10 Best Earbuds Over Ear 2026 in the United States

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed primarily for active users who want a reliable, workout-friendly wireless listening experience. They offer strong sound quality with Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio, providing clear highs, rich mids, and solid bass, which makes music feel immersive and detailed. Comfort is a key focus here—the earbuds feature secure-fit earhooks made from a flexible nickel titanium alloy, plus five sizes of ear tips, ensuring they stay put during intense activities without feeling heavy or uncomfortable.

Noise cancellation is enhanced with Apple’s best Active Noise Cancelling yet, along with a Transparency mode for awareness of your surroundings, which is great for safety during outdoor workouts. Battery life is impressive, delivering up to 45 hours with the charging case and 10 hours on a single charge, plus quick charging for short boosts. Connectivity is seamless, especially with Apple devices due to the H2 chip, supporting features like automatic switching and hands-free Siri, but Android users can still access many functions through the Beats app. The earbuds are sweat and water resistant (IPX4), making them durable enough for rain or sweat-heavy sessions, though they are not fully waterproof.

Controls include tactile buttons and voice commands, offering easy access to volume and calls without interrupting your workout flow. One minor downside is the charging cable isn't included, so you'll need USB-C cables on hand. These earbuds are well suited for fitness enthusiasts who want a secure fit, strong battery life, and smart features, while casual listeners or those seeking full waterproofing might prefer alternative options.

The SHOKZ New OpenFit 2 headphones distinguish themselves by offering a unique open-ear design that maintains awareness of surroundings, making them suitable for outdoor use or situations where being alert is crucial. They utilize DualBoost composite drivers coupled with an OpenBass 2.0 algorithm to deliver clear mids and highs along with a robust bass. This ensures a well-rounded audio experience, although some users might find the lack of traditional noise cancellation a trade-off, especially in noisy environments.

Comfort is a strong point thanks to the featherlight design and Ni-Ti alloy earhooks that promise a secure and personalized fit. An IP55 rating adds durability, making them resistant to dust and water splashes, ideal for workouts or outdoor activities. With up to 11 hours of listening time on a single charge and a total of 48 hours using the case, these earbuds provide impressive battery life. The fast-charging feature offers convenience, allowing for 2 extra hours of playtime with just a 10-minute charge.

Connectivity is streamlined with the ability to easily switch between two paired devices, and control is facilitated through multifunction buttons that can manage various tasks without needing to use a phone. Additionally, an app allows for customization of controls and EQ settings. While the open-ear form factor benefits situational awareness, the absence of noise control might be a drawback for those seeking immersive audio isolation.

The Apple AirPods Max are premium wireless over-ear headphones designed to deliver high-quality sound with an emphasis on immersive listening. Their custom Apple-designed drivers and computational audio, powered by the H1 chip, provide detailed, rich audio. The standout feature is the pro-level Active Noise Cancellation, which effectively blocks out background noise for a more focused experience, while the Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings when needed. Personalized Spatial Audio adds an extra sense of depth by adjusting sound to your ear shape and head movements, creating a surround-sound feeling.

Comfort is a priority, with a breathable knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions that create a snug, secure fit. However, the headphones are a bit on the heavier side (around 13.6 ounces), which might cause fatigue during very long listening sessions for some users. Battery life is solid, offering about 20 hours of playback even with noise cancellation and spatial audio active, plus fast charging via USB-C is convenient for Apple users.

Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.0, and pairing is simple, especially if you use Apple devices, thanks to features like automatic switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Physical controls include a Digital Crown for volume and playback, plus a noise control button, which are intuitive and responsive. The included Smart Case helps preserve battery when not in use, but it provides minimal protection. While the AirPods Max are quite expensive compared to many competitors and lack water resistance, they are an excellent choice if you prioritize sound quality, comfort, and noise cancellation within the Apple ecosystem. However, if budget or durability under rough conditions is a concern, exploring alternative options might be advisable.