If you're shopping for over-ear headphones, the sheer amount of choice can be a lot to take in. They're still the classic go-to for plenty of people, and you'll find them in both wired and wireless styles depending on what suits you.
Over-ear headphones tend to cost a little more than earbuds, but they've built a solid reputation for bigger sound and better all-round specs. Whatever your budget, these are our favourite over-ear picks worth checking out.
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Best over ear headphones
1. Life Q35- Soundcore, £129.99
The Soundcore Life Q35 headphones come with multi-mode noise cancelling, so you can switch between indoor, outdoor and transport modes depending on where you are. That means clearer audio whether you're on a packed train or walking home in the wind.
Need to block out noisy flatmates or lock in at the library? Take a look at our top noise-cancelling headphones too.
The lightweight memory-foam earcups are comfy enough to wear all day, and a built-in sensor automatically pauses your music when you take them off. Pair them with the Soundcore app and you can pick from 22 EQ presets to fine-tune your sound.
What's in the box:
1 x Soundcore Life Q35 headphones
1 x travel case
1 x USB charging cable
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
Batteries: unknown
Battery life: 40-60 hours
Material type: memory foam earcups with protein leather
Apple and Android compatible? yes
Bluetooth version: 5
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes
Driver diameter: 40 mm x2
Impedance: 16 ohms
Sensitivity: unknown
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: hybrid active noise cancellation
Pros
Links to the Soundcore app for customisation
Comes with a travel case for easy transportation
Good ANC
Cons
On the more expensive end for a budget-friendly brand
2. SoundLink® Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II- Bose, £129.95
The Bose SoundLink®️ around-ear headphones are a really good all-around wireless option within the mid-range price point. You can easily connect your headphones to the Bose app to personalise your listening experience to suit your own personal needs.
The HD Voice system helps to provide clarity when you're making calls to make your voice sound as natural as if you weren't wearing headphones and despite being wireless, the headphones promise the same crisp and powerful sound as any wired headphones.
What's in the box:
1 x SoundLink® around-ear wireless headphones II
1 x USB charging cable
1 x Backup audio cable
1 x Carry case
Dimensions: 19.1 cm x 15.2 cm x 3.8 cm
Weight: 200 g
Batteries: internal rechargeable battery
Battery life: up to 15 hours
Material type: leather earcups
Apple and Android compatible? yes
Bluetooth version: 5
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes
Driver diameter: unknown
Impedance: unknown
Sensitivity: unknown
Frequency response: unknown
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: not active
Pros
Can be customised via the Bose app
long battery life
Cons
Bose doesn't publish audio specifications
No ANC
3. JBL Tune510BT- Amazon, £39.99
If you're on a budget and looking for a more affordable pair of over ear headphones, the JBL Tune510BT are easy to use and provides up to 40 hours of playback time and allows you to wirelessly listen to high-quality sound. The headphones come with a foldable swivel design allowing them to be easily stored and carried, so they're perfect for travelling.
What's in the box:
1 x JBL Tune510BT wireless headphones
1 x Type-C USB charging cable
Dimensions: 27 cm x 23 cm x 26 xcm
Weight: 160 g
Batteries: Internal Lithium-ion
Battery life: up to 40 hours
Material type: leatherette and memory foam
Apple and Android compatible? yes
Bluetooth version: 5.0
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes
Driver diameter: 32 mm
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 103.5 dB
Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: no
Pros
Can connect to Siri or Google Assistant
Affordable if you're on a budget
Cons
Doesn't come with Active Noise Cancelling technology
4. Beats Studio3- Amazon, £299
If you want to invest in a pair of over ear headphones, the Beats Studio3 headphones are a good option to look into. With premium sound, fine-tuned acoustics and pure adaptive noise cancellation to block all external noise. The headphones come with up to 22 hours of battery life and Apple's W1 chip for super fast and reliable Bluetooth connection at all times.
You'll also get fast charging, controls on either side of the ear cups so you can go hands-free and iOS and Android compatibility.
