Best Over-Ear Headphones for 2023: Wired and Wireless Picks

While a lot of folks are gravitating toward compact true-wireless earbuds, full-size over-ear or “around-the-ear” headphones remain quite popular. Most of the over-ear headphones on this list are wireless Bluetooth headphones that feature active noise canceling (some but not all wireless headphones also come with a cable for wired listening), but I’ve also included a handful of wired-only over-ear headphones for the audio purists out there looking for great sound. 

When selecting the best over-ear headphones for this list, I considered factors such as build quality, comfort and sound quality, as well as noise-canceling and voice-calling performance. This list is regularly updated as more over-ear headphones hit the market. Though we don’t expect Sony to release a sixth-generation WH-1000XM6 this year, we do think Beats and Bose are set to introduce new flagship over-ear headphones later this year. 

What are the best over-ear headphones right now?

There’s a lot of debate around this question, and it’s hard to name one single model as the best overall over-ear headphone. But a few models do stand out a bit from the rest of the pack, including the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple’s AirPods Max (for iPhone users). For sound quality in a wireless over-ear headphone, the Focal Bathys are hard to beat, but they cost $799. 

Read more: Best Headphones for 2023: Our Top Overall Picks

Best over-ear headphones of 2023

How we test over-ear headphones

We test over-ear headphones based on six key criteria: design, sound quality, noise-canceling performance, voice-calling performance, features and value. 

• Design: We assess not only how comfortably the headphones fit (their ergonomics) but also their build quality and how well the controls are implemented. With over-ear headphones, we’ll note if they’re water-resistant, but only a few over-ear headphones have water- and dust-resistance ratings. 
• Sound quality: We evaluate sound quality by listening to a set playlist of music tracks and comparing headphones to top competing products in their price range. Sonic traits such as bass definition, clarity, dynamic range and how natural the headphones sound are key factors in our assessment.
• Noise-canceling performance: If the headphones we’re testing feature active noise canceling, we evaluate ANC performance by wearing the headphones in the same spot indoors near a noisy HVAC unit to see how well they do at muffling lower frequencies. Then we head out onto city streets to test the headphones in a real-world environment where we see how they do muffling not only street noise but also people’s voices.
• Extra features: Some great-sounding headphones aren’t loaded with features, but we do take into account what extra features are on board. These include everything from quick-access awareness to transparency modes (your music pauses and the headphones open up to the outside world so you can have a conversation) to special sound modes to ear-detection sensors that automatically pause your music when you take the headphones off your ears. We also take a look at the companion app for the headphones if there is one and how user-friendly it is. 
• Voice-calling: When we test voice-calling performance, we make calls on noisy city streets and evaluate how well the headphones or earbuds reduce background noise and how clearly callers can hear our voice.
• Value: We determine value after considering the strength of the headphones against all these criteria and what they’re able to deliver compared with other models in their price class. 

Over-ear headphones FAQ

Do over-ear headphones sound better than on-ear headphones?

Are over-ear headphones bad for your hearing?

What makes an over-ear headphone comfortable?

Is it ‘noise-canceling’ or ‘noise-cancelling’?

Best Over-Ear Headphones for 2023: Wired and Wireless Picks

While a lot of folks are gravitating toward compact true-wireless earbuds, full-size over-ear or “around-the-ear” headphones remain quite popular. Most of the over-ear headphones on this list are wireless Bluetooth headphones that feature active noise canceling (some but not all wireless headphones also come with a cable for wired listening), but I’ve also included a handful of wired-only over-ear headphones for the audio purists out there looking for great sound. 

When selecting the best over-ear headphones for this list, I considered factors such as build quality, comfort and sound quality, as well as noise-canceling and voice-calling performance. This list is regularly updated as more over-ear headphones hit the market. Though we don’t expect Sony to release a sixth-generation WH-1000XM6 this year, we do think Beats and Bose are set to introduce new flagship over-ear headphones later this year. 

What are the best over-ear headphones right now?

There’s a lot of debate around this question, and it’s hard to name one single model as the best overall over-ear headphone. But a few models do stand out a bit from the rest of the pack, including the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple’s AirPods Max (for iPhone users). For sound quality in a wireless over-ear headphone, the Focal Bathys are hard to beat, but they cost $799. 

