum 4 deliver incredibly clear and detailed audio and offers highly specific EQ settings on a five-band equalizer.

I recommend these headphones for at-home wireless listening or for people who like to remain aware of their surroundings while they commute, travel, or work in public spaces. When I tested these headphones, I found the Momentum 4 were effective at blocking out the lower pitches of droning noises, like a lawn mower or a running refrigerator, but the higher pitches of these noises will get past these headphones. 

However, I also found that the ANC doesn't degrade the Momentum 4's sound quality, something that's very common with other ANC-enabled headphones.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 tech specs: W eight:  10.3 oz (292 g) |  Battery life:  60 hours |  Bluetooth:  Yes (5.2) |  Multipoint:  Yes

Apple AirPods Max

Best over-ear headphones for apple users.

• Unique and stylish design
• Spatial Audio
• Limited software capabilities

The Apple AirPods Max are the best headphones for Apple fanatics. If your tablet, smartphone, TV, and every gadget in between are made by Apple, these are for you. Their seamless integration with Apple devices makes them easy to use, but their hardware and software limitations might frustrate non-Apple users.

If you are deeply committed to the Apple ecosystem and you want to keep it that way, you'll want the AirPods Max. The sound quality is great, and Apple's Transparency Mode is easily the best out of all the headphones on this list. The AirPods Max noise-canceling is superior to Sony's XM5 over-ears and follows closely behind Bose's QuietComfort Ultra.

Review:  Apple AirPods Max

However, in terms of functionality, the AirPods Max are not the best you'll find -- unless you have mostly Apple devices. 

To start, AirPods Max don't have any native EQ settings, and their almost five-year-old Apple H1 chip leaves them without the up-to-date software settings found in the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) , like Conversation Awareness and Adaptive Sound Control.

You can seamlessly pair the AirPods Max to more than two devices, something Apple holds above other headphones with two-device multipoint connectivity. Still, seamless pairing won't work with AirPods Max unless they're connecting to other Apple devices. Should you connect AirPods Max to an Android or Windows device, you won't get Spatial Audio, wear detection, or access a virtual assistant.

Hardware-wise, AirPods Max don't have a headphone jack or a USB-C port for wired listening. You'll get the superior AAC codec when paired via Bluetooth to Apple devices and the standard SBC codec when paired with non-Apple devices. The lack of audio ports also means you'll have to keep them charged up, especially if you're likely to run down their short 20-hour battery life.

Apple AirPods Max   tech  specs:  Weight:  13.6 oz (384.4 g) |  Battery life:  20 hours |  Bluetooth:  Yes (5.0) |  Multipoint:  No, but connects to multiple Apple devices 

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2

Best over-ear headphones for bass lovers.

• Superior bass
• Marathon battery life
• Comfortable ear cups
• Bass can be tough to tame

The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 are the best headphones for those who like an intense bass kick when they listen to music. I also recommend these to people who wear headphones to watch gaming streams or movies on the go. Their deep bass will get you fully immersed in whatever you're watching.

Skullcandy's Crusher ANC 2 are equipped with Skullcandy's patented Crusher Bass technology that delivers bass you can hear and feel. If you like all things bass, you're bound to find a lot of fun in the Crusher ANC 2. However, the Crusher Bass can be difficult to conquer, and it may be entirely too much for most people. 

Review:   Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2

Amazon customers describe the Crusher ANC 2's bass as "killer," "crazy," "intense," and, sometimes, "unbearable." I can agree; when I wore the Crusher ANC 2 headphones, I made the mistake of maxing out the Crusher Bass, which gave me an instant headache.

Despite that, the Crusher ANC 2 handles low-frequency sounds very well, and the overall sound quality is good. At high levels, Crusher Bass will muddle a song's higher frequencies and will overwhelm you with songs that are already bass-heavy. You'll have to find the sweet spot in the EQ settings to get the most out of these, so be prepared to play with the sound for a few minutes.

The Crusher ANC 2's companion app is loaded with software, including Spotify Tap, voice assistants, and more. The only software feature Skullcandy omits from these headphones is wear detection.

Overall, Skullcandy's Crusher ANC 2 are not your first choice if you're looking for a practical pair of everyday headphones. Their build is bulky, and the bass can get out of hand. However, the Crusher Bass feature will make movie and video-watching more enjoyable than you can imagine.

Although I wouldn't recommend working out in over-ear headphones (more on that below), I can see why people would want to work out in these. The Crusher ANC 2 can reach and beautifully reproduce low-frequency sounds, and their sound is perfect for motivating you to lift some heavy weight or go on an intense run.

Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 t ech specs: Weight:  11.7 oz (332 g) |  Battery life:  60 hours |  Bluetooth:  Yes (5.2) |  Multipoint:  Yes

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2

Best over-ear studio headphones.

• Superior balanced sound
• Great for wired listening
• Solid build
• Heat buildup

If you enjoy a balanced and clear sound, you'll enjoy Audio-Technica's ATH-M50xBT2 headphones. For those who mix and master music, whether you're learning about music production in college or running a business that requires you to focus on audio editing professionally, you should try these.

Audio-Technica's ATH-M50xBT2 headphones are the most no-frills headphones you can find in a world full of confusing buttons, capacitive touch controls, and lengthy software updates. If you don't believe me, you can stick to wired listening and never connect these headphones to your device's Bluetooth and still get the most out of them. Very retro. 

Review:   Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2

However, "BT" is in the product name, and their Bluetooth connectivity is easy and stable. Aside from modern button controls and Bluetooth capabilities, the BT2 headphones aren't much different from their ATH-line of successors from the early 2000s. When I tested the BT2 headphones, I appreciated their simplicity.

These headphones' 45mm dynamic drivers deliver a very balanced and clear sound, as they're studio headphones made for mixing and mastering audio. The BT2 could definitely work as "baby's first studio headphones" since their $200 price tag is reasonable for what you get. Amazon customers say the BT2 headphones deliver a flat, balanced, and neutral sound, making them ideal for critical listening and audio editing.

You'll get AAC, LDAC, and standard SBC Bluetooth codecs, and you can listen losslessly with a 3.5mm headphone jack. You can also use the headphone jack if you're low on battery, but the BT2 will stick around for 60 hours before the battery dies.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 t ech specs: Weight:  10.6 oz (303 g) |  Battery life:  60 hours |  Bluetooth:  Yes (5.0) |  Multipoint:  Yes

Beats Studio Pro

Best over-ear headphones for mixed-device ecosystems.

• Superior interoperability
• USB-C audio
• Great voice-calling capabilities
• No wear detection
• Poor build quality for the price

You'll maximize your money's worth with the Beats Studio Pro if you have a mixed-device ecosystem. They intuitively work well with both Android and Apple devices, leaving some features reserved for one operating system and other features for the other operating system. If you want a visually stunning pair of headphones that are uniquely compatible with your Android and Apple devices, the Beats Studio Pro are for you. 

The Studio Pro supports Android Fast Pair, and iPhone users can summon Siri hands-free. Bluetooth multipoint pairing is available for Android users, and the Studio Pro can intelligently and smoothly connect to multiple Apple devices. However, if you have a Chromebook and an iPhone, you can't seamlessly switch the Studio Pro's connection between the two.

Review:   Beats Studio Pro

For iOS users, you can add Studio Pro to your 'Find My' network. You'll also access Apple's Spatial Audio sound mode with your Apple devices. However, Apple users won't have access to USB-C wired listening or cabled lossless listening and will miss out on EQ settings. This also means they will rely on Beats's straight-out-the-box bass-boosted signature sound, as there's no Beats companion app on iOS.

For Android users, you can charge and listen to the Studio Pro while they're connected to your smartphone via a USB-C cord. With USB-C listening, you'll unlock audio modes fit for gaming and movie-watching, as well as lossless listening.

The Studio Pro's sound quality is good. It's the best from Beats but not the best in this list. If you have a pair of beloved Beats that need an upgrade, go with the Studio Pro. These headphones are also comfortable, but if you're looking for big, oval ear cups, these aren't for you. Their circular ear cup shape blends an over- and on-ear fit, which I wasn't overly excited about, and their clamping force is just right to keep them secure on your head.

Beats is known for its exaggerated bassy sound, and Best Buy customers say the artificial bass punch is what makes these headphones so great. If you like the Beats brand and want a new pair of everyday headphones, these will do the trick.

Beats Studio Pro t ech specs: Weight:  9.52 oz (270 g) |  Battery life:  40 hours |  Bluetooth:  Yes (5.3) |  Multipoint:  Yes

Anker SoundCore Space One

Best budget over-ear headphones.

• Great bargain
• Capable software
• No carrying case
• ANC struggles with low-pitch sounds

I recommend the Soundcore Space One headphones for anyone looking for a backup pair of headphones to take on their daily commute or on long traveling stretches. I'd also recommend them to anyone who wants an affordable pair of headphones that don't skimp on the software features.

