10 Best Over Ear Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones are strong contenders in the over-ear headphones category, especially for those who value excellent noise cancellation and comfort. They use active noise cancellation combined with passive design to effectively block outside noise, making them ideal for use in noisy environments like commuting or busy offices. The plush ear cushions and padded headband provide comfort even during long listening sessions.

Sound quality is a highlight, with high-fidelity audio and adjustable equalizer settings allowing users to customize bass, mids, and treble for a richer listening experience. The deep bass feature adds a satisfying punch to music lovers’ favorites. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge, with a quick 15-minute charge providing an extra 2.5 hours—great for extended use without frequent recharging.

Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.1 and a multipoint feature to switch easily between devices, enhancing convenience. For added flexibility, wired listening is possible with the included audio cable, useful when battery runs low or Bluetooth isn’t available. The built-in microphone supports calls and voice commands, suitable for everyday use, though it may not match the clarity of specialized standalone microphones. Durability appears solid with quality materials like leather and plastic, but these headphones are not water-resistant, so they should be kept away from rain or sweat-heavy workouts. The package includes a protective carrying case, which helps with safe transport.

One slight drawback is the lack of water resistance, which may limit use during intense exercise or in wet conditions. Also, the headphones carry a premium price point, reflecting their brand and quality. These Bose QuietComfort headphones are a great match for users seeking comfort, strong noise cancellation, and long battery life, especially for travel, work, or casual listening. They balance sound customization and ease of use well but are best avoided in environments where water exposure is likely.

The Beats Studio Pro wireless headphones offer a solid mix of features for anyone looking for high-quality over-ear headphones. Their custom acoustic platform delivers rich, immersive sound and supports lossless audio through USB-C, which means your music can sound clearer and more detailed. These headphones include personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, creating a 360-degree listening experience that's especially nice for movies or immersive music. Comfort is good thanks to the over-ear design with faux leather ear cups, which also help with noise isolation.

Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is fully adaptive, allowing you to block out distractions, and there's a Transparency mode to let in outside sounds when needed. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 40 hours on a single charge, and a quick 10-minute charge provides 4 hours of playback, ideal for long trips or daily use. On-device controls let you handle calls, music, and voice assistant commands easily with touch and button controls. The included microphone focuses on your voice to keep calls clear. Wireless connection uses Bluetooth 5.3 with a good range and fewer dropouts, and the headphones also include a wired option with the 3.5mm cable.

One downside to consider is that these headphones aren't water-resistant, so they may not be the best choice for heavy workouts or outdoor use in wet conditions. Also, while comfortable, the faux leather material can get warm after extended wear. The Beats Studio Pro is a strong choice for users wanting premium sound quality, strong noise cancelling, long battery life, and versatile device compatibility, especially if you use Apple or Android smartphones.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 are high-end over-ear wireless headphones known for their impressive noise cancellation capabilities. Their advanced processors and 12 microphones work together to block out ambient noise effectively, making them ideal for noisy environments like airplanes or busy streets. Sound quality is excellent, with clear, balanced audio crafted alongside mastering engineers, supporting high-resolution audio for richer listening.

Comfort is a strong point thanks to a wider, soft synthetic leather headband and adjustable, swivel ear cups designed to reduce pressure during long use. Battery life supports up to 30 hours of playback, and quick charging provides 3 hours of use from just a 3-minute charge. Connectivity relies on Bluetooth with support for high-quality audio transmission, and the headphones also work wired if needed.

The microphone system is advanced too, with six microphones using AI to ensure clear voice calls even in windy or noisy settings. The foldable design and sturdy build make them easy to carry and durable enough for travel. Some users might find the touch controls a bit sensitive, and the price is towards the premium side. These headphones are great for music lovers and frequent travelers who want top-notch noise cancellation and comfort, while those looking for simpler, budget headphones might consider other options.