Read more: Best Headphones for 2023: Our Top Overall Picks

Best over-ear headphones of 2023

How we test over-ear headphones

We test over-ear headphones based on six key criteria: design, sound quality, noise-canceling performance, voice-calling performance, features and value. 

• Design: We assess not only how comfortably the headphones fit (their ergonomics) but also their build quality and how well the controls are implemented. With over-ear headphones, we’ll note if they’re water-resistant, but only a few over-ear headphones have water- and dust-resistance ratings. 
• Sound quality: We evaluate sound quality by listening to a set playlist of music tracks and comparing headphones to top competing products in their price range. Sonic traits such as bass definition, clarity, dynamic range and how natural the headphones sound are key factors in our assessment.
• Noise-canceling performance: If the headphones we’re testing feature active noise canceling, we evaluate ANC performance by wearing the headphones in the same spot indoors near a noisy HVAC unit to see how well they do at muffling lower frequencies. Then we head out onto city streets to test the headphones in a real-world environment where we see how they do muffling not only street noise but also people’s voices.
• Extra features: Some great-sounding headphones aren’t loaded with features, but we do take into account what extra features are on board. These include everything from quick-access awareness to transparency modes (your music pauses and the headphones open up to the outside world so you can have a conversation) to special sound modes to ear-detection sensors that automatically pause your music when you take the headphones off your ears. We also take a look at the companion app for the headphones if there is one and how user-friendly it is. 
• Voice-calling: When we test voice-calling performance, we make calls on noisy city streets and evaluate how well the headphones or earbuds reduce background noise and how clearly callers can hear our voice.
• Value: We determine value after considering the strength of the headphones against all these criteria and what they’re able to deliver compared with other models in their price class. 

Over-ear headphones FAQ

Do over-ear headphones sound better than on-ear headphones?

Are over-ear headphones bad for your hearing?

What makes an over-ear headphone comfortable?

Is it ‘noise-canceling’ or ‘noise-cancelling’?

How to choose good quality headphones for listening to music

1. Headphone shape
2. Headphone acoustic design
3. Headphone frequency range
4. Headphone sensitivity
5. Headphone impedance or impedance
6. Wired and wireless headphones
7. Headphone driver type
8. Additional headphone functionality
9. Which brand of headphones is better to choose
10. How to choose headphones: in brief

Headphone shape

The shape distinguishes four main types of headphones: earbuds, vacuum, overhead and full-size. They mainly differ in the type of use and sound quality.

Earbuds are the most compact headphones and are great for use with your phone. Among the shortcomings, one can note the poor sounding of the bass, for which the size of the membrane in the earbuds is too small. Due to the loose fit to the ear, such headphones will pass extraneous noise quite strongly and, possibly, fall out of the ear. But if sound quality is not of paramount importance to you, then these headphones are suitable for talking on the phone and listening to music and podcasts on the way to the subway. But in the subway, due to poor noise reduction, it will be quite difficult to listen.

Vacuum – the same compact version of the headphones, which will give you a much better sound quality. Vacuum earplugs have soft ear cushions, thanks to which they fit snugly in the ear canal and do not let in extraneous noise. However, ear pads have a downside – many people find it inconvenient to constantly wear earbuds in their ears. In general, the earbuds are suitable for people who spend a lot of time in noisy places, such as on the street or in public transport.

Over-ear headphones are a good option for home use. Due to the large size of the speakers and the membrane, the headphones transmit all frequencies well, and the large ear cushions do not let in extraneous noise.

Over-ear headphones are the choice of music lovers for whom sound quality is more important than practical convenience. These headphones completely cover the ears, have maximum noise isolation and give amazing deep sound. The downsides of this type of headphone are the size and corresponding weight, as well as the cost.

☝️ Tip : Use different headphones in different situations. The shape is an important parameter by which you need to choose headphones. It cannot be unequivocally said that the earbuds will have a sound quality worse than, for example, on-ear headphones. Technology does not stand still and even small models can sound great. But going out for a run with overhead headphones will already be inconvenient. Therefore, it will be optimal to have different models for different tasks. For example, you can choose good vacuum headphones for subway rides and jogging, and full-size headphones for playing games and listening to music at home.