The Soundcore Space One headphones are a capable and comfortable pair of headphones that won't break the bank. When it comes to sound, the Space One sound is great for their $100 price tag, but you shouldn't expect out-of-this-world sound quality. Best Buy customers say these headphones are a great catch for their price, and some recommend these headphones for kids.

Review:  Anker SoundCore Space One

Despite that, their build quality is surprisingly well-made for their affordable price. You'll appreciate their nice build because you don't get a hardshell case to carry them in for storage and protection. The Space One's plushy and thick headband and ear cup cushions offered me a great deal of comfort when I tested them, and their relaxed fit is optimal for hours-long wear. However, the shallow ear cups interfere with sound quality and can cause discomfort for some.

The Space One also has many of the same software features you'll find in a pair of $400 headphones like the Sony XM5 over-ear headphones. Wear detection, conversation mode, EQ settings, software-to-hardware shortcuts, and ANC are included with the Space One. Their ANC, however, isn't anything to write home about, as it has a harder time blocking out the lower pitches of sounds like a running refrigerator, AC unit, or plane engine.

Anker SoundCore Space One t ech specs:  Weight:  9.3 oz. |  Battery life:  55 hours |  Bluetooth: Yes |   Multipoint:  Yes

What are the best over-ear headphones?

There's a saying that goes, "One man's trash is another man's treasure." That's how I feel about headphones. For every pair in this list, you can find reviewers and consumers saying your favorite pair of headphones are trash. But to you, they're the best thing since sliced bread.

There's no definitive answer to this question, even though I know I'm here to help you decide which pair of headphones are the best and which one you should spend your money on. However, keep in mind that there's no pair of headphones out there that can score a 10 all-around.

Some headphones are better at noise-canceling and don't have the best sound, while others have a longer battery life but may not be the most comfortable to wear for hours on end. So hopefully, this list helped you assess your audio wants and needs so you can make the best decision for what you want.

Remember that buying the right pair of headphones is a personal decision, and you should look for a pair that checks all of your boxes because you'll likely spend hundreds of dollars on them. 

This table gives a brief breakdown of important factors like price, battery life, and if the headphones have ANC. You can frequently find all of these headphones for a discounted price throughout the year, but what you'll see below are the standard list prices.

 *Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.

Which are the right over-ear headphones for you?

It can be confusing trying to choose between all the headphones out there, so here are ZDNET's suggestions to help you quickly decide which of our pick best suit your needs.

Factors to consider when choosing over-ear headphones

To find the best over-ear headphones, I considered several factors that may also help you with your search. Sound is a highly subjective metric, even though it can be measured objectively on charts and graphs. Despite that, it's one of the most important metrics when choosing a pair of headphones.

• Sound: The ability to properly filter and highlight sound is critical in a pair of over-ear headphones, especially where noise cancellation is concerned. The headphones in this list have internal audio drivers that range from 30mm to 45mm in diameter. Drivers are responsible for converting audio signals into sound waves, and usually, the bigger the driver, the louder the headphones will be. However, there are many internal components that dictate sound quality, and sound quality is subjective and varies from person to person.
• Comfort: Nothing is worse than a pair of over-ear headphones that are too tight, heavy, or hot. We tried all the headphones in this list and tried to find the best options to accommodate everyone's audio needs. Most headphones are comfortable for hours-long wear. However, others may only be suitable for short-term wear based on what you're doing, like watching a movie or editing audio.
• Battery: Battery life is important to help ensure your headphones are ready when you need them. In this list, Sony, Apple, and Bose offer headphones with the shortest battery life, while Sennheiser, Soundcore, Audio-Technica, and Skullcandy offer the longest. Sony, Apple, and Bose headphones have a shorter battery life because the ANC is stronger, and the bonus audio features run in the background, which takes more battery. 
• Cost: Budget is a concern for most shoppers, so we shop for affordable models that won't break the bank. However, we recognize that some people want to spend extra money on headphones in hopes that more expensive headphones will deliver higher-quality sound, comfort, and noise-canceling capabilities.

How I test over-ear headphones

Although sound can be measured objectively on charts and graphs, sound quality varies from person to person. When I test headphones, I include my opinion of their sound, but I also use them in real-world scenarios to help you better understand their effectiveness.

I wear headphones in coffee shops, grocery stores, libraries, and other public places to test how much of my environment I can hear with noise-canceling enabled. I also wear headphones for hours on end to decide how comfortable they are to wear.

Finally, I test a pair of headphones for at least two weeks before writing about them, as your experience with a pair can greatly differ from day one to day 12.

What are the best over-ear headphones for working out?

It's my job to be honest with you. So, with that in mind, I would not recommend over-ear headphones for exercising. Over-ear headphones are simply not built for rigorous, strenuous, or super-sweaty workout sessions.

Consumer tech companies get their products independently tested to receive an internationally standardized IP rating. Most over-ear headphones don't have an official IP (ingress protection) rating . Your smartphone probably has an IP68 rating, which means it's fully protected from water and dust. This high rating is why you can fully submerge your smartphone in water for a short period, and it (hopefully) won't incur severe damage. 

On the other hand, your over-ear headphones most likely did not receive a formal IP rating. In fact, none of the headphones featured in this list have an official IP rating. The lack of an IP rating means the company did not formally test the headphones for dust or water ingress, meaning you should assume your over-ears are unprotected from solids (dust) or water splashes, droplets, and sprays.

Many over-ear headphones, especially ones with hybrid or active noise-canceling properties, have speakers and microphones on the outside of the ear cups. Water can easily pass through the openings that house the speakers and mics, which can hinder the device's performance.

If you choose to exercise in your over-ears or wear them in the rain, your sweat or rainwater may damage the ear cup fabric or the internal audio components. You also risk water seeping into the buttons or accumulating on the ear cups, which can hinder the buttons' functionality or interfere with any tap/swipe controls on the ear cups. Not to mention, you'll increase the heat buildup inside the ear cups if you choose to exercise in your over-ear headphones, which can make them uncomfortable to wear.

I suggest investing in a pair of earbuds for exercising, which usually have an IPX4 rating or higher. This rating makes them splash and sweat-resistant and more suitable for rigorous workouts.

What are over-ear headphones?

Over-ear headphones sit around the ear, rather than on or in the ear. They are designed to provide a more immersive listening experience by completely enclosing the ear and blocking out external noise. The ear cups on over-ear headphones are also typically large and padded, providing comfort for extended use. 

Over-ear headphones come in both wired and wireless versions. They are typically larger in size compared to other types of headphones, and they are often preferred by audiophiles, music producers, office workers, students, and gamers -- especially because some of the high-end models have active noise cancellation to further block out noise.

Which over-the-ear headphones are most durable?

Sony's WH-1000XM5, Bose's QuietComfort Ultra, Soundcore's Space One, and Apple's AirPods Max all have great build quality and durability.

However, Apple and Soundcore don't include a hardshell protective case in your purchase, so if you're traveling, you'll want to keep these headphones close to your person to avoid scratches and scrapes.

Which over-ear headphones are most comfortable?

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are the most comfortable headphones on this list, as their ear cups and headband are padded by a soft, plushy protein leather material. I wore the QuietComfort Ultra headphones for at least six hours a day for a week with no discomfort. 

That said, Apple's AirPods Max, Sony's WH-1000XM5, and Soundcore's Space One are honorable mentions, as the ear cups sport soft, thick padding that can withstand an entire day's worth of wear.

Are there alternative over-ear headphones worth considering?

Yes! While the headphones listed above are what we consider the best over-ear headphones, there are plenty of other headphones on the market that may be worth a second look. 

ZDNET Recommends

These top-notch noise-canceling bose earbuds are $50 off right now, how to choose the best airpods for you: expert advice, the best bone conduction headphones you can buy: expert tested.

Best over-ear headphones 2024: wired and wireless pairs tested by our experts

The best over-ear headphones for portable and home use

• Best cheap wired
• Best cheap wireless
• Best cheap ANC
• Best overall wired
• Best overall wireless
• Best for home
• Best premium wireless
• Best premium wired

Also consider

• How to choose
• How we test

Recent Updates

1. The list in brief 2. Best cheap wired 3. Best cheap wireless 4. Best cheap ANC 5. Best wired overall 6. Best wireless overall 7. Best for home 8. Best premium wireless 9. Best premium wired 10. Also consider 11. How to choose 12. How we test 13. FAQ 14. Recent updates

If you’re looking for headphones to deliver the most involving and comfortable music listening experience, a pair of over-ears should be your first port of call.

Not only do over-ear headphones sit around your ears, with the earpads enclosing them fully for a more isolated, immersive listening experience, but their larger size also allows engineers to fit bigger drivers inside. That means you can typically get a more accomplished performance than you can from a diminutive pair of on-ear headphones or earbuds , allowing you to more readily lose yourself in the music.

