Top 7 Best Over-Ear Headphones in 2025

From Audiophiles and Creators to Everyday Power Users

Looking for the ultimate audio upgrade this year, look no further than our list of the Top 7 best over-ear headphones. Over-ear headphones are back with a vengeance—and in 2025, they’re smarter, sleeker, and more powerful than ever. Whether you’re chasing that immersive cinematic sound, studio-grade clarity, or just need stylish noise-cancelling headphones that actually live up to the hype, this list has you covered.

These aren’t just for audiophiles anymore—they’re lifestyle tools. Perfect for remote work, music production, gaming, travel, and daily commutes. We’ve used style, comfort, noise cancellation, and raw sound power to rank them. Read on for the best over-ear headphones in the game—and scroll to the bottom for a side-by-side spec breakdown.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Description: The undisputed king of noise-cancellation just got a power-up. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is engineered for those who demand peak performance in style and silence. Wrapped in sleek matte finishes with minimal branding and a futuristic curved silhouette, these headphones look as premium as they feel. They’re a staple among digital creators, travelers, and entrepreneurs who want elite audio clarity while staying wrapped in sonic peace.

Boasting 30+ hours of battery life, adaptive sound control, and industry-leading ANC, the XM5s are ready for everything from studio mixing to soul-searching playlists. They’re a dream for working professionals, frequent flyers, or anyone needing razor-sharp call quality in noisy spaces. With high-res audio, multipoint Bluetooth, and fast charging, Sony holds its ground as the luxury workhorse in the over-ear category.

Key Features:

• Industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
• 30-hour battery life with quick charge
• Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
• Adaptive Sound Control with smart sensors
• Compatible with Hi-Res Audio and LDAC
• Sleek fold-flat design for portability
• Excellent for commuting, studio use, and remote work
• Buy it here: Sony WH-1000XM5

2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Description: When comfort and crispness collide, Bose comes out on top. The QuietComfort Ultra isn’t just the comfiest headphone on this list—it’s a full-on sensory retreat. Plush memory foam earcups cradle your head, while Bose’s upgraded CustomTune technology shapes your sound experience based on your ear canal. Wild, right?

What sets these apart is their legendary ANC and new spatial audio engine. From classical to hip-hop, these cans bring your music to life with balance, depth, and detail. They’re also ideal for hybrid workers or students who need long-session comfort without sacrificing audio finesse. Simple button layout, 24-hour battery life, and seamless device switching? Check. They’re sleek enough to wear on Zoom, stylish enough to flex in public.

Key Features:

• World-class ANC with CustomTune audio calibration
• Immersive spatial audio with head-tracking
• 24-hour battery life
• Multipoint Bluetooth pairing
• All-day comfort with lightweight build
• USB-C and app-enabled customization
• Buy it here: Bose QuietComfort Ultra

3. Apple AirPods Max

Description: The design that broke the internet. The AirPods Max are unapologetically bold—built with premium aluminum earcups, a stainless steel frame, and a breathable knit mesh canopy that feels like wearing a cloud. It’s the most fashion-forward headphone you’ll see on a plane or in a content creator’s studio.

But they don’t just look good—they perform like beasts. With the Apple H1 chip in each ear, Adaptive EQ, Spatial Audio, and dynamic head tracking, the Max delivers immersive 3D-like sound quality. Perfect for video editing, movies, or simply flexing at the cafe. The ANC is elite, call quality is sharp, and the integration with Apple devices is seamless. Yes, they’re heavier than others—but with this much style, who’s complaining?

Key Features:

• Precision-engineered Apple H1 chips (one per earcup)
• Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
• 20-hour battery life with ANC and Spatial on
• Digital crown for volume + control
• Premium build: stainless steel and aluminum
• Seamless iOS integration with iCloud sync
• Buy it here: Apple AirPods Max

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

Description: The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless is like a luxury sedan for your ears—sleek, elegant, and built for serious comfort. German-engineered precision meets minimalist design with a lightweight build, intuitive touch controls, and top-tier sound fidelity. Audiophiles, take note: this one hits every frequency with clean detail.

With a mind-blowing 60 hours of battery life, smart pause sensors, and adaptive ANC, it’s perfect for long-haul travel or marathon studio sessions. The sonic signature is clean and immersive, ideal for jazz, classical, and detail-rich soundscapes. Whether you’re deep in an editing session or blocking out plane noise, the Momentum 4 adapts to your needs beautifully.

Key Features:

• 60-hour battery life (best-in-class)
• Adaptive ANC with transparency mode
• Ultra-lightweight and comfy headband design
• Exceptional sound fidelity with 42mm drivers
• Smart pause and customizable EQ via app
• USB-C fast charging
• Buy it here: Sennheiser Momentum 4

5. Bowers & Wilkins Px8

Description: The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 is the definition of understated luxury. Designed for the refined listener, it’s a blend of high-performance acoustics and impeccable aesthetics. Crafted with die-cast aluminum arms and fine Nappa leather, the Px8 looks as rich as it sounds.

The audio profile is balanced and accurate, thanks to 40mm carbon-cone drivers and a 24-bit DSP. It’s less about booming bass and more about refined, truthful sound reproduction. Best suited for high-fidelity music lovers, video editors, and anyone who values design as much as depth. It’s the headphone equivalent of a tailored suit.

Key Features:

• Carbon-cone drivers for high-fidelity audio
• Luxurious materials: leather + aluminum
• 30-hour battery life with quick charge
• Advanced DSP and aptX Adaptive
• Crystal-clear call quality
• Refined minimal design aesthetic
• Buy it here: Bowers & Wilkins Px8

6. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95

Description: For those who believe headphones should make a statement, the Beoplay H95 delivers on every front. Wrapped in titanium, lambskin, and memory foam, it feels more like a piece of luxury fashion than audio gear. But under the hood? Pure sonic power.

B&O’s custom titanium drivers and adaptive ANC provide warm, rich, enveloping sound, ideal for mellow acoustic tracks or cinematic listening. With 38 hours of playback and intuitive rotating dials for ANC and volume, these are made for execs, designers, and travelers who won’t settle for less.

Key Features:

• Adaptive ANC with titanium drivers
• 38-hour battery life with Bluetooth 5.1
• Touch + rotary control interface
• Premium build: aluminum, lambskin, memory foam
• Carry case and accessories included
• Exceptional soundstage for immersive listening
• Buy it here: Beoplay H95

7. Austrian Audio Hi-X65

Description: For serious creators and audiophiles, the Hi-X65 is a sonic microscope. Designed in Vienna for studio use, this open-back headphone offers ultra-accurate sound reproduction. It’s not wireless, not trendy—but it’s one of the most truthful headphones you’ll ever hear.

The Hi-X65 is ideal for mixing, mastering, or high-resolution music appreciation. Its durable frame, memory foam pads, and professional-grade cable connectors speak to its purpose-built quality. If you’re crafting sound, this is your go-to. Forget ANC and gimmicks—this one is tuned for the truth.

Key Features:

• Open-back design for natural soundstage
• Ultra-linear frequency response
• High-resolution drivers with low THD
• Detachable pro-grade cables
• Built for mixing, mastering, critical listening
• Handmade in Vienna
• Buy it here: Hi-X65

Top 7 best over-ear headphones Comparison Table

If you have found this article interesting and you enjoy reading about technology, check out our review of the top 10 in-ear headphones in 2025 here.