Over-ear headphones envelop the entire ear, providing powerful sound and excellent noise isolation. This review evaluates over 30 models, highlighting differences in performance and price, ranging from 60 to over 500 euros. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless is praised for its outstanding battery life, sound quality, and comfort, while the Soundcore Life Q30 offers great sound and battery longevity at a more affordable price. Comprehensive evaluations and recommendations for both premium and budget options are included.
Over-ear headphones, as the name implies, are designed to encompass the entire ear. Unlike in-ear or on-ear models, these headphones create a snug fit around your ears, providing an ideal environment for delivering powerful audio and superior noise isolation.
The variety of over-ear headphones available from different brands can be quite overwhelming, with significant differences in both performance and price. Our comprehensive ranking of headphones features models ranging from approximately 60 to over 500 euros. But is investing in a high-end model truly necessary?
Over-Ear Headphones Reviewed: Premium Models vs. Budget Picks
We have meticulously evaluated over 30 of the latest over-ear headphones on the market. Below, we will highlight the characteristics that set apart the top-performing models from more affordable alternatives. For a thorough buying guide and a complete overview of the tested over-ear headphones, continue reading.
Recommended Over-Ear Headphones: Our Top Picks
Test Winner: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Price Tip: Soundcore Life Q30
Our evaluations have produced the following ratings:
- Very Good (1.2)
- Good (1.8)
- Satisfactory (3.5)
Battery life for these headphones ranges impressively:
- Test Winner: 53:08 hours
- Price Tip: 40:35 hours
Test Winner: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Available at popular retailers
Pros:
- Outstanding battery life
- Crisp sound with deep bass
- Exceptional comfort
- Top-tier noise cancellation
Cons:
- Non-foldable design
Test Summary
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless excels as a premium noise-cancelling headphone. It boasts impressive sound quality and efficient active noise cancellation. The comfort level is notably high, although the overall design may seem somewhat ordinary due to its plastic material. With a remarkable battery life of 53 hours, even with active noise cancellation on, it also supports wired use with a 1.2-meter cable when the battery runs low. Additional features, such as wear detection and Bluetooth multi-connection, enhance its usability. However, the inability to fold the ear cups increases its bulkiness when stored in the included hard case. Ultimately, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless stands out as an excellent purchase recommendation.
Price Tip: Soundcore Life Q30
Available at leading retailers
Pros:
- Rich and expansive sound
- Impressive battery longevity
- Very comfortable design
Cons:
- Average noise cancellation performance
- Plastic surface susceptible to fingerprints
Test Summary
While the Soundcore Life Q30 may not be the best choice for audiophiles seeking strong noise cancellation, it remains a solid option for users looking for excellent sound quality and battery life. Our tests reveal that it has a pleasant sound profile with a broad sound stage and rich bass. Although it may lack the crispness found in higher-priced models, its battery can last nearly 66 hours without ANC and still performs admirably at around 40 hours with it. Additional features include a wide Bluetooth range and comfortable fit, along with successful multi-connection capabilities.
For detailed test reports on these models, please refer to the respective product pages.
For more insights about headphone testing and recommendations, explore our extensive resources.