Whether you are after a wired pair for high-quality home listening sessions or a wireless model for the ultimate convenience while out and about, the very best over-ear headphones will combine class-leading sound performance with all-day comfort.

Our best-of list below features budget and premium options in both wired and wireless flavours, and every single model has been tried and tested by our in-house reviews team , who collectively have over 150 years of testing experience. So without further ado, let's dive into them...

The quick list

Best cheap wired headphones

A great, affordable pair of wired headphones for those on a tight budget, these studio-style cans put more street-ready pairs to shame.

Read more below

Best cheap wireless headphones

A brilliant pair of affordable wireless over-ears that deliver superb sound quality in an affordable package.  

Best cheap ANC headphones

If you want active noise cancellation but can't pay through the nose for it, we heartily recommend these Sony all-rounders.

Best wired headphones overall

With their refined, entertaining sound, comfortable build and great-value price, the wired NTH-100 are outstanding.

Best wireless headphones overall

Sony hits yet another home run with its flagship wireless model. They look good, feel good, and deliver best-in-class sound. Read more below

Best headphones for home 

If you don't mind a leaky open-backed design and dated aesthetic, you will be rewarded with a spacious, dynamic sound that puts musicality first. Read more below

Load the next product… ↓

Best premium wireless headphones

As the price tag demands, the No.5909 bring wired-standard sound to wireless convenience.

Best premium wired headphones The legendary T1 model is as good as it's ever been. Not cheap, but truly exceptional wired headphones. Read more below

I've been testing and writing about headphones for more than a decade. I'm one of What Hi-Fi?' s go-to reviewers for headphones of all kinds – an expert at picking the best-performing and best-value pairs across the wide and wonderful spectrum thanks to years of first-hand testing experience. My picks of the best over-ear headphones below are all class-leading performers at their respective price points, and I can assure you they won't disappoint, no matter your budget.

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Looking for a bargain? These quality closed-back wired headphones are among the best out there for the money. The solid build means these are going to last – AKG bent the cable 80,000 times during production just to test longevity. The generous padding is nice and comfy, while the three-metre cable provides enough play for listening comfortably at home. This is a classic studio headphone design, and while you could just about get away with wearing these out on the street, the long cable demonstrates that they're not made specifically for that purpose.

How about the sound? It’s pleasingly expansive, with a breadth and scale rarely found in the kind of headphones you'd normally see on the high street at this sort of price. The K72 opt for a neutral presentation, as favoured by pro audio brands, coming across as smoother than the similarly priced Sennheiser HD201 , not to mention with better-controlled bass. The midrange isn't quite as clean as we would like, but for the money, these are the best over-ear headphones if affordability is a factor.

If you can stretch your budget slightly further, two current What Hi-Fi? Award winners are well worth considering instead: the Austrian Audio Hi-X15 and, even more so, the Røde NTH-100 (below).

Read our full AKG K72 review

2. Sony WH-CH520

The Sony WH-CH520 on-ear headphones are without doubt one of the less glamorous products in Sony’s seemingly endless  catalogue of headphones , but that doesn’t automatically mean they are not worthy of your attention. If you want value for money at a modest price point, they make perfect sense.

They are certainly put together well, with a sturdy construction that feels built to last – the headband adjustment mechanism, for example, is robust and moves with reassuring solidity. There is mild padding on the inside of the headband and the earpads, and while it's not exactly lavish, it helps no end with comfort. An all-in weight of just 147g doesn’t do any harm in this respect either, and even though they are pleather-covered, the earpads resist returning your body heat for quite a while.

Sonically, the CH520 aren't the most expressive headphones you have ever heard where low frequencies are concerned, but the low end they generate is solid, deep and properly controlled at the leading edges. Better still, they hit reasonably hard, and keep bass firmly in its lane where it can’t interfere with the midrange activity above. Despite a few very reasonable sonic inhibitions, Sony's lowest-end cans are a bit of a mini-marvel at a price level severely lacking in excellent competition.

If active noise cancellation (ANC) is a must-have feature, your best bets are the next-model-up Sony WH-CH720 below.

Read our full Sony WH-CH520 review

3. Sony WH-CH720N

The WH-CH720N aim to fill a gap in the market by offering ANC and a more premium build quality at what is still a very reasonable price. In essence, they are designed as a pair of cans for those who aren’t keen on forking out a few hundred quid for a more premium pair of over-ears but who equally don’t want to skimp on ANC or suffer a drop in audio fidelity by opting for the entry-level WH-CH520 above.

No, the CH720N don’t fold up and away, nor do they come with a designated carry case, but they feel good in the hand and on the head, with a construction that, like so many of Sony’s products, never feels as though it’s about to disintegrate, snap or be torn asunder by the wear and tear of everyday use.

Sound-wise, we can’t think of a pair of over-ear headphones at this price that could keep up with such a spirited and energetic (if slightly bass-heavy) delivery. Hip-hop and rock fare especially well, greatly benefiting from the meat and texture these classy over-ears afford. Listen to the absolute percussive force you receive from  Nirvana’s  You Know You’re Right  and you will hear exactly what we mean.

The WH-CH720N deliver exactly what Sony intended. For a very reasonable price, they are a dependably made, enthusiastic-sounding pair of headphones that, while occasionally straying into the realm of excessive bass, deliver good ANC and a strong feature set to the mid-to-low price bracket of the wireless headphone market. Hence they're out current What Hi-Fi? Award winners.

Read our full Sony WH-CH720N review

Best overall wired headphones

4. røde nth-100.

There are quite a few things that make the Røde NTH-100 something of a wonder. Firstly, they are the first proper headphones the Australian company (better known as a maker of microphones) has ever made. Second, they are a pair of wired cans trying to make it in a world dominated by the all-consuming Bluetooth behemoth. Thirdly, and most importantly, they sound truly stunning for the price. 

Headphones are for one of two things: they are for either casual entertainment or critical, businesslike purposes such as monitoring or mixing. It’s unusual to find a pair of headphones that can fulfil both roles adequately – and it’s even rarer at the sort of money Røde is asking for with the NTH-100.

The mission is achieved with startling confidence, though. Detailed, dynamic and yet relentlessly well-balanced, you really can imagine using the NTH-100 as both a pair of casual listening cans or as a studio-grade model for monitoring or mixing. They are that versatile; they are that good. 

No, you don't get many features with a pair of wired cans and yes, paying for an extra cable seems a little mean-minded, but these shouldn't be enough to dissuade you, especially if sound-per-pound value is your primary concern. Measured by that metric, the Røde NTH-100 are pretty much unbeatable, hence their current What Hi-Fi? Award crown. 

You might consider another Award winner in the excellent and slightly more affordable Austrian Audio Hi-X15 if your budget is a little tight, but the NTH-100 certainly justify their extra spend.

Read our full Røde NTH-100 review

Best overall wireless headphones

5. sony wh-1000xm5.

When we first glimpsed the official pictures of the new(ish) WH-1000XM5, we were just a tad surprised. We wondered whether it was a smart decision to give one of Sony’s greatest recent successes – the  WH-1000XM4 – a major redesign. 

Happily, it's paid off. The Sony WH-1000XM5 over-ears do feel a smidge less premium than the cans they ousted, but the jump in sound quality between the generations is startling. Better call quality and improved noise-cancelling plus a better design – even if they do feel slightly less 'premium' than the XM4 – all make them a compelling buy for anyone with the funds.

If you're hunting for a new pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones, your search should start here. The older WH-1000XM4 were already the finest in town – and still are if you can't stretch your budget to the latest pair – but the XM5 are undoubtedly better for those who  can  afford to pay that premium. They have a better combination of sound and features than their closest rivals, including the  Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless and Bose QuietComfort , and just about pip the beautiful Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e to the post due to their friendlier price.

That's why they are the best Bluetooth headphones at this price point and worthy What Hi-Fi? Award winners.

Read our full  Sony WH-1000XM5 review

To Sony XM4 or to XM5? That is the big question while the older former is still available. Obviously, we're enamoured with the current WH-1000XM5 Award-winners, mainly because there aren't many comparatively priced headphones that sound anywhere near as good. That said, the outgoing WH-1000XM4 still sound very good, and can be snapped up at seriously generous discounts in their final months of shelf life. If you can live with having a slightly older model and love a bargain (who doesn't?), the old dogs still have plenty of great tricks.

Best headphones for home

6. grado sr325x.

Over the past 30 years, Grado's Prestige range has produced some of the Brooklyn-based company's finest headphones. The series has evolved considerably over time, but the latest ‘x’ generation cans all offer the same balance of quality and value that we've come to expect from one of the most likeable audio brands around. 

The range-topping SR325x headphones appear similar to like their predecessors, the  What Hi-Fi?  Award-winning SR325e, lighter-coloured stitching on the headband and flatter foam earpads. The key difference goes far beyond cosmetics: the SR325x sound notably cleaner and sharper than their predecessors, presenting a superbly detailed and articulate performance that comes across more precisely and insightfully than ever. 

