Best Over-Ear Headphones in 2023 – Our Ultimate Recommendations

In today’s post, we will be taking a look at some of the best over-ear headphones in 2023. The over-ear headphones are popular among all kinds of users. That is because they come with a solid build, sound quality, and enthusiastic connectivity options.

Besides, they have large earcups that are extremely comfortable to wear and listen to music. This helps in letting the earcups offer you with an opulent sound performance. This is in comparison to the earphones and earbuds that are great, but not as good as over-ear models.

We have researched several over-ear headphones that are extremely popular in the market today. Based on that, we have provided you with a list of the best models in this write-up. Our editors are seasoned veterans in headphones and electronic appliances, so you can be assured of the wired, noise-canceling, and Bluetooth units.

Best over-ear headphones

Below are some of the best over-ear headphones in 2023 that you may be interested in. Each of them comes with their own unique features & specifications. We have provided you with the pros & cons to help you to make your decision easier.

Without further ado, let us delve into the post.

1. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX

First on our list of the best over-head headphones in 2023 is the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX – Comfortable Wireless ANC Over-Ear Headphones. Bang & Olufsen is a luxury maker of headphones.

They have been in this business for many years and have produced many opulent models. Though their headphones are expensive, they come with sublime sound performance, Bluetooth performance, and stunning comfort when wearing them.

Let us read and find out why we have this amazing model in the first rank on our list. The model is nice & comfortable to wear. It comes produced with extended wear, and is quite comfortable, and has a lightweight build.

Users have liked the elegant touch control. The unit has a new generation of hybrid active noise cancellation that can remove the background noise effortlessly. This allows you to completely immerse yourself in sound.

It has a phenomenal battery life of 30 hours that can offer playback on a single charge itself. Now, you can enjoy your music. Its aesthetics provide you with an elegant design that can complement your personality and lifestyle.

The Bluetooth connectivity is fantastic, and if you face issues, then please turn it off for some time, and switch it on. The sound quality is splendid having a well-balanced bass and treble performance with a clear midrange.

Besides, you can also customize your audio preferences using Beosonic tuning. This can be done with the help of the Bang & Olufsen app. The unit comes with a quick Bluetooth pairing app and customizable sound compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Android.

The model is priced under $400. Yes, it is expensive, but it is unlike the Apple Air Max. They can cost you around $800 or more. Besides, the model comes in 5 vibrant colors for you to choose from.

PROS

  • Unparalleled comfort.
  • Stunning build quality.
  • Amazing sound quality.
  • Good connectivity options.
  • Attractive colors.

CONS

  • It is expensive.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX
  • Brand: Bang & Olufsen
  • Model Name: HX
  • Color: Timber
  • Form Factor: Over Ear
  • Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Bluetooth 5.1

 

2. Jabra Elite 85h

Second on the list of the best over-ear headphones in 2023 we have the Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones. Jabra is another exceptional headphone manufacturer that has been in the market for several decades now.

Their models are a hit among both youngsters and the elderly alike. Their models have stunning sound performance and durability. Let us find out more about this unit. The Elite 85h is a wireless model that comes with good connectivity ability.

They are designed such that they can effortlessly block the background noise. You can perform wireless calls and music experience with SmartSound. The smart active noise cancellation responds according to the environment, switching on if background noise is detected.

The battery life is good and is quite impressive for the price range coming at 36 hours. You can make use of the ANC when doing that. It also has quick charging of 5 hours and 15 minutes. Now, you can listen to your favorite music during journeys.

Its advanced technology uses 6 of the 8 built-in microphones to improve call quality and block wind noise. That means you can make calls without having to worry about the sound quality.

It is also water resistant, and you can now use the headphone outside when it is raining as well. it comes embedded with rain-resistant headphone technology and nano-coating of the internal components.

PROS

  • Amazing design.
  • Robust build quality.
  • Fantastic SmartSound sound quality.
  • Phenomenal call performance.
  • Excellent 5 colors.

CONS

  • Priced high.
Jabra Elite 85h
  • Brand: Jabra
  • Model Name: Elite 85h
  • Color: Titanium Black
  • Form Factor: Over Ear
  • Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Infrared

 

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Next, on the list of the best over-ear headphones in 2023 we have the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones. Sony is a popular electronic manufacturer and they have been producing some amazing products over the decades.

