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The Best 5Reviewed by Mike Hun·April 28, 2026

Best Over-ear Headphones

Top 5 over-ear headphones reviewed and ranked.

Quick answer

Sony WH-1000XM5 is our top pick for over-ear headphones — an averaged 4.8/5 across 6 published reviews at about $399. Runner-up: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless (~$350).

Read the Sony WH-1000XM5 review →$399 · Check Price on Amazon

At a glance

Tap any product for the full review
1Sony WH-1000XM5Top Score
(6 sources)
$399Best for: audio enthusiasts seeking premium sound
$399 · Check Price on Amazon
2Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
(6 sources)
$350Best for: value-conscious commuters
$350 · Check Price on Amazon
3Apple AirPods Max
(6 sources)
$549Best for: dedicated iOS users
$549 · Check Price on Amazon
4Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X
(7 sources)
$299Best for: professional audio producers
$299 · Check Price on Amazon
5Bose QuietComfort 45
(6 sources)
$299Best for: travelers prioritizing ANC over audio quality
$299 · Check Price on Amazon
Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.
Reviews aggregated from
SoundGuysWhat Hi-Fi?TechRadarTom's GuidePCMagRecordingnowDigital TrendsTechGearLab

The full ranking

How we rank →
Sony WH-1000XM5
#1 · Top Score
Best for: audio enthusiasts seeking premium sound
Sony WH-1000XM5
from 6 sources$399

Sony WH-1000XM5 represents the pinnacle of active noise cancelling headphones with exceptional sound quality and ANC performance, according to both SoundGuys and What Hi-Fi? reviews. While the design has undergone a major overhaul that some find less premium, the audio improvements are significant and justify the $399 price tag. The headphones excel in travel and office environments, offering comfortable wear and robust call quality. However, the lack of IP rating and vulnerability to moisture are noted drawbacks. These headphones are ideal for commuters and office workers seeking premium audio but may not suit gym users or those in rainy climates.

Strengths
  • — Outstanding active noise cancellation performance that rivals top competitors
  • — Superior sound quality with sensational sonic clarity and punchy delivery
Watch-outs
  • — Build quality feels less premium compared to previous generation
  • — No IP rating and vulnerable to moisture despite lack of definitive waterproofing
$399 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless →
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
#2
Best for: value-conscious commuters
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
from 6 sources$350

The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless offers excellent battery life and superior sound quality that outperforms many competitors in its price range, according to SoundGuys and What Hi-Fi? While it provides effective active noise cancellation, reviewers noted it lags behind top-tier models from Bose and Sony. What Hi-Fi? called it 'one of the best-performing ANC over-ears at their price today,' though they were disappointed by the departure from the brand's previous classy design aesthetic. The headphones are aimed at commuters and frequent travelers seeking a balanced package of performance and value, though audiophiles may find the ANC lacking compared to premium offerings.

Strengths
  • — Excellent battery life with up to 60 hours of playback
  • — Superior sound quality that's ahead of the pack according to SoundGuys
Watch-outs
  • — Middling ANC performance compared to top-tier competitors like Bose or Sony
  • — Drops predecessors' classy aesthetic for a more generic design
$350 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Sony WH-1000XM5 →
Apple AirPods Max
#3
Best for: dedicated iOS users
Apple AirPods Max
from 6 sources$549

The Apple AirPods Max deliver top-tier active noise cancellation and audio quality, making them excellent for Apple ecosystem users who want over-ear headphones. SoundGuys called them 'a perfect pair of headphones' while What Hi-Fi? praised their 'superb audio and noise-cancelling' and 'exceptional build quality.' However, both reviewers noted significant drawbacks including the lack of a 3.5mm jack, poor compatibility outside of Apple devices, and a useless smart case. The headphones are best suited for dedicated iOS users willing to pay a premium for luxury design and seamless integration, rather than for Android users or those seeking maximum value.