If you are looking for the best wired headphones around this price and you don't mind the sound leakage associated with an open-back design, the SR325x should be top of your list. Their unbeatable value made their What Hi-Fi? Award 2023 win a formality.

For a more traditional closed-back (i.e. non-leaky) alternative, the excellent  Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X  should be your go-to at this level.

Read our full  Grado SR325x review

7. Mark Levinson No. 5909

The Mark Levinson No. 5909 aren’t necessarily replacements for a wired set-up you’re happy with. A laptop feeding a  Chord Mojo 2 DAC  connected to  Grado SR325x  wired headphones, for example, offers greater all-round sonic sophistication and finesse. But for anyone who is after the convenience of wireless without sacrificing  too  much sound quality to get it, and lucky enough to afford such a best-of-both-worlds solution, the Mark Levinsons are highly recommendable.

They sound exceptionally clean and crisp for wireless over-ears – much more so than the class-leading crop of cheaper competition – and noise cancellation is very decent too. Aesthetics may divide people, and we ourselves aren't fans of the plasticky on-cup buttons, but build quality can't be questioned – these should last years, as you'd quite rightly expect them to.

Can't quite stretch the budget? If you're an Apple addict, the AirPods Max are certainly worth considering, whereas the beautifully made B&W Px8 and Focal Bathys are also slightly more affordable alternatives with five-star sound. For the very best-sounding wireless performance out there, the even pricier T+A Solitaire T are highly desirable too.

Read our full Mark Levinson No. 5909 review

Best premium wired headphones

8. beyerdynamic t1 (3rd generation).

The 10-year-old, original Beyerdynamic T1 models are a touchstone for us as far as premium headphones go. The main evolution from this third-generation model and its predecessor is that the new pair is far easier to drive for mobile devices and laptops: the old model had a 600ohm impedance, whereas this new one takes that down to 32ohms.

The resulting sound is very similar to the originals but cleaner, clearer, slightly less bright and a little more rounded in the treble, making them a bit more forgiving of aggressive electronics and recordings. There's that same musical delivery with a palpable sense of power and authority, and vocals come through with nuance and clarity.

The T1 are comfortable enough for long listening sessions thanks to a nicely shaped, Alcantara-covered headband and generous velour-trimmed earpads. These aren’t the kind of open-back headphones that impress on a short listen, but given a few days or even weeks, it’s hard not to be captivated by their spell.

Want closed-back versions? See the Beyerdynamic T5 (3rd Generation) review . For anyone with more cash to spend, Sennheiser's HD820 and the Focal Stellia should be on your shortlist.

Read our full Beyerdynamic T1 (3rd Generation) review

• Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e : Excellent alternatives to the Sony WH-1000XM5 if you can afford the slightly higher price, these premium wireless noise-cancellers combine hugely competitive sound with arguably the best design on the market.
• Focal Bathys : If you don't love the Mark Levinson No.5909's design, you may well fall for the beautiful Bathys, which hardly put a foot wrong for their price. The Mark Levinsons are that bit more revealing, mind you.
• Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X : Not sold on the Grado SR325x's marmite aesthetic and/or open-back (leaky) design? You might prefer these highly revealing closed-back Beyerdynamics. The DT 700 Pro X are their equally compelling open-back siblings, too.

How to choose the best over-ear headphones for you

These days, over-ear headphones come in many styles. You have wired models with open-back (which leak sound) or, more typically, closed-back (which don't) designs, predominantly for listening at home when portability isn't a priority – though wearing wires out and about is fine too, of course! You can read all about the closed-back vs open-back headphones differences here.

Then there are wireless pairs, which are the most convenient for portable, on-the-go listening, many of which nowadays throw in active noise cancellation (ANC) for more privacy with your music – a Godsend for listening in particularly noisy environments. For these Bluetooth pairs, you'll want to note battery life and Bluetooth codec specs support, both of which can affect your headphones experience and audio quality respectively.

If you know which style you want already, you can visit our dedicated best wired headphones , best wireless headphones and best noise-cancelling headphones Best Buy guides instead for more focused lists. Want a pair of high-end headphones to plug into your desktop or component hi-fi system? As well as the pairs featured above, we also have a definitive list of the best audiophile headphones to satisfy healthier budgets.

But if you are still on the fence as to what sort of pair to punt for, this list will give you a comprehensive overview of the best pair for each style and price point. Indeed, our pick of the best over-ear headphones spans all of these types mentioned above, as well as a range of budgets from below £100/$100/AU$150 to ten times that. 

Every pair on this list has been through the rigorous What Hi-Fi? testing process and, badged with a full five-star rating, wears our stamp of approval as among the best over-ear headphones out there. Also note in this list the What Hi-Fi? Award winners , which represent the absolute best-value pairs on the market.

How we test over-ear headphones

Here at  What Hi-Fi?  we review hundreds of products every year, including bucketfuls of over-ear headphones. After all, the likes of Sony, Bose, Apple and Sennheiser often update their numerous pairs fairly regularly, and that isn't even taking into account all the other renowned – and less so – headphones brands. So how do we arrive at our review verdicts, and why can you trust them?

We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in London and Reading in the UK, where our team of expert reviewers, who have a combined 150 years of experience, carries out all our product testing. We have price-appropriate DACs to help us test wired headphones, and put wireless noise-cancelling pairs through the wringer in working offices, out and about on city streets, and on public transport too.

We spend weeks with every pair to ensure every aspect is reviewed thoroughly, from their comfort and build quality to features and performance. We listen to a variety of music genres through every headphone too, from classical to hip-hop and everything in between. And while one single reviewer at What Hi-Fi? naturally writes the review, all verdicts are first agreed upon by the team as a whole, helping to ensure consistency and avoid individual subjectivity.

As over-ear headphones come in multiple forms – wired or wireless, noise-cancelling or not, open-back or closed-back – and naturally span a wide price spectrum, we keep hold of current five-star class leaders of every type and budget to compare with each pair we review to determine its star rating and position in this eminent list.

Indeed, from all of our reviews, we choose the products to feature in our Best Buys, such as this one. That's why if you take the plunge and buy one of the products recommended above, or on any other Best Buy pages , you can rest assured you are getting a  What Hi-Fi?- approved product.

You can read more about  how we test and review products on  What Hi-Fi?  here .

Are over-ear headphones better than on-ear headphones?

On-ear headphones have smaller earpads that sit 'on' your ears, and over-ear headphones have larger earpads that sit around and cover your ears – and the former is something of a dying breed. On-ears have their advantages: they are often lighter, inherently less obtrusive and isolating, and usually more physically compact and portable. But there is more choice of over-ear headphones, period, and they tend to accommodate more isolated and immersive listening. 

In the over-ear camp is where you will find the very best-sounding headphones too.

Are over-ear headphones good for working out and at the gym?

Due to their innate bulk compared with earbuds, over-ear headphones aren't typically designed for exercise. They are more likely to move around on your head while running, for example, and for outdoor exercise in general, their isolating physical design could block out more external sound than is safe. That said, wireless pairs can be suitable fitness buddies, especially for use in the gym – though think about what your gym routine is. If you are doing weights in a horizontal position, over-ears are likely to slide around or, worse, slide off. We would look out for ones that are lightweight, water resistant and preferably have a fit that clamps on the tighter side. Alternatively, in-ear models are more suited to working out and sports.

Do over-ear headphones have mics?

Regardless of whether they are wired or wireless, most over-ear headphones have microphones integrated into the earcups or the in-line cable to facilitate voice and video calls. Nowadays, wireless pairs especially tend to complement that with clever voice clarity technology to help reduce wind and other external noise and put your voice in the limelight so it can be heard clearly on the other end.

If you want a pair with a mic solely for gaming, however, you might be better off with a gaming headset that has a dedicated boom mic.

Can over-ear headphones cause headaches?

If your over-ear headphones are causing headaches or head pain, it's likely down to one of two reasons: you're playing music too loudly for too long, or the headband is putting too much pressure on the top of your head. Fit is important when it comes to over-ears. You want the headband and earpads to clamp securely enough so that they don't move around on your head and leak sound; but if the earpads clamp too tightly, they can be uncomfortable and cause your ears to overheat. Too much pressure on the crown of your head may be down to insufficient headband padding.

Heads come in all shapes and sizes, of course, which is why more than one reviewer at What Hi-Fi? always tests the fit of every pair of over-ear headphones we review.

Are over-ear headphones noise cancelling?

As over-ear headphones clamp around your ears, they are generally the best type of headphones for 'noise isolation', which is a physical thing. The term is used to describe headphones that block out external sounds – and reduce the amount of sound leaking into your ears – achieved purely through build quality and design. So yes, many over-ears will block out some external sound when worn.

'Noise-cancelling', however, often refers to a technology – active noise cancellation (or ANC). It's an electrical feature that requires power to work and uses two tiny microphones on the outer housing of the headphones that 'listen' to the noise around you and quickly create a mirror image of the compression and rarefaction of the air (i.e. external sound). It essentially blocks out external noise far more effectively than a headphones' physicality alone can.

