Best Over Ear Headphones of 2024

The first one on our list is Bose QuietComfort Ultra. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones stand out as a commendable addition to Bose’s lineup, showcasing a traveler-friendly design and a return to the company’s traditional comfort-focused approach.

The build quality is notable for its focus on comfort, featuring wide ear cups, angled dynamic drivers, and soft padding, making it a daily driver that prioritizes wearer comfort over flashy design.

Weighing in at a mere 253 grams, the QuietComfort Ultra strikes a balance between portability and durability. The absence of an ingress protection rating suggests caution in extreme conditions, but for everyday use, they offer a suitable solution.

Control options are intuitive, with a multifunction button, a power button, and a touch-sensitive strip for volume adjustments. 

The Bose Music app enhances the user experience, offering features like a customizable equalizer and immersive audio settings.

Connectivity is versatile, supporting both Bluetooth 5.3 and a 2.5 to 3.5-millimetre cable. While lacking USB-C audio passthrough, the inclusion of aptX Lossless support sets them apart.

In terms of sound quality, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones deliver a customizable experience through the Bose Music app’s EQ presets. The immersive audio feature adds an interesting dimension to the listening experience.  The active noise-cancelling capabilities excel, effectively reducing ambient sounds by about 87%.

Battery life is impressive, lasting 27 hours and 37 minutes in continuous playback, with a 15-minute charge providing two and a half hours of listening time.

Overall, these headphones cater to those seeking a sophisticated blend of comfort, advanced audio technology, and robust Active Noise Cancelling performance, making them a compelling choice in the competitive market of premium headphones.

The second one on our list is Beats Studio Pro. The fourth generation of Beats’ Studio headphones, known as the Beats Studio Pro, brings significant improvements that cater to both Apple and Android users.

While the exterior design remains iconic, the headphones now feature USB-C charging and connectivity for wired audio playback, marking a departure from the previous model. The ear pads have been upgraded, ditching the stitching for a seamless design with higher-grade memory foam and engineered faux leather. This alteration not only enhances comfort but also contributes to better noise-canceling performance by creating a more effective seal around the ears. The transition from a hard case to a new rectangular soft case is a welcome change, offering better portability with added pockets for cables.

In terms of features, the Studio Pro stands out with its dual compatibility for both Apple and Android users, driven by a custom Beats chip. The headphones deliver impressive noise canceling, and the voice-calling performance is notably enhanced with six microphones. Despite lacking the H1 or H2 chip, the headphones introduce head-tracked Spatial Audio and essential Apple features like Find My and fast-pairing. 

The Beats Studio Pro’s 31-hour battery life, commendable noise cancellation when properly fitted, and satisfactory sound quality contribute to their overall appeal The sound quality is marked by improved clarity and definition, with the custom 40-millimetre drivers providing a dynamic and aggressive audio experience. 

The inclusion of a standard 3.5-millimeter headphone cord for analog wired listening and USB-C connectivity for digital audio playback adds versatility to the Studio Pro.

In conclusion, the Beats Studio Pro offers a compelling package with notable improvements in design, comfort, features, and sound quality, making it a worthy upgrade for fans of the Studio line.

The third one on our list is the Sony WH-1000XM5. The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless headphones represent the evolution of the acclaimed WH-1000XM4 model.

Boasting a distinctive new design that incorporates recycled materials, these over-ear headphones stand out not only in appearance but also in performance enhancements. The well-built design, accompanied by a sturdy carrying case, ensures durability during on-the-go use. The design improvements, including the absence of hinges, contribute to a refined and sleek appearance. Controls on the WH-1000XM5 are intuitive, featuring touch-sensitive surfaces and physical buttons. 

In terms of sound, the headphones deliver a neutral profile with a focus on clarity in mid and treble ranges. The bass-heavy signature, while suitable for genres like EDM and hip-hop, may have slightly muddy vocals and lead instruments. Customization options are available through the companion app’s graphic equalizer and presets.

Sony has refined the sound profile by addressing the boomy characteristics of the XM4, improved the integrated microphone, and fine-tuned the active noise-canceling (ANC) system for optimal performance.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.2 with support for SBC, AAC, LDAC codecs, and wired connectivity. The headphones can be controlled through the Sony Headphones Connect app, offering features like Active Noise Cancelling optimization, 360 Reality Audio, and a custom equalizer.

The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 impresses, providing over 30 hours with Active Noise Cancelling on and a remarkable 53 hours with Active Noise Cancelling off. A quick three-minute charge yields 180 minutes of playback.

Despite their impressive overall noise isolation, the ANC may struggle to fully eliminate the low rumble of bus engines, though it performs admirably against ambient chatter.

