Best Over Ear Headphones

Are you thinking of buying a pair of nice headphones? I know how confusing it can be when you come to a shop and can’t choose among hundreds of models. Actually, that’s why I decided to create the review with the best over ear headphones. I have seen a lot of not very experienced users who just want to enjoy good music tracks and need an appropriate device. They usually do not want to learn such things as impedance level or frequency response. I explain all the advantages and disadvantages of every appliance in super simple words here. Well, if you are already familiar with the mentioned terms, I also have plenty of things to tell you. Keep reading!

Why did I choose over ear headphones? Such models are extremely popular nowadays. More and more often people do not care about the bulky design of such devices since they are amazed by the sound. Anyway, there is a high number of units that look pretty nice on the head. This review is absolutely for everyone. Whether you are choosing headphones for a gym or going to use them only in your room, I’m going to share some helpful info with you.

Best Over Ear Headphones Under $200 Reviews

Sennheiser Momentum 2

If 200 dollars is about the price you are ready to spend on headphones, then this model is great. The unit has an attractive leather covering with nice gold-colored stitching and can be folded if you are going somewhere with it. These headphones have closed back design and they do not leak much sound even when you listen to heavy-bass tracks at high volumes. Momentum 2 works as wireless and has raised buttons for convenient control.

If you value comfort, then you must be delighted to know that this pair weighs only 140 g/4.9 oz. It’s almost impossible to find the same lightweight and quality over ear device. So, do not miss this chance and take a closer look at Sennheiser Momentum 2. I’m going to continue with another impressive feature which is the frequency response of 16 Hz - 22 kHz. With this appliance, you can be sure that none of the details are missing. The extremely high level of sensitivity (120 dB) indicates that the headphones can produce admirable sound at any volume. To add, their impedance is 28 Ohm.

This device supports aptX, so you can transmit your music from a mobile phone or tablet via Bluetooth without damaging the quality. Another way of wireless connection provided by the Momentum 2 is NFC. The headphones have a great battery that lasts approximately 28 hours after 2 hours charge. It is very unlikely that you will ever suddenly run out of battery, but even if it happens, you can plug in a 140 cm/4.6 ft long cable and continue listening to the songs.

Sound

These headphones produce well-balanced and full-bodied audio. Their warm smooth sound is perfect for non-fatiguing sessions. They are sounding confident and stopping and starting with great precision. Sennheiser Momentum 2 does a perfect job of communicating the different tones to the tune’s bassline.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Just let me show you this closed back masterpiece that is incredibly popular among audiophiles. Are you wondering why? Well, let's see what features these headphones have. They weigh 285 g/10 oz and can be folded. Does it make this pair more attractive for you? If not, then I’m sure you will like its wide frequency response of 15 Hz - 28 kHz that allows hearing every detail. The sensitivity rate of the headphones is decent — 99 dB. The last technical characteristic I need to mention is the impedance which is 38 Ohm.

These headphones are not wireless, but it’s quite comfortable to use them with a 300 cm/9.8 ft long audio cable. Of course, you can get a wire with any other length since the original one can be detached. You will appreciate this feature when the cable gets damaged and you don't have to pay for a new device, as you can just replace the wire.

The headphones have a 3.5mm jack. If you need to connect them to a hi-fi system, use the ¼ adapter (6.35mm) that comes with them. You will also find a nice carry case in the package. So, there is no reason to worry about the safety of the headphones in your backpack.

Sound

This pair of headphones has a decently balanced mid-range and offers an enjoyable listen. It's a warm, controlled rumble that's just enough without overpowering. I think the bass delivered by these cans is great for the electronic genre and some bass oriented music. The soundstage of the ATH-M50x is good for a closed-back headphone.

Best Over Ear Headphones Under $500 Reviews

Sony WH1000XM3 - best overall

This unit isn’t cheap, however, I consider it to be the best sounding over ear headphones. I truly believe that it’s really hard to find something similar on the market since WH1000XM3 includes a lot of nice features and useful functions. This device is closed back and weighs 380 g/13.4 oz. Perfect clamping force makes it unbelievably comfortable to wear for long periods of listening.

Using these headphones you will not miss any detail because their frequency response is 4 Hz - 40 kHz. Have you seen anything like that before? In addition, the sensitivity of the appliance is 104 dB. Connect it to your mobile phone and enjoy high-quality sound due to the impedance of 16 Ohm. Moreover, the device supports aptX HD which basically guarantees fantastic audio whatever genre you prefer.

