10 Best Earbuds Over Ear 2025 in the United States

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.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are a strong choice if you want high-quality sound and top-notch noise cancellation. They use advanced technology to block out background noise effectively, making them great for travel, work, or noisy environments. The sound quality is excellent, with clear and rich audio, and a special feature that improves compressed music files for better listening. Comfort-wise, these headphones are designed to reduce pressure on your head, so you can wear them for long periods without discomfort. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge, and a quick 10-minute charge can give you about 5 hours of use, which is very convenient.

Connectivity is smooth with Bluetooth 5.0 and the ability to connect to multiple devices at once, making switching between phone and laptop hassle-free. The touch controls on the earcups allow easy management of music, calls, and voice assistants like Alexa, which adds to the user-friendly experience. Calls come through clearly thanks to multiple microphones, and features like speak-to-chat automatically lower the music volume when you start talking. One potential downside is that the headphones are wireless, so if you forget to charge them, you might miss out on using them until you plug in. Also, while the build is solid and comfortable, they are a bit on the heavier side compared to some other models, which might be noticeable during very long use. These headphones suit adults looking for premium sound, effective noise cancellation, and useful smart features in an over-ear design.

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones excel in several important areas, making them a solid choice for over-ear earbuds. The sound quality is top-notch with high-fidelity audio and an adjustable EQ that allows users to customize the bass, mid-range, and treble to their liking. This means you can enjoy crisp and clear music tailored to your preferences. The active noise cancellation feature is another strong point, effectively blocking out external noise so you can immerse yourself in your music or calls without distractions. Additionally, there are two listening modes: Quiet for full noise cancellation and Aware for when you need to hear your surroundings, offering flexibility in different environments.

Comfort and fit are well addressed with plush earcup cushions and a padded headband, making these headphones suitable for long listening sessions without causing discomfort. The battery life is impressive, providing up to 24 hours of use on a single charge, with a quick 15-minute charge giving you an additional 2.5 hours of playtime. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth multipoint technology, allowing you to switch between devices without hassle. The option to use the headphones with a wired connection when needed is a handy backup.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The headphones are not water-resistant, so they may not be ideal for use in wet conditions or intense workouts. Also, while the touch controls are modern and stylish, they can sometimes be less intuitive than physical buttons. Durability appears to be adequate, with a synthetic carrying case provided, though the plastic material of the headphones may not be as robust as some users might prefer. In conclusion, these headphones are particularly well-suited for users seeking high-quality audio, effective noise cancellation, and long-term comfort, making them great for travel, work, or daily music enjoyment.