In short, the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless headphones stand as a commendable choice for those seeking a balance of style, performance, and advanced features in their audio experience. 

The fourth one on our list is Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2. The Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones carve a niche for themselves with a focus on delivering an immersive bass experience. 

These headphones boast an understated and modern design, available in a sleek matte black. Comfort is a standout feature, thanks to generous memory foam cushioning on the earpads and a fabric-lined headband, ensuring extended listening sessions remain fatigue-free.

In terms of build, the headphones feature a range of physical controls, including a power button, bass adjustment dial, and a three-button array on the right earcup for playback, volume, and Active Noise Cancelling modes. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C charging, and a 3.5-millimetre headphone jack.

Internally, the 40-millimeter dynamic drivers cover a frequency range of 20 Hertz to 20 kiloHertz, providing a powerful bass response that can be adjusted using a dedicated dial on the left earcup. The addition of haptic drivers adds a tactile element, creating vibrations synchronized with specific frequencies.

The Skull-iQ app enhances user control with a range of customization options, including an EQ with presets for Music, Podcast, and Movie.

Beyond its audio prowess, the Crusher ANC 2 stands out with its impressive battery performance. During our standardized testing, the headphones delivered an impressive 45 hours and 23 minutes of playback with ANC turned on.

However, where the Crusher ANC 2 falls short is in noise cancellation performance. Despite a four-mic system, the ANC implementation is only moderately effective, especially against low-frequency droning noises.

In short, the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 headphones are a solid choice for bass enthusiasts who prioritize comfort, bass, and style. 

The fifth one on our list is Sennheiser Momentum 4. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless headphones offer a compelling blend of features that cater to a diverse range of audio enthusiasts.

Boasting a sleek and modern design, these headphones prioritize both style and comfort. The shift to a plastic band from metal contributes to a lighter feel without compromising durability, making them suitable for extended wear.

Equipped with advanced touch controls, including swipe gestures for volume adjustment and track navigation, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless provides an intuitive and user-friendly experience. The inclusion of a physical power switch, coupled with the Auto On/Off feature based on headphone positioning, adds a convenient touch to the overall functionality.

In terms of sound quality, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless strikes a balance by slightly boosting bass without veering into overpowering territory. This nuanced approach enhances overall audio clarity, ensuring an enjoyable listening experience across various genres. 

The option to customize sound settings through the Sennheiser Smart Control app adds a layer of personalization for audiophiles.

The headphones deliver an impressive battery life, outshining competitors in the active noise canceling (ANC) category. The 56 hours and 21 minutes of continuous music playback with ANC make them a reliable choice for users on the go. 

The Smart Pause feature, activated by taking the headphones off, adds a practical dimension to user interaction. While the active noise-canceling (ANC) capabilities are commendable, they fall slightly behind top-tier competitors. 

Overall, for commuters, students, and office workers seeking a versatile audio companion, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless provides a compelling package with excellent battery life, thoughtful design, and high-quality sound.

The last one on our list is Apple AirPods Max. The Apple AirPods Max offers a compelling blend of premium design, powerful features, and impressive audio performance.

The build quality is exceptional, featuring a stainless steel headband and aluminum ear cups that exude luxury. Despite their weight, the headphones remain comfortable, thanks to a well-engineered headband that evenly distributes the load. The plush padding and soft fabric ear cups contribute to a comfortable fit, though the absence of folding hinges limits their portability.

Connectivity is seamless within the Apple ecosystem, with the H1 chip ensuring easy pairing and compatibility with iOS devices. The digital crown controls for volume and playback add a touch of sophistication, while proximity sensors auto-pause playback when the headphones are removed.

Boasting best-in-class active noise canceling, these over-ear headphones provide an immersive listening experience by effectively blocking out ambient noise. The transparency mode, utilizing external microphones, enhances situational awareness without compromising audio quality.

The standout feature, Apple’s Spatial Audio, creates a surround sound experience, enhancing movie and show watching on compatible devices. 

The battery life, touted at around 20 hours with Active Noise Cancelling, aligns with real-world usage, and the low-power mode activated by placing them in the case is convenient. 

Active noise canceling excels, surpassing competitors in canceling lower-frequency noises. The transparency mode, too, stands out for its effectiveness. The microphone quality, while inconsistent across devices, performs well on Apple platforms.

While some limitations exist, such as the absence of a 3.5-millimetre headphone jack and a less-than-ideal smart case, these headphones are a strong contender for users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem.

To conclude, the Apple AirPods Max delivers an exceptional audio experience, luxurious design, and advanced features.