What's in the box:
1 x Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones
1 x Carrying case
1 x 3.5mm RemoteTalk cable
1 x Universal USB charging cable
Dimensions: Height, 18.4 cm
Weight: 260 g
Batteries: Internal rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
Battery life: 22 hours with ANC and up to 40 hours without it
Material type: unknown
Apple and Android compatible? yes
Bluetooth version: Class 1 Bluetooth with Apple W1 chip
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes
Driver diameter: unknown
Impedance: unknown
Sensitivity: unknown
Frequency response: unknown
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: active
Pros
Can connect with Siri
Impressive specs and premium quality sound
Cons
Expensive compared to other models on this list
Exact audio specs aren't published
While Android users can use these headphones, they won't be able to benefit from the Apple W1 chip
5. HUAWEI Studio Buds- HUAWEI, £299.99
The HUAWEI FreeBuds provide a high-quality listening experience. They come with Active Noise Cancelling technology for clear audio and calls and you can switch between general and cosy modes to enjoy time alone listening to audio without interruption.
The FreeBuds come with 6 mics to ensure your calls are crystal clear and promise a stable signal and connection that won't disconnect and irritate you. You can also connect your headphones to more than one device at once, which is really useful if you like to switch between your phone and your laptop while working.
What's in the box:
1 x HUAWEI FreeBuds
1 x carry case
1 x USB-C charging cable
Dimensions: 194 mm x 152 mm x 81.5 mm
Weight: 260 g
Batteries: Internal Lithium-ion
Battery life: 20 hours
Material type: unknown
Apple and Android compatible? yes
Bluetooth version: 5.2
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes
Driver diameter: 40 mm
Impedance: unknown
Sensitivity: 40 dB
Frequency response: 4 - 48,000 Hz
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: active
Pros
Long battery life
Hands-free
Good for taking calls without interruption from background noise
Cons
Expensive compared to other headphones on this list
6. Sony WH-1000XM3- Amazon, £195 - best noise-cancelling over-ear headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones come with industry-leading noise cancellation thanks to the QN1 chip. This processor means that the noise-cancelling technology blocks out daily noise and gives you a better audio experience.
These Sony over ear headphones also benefit from quick charging and long battery life as well as comfortable earpads so you can wear them for long periods of time without any discomfort. You can also access Alexa to go hands-free and find out the weather, switch songs, change the volume, get information or decline and answer calls.
What's in the box:
1 x Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones
1 x Headphone cable
1 x USB Type-C cable
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 254 g
Batteries: Internal Lithium-ion
Battery life: 30 hours without ANC and up to 38 hours without ANC
Material type: unknown
Apple and Android compatible? yes
Bluetooth version: 5.0
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes
Driver diameter: 40 mm
Impedance: 42 ohms
Sensitivity: 104.5 dB
Frequency response: 4 - 40,000 Hz
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: active
Pros
Can connect to Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant
Can connect to the Sony Music Centre App for easy controls and customization
Cons
Expensive compared to other models on this list
7. AirPods Max- EE, £560 - best over-ear headphones for Apple fans
The Apple AirPods Max are the newest addition to the AirPods family and offers an over ear headphone solution to fans of Apple products who may not like earbuds. The AirPods Max are expensive, but they come with industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation and the Apple H1 chip for the ultimate listening experience.
The AirPods Max are also designed for a seamless and comfortable fit with memory foam ear cushions and you can choose from 5 colours, the classic Apple white and silver, space grey, sky blue, pink and green.
What's in the box:
1 x AirPods Max
1 x Smart Case
1 x Lighting to USB-C Cable
Dimensions: 187.3 mm x 168.6 mm x 83.4 mm
Weight: 385 g
Batteries: Internal
Battery life: up to 20 hours
Material type: memory foam ear cushions
Apple and Android compatible? no
Bluetooth version: 5.0
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes
Driver diameter: unknown
Impedance: unknown
Sensitivity: unknown
Frequency response: unknown
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: active
Pros
Comes with a convenient smart case for travelling
Premium Apple H1 chip
Cons
The most expensive pair of headphones on this list
Only really for Apple users and Apple devices
8. Urbanista Los Angeles- Urbanista, £169
The Urbanista Los Angeles are the world's first self-charging wireless headphones, powered by solar power! These headphones are not only unique but also super practical due to the fact they charge by using advanced green technology to convert all light, both indoor and outdoor into power. In other words, your headphones will always be charging which is great!