Their WH series of headphones have caught the eye of users globally. You can find these models used by users of all ages and kinds. The model is durable and comes with amazing sound performance and battery life.

It comes with a fantastic noise-canceling feature infused with dual noise sensor technology. There is also the next-level music with edge-AI, co-developed by Sony Music Studios Tokyo. The model has a 30-hour battery life having a quick charging of 10 minutes for 5 hours of playback.

Now, you can listen to your favorite music for several hours without having to worry about anything. There are also touch sensor controls to pause play, activate voice assistant, skip tracks, control volume, and answer phone calls.

The speak-to-chat technology automatically reduces the volume during conversations. So, when you have a call, the music is almost muted so that you can have a peaceful conversation without disturbance or background music.

It has good call quality with precise voice pickup. A notable feature would be the wearing detection that pauses playback when you remove the headphones. If you place them back on your head, the playback gets started.

PROS

  • Superb design.
  • Sturdy build quality.
  • Dual Noise Sensor technology.
  • Next-level music with Edge-AI.
  • Touch Sensor controls.
  • Speak-to-chat technology.
  • Wearing detection to pause playback.

CONS

  • High price.
Sony WH-1000XM4
  • Brand: Sony
  • Model Name: WH1000XM4/S
  • Color: Silver
  • Form Factor: Over Ear
  • Connectivity Technology: Micro USB

 

4. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Fourth on the list of the best over-ear headphones in 2023 we have the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, Bluetooth, Over-Ear Wireless. Bose is a popular German headphone manufacturer.

They are on par with makers like Sennheiser, Beyerdynamic, and others. Bose models are priced on the higher side, but they come embedded with stupendous specifications and opulent features in them.

The model comes with phenomenal noise-cancellation features. It has close to 11 levels of active noise canceling that allows you to enjoy videos & calls, music, and podcasts, without distractions.

The music performance is something that has to be witnessed to believe. Users have commended the brand for its crisp, loud, and astounding sound performance. It provides you with immense detail, with a full bass.

It can produce a lifelike sound that comes full and balanced at every volume level. There is a revolutionary microphone system that has the ability to offer intense audio even in windy environments to keep your voice crystal clear on calls.

You can make use of the voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. They can help you with a wide range of services like music, weather, navigation, and more. Moreover, you can make use of the intuitive touch control.

The design and build quality are top-notch. When you wear Bose-branded headphones, you know that you are wearing greatness. The headphones beautifully take the shape of your head and ears for the perfect fit to wear these Bluetooth headphones for hours.

The battery working life for the price range is somewhat less but acceptable at 20 hours on a single charge. You can listen to your last Spotify session by tapping and holding the right earcup. This is possible when you use iOS devices only.

The model is priced quite high at $300 and above. If you can afford that kind of money, then we suggest that you go ahead with this unit. You can’t go wrong when you consider using Bose headphones.

PROS

  • Eloquently design and build quality.
  • Powerful sound quality.
  • Amazing connectivity.
  • Premium materials used.
  • Superb mic system.

CONS

  • Priced on the higher side.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
  • Brand: Bose
  • Model Name: Headphones 700
  • Color: Black
  • Form Factor: Over Ear
  • Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth

 

5. PHILIPS PH805

Fifth on the list of the best over-ear headphones in 2023 is the PHILIPS PH805 Active Noise Canceling (ANC) Over Ear Wireless. Though PHILIPS are now not as popular as they used to be in the 1990s, they are a force to reckon with products like the PH805.

First, the ANC or the active noise canceling feature is awesome. It comes with tremendous balance and sound performance. You are not disturbed at all with everything that is happening around you.

You can make use of the awareness mode if you want. You can listen to music or talk to somebody on the street using the awareness mode. This way, you know what is happening around like when walking in a park or crossing the road.

It has an amazing 30 hours of playback on a single charge that is simply fabulous for a headphone price in the under $100 range. The unit has 40Mm neodymium acoustic drivers for highly detailed sound and strong bass.

There is also hi-res audio that helps you listen to each detail that comes out of the headphones. You can also use the wired mode using the 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm cable if you want to get opulent sound quality.

The best part about this model is that it is priced under $100 making it the cheapest on this list. So, when you are looking for a decent pair of over-ear headphones in the market, that comes with splendid features, then it has got to be this unit.

