10 Best Over Ear Headphones

22 Apr 2022, by Lydia Kah-Pavlou, min. read

If you’re looking for over ear headphones, you might be overwhelmed by the choice. Traditional over ear headphones might be what you think of when you think of headphones and many people still prefer this style over earbuds, although you can get over ear headphones that are both wired and wireless, depending on what you prefer.

Over ear headphones tend to be more expensive than earbuds and often get the reputation for having better overall specs and sound quality. Whatever your budget is, these are our favourite over ear headphones that we’d recommend checking out.

Best over ear headphones

1. Life Q35- Soundcore, £129.99

The Soundcore Life Q35 headphones come with multi-mode noise cancelling, so you can switch between indoor, outdoor and transport modes depending on where you are while you’re listening. This means you can focus on your audio and hear it clearly, even if you’re on a busy train or you’re outside while it’s windy.

Need to block out noisy neighbours or get in the zone at the library? Check out our top noise-cancelling headphones.

The lightweight memory foam padded earcups make them comfortable to wear all day and the built in sensor automatically pauses your music when you remove them from your ears. You can also personalise your experience by pairing them to the Soundcore app and can choose from 22 presets.

What’s in the box:

1 x Soundcore Life Q35 headphones
1 x travel case
1 x USB charging cable

Technical specifications:

Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
Batteries: unknown
Battery life: 40-60 hours
Material type: memory foam earcups with protein leather
Apple and Android compatible? yes
Bluetooth version: 5
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes

Audio specifications:

Driver diameter: 40 mm x2
Impedance: 16 ohms
Sensitivity: unknown
Frequency response: 20 Hz- 20 kHz
Maximum power input:
Noise cancelling: hybrid active noise cancellation

Pros

Can link to the Soundcore app for customisation
Comes with a travel case for easy transportation
Good ANC

Cons

On the more expensive end of the price spectrum

Get a student discount at Soundcore

2. SoundLink® Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II- Bose, £129.95

The Bose SoundLink®️ around-ear headphones are a really good all-around wireless option within the mid-range price point. You can easily connect your headphones to the Bose app to personalise your listening experience to suit your own personal needs.

The HD Voice system helps to provide clarity when you’re making calls to make your voice sound as natural as if you weren’t wearing headphones and despite being wireless, the headphones promise the same crisp and powerful sound as any wired headphones.

What’s in the box:

1 x SoundLink® around-ear wireless headphones II
1 x USB charging cable
1 x Backup audio cable
1 x Carry case

Technical specifications:

Dimensions: 19.1 cm x 15.2 cm x 3.8 cm
Weight: 200 g
Batteries: internal rechargeable battery
Battery life: up to 15 hours
Material type: leather earcups
Apple and Android compatible? yes
Bluetooth version: 5
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes

Audio specifications:

Driver diameter: unknown
Impedance: unknown
Sensitivity: unknown
Frequency response: unknown
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: not active

Pros

Can be customised via the Bose app
long battery life

Cons

Bose doesn’t publish audio specifications
No ANC

Get a student discount at Bose

3. JBL Tune510BT- Amazon, £39.99

If you’re on a budget and looking for a more affordable pair of headphones, the JBL Tune510BT are easy to use and provides up to 40 hours of playback time and allows you to wirelessly listen to high-quality sound. The headphones come with a foldable swivel design allowing them to be easily stored and carried, so they’re perfect for travelling.

What’s in the box:

1 x JBL Tune510BT wireless headphones
1 x Type-C USB charging cable

Technical specifications:

Dimensions: 27 cm x 23 cm x 26 xcm
Weight: 160 g
Batteries: Internal Lithium-ion
Battery life: up to 40 hours
Material type: leatherette and memory foam
Apple and Android compatible? yes
Bluetooth version: 5.0
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes

Audio specifications:

Driver diameter: 32 mm
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 103.5 dB
Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: no

Pros

Can connect to Siri or Google Assistant
Affordable if you’re on a budget

Cons

Doesn’t come with Active Noise Cancelling technology

Get a student discount at Amazon Prime

4. Beats Studio3- Amazon, £299

If you want to invest in a pair of over ear headphones, the Beats Studio3 headphones are a good option to look into. With premium sound, fine-tuned acoustics and pure adaptive noise cancellation to block all external noise. The headphones come with up to 22 hours of battery life and Apple’s W1 chip for super fast and reliable Bluetooth connection at all times.

You’ll also get fast charging, controls on either side of the ear cups so you can go hands-free and iOS and Android compatibility.