Headphone acoustic design

According to the type of acoustic design, headphones are divided into open and closed types. Open headphones will have sound-conducting holes on the cup. Thanks to them, they sound more natural, and it also allows you not to lose touch with the world: in such headphones, a person will hear what is happening around. It is worth noting that other people may be able to hear what is playing in your headphones.

To combat extraneous noise, open headphones may have active noise cancellation. This is a special microphone that picks up extraneous noise and filters it in the headphones.

Closed-back headphones have better noise isolation, and extraneous noise does not reach the ear. However, due to the hollow design of the ear cups, sound can be reflected and distorted inside the headphones. However, unless you are a music lover with a trained ear, you are unlikely to notice this.

Semi-open headphones are a compromise option that has the benefits of both types. The earphones have a fairly good noise isolation, but still pass extraneous sounds. At the same time, the speakers are not completely isolated, which allows air to pass through and gives greater comfort during long listening.

Closed and semi-open headphones may have a passive noise canceling method. Here, extraneous noise is removed due to the very design of the cups.

Headphone frequency response

Our ear perceives frequencies from 20 to 20,000 Hz. Therefore, it is logical that headphones should cover this standard range. However, there is a nuance due to which in some models the frequency range can be much wider. This is due to the fact that headphones with a large range transmit threshold values ​​better. Thanks to the frequency margin, they will reproduce sound with minimal distortion. Therefore, a frequency range, for example, from 5 to 45 Hz, will be more likely to be found in professional headphones with a correspondingly high price tag.

☝️ What frequency to choose for headphones?

To choose headphones for listening to music at home, a model with a range of 20-20,000 Hz is enough. And do not take cheap models with a frighteningly wide frequency range. Most likely this is a marketing ploy.

Headphone sensitivity

Two pairs of headphones may sound at different volumes on the same device. How loud the headphones will sound depends on their sensitivity, which is measured in dB. On average, headphones have a sensitivity of about 100 dB. However, this is not an absolute indicator and does not mean at all that headphones with a sensitivity of 100 dB will always sound louder than headphones with 95 dB. Greater sensitivity gives a louder sound only other things being equal.

Headphone impedance or impedance

Impedance is another characteristic that affects headphone volume. The lower the resistance, the lower the voltage needed for a good sound. In practice, this means the following: if you connect headphones with a resistance of 200 ohms to a cheap player or smartphone, they will sound quiet, and the device’s charge will quickly drop to zero.

☝️ Advice : how to choose good impedance headphones. For low-power portable devices like a phone, headphones with an impedance of up to 32 ohms will suffice. It makes sense to connect headphones with high impedance to stationary devices.

Wired and wireless headphones

Headphones are wired and wireless, working, for example, via Bluetooth. There are pros and cons to both types.

Wired headphones still give the best sound quality and also don’t require recharging. This is the choice of music lovers and those who work professionally with sound. But walking and playing sports in such models will not be very convenient.

Wireless Bluetooth headphones leave you more freedom, because your hands do not get tangled in the wires. And although the sound quality will not be ideal, but this is not so important when playing sports or in public transport. The disadvantages include intermittent loss of connection and the need to charge the headphones.

Headphones with a detachable cable are a compromise. The included cable allows you to get the best sound quality, which is convenient when working at home or in the office. At the same time, the cable can be removed and give yourself more freedom if you leave the house or travel in transport.

To choose headphones with high-quality sound, other things being equal, it is better to focus on wired models.

Headphone driver type

There are four types of drivers or drivers in headphones: dynamic, armature, planar, and electrostatic. Without getting into technical details, let’s analyze how each type is good in practice.

Dynamic headphones are the most popular. As a radiator, a speaker is used, the same as in acoustic systems. Dynamic headphones reproduce a wide range of frequencies and are quite cheap. However, in order for such headphones to give a good and reliable sound, the speakers must be large, which ultimately increases the size of the headphones themselves. Also, due to the design features in dynamic headphones, it is difficult to achieve high detail reproduction.

Reinforcing emitter is common in in-ear headphones. Headphones with a rebar driver can be small, but give good detailed sound and work with weak amplifiers. In the low-frequency region, reinforcing headphones are usually inferior to dynamic ones.

