The 4 Best On-Ear Headphones of 2025

The Beats Solo 4 are the best on-ear headphones we've tested. They're the next generation of the Beats Solo3 2019, our previous top pick. While they maintain much of the signature aesthetic that helped put Beats on the map, including the comfortable, stable fit, some notable tweaks make them an improvement on their predecessor.

The biggest change between this model and the previous generation is their sound profile. Beats are renowned for manufacturing bass-forward headphones that bring out the thump and rumble in genres like EDM and hip-hop, but the Solo 4 skew in favor of an almost flat bass response. The mids are balanced with a slight boost in the upper mid-range that helps emphasize vocals. The treble is also quite flat and well-controlled. They deliver audio very consistently, so you can achieve similar audio delivery across listening sessions.

Another positive change is the increased battery life, which is now 48 hours, making them a good fit for long listening sessions. That said, there's still no ANC, and their on-ear design doesn't provide much attenuation against ambient sound, so you'll hear sounds like engine rumble and street noise in your audio. Disappointingly, the mic recording quality is a step down from the previous generation; your voice sounds thin and muffled when on a call. If mic quality is important, consider the similarly-priced JBL Tune 770NC instead. But the JBL have rather small ear cups that may not suit those with larger ears.

The JBL Live 460NC Wireless are the best on-ear wireless headphones we've tested in the mid-range. Their price can fluctuate slightly, but they're a good option when you can get them for less than $100. Out of the box, these versatile headphones offer a well-balanced sound suitable for many different audio genres, and their companion app's parametric EQ and presets let you customize their sound. They also support multi-device pairing, so you can stay connected with your computer and phone simultaneously.

Unlike the Beats Solo 4, they have an ANC system. It has trouble effectively reducing bass-range noise like rumbling bus and plane engines but does better with higher-pitched sounds like ambient chatter, which is handy if you want to focus on your work at the office or in a cafe. Their 29-hour continuous battery life is impressive, albeit not as good as the Beats' 48 hours. Still, they can easily last through a workday or long flight without a recharge. They're also well-built and decently comfortable, though their high clamping force can get fatiguing over time.

The JBL Tune 520BT are the next-best option if you want to spend less. These budget-friendly headphones have a well-balanced, though slightly warm, sound profile out of the box. It's a sonic signature that suits a wide variety of audio, producing smooth-sounding vocals and instruments. They lack a little low-bass thump by default, but you can tweak their sound to your liking using their companion app's parametric EQ and presets. However, unlike the JBL Live 460NC Wireless, they don't have noise cancelling and struggle to block ambient sound. Still, they support multi-device pairing to keep you connected to your smartphone and PC simultaneously.

These on-ears last over 65 hours continuously, which is great for long weeks on the go or at your desk. But they're not the most comfortable or sturdiest, which is to be expected at this price point. Their microphone is also only okay. If you're looking for on-ears with a better-performing microphone system, consider the Sony WH-CH520 Wireless. The Sony also offer a virtual soundstage, but they have a shorter battery life and are usually more expensive than our pick.

The best wired on-ear headphones we've tested are the Audio-Technica ATH-M60x. Wired headphones are a good option if you want the lowest latency option for watching videos or care about audio quality. These come with a detachable cable and two 1/8" to 1/4" adapters, meaning you can easily plug them into a mixer, amp, phone, or computer. Their design keeps audiophiles in mind, so they don't have a mic or onboard controls like the Beats Solo 4. As a result, you can't use them to make phone calls or easily skip a track when you're on the go.

Their sound profile is neutral and well-balanced, so they're suitable for fans of different genres and types of content. While most of the bass response is very accurate, there's some overemphasis in the high-bass range, adding a touch of extra boom and warmth to mixes. Vocals and lead instruments still sound present and clear, though you can't customize their mix since they aren't compatible with a companion app.

Fortunately, these on-ears are decently comfortable and well-built, and they come with a soft pouch to keep dust off the headphones when not in use. However, if you want an even more comfortable pair of wired on-ears, check out the Sennheiser HD 25 instead. Their ear pads aren't as cushioned, but they're still easy to wear with glasses, and their headband splits for a more stable fit. That said, their bass-heavy sound won't be ideal for everyone.