Most wireless Bluetooth over-ear headphones have ANC these days, though it is far less common to have it on wired over-ears.

• May 2024: No new entries, despite having tested six pairs since the last update, including the disappointing Sony ULT Wear and fantastic high-end Austrian Audio The Composer. Added an 'Also consider' section above to offer readers greater choice.
• February 2024 : Added a top tip, and a FAQ section to help with buying decisions and frequently asked questions.
• November 2023 :  What Hi-Fi?  Award winners labelled after the 2023 Awards Best Buys and Product of the Year announcements.

The best headphones – all styles, all budgets

The best headphones deals on the internet right now

The best headphones amplifiers : the best way to boost your personal listening

Wired vs wireless headphones : the pros, cons, and which are best for you?

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Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10 years in the hi-fi industry, she has been fortunate enough to travel the world to report on the biggest and most exciting brands in hi-fi and consumer tech (and has had the jetlag and hangovers to remember them by). In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.

• Harry McKerrell Staff writer
• Guapito1973 The AKG N60s are on-ear headphone, not over-ear. Reply
• doifeellucky This list is the headphone equivalent of saying the world is flat. Reply
• Natan90NL I honestly would like to know if there is a substantial difference between AirPods max vs same priced wired headphones using lossless (and extra with a dec). Like the Grado SR325x with 3,5 mm to lightning or even with an ifi zen dec for example. Does this really sound better or is the AirPods max so good with the computational audio that it’s not a substantial difference. Many thanks for any replies!! Reply

doifeellucky said: This list is the headphone equivalent of saying the world is flat.

iFi audio said: wait, since when is the world not flat?

Paul9115 said: Sponsored by Apple Inc ©®™

• Friesiansam In this latest 2023 list, you have used the wrong picture at #13 Focal Utopia, that is not a pair of Utopias... Reply
• View All 8 Comments

The Best Wireless Earbuds for Travel (And Everything Else)

By Sebastian Modak , Elaheh Nozari , and Louis Cheslaw

While wireless earbuds have been around for a while, the AirPods ushered in a new generation of true wireless earbuds when they made their debut at the end of 2016. So began a Bluetooth-dominated era, where earbuds aren't physically connected to your device or to each other. For travel, going wireless can be liberating—no more wire tangles clogging up your backpack and no more slack cord dipping into your in-flight meal by mistake. And for some, over-ear wireless headphones are too bulky to stow away in an already stuffed carry-on bag . Here are the best editor-tested wireless earbuds on the market right now for travel and otherwise.

(Note: We don't think sorta-wireless earbuds—the ones with a wire connecting them to each other—are worth it when there are so many great wireless options available now, so we've limited this selection to true wireless earbuds.)

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Sony WF-1000XM3 Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Sony's new wireless earbuds were industry leading from the day they landed in stores last fall for two big reasons. First, they're entirely noise-cancelling, standing up to comparison with the greatest on-ear headphones out there. Second, these compact buds contain eight hours of battery life per charge, with 24 additional hours in the charging case (which can add 90 minutes of life with a mere 10-minute charge). The WF-1000XM3's, which have a rich sound that can handle whatever bass you throw at it, can maintain a connection to two devices at the same time, making switching between a phone and laptop easy.

Battery life: Eight hours, plus 24 hours of back-up in the charging case.

Hits: Warm, expansive sound quality with excellent battery life, USB-C charging, and best-in-class noise cancelling.

Misses: None come to mind—these are the earbuds to beat. 

Buy Now: $198, amazon.com

Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Wireless Earbuds

If you're looking to spend $100 or less on wireless earbuds, the Soundcore Liberty Air 2 are your best bet. They're similar to the Apple AirPods in that they have a long cylindrical stem that sticks out of your ears, and they're remarkably comfortable. Plus, the latest version added an impressive 13 hours to the charge capacity, and sped up the charge time. Now, you can get two hours of listening time with just a 10-minute charge. They have silicone tips that seal off your ear canals so they are technically noise-isolating, but the effectiveness really depends on how well the included ear tips fit you—to that end, there are now five sizes to choose from, ranging from XS to XL. They'll definitely stay in place if you're, say, sitting at the airport, but if you're taking these on a long run or for a jaunt around the gym, they won't be as snug as the Jabra Elite Actives or Powerbeats Pro.

Battery life : Seven hours, plus an additional 28 from the charging case.

Hits : Solid noise-isolation system and comfortable fit; a strong Bluetooth 5.0 connection; easy pairing to your device.

Misses : They are cheaper than most of the wireless earbuds on this list, which means they (and their charging case) also look and feel cheaper.

Buy Now: $80, amazon.com

Powerbeats Pro Wireless Headphones

The only choice for the active traveler, the latest Beats earbuds are entirely sweat resistant, with an adjustable over-the-ear hook that guarantees the buds will stay in place whether you're running a mile or taking off a sweater mid-flight. Along with the durability comes impressive sound quality, remarkable battery life, and an incredibly stable connection and clear microphone when making calls (aided by the fact that Powerbeats, owned by Apple, pair seamlessly with iPhones). The Apple benefits don't stop there: Powerbeats can be charged with an iPhone cable, and come with a new one to add to your collection.

Battery life: Nine hours, plus an additional 24 hours with the charging case.

Hits: Apple connectivity, sweat-resistant design, and never having to scramble for a fallen bud again.

Misses: At $250, there are cheaper workout headphones—and the size of the charging case takes getting used to. 

Buy Now: $250, amazon.com

Jabra Elite 65T True Wireless Earbuds

If you prioritize sound quality for music above all else, the Jabra Elite 65T are the best wireless earbuds at a more affordable price point than the Sennheiser. They carry an impressive dynamic range and come with three different sizes of silicone tips, called EarGels, so you can find a fit that will also offer very good noise isolation. The connection strength, powered by Bluetooth 5.0, is ironclad, so you won't experience dropped audio unless your phone is running on an earlier Bluetooth system. If you exercise a lot, consider getting the Jabra Elite Active 65T, which are nearly identical to the standard Elites but are sweat-resistant (and $20 more expensive).

Battery life: Five hours, plus an additional 10 out of the charging case.

Hits: Great sound; easy-to-use controls; strong Bluetooth connection.

Misses: Not the best for phone call audio quality, especially if you're on a busy city street.

Buy Now: Jabra Elite 65T, $120, amazon.com Buy Now: Jabra Elite 65T Active, $140, amazon.com

Shannon McMahon

Chris Schalkx

Caitlin Morton

Emily Pennington

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless Earbuds

For those who follow the evolution of earphone brands closely, it would have been pretty obvious that the German perfectionists at Sennheiser were not messing around when they released the Momentum True Wireless Earbuds in November 2018. These earbuds prove that size doesn't matter, to the point that it's easy to forget you're dealing with two tiny capsules that could easily be lost in the wash, not oversized headphones. The sound and passive noise isolation of these wireless earbuds are superb, with thumping bass and non-grating treble. An elegant, pocketable, USB-C charging case that doesn't look like it's holding your meds (hi, AirPods) is the cherry on top.

Battery life: Four hours, plus an additional eight out of the charging case.

Hits: Arena-like sound quality and an eye-catching design.

Misses: The controls—a complicated network of taps on the completely buttonless earbuds—can take some getting used to.

Buy Now: $230, sennheiser.com

Apple AirPods Pro

You can say what you want about Apple—that it doesn't innovate quite like it used to, or that it's the company that got us into this wireless mess with its nixing of the headphone jack—but the AirPods set a new standard for how Bluetooth earphones should work. Granted, they are designed for iPhone and Mac users, so if you're of a different persuasion, there are better options for you in this list. But when used to their fullest, the AirPods can be remarkable, and the noise-cancelling capability of the Pro model only improved upon the overall quality; with the Pro, you can toggle noise cancelling on and off, and there's a noticeable improvement in sound quality when turned on. The seamlessness of the connection, established as soon as you pull them out of their carrying case; the addition of ear tips for cushioning; and handy features like automatic pausing when you pull one earbud out all add up to a pretty nifty listening experience.

Battery life: Four and a half hours (five with noise-cancelling turned off), plus an additional 24 from the charging case.

Hits: Seamless Bluetooth connection; incredibly easy set up for iPhone users; sweat- and water-resistant.

Misses: The price is $100 more than standard AirPods, and the battery life is no longer top-of-class.

Buy Now: $250, target.com

TRNDLabs NOVA True Wireless Earbuds

Okay, these little guys aren't going to win any innovation awards. They're extremely simple—two tiny plastic pods with one button on each—and they do suffer from some annoying hiccups, including totally failing at syncing with video. But hey, look at that price . For something that will channel decent-fidelity music into your ears for the price of a 30-minute Uber ride in New York City, all without a wire in sight, the TRNDLabs NOVAs are a pretty great budget option, and the battery life is unmatched. There are even a few things that are really great: The disc-like carrying case is genius and if the provided extra pair of memory foam tips fit your ears perfectly, these cheap earbuds actually provide some spectacular noise isolation.

