10 Best Over-Ear Headphones in 2023

OVER-EAR HEADPHONES don’t get as much credit as they should these days. Sure they aren’t going to provide the versatility and ease-of-use like earbuds do, but what over-ear headphones do provide is high-quality audio for a number of specific uses. No matter if you’re hitting the gym, taking a long flight, or sneaking out to the living room for a late-night gaming session, the best over-ear headphones are made to deliver premium comfort and sealed-off sound for extended periods of time.

Although earbuds are more breathable and lighter, over-ear headphones essentially top out in every other category. Over-ear headphones are capable of having a longer battery life and better sound quality (more tech can be packed into the design). Over-ear headphones are also typically more comfortable and therefore able to be worn for hours on end.

Yes, we understand we’re painting with broad brushstrokes here, as all headphones vary due to their design and quality. To help you decide which over-ear headphones are truly worth making a reasonable investment on, we pulled together the best models for all types of uses. You’re not going to see any ridiculous $1,000 pair of cans in here. Instead, we curated headphones that cater to price points of $500 and under—because buying a pair of headphones for anything more is honestly more suited for audio connoisseurs. Ready to see what’s ahead?

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