Well, it’s time to discuss the connection options you get with this pair of headphones. They support Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC, which means you can transmit music from almost any gadget. Sony WH1000XM3 needs 3 hours to be fully charged. After that, the device operates for 30 hours. One of the reasons I included this model in my review is the super-efficient ANC. However, if you don’t need this function at the moment, just turn it off and get 8 hours of battery life. Anyway, you have to remember that none can determine the exact amount of playback time since it depends on many different factors.

Sound

The headphones offer incredibly spacious audio that allows each instrument, effect, and vocal room to breathe. Both male and female vocals are given a lot of space and clarity to really shine. The low end has some dominance over the presentation as a whole. There is an EQ available in Sony's app, so you can change the sound if you wish.

Sony WH-H900N

So, what do we have here? Another device made by Sony. This company is definitely good at producing wireless devices. The given pair of headphones is closed back and comes with a 120 cm/3.9 ft long audio cable that can be used for battery-free listening. You can listen to the tracks that are on your phone using Bluetooth. How long can the appliance work after it has been charged for 6 hours? Well, the approximate time is 28 hours with ANC on and 34 hours with noise cancelling off. If you will use ANC occasionally, then the battery life will be something in between

Let’s look closer at the construction of the device. It folds easily, so travelling with Sony WH-H900N is a pleasure. There is a built-in microphone that provides pretty clear sound. For switching noise-cancelling on/off or answering a phone call you can use little buttons or in-line control. Google Assistant and Siri will be helpful as well. Wherever you buy this device, it comes with a sturdy case for maximum comfortable carrying. Considering the fact the headphones weigh only 290 g/10.2 oz, it’s going to be extremely comfortable.

Of course, I have to tell you a lot about the audio quality that is possible to get with this Japanese appliance. I’ll start with the frequency response which is 5 Hz - 40 kHz. The mentioned feature makes the device one of the greatest in its class. Equally impressive characteristic is the sensitivity of 103 dB. If you are an audiophile, you will like the fact that this model has 32 Ohm of impedance. This device is among the best over ear noise cancelling headphones.

Sound

Before describing the sound in detail, I need to mention that the headphones support aptX HD. Bass-lovers are going to be amazed by the audio provided by these cans. Sound separation and staging are rich. Sony WH-H900N offers complete clarity of sound without any distortion.

Audio-Technica ATH-M70x

You may be wondering why Audio-Technica charges that much for a pair of wired headphones. Yes, we are living in the era of wireless devices, but when you find out all the benefits of ATH-M70x, you can change your mind. The closed back unit weighs 280 g/9.9 oz which is very light. This device has a sleek black design with silver details which make it stand out among other models.

I have met a lot of those who say that a wide frequency response is vital for a good pair of headphones. Do you agree with this opinion? If yes, you will be delighted to know that Audio-Technica ATH-M70x operates in a range of 5 Hz - 40 kHz. The sensitivity of 97 dB which is also important provides crystal clear sound even if you are listening to loud music. The audio of this device is always great because of its impedance level — 35 Ohm.

If you read other reviews about the ATH-M70x before arriving at this page, you probably know that everyone appreciates the durability of this appliance. The metal elements of the headband are really sturdy. Plus, the audio cable you get with them is detachable. In case it gets damaged you don’t need to buy another pair of headphones, just another wire.

Sound

The headphones are great at providing neutral analytical sound with a high level of detail retrieval. The high-end is smooth, clear, and strident. Meanwhile, the treble you get with this model is very bright and crisp, with a fantastic extension, and no sibilance at all. The headphones Audio-Technica ATH-M70x deliver strong spatial cues.

Sennheiser HD 600 - open back

Wow, the first open back pair in my review! This device may look pretty funny if you used only elegant on-ear units before. However, I consider it to be the most comfortable over ear headphones with an open design. The headband is well-padded with soft foam that allows you to listen to music for hours without feeling fatigued. Yes, this device with 300 cm/9.8 ft long detachable cable isn’t very good for going out. It looks quite bulky and has no microphone for taking cell calls.

What is great about these headphones? Their impedance level is 300 Ohm which I find just tremendous. When it comes to frequency response, those who are working in the music field are expecting to hear some fantastic figures. Well, you are not going to be disappointed since the HD 600 offers music in a range of 12 Hz - 40 kHz. The last feature I want to familiarize you with is a sensitivity of 97 dB. The mentioned model is meant to be used as professional, studio reference monitors.

Sound

The supremely handed treble that shines with higher volumes is going to make you fall in love with the HD 600. These headphones are famous for a transparent and balanced sound signature. I liked the detail of the bass which is just perfect. The overall audio is slightly warm and smooth sounding. Basically, what you hear on the headphones is what your actual mix is.