Battery life: Three hours, plus an additional 60 (yes, sixty ) with the charging case that doubles as a power bank.

Hits: A rock-bottom price tag; decent audio quality; good isolation if they are the right fit.

Misses: Crappy mics make for crappy phone calls; tons of lag when watching videos; cheap-feeling all-plastic build.

Buy Now: $49, trndlabs.com

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Best Over-Ear Headphones of 2024

Over-ear headphones are one of the best ways to listen to music, enjoy your favorite movies, and play engaging and exciting games. They deliver a truly immersive listening experience due to their ability to block out other sounds. Plus, with the larger earcups, they can benefit from larger, more capable drivers for better sound quality than you get with typical earbuds. Whether you’re looking for something affordable, or want to go very high-end for a premium listening experience, here are the best over-ear headphones of 2024.

Table of Contents

• Best Over-Ear Headphones
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Sony WH-1000XM5  »

Very good sound and microphone quality

Supports Bluetooth 5.2, SBC, AAC, and LCAD codecs, as well as wired connectivity

Supports find-my-device

Some of the best active noise cancellation

Thick padding for long-term wearing comfort

Long battery life

Lacks any kind of waterproofing

Sony’s WH over-ear headphone designs have been some of the most popular and award-winning for many years, and the latest versions are no different. Their 30 mm drivers deliver full, rich sound that emphasizes the highs, mids, and lows equally – and with Robust EQ settings within the companion application, you can tweak the sound to your preferences.

They are expensive, and there’s no waterproofing, so don’t wear them in the rain. But for the price, you get an amazing pair of all-round headphones. On top of excellent sound quality, they’re incredibly comfortable, with thick padding in the ear cups and headband. The wireless operation is reliable, with Bluetooth 5.2 multipoint letting you connect to multiple devices at once. Its noise canceling is some of the best in the business, too, so you never need to hear anything you don’t want to.

Anker Soundcore Life Q30  »

Affordably priced

Impressive sound quality for the price

Strong noise cancellation

A comfortable fit for long periods

Supports Bluetooth multipoint

Not well suited for active movement

No water or dust resistance

For a pair of over-ear headphones that respect your budget but still offer a wide range of impressive features and specifications, the Anker Soundcore Q30s should be at the top of your shortlist. They offer impressive sound quality given the price, and the active noise canceling is very effective, isolating you fully from the wider world when wanted. They have a comfortable fit, although it's loose enough that they would likely come loose during exercise, so they’re better suited for stationary listening.

Their wireless operation is effective and they have a long 40-hour battery life, so you won’t need to recharge them often – and you can extend it up to 60 hours if you turn on noise cancellation. Fast recharge means just five minutes of charging gets you up to four hours of listening.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless  »

Excellent sound quality for gaming and other media

Great battery life, with hot-swappable batteries

Wireless 2.4GHz and Bluetooth

Volume and EQ control hub

Active noise canceling

Very comfortable fit

Sturdy construction with metal frame

Designed more for gaming than music or movies

There are a lot of great wireless gaming headsets, but the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless stands head and shoulders above the competition with its blend of excellent sound quality, a comfortable and sturdy fit, and its range of impressive features. It supports wireless transmission over 2.4 Ghz or Bluetooth, and you can connect to two devices at once which is great if you like to use your phone for Discord or another VOIP application.

The active noise cancellation does a great job of blanking out background noise, and the bi-directional microphone has its own noise cancellation, so you’ll be able to hear your team clearly, and they’ll be able to hear you just as well. The fit is firm and secure, but heavily padded, so it's very comfortable over long sessions. With extensive battery life and hot-swappable batteries, you’ll be gaming into the morning hours without difficulty. These are gaming-specific headphones that probably aren't the best choice for music or movies (although they will suffice), but if gaming is your thing, they're highly recommended.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless  »

Up to 60 hours of battery life

Excellent sound quality thanks to large 42 mm drivers

Robust active noise cancellation

Works well as a wired headset for gaming

AptX adaptive codec keeps audio lag low for movies and TV

Comfortable

Bluetooth connectivity has too much latency for gaming

If you want a pair of headphones that just go, and go, and go, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless are hard to beat with 60 hours of battery life with noise canceling enabled. Few wireless headphones can manage even half of that. Fast charging means you’ll get them working again from nothing quickly, too.

The microphones give you crystal clarity for voice calls and effective noise cancellation in one. Sound quality is excellent, thanks to the large 42-mm drivers. They’re a little more bass-heavy than audiophiles might appreciate, but you can make sizeable adjustments to the sound in the Sennheiser app.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra  »

Robust design

Impressive noise canceling

Great sound quality

Snapdragon Sound support for better audio transmission on Android

AptX lossless codec support

All-day battery life

No waterproofing

Snapdragon Sound unsupported by iPhones

If you’re willing to pay for the privilege, you won’t find a better pair of over-ear headphones for travel than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra wireless headphones. They're aptly named, because along with having excellent sound quality, they're incredibly comfortable, with thick foam padding and soft ear cushions. There’s 24 hours of battery life, which is enough for a full day of enjoyment, and they recharge super fast – just 15 minutes of charging gets you 2.5 hours of playtime.

Touch controls on each earcup make interacting with them intuitive and simple, and the noise cancellation is better than almost any other set of headphones out there. You can rest assured that you won’t hear the train, plane, or crowd noise around you when you’re wearing these headphones. The included carry case is a handy extra for transporting, too. They aren't waterproof, however, so watch out for that. And if you have an iPhone, you won't be able to use Snapdragon.

Apple Airpod Max  »

Has incredible sound quality

Supports spatial audio

Very robust design with great build quality

The aluminum ear cups give it a real-quality feel

Useful physical controls make adjustments easy

Has an 8-microphone array for ANC and sound adjustment on the fly

Soundtracking works well with iPhone and iPad

Very expensive

The “case” is practically redundant

If you want a pair of headphones to use with your Apple devices, the AirPods Max Wireless are some of the best headphones you can buy. They offer outstanding audio quality and the smart H1 chips inside can analyze your sound, head movement, and location to provide the best spatial audio possible in compatible media.

That said, they're very expensive, and the case isn’t very good. But other than that, these are a truly premium pair of headphones for Apple audiophiles. Their build quality is exceptional with very sturdy aluminum earcups, and they’re very comfortable with thick padding in the earcups and headband. There are physical controls for volume and toggling active noise canceling, the latter of which is particularly impressive and able to block out almost all background noise.

The Bottom Line

Over-ear headphones are often the preferred headphones of audiophiles and professionals, as they offer better sound quality and comfort than earbuds or many noise-canceling headphones .

With that in mind, maximize your comfort and sound quality to get a great headphone experience. But look out for strong noise cancellation if you want to use them in busier environments, too.

“Beyond frequency response, comfort is key,” says GuitaristNextDoor writer and audio hardware tester, Tyley Connaghan. “With the right [over-ear headphones], I can easily mix for a few hours without feeling fatigued or getting a headache, which is a key factor for me.”

Things To Consider When Buying Over-Ear Headphones

Sound quality : Sound quality is arguably the most important consideration in purchasing a pair of over-ear headphones. They need to support a wide frequency range to give you a nuanced and full sound, but they also need to be clear and not too heavy on any part of the frequency spectrum.

While some might prefer a bassier or treble-enhanced sound, that’s something you can adjust in EQ. We recommend looking for headphones that have a neutral sound that isn’t too overbearing in any part of it, letting you enjoy a wide range of genres and giving you room to customize.

Comfort and fit : Comfort is one of the main advantages of over-ear headphones compared to earbuds. They're simply larger and can have more padding to allow for a more comfortable fit on both your head and your ears. That can lead to heat build-up in cheaper designs, but the best over-ear headphones are designed to be breathable and comfortable over long periods.

“I've tried many different types of headphones, but my favorites are over-ear headphones,” says TechiAid co-founder Suhel Rana, who has tested many sets of headphones. “They block out external sounds and enhance the music experience. They are a bit large and heavy, but extremely comfortable.”

Noise cancellation : Passive noise canceling with extra padding and thick ear cups is useful, but the best over-ear headphones have active noise canceling, which can all but eliminate external noise. That’s perfect if you’re traveling or want to use the headphones while commuting. The best ones can also use their ANC microphones to track your head movement, giving better support for spatial audio and making movies and TV shows sound just like they do on the big screen.

Wireless connectivity and battery life : Wireless connectivity can untether you from your audio source and let you relax into the music, movie, or whatever else you’re enjoying. It does often mean a slightly worse quality sound due to some compression, but most won’t be able to hear the difference. Battery life is a consideration with wireless, though most of the best over-ear headphones offer good battery life on a single charge, and some even have swappable batteries. Look out for fast charging features if you think you might be caught with a dead battery.