The planar driver in the headphones gives a natural and very detailed sound, but at low frequencies it may not be finalized. To achieve better bass, manufacturers have to increase the size of the drivers, which is reflected in the size of the headphones. Most often, good headphones with a planar emitter will be full-sized.

An electrostatic emitter provides uncompromisingly reliable sound, but has not become widespread. The main reason is the technical difficulties in production, which greatly affect the cost of headphones. And secondly, electrostats require an amplifier of a certain type.

Additional headphone functionality

In addition to sound quality, manufacturers compete in the number of additional features that headphones provide to their users:

• Volume control. Thanks to him, you can change the sound level without taking out the phone and without approaching the device. You can also use the controller to switch tracks and receive calls.

• Microphone. It can be attached to the wire, built into the ear cup or pulled out of it.

• Multichannel audio. Useful if you use headphones to watch movies or play games.

• Waterproof. An important feature if you often use headphones outdoors or during sports.

☝️ Which headphones to choose for music . Like speakers, headphones have a different sound scheme format: 2.0, 5.1 and 7.1, 5.1 and 7.1 Real.

2.0 is the usual stereo sound that comes from two speakers on the left and right. This format is suitable for listening to stereo recordings.

5.1 and 7.1 are digital audio processing that creates fades, transitions and jumps. Great for gaming and watching movies. A more advanced format is 5.1 and 7.1 Real. It uses multiple speakers in each earbud to achieve a more immersive sound experience.

Which brand of headphones is better to choose

Headphones are widely represented by a variety of brands and it would be wrong to choose a specific model only by the manufacturer. Of course, there are such legendary brands as Sennheiser, a German brand of headphones that is distinguished by excellent build quality and excellent sound. But even here, we do not recommend relying only on the headphone company – any audio equipment must be tested by ear and choose the perfect sound for your ears.

Other brands presented in the Stereozona store that we can recommend to connoisseurs of good sound: Astell&Kern, Audeze, Audio-Technica, Bowers&Wilkins, Campfire Audio, Dali, DENON, Dunu, Etymotic, FiiO, FOCAL, Fostex, HiFiMAN, Meze, OPPO, Quad , Shanling, Shure, Sony, Stax, Westone.

How to choose headphones in brief

1. The shape and size of the headphones do not guarantee sound quality. Good sound can be even in small in-ear headphones.

2. Choose closed-back headphones if you don’t want others to know what you’re listening to.

3. The optimal frequency range is from 20 to 20,000 Hz.

4. Headphone impedance must match the device. The higher the resistance, the more powerful the device must be.

5. Not all headphones are suitable for the phone. Smartphones and portable devices work optimally with headphones with an impedance of around 32 ohms. Models with higher impedance simply will not be able to give a loud sound on a smartphone.

6. You need to choose headphones with your ears. Even the best and most expensive models will be useless if they just fall out of your ears. Ultimately, the choice of headphones depends on the shape of the ear.

7. Universal headphones do not exist. Therefore, it is perfectly normal to have different models for different purposes. For example, wired full-size headphones for listening to music at home, multi-channel headphones for playing computer games, and neat wireless earbuds for outdoor sports.

Best wireless headphones 2023: TOP-11 rating

In one article we have collected for you the best wireless headphones 2023 for different budgets so that you can quickly navigate the variety of models.

When choosing Bluetooth headphones, we recommend that you first of all proceed from the purpose of the purchase, taking into account your interests and preferences. If you play sports, it is better to take headphones with protection against moisture and sweat. If it is important to isolate external sounds as much as possible and focus on work tasks or music, be sure to take advanced headphones with active noise cancellation. And if you have a limited budget and you do not make excessive demands on sound quality, then it is better to choose inexpensive wireless headphones. In this article, we tell you which wireless headphones to buy in 2023 in different price categories.

The best budget bluetooth headphones under 1000 UAH

Xiaomi AirDots/Earbuds 2S Black

TOP wireless headphones in 2023 open Xiaomi AirDots/Earbuds 2S Black. Vacuum headphones of the Chinese brand delight with high-quality sound. The sound is reproduced in the range of 20–20000 Hz, and the headphones also have a sensitivity of 104 dB and an impedance of 32 ohms.