Strengths
  • — Best-in-class active noise canceling (ANC) performance
  • — Superb audio quality with natural tone and cinematic spatial audio
Watch-outs
  • — No 3.5mm headphone jack or USB-C audio cable included
  • — Proximity sensors and voice assistant activation do not work on Android or Windows
$549 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Sony WH-1000XM5 →
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X
#4
Best for: professional audio producers
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X
from 7 sources$299

The Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X delivers studio-grade audio accuracy with excellent detail and a balanced soundstage, making it ideal for audio producers and audiophiles. SoundGuys praised its robust construction and replaceable components, while What Hi-Fi? noted its musical articulation and ability to work well with low-end devices. However, the headphones are heavy, lack portability, and come with a premium price tag that may not suit casual listeners or those seeking wireless convenience. This is a professional-grade tool for dedicated audio work rather than general consumer use.

Strengths
  • — Excellent detail and musical articulation with a balanced, accurate soundstage
  • — Robust build quality with replaceable parts including cables, padding, and internals
Watch-outs
  • — High price point at $299 with limited portability and no waterproofing
  • — Heavier than average at 350g, and not suitable for commuting or travel use
$299 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Sony WH-1000XM5 →
Bose QuietComfort 45
#5
Best for: travelers prioritizing ANC over audio quality
Bose QuietComfort 45
from 6 sources$299

The Bose QuietComfort 45 delivers excellent active noise cancellation that remains among the best in class, making it ideal for frequent travelers and commuters. SoundGuys praised its comfort and USB-C upgrade over previous models, though noted the sound quality isn't exceptional. PCMag's Tim Gideon gave it an Editors' Choice rating, highlighting its reliability and comfort despite some outdated control mechanisms. The headphones are best suited for users prioritizing ANC performance over audio fidelity, and those seeking more advanced codec support should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Outstanding active noise cancellation that's among the best in class
  • — Comfortable over long periods of time with well-distributed weight (240g)
Watch-outs
  • — Sound quality is not great, with only SBC and AAC codecs supported
  • — No true off ANC mode; must use Aware mode to disable ANC
$299 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Sony WH-1000XM5 →

Spec comparison

5 products
SpecSony WH-1000XM5Sennheiser Momentum 4 WirelessApple AirPods MaxBeyerdynamic DT 700 Pro XBose QuietComfort 45
Weight251g295 g386g350g240 g
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.25.2Bluetooth 5.0Mini-XLR cable5.1
DriverNew drivers42 mm dynamic40mm dynamic45mm Stellar.4540mm
ANCOutstandingYesBest-in-class—Yes
Battery LifeUp to 30 hours60 hoursUp to 24 hours—24 hours
Charging MethodUSB-CUSB-CLightning—USB-C

Frequently asked questions

What is the best over-ear headphone?
Sony WH-1000XM5 is our top pick for over-ear headphones, with an averaged rating of 4.8/5 from 6 published reviews. Sony WH-1000XM5 represents the pinnacle of active noise cancelling headphones with exceptional sound quality and ANC performance, according to both SoundGuys and What Hi-Fi? reviews. While the design has undergone a major overhaul that some find less premium, the audio improvements are significant and justify the $399 price tag. The headphones excel in travel and office environments, offering comfortable wear and robust call quality. However, the lack of IP rating and vulnerability to moisture are noted drawbacks. These headphones are ideal for commuters and office workers seeking premium audio but may not suit gym users or those in rainy climates.
Is there a cheaper alternative worth considering?
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X (around $299) rates 4.4/5 in our analysis. The Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X delivers studio-grade audio accuracy with excellent detail and a balanced soundstage, making it ideal for audio producers and audiophiles. SoundGuys praised its robust construction and replaceable components, while What Hi-Fi? noted its musical articulation and ability to work well with low-end devices. However, the headphones are heavy, lack portability, and come with a premium price tag that may not suit casual listeners or those seeking wireless convenience. This is a professional-grade tool for dedicated audio work rather than general consumer use.
How does Verdict rank these products?
Every rating on Verdict is the numerical average of scores published by independent review sites, YouTube reviewers, and Reddit buyer reports. No editor adjusts the order — the ranking is whatever the source data produces. See our methodology page for the full process.
When was this guide last updated?
This guide was last re-checked in April 2026. We re-run our research pipeline for each category on a rolling basis so prices and rankings reflect current market reality.

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