PROS

  • Good design and build quality.
  • ANC feature in it.
  • 40Mm neodymium acoustic drivers.
  • Battery life of 30 hours.
  • Hi-res audio.

CONS

  • Ears begin to pain after some time.
PHILIPS PH805
  • Brand: PHILIPS
  • Model Name: PH805
  • Color: Black
  • Form Factor: Over Ear
  • Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth

 

6. Insignia – NS-HAWHP2 RF

Finally, we have the Insignia – NS-HAWHP2 RF Wireless Over-The-Ear Headphones on our list of the best over-ear headphones in 2023. For those of you who prefer watching movies during the weekends or binge-watching, then this model would be ideal for that.

You may want to make sure that the ISP in your area is good if you are expecting a good signal, otherwise, there is surely going to be some lag in the connectivity. You can give it a check on the transmitter, which should work.

The setup is easy and quick. Once you hook them up, they provide you with a stupendous sound quality, without no audio lag. The unit is comfortable to wear and comes with good work of canceling external sound.

The volume of the headphone can be controlled with your TV remote. We are not sure about the battery as they may last for less than 5 years. You will have to replace the device after that period.

However, we may suggest that you turn it off between uses, the charge will last longer without putting it on the charging station. Some users have vented their frustration with Insignia about customer support, so we recommend you purchase it from a reputed seller like Amazon.

Users have complained about the control buttons on the headphones. They are black and hard to see. This makes it awkward to use. Apart from that they are a great pair of headphones to use for your TV watching or binging.

PROS

  • Nice design.
  • Comfortable to wear.
  • Amazing sound quality.
  • Decent connectivity.
  • Good battery life.

CONS

  • Poor customer support.
Insignia - NS-HAWHP2 RF
  • Brand: INSIGNIA
  • Model Name: NS-HAWHP2
  • Color: Black
  • Form Factor: Over Ear
  • Connectivity Technology: Wireless

 

Conclusion

We have ended our write-up on the best over-ear headphones. We hope that you enjoyed reading the models that made it on our list and were able to make up your mind. If you haven’t then we suggest that you read our Guide on Over-Ear headphones which will definitely help you to decide.

Maybe, you must have missed out on something. Did we like something? Yes, we liked the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX – Comfortable Wireless ANC Over-Ear Headphones, Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones, and the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones.

These models come with everything that any audiophile would prefer to have. Besides, if you are a professional gamer, a regular user, or somebody looking for a new over-ear headphone model, then you would appreciate the sound quality.

They are durable and come embedded with stunning features too. Did we miss out on your favorite over-ear headphone? When that is the case, then you would want to write to us in the comment section below.

We would like to hear your thoughts about the over-ear headphones.

Are over-ear headphones worth it?

The over-head headphones are worth it because they provide you with an amazing sound performance. Moreover, they are durable and come infused with tremendous features & specifications.

But they can be expensive. We noticed that headphones priced above $200 tend to do a decent job when it came to sound quality and Bluetooth connectivity. Based on that we have decided on the list.

Are over-ear headphones back in style?

When it comes to headphones, there is no such thing as back in style because they are bound to be present for a long time. Though wireless earbuds and earphones have eaten massively into the headphones segment, they are still in demand from professional gamers, athletes, and regular users.

Can headphones last 10 years?

This factor depends on the usage and handling of the user. If you are somebody who handles and manages the headphones carefully, then it can last for several years. When you are somebody who is an aggressive user, then it may not last for many years.

Otherwise, a good $200 pair of over-ear headphones can last you for more than 5 years at least. It can go further depending on the usage and handling. If you are somebody who travels often, then the life of the headphone will naturally come down.

Do headphones sound better with age?

No. headphones do not sound better as they get older. In fact, they start sounding somewhat blurry and once they have crossed more than 5-6 years, they can sound pretty bad, until they work.

That is why, you may want to consider changing the headphones after 6-8 years at the most, and not longer. Besides, your hearing may get affected if you use the model for a long period of time.

Is it alright to always wear headphones?

We don’t think so because your ears can be affected badly. As you can see, the ear needs to expel the earwax from time to time. If you are going to wear the headphones for a lengthy period of time, then it can cause difficulties in the process.

Moreover, you can face hearing issues, pains, and infections as well. So, you may not want to wear the headphones for a long time and take sufficient breaks in between to ensure that there is proper ventilation inside your ears.

James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.