10 Best Over The Ear Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are a strong choice if you want top-notch noise cancellation and excellent sound quality in an over-the-ear wireless design. They use advanced technology with 12 microphones to block out background noise effectively, making them great for noisy environments like planes or busy streets. The sound itself is clear and balanced, thanks to expert tuning and high-resolution audio support, so music and calls sound rich and natural. Comfort is another strong point — the headphones have a wider, soft headband and cushioned ear cups that don’t press too hard, allowing for long hours of wear without discomfort.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 30 hours of use on a single charge, and a quick 3-minute charge can give you several hours of listening time, which is handy if you’re in a rush. Connectivity is smooth with Bluetooth, and they work well with phones, tablets, and laptops. The foldable design and compact carrying case make them easy to take along, and the build feels sturdy enough for regular use. Additional smart features include an adaptive noise cancellation optimizer that adjusts based on your environment and whether you’re wearing glasses or a hat, plus an ambient sound mode that lets in important outside noises when needed.

On the downside, these headphones are a bit on the pricier side, and while they are light, some users might still find over-ear models less convenient for travel compared to smaller earbuds. Also, touch controls can sometimes be tricky to get used to. These headphones are best suited for people looking for premium sound and noise cancellation with comfortable wear and long battery life, especially if you spend a lot of time in noisy places or on the go.

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones offer a combination of excellent sound quality and advanced noise cancellation technology. With high-fidelity audio and adjustable EQ controls, users can enjoy deep bass and rich sound across a wide frequency range. The headphones are designed for comfort, featuring plush earcup cushions and a padded headband, making them suitable for long listening sessions. An impressive battery life of up to 24 hours ensures they can last through extended use, and a quick 15-minute charge provides an additional 2.5 hours of playtime, which is highly convenient for on-the-go users.

Connectivity is versatile with Bluetooth multipoint technology, allowing seamless switching between devices without the need to disconnect and reconnect each time. The option to use a wired connection via the included audio cable adds to their flexibility, especially when the battery is low or when Bluetooth is not available. However, it's important to note that these headphones are not water-resistant, which might be a drawback for users who need them for outdoor activities or in rainy conditions.

The Bose app supports the headphones with software updates and additional features, enhancing the user's experience. While the construction is primarily plastic, which may raise concerns about long-term durability, the lightweight design ensures they are easy to wear. These headphones are best suited for individuals seeking premium sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and long-term comfort for extended listening periods.

The Beats Studio Pro wireless Bluetooth headphones deliver impressive sound quality thanks to BEATS' custom acoustic platform, making them suitable for music lovers and those who frequently take calls. The inclusion of lossless audio via USB-C and three distinct built-in sound profiles further enhances the listening experience. These headphones provide two listening modes: adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) for immersive sound and Transparency mode to stay aware of surroundings, perfect for varied environments. The personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking offers a unique 360-degree listening experience, adding to the immersive quality of the sound.

With up to 40 hours of battery life and a quick 10-minute charge providing 4 additional hours, the Beats Studio Pro is reliable for extended use. The headphones also feature on-device controls for easy music and call management and Class 1 Bluetooth for a robust wireless connection with minimal dropouts. Compatibility with both Apple and Android devices makes them versatile for different users. The weight of 260g and the faux leather material may affect long-term comfort, but the over-ear design generally offers a good fit. Built-in voice-targeting mics ensure clear call quality by filtering background noise.

However, the headphones are not water-resistant, which could be a drawback for users planning to use them during workouts or in adverse weather conditions. The included carrying case, USB-C charging cable, and 3.5mm audio cable add value to the package. The Beats Studio Pro headphones are a strong choice for users prioritizing sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life, though their non-water-resistant design and potential comfort issues over long periods should be considered.