The 6 Best Over-Ear Headphones of 2025

The Sony WH-1000XM6 are the best over-ear headphones we've tested. They represent Sony's best consumer-focused Bluetooth headphone offering, with outstanding noise isolation performance thanks to their solid passive isolation augmented by their top-of-the-line active noise cancelling (ANC) system. They can easily cut down the rumble of plane engines as well as ambient chatter and whining computer fans, so they're great for travel or office use. With their ANC enabled, they last over 31 hours, though this also depends on whether you're using the mic and which codec you have enabled. That said, you can use the headphones while they're off via their audio jack (but they'll sound quite different).

Out of the box, they have a warm sound signature. If you prefer a different signature, their companion app offers a 10-band graphic EQ and presets so you can fine tune their sound. The Sound Connect app also includes a variety of virtual surround features, including settings that emulate listening to your audio in a cafe or cinema environment (upmixing stereo content). You can also pair these headphones with up to two devices at a time, allowing you to stay connected to your PC and smartphone simultaneously. 

However, the Sony WH-1000XM6 aren't the most comfortable headphones on the market; their earpads are shallow. Consider the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless if you're looking for Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones that you can wear for hours and hours on end. That said, the Bose can't be used passively, so they'll be out of service if you run out of battery.

For a premium pair of headphones at a more manageable price, check out another Sony entry, the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. These aren't quite as featureful or effective at noise cancelling as our top pick, the Sony WH-1000XM6, but they have a similarly high-end construction and on-par noise isolation performance. Overall, their ANC blocks a significant amount of environmental noise from buses to babies, and with ANC on, their battery lasts longer than the XM6. Their ANC isn't as good at attenuating mid-range noise like coworker chatter, but their 37 hours of playback time will be enough to get you through multiple workdays without charging.

These well-built over-ears have a warm default sound, which is good if you like genres like EDM and hip-hop. However, their extra low-end bleeds into the mids, can muddle vocals and instruments, and isn't as restrained as the XM6's. Luckily, their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets if you want to adjust their sound to your tastes. They also have a spatial audio feature and support LDAC, Sony's proprietary codec for streaming high-quality audio, and support multi-device pairing. That said, the Sony's microphone renders your voice somewhat thin and muffled, making you sound less natural. If you're looking for something more comfortable or with a better mic to take calls with, check out the Bose QuietComfort Headphones Wireless. They're more expensive than the Sony WH-1000XM4, but you'll sound more true-to-life on phone calls, and they're more comfortable.

The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless are a great mid-range pick. They don't feel as luxurious or well-built as the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless, but they still offer a well-rounded and feature-loaded performance at a lower price point. Unlike the Sony headphones, their adaptive ANC system has a wind reduction mode to effectively reduce unpleasant-sounding interactions between the wind and exterior ANC mics. The ANC automatically adjusts to your surroundings, blocking out loud vehicle engines and other people's conversations on your commute and at the office. They're pretty comfortable for most people, but their plastic frame can put pressure on the top of your head after a while.

Still, their V-shaped profile emphasizes the bass and the treble for a punchy, sparkling sound, making them suitable for a variety of genres. There's even a graphic EQ and presets in their companion app to fine-tune their sound. Unfortunately, these headphones have a high noise floor when you set the ANC to 'Adaptive' or 'Max,' which can result in a persistent whine throughout your listening experience. If it doesn't bother you much, you'll enjoy around 28 hours of continuous battery life with their ANC on. The 28 hours is less than the manufacturer's advertised 50-hour battery life, but it'll still last you a few days at the office or through a long international flight.

If you like the sound of the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless but often use your headphones for calls, consider the Sony ULT WEAR. They're typically more expensive but have a much better microphone; you can also find them on sale near the same price as the Anker from time to time.

The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless are a previous generation of the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless. They're a great budget pick with a similar design to their successor, meaning you can expect the same comfortable fit at an affordable price. If you plan to use them on the go, you'll be happy to know that their multi-setting ANC feature performs similarly to the Q45's. That said, you need to manually switch between the ANC settings, which isn't as convenient as the Q45's adaptive ANC system.

These headphones also have a V-shaped sound profile that packs extra bass while vocals and lead instruments sound bright. You can tune their sound to suit your preferences using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. Unfortunately, there's a minor difference in sound profile depending on whether the ANC is activated: ANC off elevates the bass and mid-range, bringing extra thump and moving vocals and instruments forward in the mix. They also aren't very breathable, and some users have had their unit's headband break or crack over time. Still, they're worth a look if you're shopping on a budget.

Check out our article on the best budget and cheap headphones for more budget-friendly options.

If you're looking for wireless over-ears and don't want to compromise on sound quality, the Focal Bathys Wireless offer the best of both worlds. These headphones suit both casual and critical listening, with a balanced sound that delivers solid warmth and punch. Astute audiophiles will notice that instruments and vocals are slightly veiled, but you can tweak the sound using the graphic EQ and presets available in their companion app. These headphones also support aptX Adaptive codec for streaming higher-quality audio with compatible apps, like TIDAL. They even have an onboard DAC for wired USB-C connection that converts digital audio signals to analog, ensuring a smoother sound with better audio fidelity.

However, there are a few drawbacks for either type of user. For audiophiles, their closed-back design means many listeners will find them less spacious than open-back alternatives, but you can take a closed design with you on a commute without sound leakage bothering anyone. For those looking for casual headphones to use on the go, these are bulkier than the Sony WH-1000XM6, and their ANC doesn't cut out as much mid-range background noise, meaning ambient conversations might be slightly audible. However, the Focal headphones have an onboard DAC and support wired USB-C connections.

For those who prioritize sound quality above all else, the Sennheiser HD 800 S are the best audiophile over-ear headphones we've tested. They're well known for their immersiveness and clear sound that accurately reproduces vocals and instruments. Unlike our previous picks, these are open-backs. The design allows audio to leave the ear cup and interact with your environment, and reduces pressure buildup typical of closed-backs. The major downside of this design is that the headphones don't isolate your audio from your environment or your environment from your audio. As a result, they aren't a good choice for commuting or working in public places like a bullpen, but they'd fare well in a studio or home office.

They also lack additional features like a microphone and Bluetooth. If you're looking for great-sounding headphones that you can use at work or for wireless calls, you'll want to stick with our previous pick, the Focal Bathys Wireless, which have a closed-back design and come with additional features like noise cancellation.

If you're chasing open-back headphones but want something cheaper or with a little more thump, try the HiFiMan Edition XS. They're bulkier and heavier, so if you prefer lighter headphones, you might find them uncomfortable for long listening sessions. However, they're more affordable and have planar magnetic drivers that deliver a thumpy, rumbly low-end. For even more audiophile options, check out our article on the best audiophile headphones.