What’s in the box:

1 x Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones
1 x Carrying case
1 x 3.5mm RemoteTalk cable
1 x Universal USB charging cable

Technical specifications:

Dimensions: Height, 18.4 cm
Weight: 260 g
Batteries: Internal rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
Battery life: 22 hours with ANC and up to 40 hours without it
Material type: unknown
Apple and Android compatible? yes
Bluetooth version: Class 1 Bluetooth with Apple W1 chip
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes

Audio specifications:

Driver diameter: unknown
Impedance: unknown
Sensitivity: unknown
Frequency response: unknown
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: active

Pros

Can connect with Siri
Impressive specs and premium quality sound

Cons

Expensive compared to other models on this list
Exact audio specs aren’t published
While Android users can use these headphones, they won’t be able to benefit from the Apple W1 chip

Get a student discount at Amazon Prime

5. HUAWEI Studio Buds- HUAWEI, £299.99

The HUAWEI FreeBuds provide a high-quality listening experience. They come with Active Noise Cancelling technology for clear audio and calls and you can switch between general and cosy modes to enjoy time alone listening to audio without interruption.

The FreeBuds come with 6 mics to ensure your calls are crystal clear and promise a stable signal and connection that won’t disconnect and irritate you. You can also connect your headphones to more than one device at once, which is really useful if you like to switch between your phone and your laptop while working.

What’s in the box:

1 x HUAWEI FreeBuds
1 x carry case
1 x USB-C charging cable

Technical specifications:

Dimensions: 194 mm x 152 mm x 81.5 mm
Weight: 260 g
Batteries: Internal Lithium-ion
Battery life: 20 hours
Material type: unknown
Apple and Android compatible? yes
Bluetooth version: 5.2
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes

Audio specifications:

Driver diameter: 40 mm
Impedance: unknown
Sensitivity: 40 dB
Frequency response: 4 – 48,000 Hz
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: active

Pros

Long battery life
Hands-free
Good for taking calls without interruption from background noise

Cons

Expensive compared to other headphones on this list

Get a student discount at HUAWEI

6. Sony WH-1000XM3- Amazon, £195

The Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones come with industry-leading noise cancellation thanks to the QN1 chip. This processor means that the noise-cancelling technology blocks out daily noise and gives you a better audio experience.

These Sony headphones also benefit from quick charging and long battery life as well as comfortable earpads so you can wear them for long periods of time without any discomfort. You can also access Alexa to go hands-free and find out the weather, switch songs, change the volume, get information or decline and answer calls.

What’s in the box:

1 x Sony WH-1000XM3 Headphones
1 x Headphone cable
1 x USB Type-C cable

Technical specifications:

Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 254 g
Batteries: Internal Lithium-ion
Battery life: 30 hours without ANC and up to 38 hours without ANC
Material type: unknown
Apple and Android compatible? yes
Bluetooth version: 5.0
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes

Audio specifications:

Driver diameter: 40 mm
Impedance: 42 ohms
Sensitivity: 104.5 dB
Frequency response: 4 – 40,000 Hz
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: active

Pros

Can connect to Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant
Can connect to the Sony Music Centre App for easy controls and customization

Cons

Expensive compared to other models on this list

Get a student discount at Amazon Prime

7. AirPods Max- EE, £560

The Apple AirPods Max are the newest addition to the AirPods family and offers an over ear solution to fans of Apple products who may not like earbuds. The AirPods Max are expensive, but they come with industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation and the Apple H1 chip for the ultimate listening experience.

The AirPods Max are also designed for a seamless and comfortable fit with memory foam ear cushions and you can choose from 5 colours, the classic Apple white and silver, space grey, sky blue, pink and green.

What’s in the box:

1 x AirPods Max
1 x Smart Case
1 x Lighting to USB-C Cable

Technical specifications:

Dimensions: 187.3 mm x 168.6 mm x 83.4 mm
Weight: 385 g
Batteries: Internal
Battery life: up to 20 hours
Material type: memory foam ear cushions
Apple and Android compatible? no
Bluetooth version: 5.0
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes

Audio specifications:

Driver diameter: unknown
Impedance: unknown
Sensitivity: unknown
Frequency response: unknown
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: active

Pros

Comes with a convenient smart case for travelling
Premium Apple H1 chip

Cons

The most expensive pair of headphones on this list
Only really for Apple users and Apple devices

Get a student discount at EE

8. Urbanista Los Angeles- Urbanista, £169

The Urbanista Los Angeles are the world’s first self-charging wireless headphones, powered by solar power! These headphones are not only unique but also super practical due to the fact they charge by using advanced green technology to convert all light, both indoor and outdoor into power. In other words, your headphones will always be charging which is great!