Xiaomi AirDots/Earbuds 2S Black are equipped with multifunctional buttons that make it easy to control the gadget. You can conveniently switch tracks, adjust the volume or activate the voice assistant. AirDots weigh only 4.1 grams and are small in size, so they are easy to carry even in a small pocket.

Xiaomi AirDots/Earbuds 2S Black

Xiaomi Mi Air 2 SE White (TWSEJ04WM/TWSEJ08WM)

Headphones look a bit like an Apple headset. They are made of white plastic and come with a white case, like AirPods. But that’s where the similarities end.

Xiaomi Mi Air 2 SE White supports Active Noise Cancellation, allowing the listener to focus on what is in their ears. The gadget is compact in size and light in weight, so it will be a great travel companion. Compact Mi Air SE 2 guarantee clear and surround sound in the range of 20-20000 Hz. The 14.2mm drivers with dynamic driver deliver soft mids, bright highs and rich bass.

Additional characteristics of Xiaomi Mi Air 2 SE:

• Up to 5 hours of battery life.
• Supports the AAC audio codec for detailed, rich sound.
• Dual noise canceling microphones allow you to answer calls.
• Convenient touch control.

Xiaomi Mi Air 2 SE White (TWSEJ04WM/TWSEJ08WM)

BHR5174GL)

This model has rightfully entered the TOP of wireless headphones in 2023, because it implements intuitive control technology. When you take the headphones out of your ears, you automatically pause the music. Playback will resume when you put the headphones back on. To answer a call, just touch the earpiece and the sensor will instantly respond to your movement.

For the Xiaomi headset, developers have improved the shell by optimizing the KHDC Bluetooth codec, and redesigned the hardware design to ensure accurate sound reproduction.

But the main feature of Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 White (M2104E1/BHR5174GL) is the updated Qualcomm QCC3040 chip with AptX Adaptive support, which gives a completely new sound. The Bluetooth 5.2 standard used has increased the working radius of the device and the data transfer rate. The connection has become more stable, and autonomy has increased to 20 hours. With the fast charging function, the headphones can be charged in 10 minutes for 1.5 hours.

Additional characteristics of Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 White:

• Dual microphones with Qualcomm cVc technology effectively reduce external noise.
• 12 mm driver for excellent bass reproduction.
• Autonomy up to 20 hours.
• Comfortable fitting: the headphones do not pinch your ears and fit comfortably. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Graphite (SM-R177NZKA) Compact earbuds of 5 grams each will delight you with high-quality and detailed sound, active noise reduction and excellent autonomy. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 received three microphones and a built-in voice processing unit, which help make phone calls better. And thanks to the power of machine learning, unwanted sounds are filtered out, which allows you to communicate more comfortably. At the same time, the low protrusion design minimizes wind interference so that you can also communicate comfortably outdoors.

  Galaxy Buds 2’s six different equalizer settings let you find the sound you’re looking for. You will be able to immerse yourself in the atmosphere that your music creates.

  With the balanced sound of the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Graphite (SM-R177NZKA), you can enjoy deep bass and crisp highs. Favorite songs sound like you’re at a concert. With the second generation, background noise is reduced by up to 98% to fully immerse you in music, games, audiobooks and your favorite podcasts.

  Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Graphite (SM-R177NZKA)

  Apple AirPods (2019) with Charging Case (MV7N2)

  Second generation AirPods are equipped with the H1 chip, which guarantees a stable connection and the best sound of your favorite tracks. The Apple Headset instantly switches between iPhone, iPad and other music sources, offers convenient touch controls and detailed sound.

  Apple AirPods 2 2019 with Charging Case are made in a white plastic case, like the case they come with. The model works on the H1 chip, thanks to which the connection to the iPhone not only accelerated, but also became more stable. Like any Apple headset, AirPods 2 support the voice assistant Siri, to activate it, just say: “Hey Siri”. Also, the developers have installed additional sensors in Bluetooth headphones that help “understand” when the user is talking or listening to music and what settings to apply in a particular situation.