Price and value for money : As you can see from our list, headphones that cost more than $300 aren’t uncommon and often offer the best comfort and sound quality. However, there are even more expensive options for those with deeper pockets who are looking for a certain kind of sound or feature, and there are cheaper models too. You can spend less than $100 and get a good pair of headphones, but sound quality and noise canceling probably won't be as good, and they might not be as comfortable.

How We Chose The Best Over-Ear Headphones

Our contributor for this review, Jon Martindale, spoke with a number of over-ear headphone owners and experts, including TechiAid co-founder Suhel Rana, GuitaristNextDoor writer and audio hardware tester Tyley Connaghan, and DJ/Producer Rafe Gomez, among others. Martindale looked at key features like comfort, sound quality, battery life, and connection options, and compared and contrasted with user reviews to find the absolute best over-ear headphones money can buy.

WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US

Jon Martindale is a technology journalist with 20 years of industry experience. He’s written for Digital Trends, Forbes, PCGamer, and many other publications. He’s interviewed many analysts and experts over the years and prides himself on being able to distill complex topics into easily digestible recommendations. To Jon, the over-ear headphones are comfortable, breathable, and have great sound quality. He also loves a metal frame to avoid creaking sounds when he turns his head.

The first should be sound quality, but after that comfort is paramount. If you’re going to be wearing these headphones for a long period of time, they need to be comfortable and they need to be durable enough to maintain that comfort and sound quality for several years into the future so you get the most from them.

While you can check the specifications and features, reading first-hand opinions is by far the best option if you can’t try the headset yourself. Think about the kind of music you like to listen to and the kind of sound you prefer – bass-heavy, treble-heavy, punchy mids, etc. Also, consider the price you’re paying. If it’s under $100, the quality won't be stellar. Anything over $300 is relatively high-end, and once you get over $500, you’re approaching professional quality.

Comfortable headphones are more enjoyable to wear over long periods of time, and if you’re spending a lot on a pair of headphones, it’s worth getting some you’re going to find comfortable so you can fully enjoy them. Check the materials in the ear cups and headband and make sure your skin isn’t affected by any particular allergens.

If you’re buying a wireless pair of headphones, battery life is important so that you aren’t constantly having to put them on charge. Models with replaceable batteries can be good for constant on-the-go use, although fast charging can also get you back to listening quickly if needed.

Look for at least 20 hours of battery life so you aren’t spending a lot of time charging them, though the ones with at least 40 hours are great if you expect to be away from a charge point for a long time.

Noise-canceling headphones can help you enjoy your commute or travel more easily by drowning out the crowds and travel noise and can help you enjoy your favorite tunes more readily by being more immersive. It does drain the battery more, though, and you’re paying for all the software and hardware that makes it possible.

The over-ear headphones on this list run between $80 and $550. While you can certainly find over-ear headphones for less – or much more! – every pair of over-ear headphones we recommend is high quality and should last a long time. Spending more money doesn’t necessarily mean better sound quality or comfort, so be sure to read our thorough reviews when selecting the pair that’s right for you.

About Our Team

Jon Martindale

Contributor

Jeff Kinney

Senior Editor

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

Best headphones for travel 2024: noise-cancelling for holidays and work travel

It's time to grab a pair of the best headphones for travel, for long flights, train journeys, and car rides

If you’re not travelling with a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, you’re not doing it properly. Sure, you could travel with the same earphones you use on your 30-minute commute, but don’t be surprised when they’re uncomfortable and you can’t even hear your movie, audiobook or podcast.

Buses and trains are loud. Aircraft cabins are louder. In fact, at take-off and landing noise levels inside the cabin can reach 105 decibels (dB). At cruising altitudes, it’s about 85 dB. This is why pilots have for decades been wearing headphones that produce sound waves to physically cancel out ambient noise.

Now you can, too.

For frequent long-haul flyers, noise-cancelling headphones are standard issue or, at least, they ought to be. That white noise a big aircraft’s engines and air-con systems produce is a killer. Cue a precise arrangement of microphones inside and outside the ear-cups of noise-cancelling headphones that continuously measure, compare and react to the sound waves they detect.

Essentially creating sound waves to cancel out the low frequencies, the latest trend is for noise-cancelling headphones to go wireless. However, a lot of models are both bulky and expensive, which means that you do have to shop around if you want something more compact or more affordable.

Luckily, noise-cancelling earphones are now coming of age, with some great quality products to pick from across the price range.

If you're looking to fully update your travel kit, then you'll need to make sure your headphones are packed inside the best suitcase or best carry-on luggage and you'll want to read T3's ultimate travel guide . And if you want something that'll let you drop off en route, you might want to also consult our guide to the best sleep headphones .

The best headphones for travel

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

We've found two companies dominate wireless noise-cancelling headphones; Bose and Sony . When it comes to bulky wireless noise-cancelling headphones aimed at business travellers, for every benchmark Bose, there's a Sony lurking in the shadows. 

The newest of the lot, Sony's WH-1000XM5 – announced in 2022 – come with a number of useful upgrades over the XM4 that we think are perfect for travellers. They still boast market-leading noise-cancelling, but now also have Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity, and USC-PD (‘power delivery’) charging, so a mere three minutes of charging is good for three hours of playback. That's perfect if you're just about to get on a long haul flight and need a quick juice up.

The ANC itself is adaptive relative to your circumstances. The XM5 will learn (or can be told) about your most commonly visited locations and can (if you wish) adapt itself to suit.

While the Sony WH-1000XM5 don’t come cheap, in our review, we found the combination of sonic fidelity, top-tier active noise-cancellation, flawless ergonomics, competitive battery life and impeccable eco-credentials, these are hands-down the best headphones for travel.

2. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The Bose QC35 and QC35 II were an icon of travel headphones – catch any rush-hour train and board any flight, and you will see black and silver Bose headphones peaking out from the top of almost every headrest.

Now, there's a new model in town. The literally-named Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 introduce a sleek new design that is both lightweight and elegant. Behind the smart look, the headphones still pack 11 adjustable levels of top-notch noice cancellation, impressive audio quality, and up to 20 hours of wireless battery life.

Like with many of today's headphones, either Alexa or Google Assistant can be summoned with the press of a button, while the stainless steel headband and padded, angled ear cups are designed to put comfort first.

To bag a great deal check our Bose discount codes . 

3. Bowers & Wilkins PX7

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 is the kind of outstanding product that B&W built a global reputation on. It combines all their hard-won expertise in audio manufacture with cutting-edge noise cancellation and looks stunning as well

We think the headphones sound great, with B&W's usual exciting, but well balanced, signature sound. In fact, we'd say they sound slightly better than the other big-ticket noise-cancelling headphones. 

The PX7 also features motion-sensing, which means if you lift a cup from your ear, the sound is paused, and if you take them off entirely, they go into standby mode. We found that's very useful when travelling, as you'll frequently need to remove them to talk to people.

4. Sony WF-1000XM4

If you're a Sony fan but need portability from your carry-on earphones, then the WF-1000XM4 are for you. Sony claims these tiny earphones offer improvements in every area, including noise cancellation, over their predecessors, while maintaining a compact design and pocket-sized charge case.

Battery life is eight hours for the earphones themselves, that's longer than Apple 's AirPods Pro, and up to 24 hours when you top them up using the charge case.

In our review, we said 'while the QuietComfort Earbuds may have them beaten for noise cancelling, Sony’s buds sound a fair bit better than Bose’s overall. Sony WF-1000XM4 are the complete package.'

5. Apple AirPods Pro

When Apple launched its AirPods Pro we couldn't believe white how good their active noise cancelling was. Despite their tiny size, they block out plenty of ambient sound passively with a good, comfortable fit, then create near-silence when the active noice cancelling is switched on.

Their touch controls are easy to use and if you are a fully paid-up member of the Apple ecosystem you can enjoy the AirPods' ability to automatically switch between your iPhone , iPad and Mac, depending on how you use them.

Battery life is 4.5 hours for the earphones themselves, with a further 24 hours of playback possible by popping them into the charging case every few hours. That can be a bit fo a drag on a long-hawk flight, but their pocket-friendly convenience more than makes up for it.

6. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95

Created to celebrate the brand's 95th anniversary, the Beoplay H95 might just be the most luxe and stylish travel headphones on this list. A combination of exceptional adaptive active noise cancellation, incredible comfort, sleek design, and outstanding sound performance makes H95 the perfect travel companion for first-class globetrotters. 

The headphones have been created from luxurious metal and fabrics to deliver an ultra-premium product in both build-quality and long-lasting comfort. They're equipped with high-quality titanium drivers tuned to Bang & Olufsen’s signature sound.