Best Budget Over Ear Headphones Reviews

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x - best budget

If you want to get a decent pair of headphones and have a very limited budget, it may be really annoying. I have created this category of my review for those of you who value high-quality sound. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are certainly the best budget over ear headphones on the market. Even some more expensive models lack the features that this model has. For example, the considered unit is foldable and can be easily carried in a little pouch. Although the headphones are pretty cheap, they come with a ¼ adapter (6.35mm).

How about durability? The closed back headphones are made entirely of plastic but the construction does not feel weak. In addition, their audio cable is detachable. You probably know that the most common reason why headphones stop working is because of a wire issue. So, if the cord of ATH-M40x gets damaged, just order a new one. It makes this device an even more profitable option.

The technical features of Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are quite good for a budget pair of headphones. Their sensitivity is 98 dB which is not less than some premium units have. When it comes to frequency response, it is 15 Hz - 24 kHz, while most people are able to recognize only the sounds in a range of 20 Hz - 20 kHz. It is likely you will hear many more details of your favourite tracks than you heard before. The decent level of impedance (35 Ohm) is one of the reasons for the great reputation of these headphones.

Sound

The first thing I paid attention to is the surprisingly pleasant and detailed bass. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x doesn’t have an imbalance in lower mids and bass. Transparency is there and in abundance. To add, the model has admirable stereo separation. I find these headphones suitable for monitoring and field recording.

Best Over Ear Headphones For Working Out & Gym

Sennheiser PXC 550

Do you think that you have to use only tiny in-ear headphones for doing sports? Then let me introduce you to the best over ear headphones for working out and gym. The oval shape of the ear cups provides an excellent fit. The device has just enough clamping force for maximum comfort. No matter how actively you move, these closed back headphones will not fall off your head. They are wireless, which means you are not going to have problems with a too long audio cable that seems to be too short at times. However, if you had no time to charge the PXC 550, plug in the audio cable that comes with it and continue listening to the tracks on your phone or tablet.

Speaking of the methods of wireless connection, you can transmit music via Bluetooth or NFC. As you are going to take this pair of headphones with you to a gym, convenient ways of control must be vital for you. Sennheiser PXC 550 has intuitive buttons and in-line control. There is also a touch panel that allows you to change tracks and adjust volume with a tap of your finger.

The battery life of the headphones is about 30 hours. As the considered device has ANC, it significantly cuts the operating time. So, if you are using the noise-reducing function, the battery life will be approximately 20 hours. With regard to the technical features offered by Sennheiser, there are lots of figures that you may like. The impedance level is 490 Ohm which is the highest rate I’ve ever seen. Next, the frequency range of 17 Hz - 23 kHz indicates that you are going to enjoy very detailed sound while jogging or doing push-ups. The sensitivity of the PXC 550 is 110 dB.

Sound

This appliance supports aptX, so the quality of the songs will not be damaged by whatever gadget you are using. The highs delivered by this appliance have a decent amount of detail and clarity. You are going to be impressed by the strong bass. The overall presentation is fair and proportionate, while low-mid and mid-mid ensure clear and well-balanced reproduction of vocals and lead instruments.

Best Over Eear Headphones For Gaming Reviews

SteelSeries Arctis 5 - with mic

Are you a gamer? If yes, you should definitely consider buying the best over ear headphones with mic made by SteelSeries. Their detachable microphone provides excellent clarity of sound and has background noise reduction. The device is closed back and the strips of LEDlighting on the ear cups look really beautiful. Its construction is mostly plastic which makes the headphones lightweight — 355 g/12.5 oz.

You can create custom sound profiles and set the tone response using the special app. Built-in buttons neatly placed on the headband allow you to turn the mic on/off, adjust volume, etc. This appliance comes with a 300 cm/9.8 ft long cable that also provides in-line control. ChatMix Dial will let you choose the balance between game and chat audio.

This manufacturer isn’t going to shock you with the level of impedance which is 32 Ohm or rate of sensitivity — 98 dB. However, these technical characteristics are decent. In addition, the frequency response is 20 Hz - 20 kHz which must be enough for enjoyable gaming.

Sound

The audio drivers are angled slightly, meaning you get far better sound projection. Audio offered by the headphones is very crisp and well-balanced across multiple platforms. The midrange escapes unscathed, with relatively clean, natural performance. The headphones produce deep and powerful bass. Their microphone delivers good low end pick up, it’s not nasally, clear vocals.