  Apple AirPods (2019) with Charging Case (MV7N2)

  Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Pro Black

  The compact vacuum earbuds made it to the top wireless earbuds of 2023 thanks to their impressive noise cancellation and great sound. Noise-canceling technology blocks out up to 99.3% of ambient noise and optimizes broadband noise handling, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tracks or audiobook. The noise reduction technology can be turned off by activating the transparency mode. Listen to music and don’t miss important events near you. This is especially true when you are waiting for a bus or are afraid to miss a stop.

  Xiaomi Redmi Buds 4 Pro Black received a metal windproof mesh that effectively blocks wind noise. This option allows you to comfortably communicate in headset mode, ensuring that the interlocutor will hear you perfectly.

  xiaomi redmi buds 4 pro black Major IV offers up to 80 hours of wireless audio, wireless charging support and a new ergonomic design. Tuned dynamic drivers guarantee better bass, smoother mids and crisper highs. You will really be pleasantly surprised by the sound of the Marshall Major IV Bluetooth Black.

  Additional features of Marshall Major IV:

  • Major IV will delight you with soft ear cushions, they are pleasant to the touch and conform to the shape of your ear without creating discomfort.
  • The headphones feature a multi-directional control knob that allows you to quickly and easily pause playback, adjust volume, and more.
  • 3.5 mm jack allows you to share music in your ears with friends.

  Marshall Major IV Bluetooth Black (1005773)

  Sony WH-1000XM4 Black

  Added a full-size wireless headset from Sony to the TOP of wireless headphones in 2023. The model has a closed acoustic design, a dynamic type of radiator and a convenient head mount. The Sony WH-1000XM4 Black are made of impact-resistant black plastic, and with convenient adjustment options, the headphones can be adjusted to the shape of your head.

  Model reproduces sound in the frequency range of 20-40,000 Hz. The amplifier with an equalizer has a sensitivity of 105 dB. Sony WH 1000XM4 can be connected to a laptop, TV or smartphone via Bluetooth v5.0 (10 m), as well as using a cable with a mini-Jack port (3.5 mm) 1.2 m long.

  Built-in microphones support noise cancellation and headset functions. The maximum autonomy of the headphones reaches 30 hours, and a 10-minute recharge allows you to extend the battery life up to 5 hours.

  Additional Features Sony WH-1000XM4 Black:

  • Active Noise Cancellation ANC with Smart Listening;
  • support for AAC, LDAC codecs;
  • DSEE HX sound enhancement technology;
  • Talk through sound deadening option;
  • work with voice assistants Google Assistant and Alexa.

  Sony WH-1000XM4 Black

  Apple AirPods Pro2 with Magsafe White (MQD83)

  AirPods Pro feature noise-canceling technology, which was first introduced in the first generation AirPods Pro. Thanks to it, you can not be distracted by the surrounding noise, conversations and sounds of public transport, but simply enjoy the music in your ears.

  Apple AirPods Pro 2 with Magsafe White (MQD83) also has a transparent mode that allows you to hear everything that happens around you. AirPods Pro will delight you with a stable connection with your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. Just take them out of the case and they are ready to go. There are three sizes of earbuds to choose from with a tapered flat design that allows you to securely fit AirPods Pro in your ears, guaranteeing excellent sound isolation.

  Additional features Apple AirPods Pro 2 with Magsafe White:

  • New H2 chip and improved speakers.
  • Improved noise cancellation over first generation AirPods.
  • Autonomy up to six hours.
  • There is a swipe sensor that allows you to adjust the volume.
  • Adaptive transparency mode.

  Due to the latest generation of software and hardware, even after several years of constant work with headphones, you can use them without discomfort, because new technologies do not lose relevance longer than outdated developments. 9Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro Graphite (SM-R510NZAASEK) Audio , now the sound seems even more realistic.

  The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro Graphite (SM-R510NZAASEK) features Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) well-implemented, with three high signal-to-noise ratio microphones, the headphones pick up and cancel more external sounds, even quiet sounds like wind. Manufacturers have provided a convenient system for switching from listening to music to conversational mode – Voice Detect technology. It is enough to start talking – and Voice Detect will turn off ANC and activate ambient sound, which will allow you to comfortably communicate with the interlocutor.