7. Shure Aonic 50

If you want to listen to music at its very best on your next trip away, with good noice cancelling too, the Shure Aonic 50 are an excellent pair of headphones. Shure took its time to get into the headphone market, but not it's fear we are big fans, and this year awarded the Aonic 50 our Platinum Award and have them the full five-star treatment.

The headphones have a wide range of audio codecs to get the best out of your music, and have superb build quality and great design. The only drawback here is how the Shure's have a tendency to highlight the shortcomings of older and lesser-quality audio. But feed them with quality sound and you'll be in for a treat.

8. Cleer Flow II

These noise-cancelling, Bluetooth headphones from Cleer are fantastic value. For less than £250 / $300 you get a pair of great-sounding headphones with a long list of premium features. The Flow II's boast up-to 20 hours playback with noise-cancelling enabled (that's most flights around the world covered). As for the quality of noise-cancelling? That's up there with the best from Sony and Bose. 

Our two favourite features (other than the excellent sound quality) is Google Fast Pair, which makes pairing with Android phones a breeze, and Conversation Mode, which temporarily disengages ANC and automatically lowers the volume of whatever you're listening to when you place your hand over the left ear cup.

9. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport won’t fit into many people’s budget, especially those who are looking for a dedicated pair of earbuds to work out in. It’s hard to justify the price since there are a lot of solid, cheaper options that are just as feature-rich. There’s also the fact that the E8 Sports may not provide the kind of sound signature you like. You’ll find most of the competition to be brighter than these.

However, if the price doesn’t scare you off and you prefer warmer audio, then you would be hard-pressed to find a better pair. Not only do the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport earbuds sound terrific, but they’re also beautifully designed from the customizable tips and fins down to their intuitive UI. Considering all that, its price starts to make a lot more sense and therefore, is justifiable. 

The effort and thought that B&O put into these are apparent. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport are not just another set of earbuds. They're a work of art. 

10. Beats Studio 3 Wireless

Are these the best Beats ever? These wireless noise-cancelling headphones’ killer feature is the way noise control can adapt to the ambient noise around you, whether that's aircraft engine noise, wind, or the jibber-jabber of other travellers. 

The anti-wind mode is impressive since a stiff breeze is often the nemesis of noise-cancelling headphones because of the way they use microphones to monitor ambient sound. However, an algorithm in the Beats Studio3 fades-out wind within a few seconds. In fact, it’s a silky noise-cancelling performance all-round because these are one of the rare pairs of headphones where you just don't 'hear' the noise cancellation process as much as you do with other really good ANC cans. 

Happily, the Beats Studio3 are also the best sounding of the Studio range to date, with a detailed sonic signature throughout. Also handy is a ‘fast fuel' feature that gives three hours of playback from a 10-minute charge, and easy pairing and device switching as found on Apple’s AirPods.

How we test the best headphones for travel

We spend a lot of time reviewing the latest headphones, so when it comes to recommending which are the best headphones for travel to buy, you can be safe in the knowledge that we'll recommend the best options for you.

We'll usually spend a week or longer testing the latest noise-cancelling headphones. We try out the very latest features to see if they work and if they're useful. This might be a noise-cancelling feature, a new app function, or a voice assistant. We test everything in-depth, with audio experts reviewing each pair thoroughly. 

All of these new features also get tested alongside everything a pair of headphones should be classically good at, such as sound quality, noise-cancelling ability, how long the battery lasts, and how comfortable they are to wear for long periods of time.

Once the initial review period is complete we'll publish a full review, give the headphones a star rating, and add an abridged review to this guide.

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As the Style and Travel Editor at T3, Spencer covers everything from clothes to cars and watches to hotels. Everything that's cool, stylish, and interesting, basically. He's been a part of T3 for over seven years, and in that time covered every industry event known to man, from CES and MWC to the Geneva Motorshow and Baselworld. When he's driving up and down the country in search of the greatest driving roads, he can be found messing around on an electric scooter, playing with luxury watches, or testing the latest fragrances.

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Home / Hot Stuff / You’ll want to ditch wireless with these Focal over-ear headphones

You’ll want to ditch wireless with these Focal over-ear headphones

Design-led wired cans offer open and closed-back listening

Who knew audio gadgets could also teach geography? Focal has looked way, way back into the Earth’s history – 4.5 billion years back, to be precise – for design inspiration for its latest pair of high-end wired headphones , the Azurys and Hadenys.

The brown-hued Hadenys was apparently inspired by the Hadean Eon, one of the earliest points in Earth’s history, where the planet’s tectonic plates were still being formed. The blue coloured Azurys was influenced by the precious mineral Azurite, which is almost as old.

Both use the same 40mm speaker drivers as the superb Focal Bathys Bluetooth over-ears, which were easily one of my favourite pairs of headphones in 2023. Except here you have the choice of open- or closed-back drivers. The open-back Hadenys is meant for at-home listening, while the closed-back Azurys won’t earn you disapproving tuts from your fellow commuters when you use ’em in public.

The two new arrivals effectively become the French luxury audio firm’s entry-level wired offerings (its high end headphones will set you back well north of four figures) – but don’t go thinking Focal has skimped on materials or styling. They each tick all the familiar Focal design boxes: honeycomb grilles, memory foam ear pads, woven fabric stretched over the headbands and yokes, and liberal amounts of genuine leather.

Both headphones ship in a sturdy fabric travel case. The Hadenys gets a 1.8m cable and includes a 6.3mm adaptor for hooking up to a high-end Hi-Fi; the Azurys has a shorter 1.25m cable with an in-line remote control and microphone.

The two new pairs of headphones are on sale right now, directly from Focal . Expect to shell out $549/£499/€549 for the Azurys, or $699/£599/€699 for the Hedenys. They’ll start shipping in June, but eager audiophiles heading to this week’s Munich High End show will be able to check them out in person ahead of launch.

• Related: Wireless vs wired headphones – which is better?

A tech addict from about the age of three (seriously, he's got the VHS tapes to prove it), Tom's been writing about gadgets, games and everything in between for the past decade, with a slight diversion into the world of automotive in between. As Deputy Editor, Tom keeps the website ticking along, jam-packed with the hottest gadget news and reviews.  When he's not on the road attending launch events, you can usually find him scouring the web for the latest news, to feed Stuff readers' insatiable appetite for tech.

Areas of expertise

Smartphones/tablets/computing, cameras, home cinema, automotive, virtual reality, gaming

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The Best Over-Ear Headphone Deals for May 2024

A s someone who works from home, headphones are a vital part of my day-to-day. With noise cancelling technology, I can block out outside sounds and boost my focus. And, thanks to a built-in mic, I can also use them during Slack and Zoom calls. Even if you’re using them for leisure, headphones are packed with features that can make it easier to accomplish whatever task you’re attempting. Spring cleaning, for example.

Over-ear options have significantly longer run times and are generally more comfortable for extended use than in-ear headphone, though the latter has the advantage of a rechargeable case. We also like to see headphones that have an app for tuning the EQ to your preference and making adjustments based on what you’re listening to. If you listen mostly to music, headphones with a bass boost are nice to have.

Active noise canceling is extra important in noisy situations like a shared work space, a public-transit commute, or an airplane trip; a “transparency mode” is crucial for those who need to let the sounds of the outside world in for a brief conversation. And on that note: on-ear headphones are an easy way to tell others that you want to be left in peace with your music.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

$278.00 at Amazon

$348.00 Save $70.00

Back in 2020, our expert called the Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones “Sony's best noise-cancelling headphones yet” and, despite the release of the WH-1000XM5 , they’re still a top contender for excellent audio performance and noise cancellation.  At $100 off retail, you shouldn’t miss out on these comfortable, customizable over-ear headphones.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Noise Cancelling Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

$299.95 at Amazon

$379.95 Save $80.00

Our expert praised the Momentum 4 for its excellent performance and effective noise cancellation, though found the in-app EQ to be underwhelming. If you can look past that small fault, Sennheiser is a brand known for its sound quality so you know you’re in good hands.

Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

$179.95 at Amazon

$349.95 Save $170.00

Beats is an Apple-owned company, so connectivity and functionality with Apple devices and a premium build quality are a given. Comfortable, with punchy bass and bright highs, these headphones support spatial audio with head tracking to personalize Dolby Atmos audio. The Beats Studio Pro ship with a 3.5mm aux cable for wired listening as well as a USB-C cable, which supports hi-res audio playback, all of which comes in a cloth zip-up case. Our reviewer noted that noise cancellation performance is just average and that the EQ isn’t adjustable, so keep that in mind if those are deal breakers for your purposes.

More Over-Ear Headphone Deals to Consider

• Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones for $249.00 (List Price $349.00)
• Apple AirPods Max ANC Wireless Headphones for $449.99 (List Price $549.00)
• Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones for $319.00 (List Price $399.00)
• Skullcandy Crusher Evo Wireless Over-Ear Headphone for $99.99 (List Price $199.99)

*Deals are selected by our commerce team

Over-Ear Headphone deals at Amazon

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