The Los Angeles headphones also come with advanced hybrid Active Noise Cancelling to reduce background noise and increase your focus on your audio.

What’s in the box:

1 x Urbanista Los Angeles headphones
1 x carrying case
1 x USB Type-C charging cable

Technical specifications:

Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 310 g
Batteries: Internal Lithium-ion
Battery life: up to 80 hours
Material type: memory foam and faux leather
Apple and Android compatible? yes
Bluetooth version: 5.0
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes

Audio specifications:

Driver diameter: 40 mm
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 107 dB
Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: hybrid active

Pros

Charged by solar power so they’ll never run out of battery and are always charging
Environmentally friendly
Unique features
Can connect to the Urbanista app to customise your listening experience

Cons

A new concept for headphones, so the solar power charging might not be the most reliable or long-lasting method
Not the cheapest headphones on this list

Get a student discount at Urbanista

9. Life Q30- Soundcore, £79.99

The Soundcore Life Q30 comes with multiple modes to help you listen better. You can easily switch between transport mode, outdoor mode, indoor mode and transparency mode, so wherever you are, you can get the most out of your headphones. Transparency mode allows you to easily hear sounds around you, such as traffic or someone you’re calling transport and outdoor mode will block out noisy external sounds.

The Soundcore Life Q30 are also super lightweight and comfortable and comes in 3 colours, so you can choose the style that most suits you.

What’s in the box:

1 x Soundcore Life Q30 headphones
1 x USB-C charging cable

Technical specifications:

Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
Batteries: unknown
Battery life: up to 60 hours
Material type: unknown
Apple and Android compatible? yes
Bluetooth version: 5
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes

Audio specifications:

Driver diameter: 40 mm
Impedance: 16 ohms
Sensitivity: unknown
Frequency response: 20 Hz- 20 kHz
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: active

Pros

Can connect to the Soundcore app to customise
Comes with a travel case
Affordable if you’re on a budget

Cons

Not the most impressive specs compared to other headphones on this list

Get a student discount at Soundcore

10. Urbanista Miami- Urbanista, £129

The Urbanista Miami headphones come with Active Noise Cancelling to block out surrounding sounds and increase your focus on your audio. You’ll also get up to 50 hours of playback time when fully charged and the headphones come with a travel case and airline adapter, so they’re ideal for travelling or long journeys.

What’s in the box:

1 x Urbanista Miami Headphones
1 x Travelling Hardcase
1 x USB Type-C charging cable
1 x AUX Cable
1 x Airplane Adaptor

Technical specifications:

Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 310 g
Batteries: Internal Lithium-ion
Battery life: up to 50 hours
Material type: memory foam and vegan faux leather
Apple and Android compatible? yes
Bluetooth version: 5.0
Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? yes

Audio specifications:

Driver diameter: 40 mm
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 107 dB
Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
Maximum power input: unknown
Noise cancelling: active

Pros

Mid-range price point
Designed for travelling
Can connect to Siri and Google Assistant

Cons

Not many, but more expensive headphones might have better all-around specs

Get a student discount at Urbanista

What are the best over ear headphones?

If you’re looking for over ear headphones, there are probably a number of factors that you’ll want to consider. This includes price, specs, value for money and whether or not you’re looking for Active Noise Cancelling (ANC). If you’re on a budget brands such as Soundcore and Urbanista can offer more affordable options, whilst Apple, Beats and Bose are on the more expensive end of the spectrum.

What are open back headphones?

Open back headphones allow air to pass through the ear cups and these are often favoured in professional industries such as DJing or recording music. Many expensive and high-end headphone models will be open-back as they provide a higher quality sound, but they’re not good for isolating noise so aren’t the best option if you want to wear your headphones for travelling or commuting.

How much should I spend on headphones?

Depending on what specs you’re looking for, you will probably be looking to spend at least £100 on a good-quality long-lasting pair of headphones. While more high-end models may be between the £200-400 price range, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re better than the cheaper models and you can still get good headphones if you’re on a budget. What you’re willing to spend on a pair of headphones is up to you, but definitely look into comparing the specs and features of the headphones before you decide to purchase them.

Whether you’re after wireless, noise cancelling, or earbuds, find the right headphones for you with our extensive headphone hub.