In recent years, over-ear headphones have surged in popularity. With the rise of music streaming services and digital content, more people are seeking higher-quality listening experiences. Compared to in-ear headphones, over-ear models provide a more immersive sound, gradually becoming the preferred choice for many. Noise-canceling functionality has become a key factor in headphone selection, as excellent noise reduction can greatly enhance the user experience. This article will delve into how to choose the right over-ear headphones and provide popular recommendations to help you make the best choice.

2024 Latest Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphone Review Report
▾4 to 4.5 Stars▾

Product	Sound Quality	Sound Enhancement Design	Comfort	Overall Performance	Total Rating
SONY WH-1000XM5 Headphone	5/5	4.5/5	3.5/5	5/5	4.5 Star
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e Headphone	4.5/5	4.5/5	3.5/5	5/5	4.5 Star
Bose QuietComfort Headphone	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	4.5 Star
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones	4.5/5	5/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	4.5 Star
SENNHEISER MOMENTUM 4 Wireless Headphone	4/5	4.5/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	4 Star
Bowers & Wilkins PX 8 Headphone	4/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	4 Star
SONY WH-CH720N Headphone	4/5	4/5	3.5/5	4/5	4 Star
SONY WH-CH520 Headphone	4/5	4/5	3.5/5	4/5	4 Star
BEATS Studio Pro Headphone	3.5/5	5/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	4 Star
Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Headphone	3.5/5	4/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	4 Star

Source: Consumer Council

2023 Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphone Review Report
▾4 to 4.5 Stars▾

Product	Overall Sound Score	Sound Enhancement Design	Comfort	Noise Reduction Level	Total Rating
SONY WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones	4.5/5	5/5	4/5	5/5	4.5 Star
JBL CLUB 950NC Headphone	3.5/5	4.5/5	3/5	4.5/5	4 Star
SONY WH-XB910N Headphone	3.5/5	3.5/5	3.5/5	2/5	4 Star

Source: Consumer Council

Key Points for Selecting Over-Ear Headphones

1. Ear Cup Types

Over-ear headphones can be categorized into four types: closed-back, open-back, over-ear, and on-ear. The design of the ear cups affects comfort and sound quality, so customers should compare the various types before choosing the headphones that best suit their needs.

	Closed-Back	Open-Back	Over-Ear	On-Ear
Pros	Completely covers the ears and driver units Effectively enhances sound isolation, preventing sound leakage Highlights sound quality with a sense of spatial or surround sound, particularly suitable for use with noise-canceling features	Ear cup design often features a mesh or honeycomb structure Provides a comfortable fit with no pressure sensation, and offers excellent high-frequency performance	Ear cups completely cover the ears and driver units Emphasizes sound isolation and immersive enjoyment	Does not fully cover the ears, allowing for better breathability
Cons	Long-term wear may cause a feeling of heat and increased fatigue	May experience sound leakage, making them unsuitable for outdoor use or for those seeking strong noise cancellation	Long-term wear may lead to feelings of fatigue or pressure	May experience sound leakage

2. Bluetooth Specifications

The Bluetooth specifications of over-ear headphones directly impact sound data transmission, device connectivity, and power consumption. Higher Bluetooth versions offer faster, more stable data transmission and lower latency. Consumers should consider choosing models with Bluetooth 5.2 or higher for stable connections and reduced power consumption.

If you need to switch between multiple devices, check if the product supports multi-device Bluetooth connections. Headphones with this feature can connect to two or more playback devices simultaneously, making it especially useful for those who need to connect both a phone and a computer. Additionally, Bluetooth audio codecs affect audio quality and transmission speed. For high audio quality, the order of preference is LDAC > aptX HD > aptX > AAC > SBC. For low latency, aptX LL is the best choice.

3. Driver Units

The driver unit is the core component of headphones that determines sound quality. Larger driver units typically provide richer bass and more detailed sound. For over-ear headphones, driver units larger than 40mm usually deliver good sound performance. However, the listening experience can vary from person to person, so consumers should avoid blindly seeking headphones with oversized drivers to prevent discomfort.

4. Battery Life

For wireless headphone users, battery life is an important consideration. Outdoor users should look for headphones with fast-charging capabilities, allowing for quick recharges to minimize waiting time. Those who do not charge frequently should ensure the battery life meets their needs; most wireless over-ear headphones offer around 30 hours of playback time.

5. Sound Performance

Many over-ear headphones on the market feature Hi-Res certification, supporting high-resolution audio files. However, different manufacturers may tune their headphones differently—some may emphasize balanced frequencies, while others may enhance bass or vocals. Customers should consider testing headphones to find the one that suits their personal taste.

6. Active Noise Cancellation

Active noise cancellation works by emitting counteracting sound waves to help cancel out external noise, allowing users to hear the audio clearly and enjoy an immersive experience.

7. Comfort

For users who wear headphones for long periods, comfort is crucial. Heavy headphones or hard ear cups can lead to discomfort. The headband should not be too tight, as this can create pressure on the head. Additionally, consumers should consider the flexibility of over-ear headphones, checking if the ear cups can rotate or fold and if the headband is adjustable.

2024 Popular Over-Ear Headphones Recommendations

Product	Features
SONY WH-1000XM5 Headphone	4.5 Star Rating Combined V1 & QN1 Processor, deliver incomparable noise cancelling Eight microphones with Auto NC Optimizer Specially designed 30mm driver unit Supports High-Resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless Precise Voice Pickup Technology with AI machine learning noise reduction algorithm
SONY WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones	4.5 Star Rating HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1, Bluetooth Audio SoC and a dual noise sensor let you listen without distractions High-quality audio with DSEE Extreme™ and LDAC Smart listening technology such as Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention and Adaptive Sound Control modes to enhance your listening experience Precise Voice Pickup Technology combines five built-in microphones with advanced audio signal processing, which can deliver clearer voice to the other person on the phone. Battery Life up to 30hr and support quick charge
SONY WH-CH520 Headphone	4 Star Rating DSEE™ restores musicality lost in compression Fine-tune your sound using the Sony ｜ Headphones Connect app Long-lasting listening with up to 50 hours of battery and quick charging Bluetooth® wireless technology for unrestricted movement Easy hands-free calling and voice assistant commands with microphone
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones	4.5 Star Rating BREAKTHROUGH BOSE IMMERSIVE AUDI SOUND TAILORED TO YOU
Marshall Major V Bluetooth Headset	Playtime: 100 hours Fast charging function: 15 minutes of charging for 15 hours Bluetooth: 5.3 Acoustic characteristics unit: 40 mm Unit type: Moving coil Impedance: 32 Ω Drive sensitivity: 106 dB SPL (100mV @ 1kHz) Frequency response range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Everyone has different requirements for sound quality, comfort, and usage needs. When selecting over-ear headphones, customers should consider their personal preferences and actual usage scenarios. Whether you're a music lover or a professional musician, choosing a high-quality pair of over-ear headphones can enhance your listening experience in various settings.