The Los Angeles headphones also come with advanced hybrid Active Noise Cancelling to reduce background noise and increase your focus on your audio.
What's in the box:
1 x Urbanista Los Angeles headphones
1 x carrying case
1 x USB Type-C charging cable
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 310 g
Batteries: Internal Lithium-ion
Battery life: up to 80 hours
Material type: memory foam and faux leather
Apple and Android compatible? yes
Bluetooth version: 5.0
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes
Driver diameter: 40 mm
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 107 dB
Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: hybrid active
Pros
Charged by solar power so they'll never run out of battery and are always charging
Environmentally friendly
Unique features
Can connect to the Urbanista app to customise your listening experience
Cons
A new concept for headphones, so the solar power charging might not be the most reliable or long-lasting method
Not the cheapest headphones on this list
9. Life Q30- Soundcore, £79.99
The Soundcore Life Q30 comes with multiple modes to help you listen better. You can easily switch between transport mode, outdoor mode, indoor mode and transparency mode, so wherever you are, you can get the most out of these over ear headphones. Transparency mode allows you to easily hear sounds around you, such as traffic or someone you're calling transport and outdoor mode will block out noisy external sounds.
The Soundcore Life Q30 are also super lightweight and comfortable and comes in 3 colours, so you can choose the style that most suits you.
What's in the box:
1 x Soundcore Life Q30 headphones
1 x USB-C charging cable
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
Batteries: unknown
Battery life: up to 60 hours
Material type: unknown
Apple and Android compatible? yes
Bluetooth version: 5
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes
Driver diameter: 40 mm
Impedance: 16 ohms
Sensitivity: unknown
Frequency response: 20 Hz- 20 kHz
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: active
Pros
Can connect to the Soundcore app to customise
Comes with a travel case
Affordable if you're on a budget
Cons
Not the most impressive specs compared to other headphones on this list
10. Urbanista Miami- Urbanista, £129
The Urbanista Miami come with Active Noise Cancelling to block out the world and keep you locked into your audio. You'll get up to 50 hours of playback on a full charge, plus a travel case and airline adapter in the box, so they're a solid pick for long journeys and holidays. If you want a pair specifically for the gym, our best workout headphones roundup has you covered.
What's in the box:
1 x Urbanista Miami headphones
1 x travel hardcase
1 x USB Type-C charging cable
1 x AUX cable
1 x airplane adaptor
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 310 g
Batteries: internal lithium-ion
Battery life: up to 50 hours
Material type: memory foam and vegan faux leather
Apple and Android compatible? yes
Bluetooth version: 5.0
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes
Driver diameter: 40 mm
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 107 dB
Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: active
Pros
Mid-range price point
Designed for travelling
Connects to Siri and Google Assistant
Cons
Pricier pairs might edge them on all-round specs
FAQs
What are the best over-ear headphones?
It comes down to a few things: price, specs, value for money and whether ANC is a must-have for you. If you're watching your budget, brands like Soundcore and Urbanista offer plenty of bang for your buck, while Apple, Beats and Bose sit at the premium end. Weigh up what matters most to you and go from there.
What are open-back headphones?
Open-back headphones let air pass through the earcups, and they're a favourite in pro settings like DJing and music recording. A lot of high-end models are open-back because they deliver richer sound, but they don't isolate noise well, so they're not the best shout for commuting or travelling.
How much should I spend on headphones?
For a good-quality, long-lasting pair, you're usually looking at £100 or more. High-end models can run anywhere from £200 to £400, but pricier doesn't always mean better, and there are plenty of great budget options out there. Set your budget, then compare specs and features before you commit.
Are over-ear headphones better than earbuds?
Not better, just different. Over-ear headphones tend to win on sound quality, battery life and comfort for longer sessions, while earbuds are smaller, lighter and easier to pocket. It really depends on how and where you like to listen. If you're still weighing it up, our ultimate headphones buying guide breaks it all down.
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