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Discover the top over-ear headphones of 2025 with expert reviews and detailed testing.
Finding the Perfect Over-Ear Headphones for Your Needs
In a world where audio quality can make or break your listening experience, choosing the best over-ear headphones is more important than ever. Whether you're a music enthusiast craving immersive sound, a professional needing noise cancellation for focus, or a casual listener seeking comfort during long sessions, the right pair can transform how you engage with audio. Over-ear headphones offer superior sound isolation, deeper bass, and extended wear comfort compared to on-ear or in-ear options, making them a top choice for audiophiles and everyday users alike. However, with countless models flooding the market, navigating the options can feel overwhelming.
Key Factors and Our Expert Approach
At Review Atlas, we’ve meticulously tested dozens of over-ear headphones to bring you this comprehensive 2025 buying guide. When evaluating, we prioritize critical factors like sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), battery life, build comfort, and value for money. We also consider connectivity options (Bluetooth, wired), design durability, and brand reliability. Our team of audio experts and tech reviewers conducts hands-on testing in real-world scenarios—think bustling cafes, quiet home offices, and long commutes—to ensure our recommendations meet diverse needs. With years of experience reviewing audio gear, we’re committed to providing unbiased, in-depth insights to help you make an informed decision. From premium picks to budget-friendly options, our list of the best over-ear headphones of 2025 is crafted to cater to every listener searching for top-tier audio solutions. Dive into our expert reviews and find your perfect pair today!
The Sony WH-1000XM5 reigns supreme as the best over-ear headphones of 2025, delivering unmatched sound quality and industry-leading active noise cancellation (ANC). With a refined design, these headphones offer exceptional comfort for long listening sessions, thanks to their lightweight build and plush ear cushions. The audio profile is crisp and balanced, with deep bass and customizable EQ settings via the Sony app. Their ANC adapts dynamically to your environment, making them ideal for travel or noisy offices. Battery life impresses at up to 30 hours, with fast charging for quick top-ups. Pros: Outstanding ANC, stellar sound, long battery life. Cons: Slightly higher price point, less foldable design than predecessors. If you’re seeking the ultimate wireless over-ear experience, the WH-1000XM5 is the gold standard for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earns our Editor's Choice for its premium blend of comfort and cutting-edge noise cancellation. Renowned for setting the ANC benchmark, Bose delivers with spatial audio support and immersive soundscapes that rival top competitors in 2025. The headphones feature plush padding and a lightweight frame, ensuring fatigue-free wear during extended use. With up to 24 hours of battery life and customizable sound modes, they cater to both music lovers and professionals. Pros: Best-in-class ANC, luxurious comfort, spatial audio. Cons: Battery life slightly shorter than some rivals, premium pricing. Perfect for those who prioritize noise isolation and a refined listening experience, the QuietComfort Ultra is a standout choice for anyone willing to invest in top-tier over-ear headphones.
For those on a budget, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 offers incredible value without skimping on essentials, making it our Budget Pick for 2025. These over-ear headphones provide solid active noise cancellation (ANC) for the price, effectively reducing low-frequency sounds like engine noise. With up to 40 hours of battery life (30 with ANC on), they’re perfect for long commutes or study sessions. The sound leans bass-heavy, ideal for pop and hip-hop fans, though mids can feel slightly recessed. Comfort is decent with soft ear cups, though not as luxurious as premium models. Pros: Affordable price, long battery life, decent ANC. Cons: Average build quality, sound lacks detail. If you’re after cheap over-ear headphones with reliable performance, the Q20 is a fantastic entry-level option.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless stands out in 2025 for its audiophile-grade sound and impressive 60-hour battery life—one of the longest in its class. Known for rich, detailed audio with a warm signature, these over-ear headphones excel across genres, from classical to rock. The ANC is effective, though not as robust as Sony or Bose, while the design prioritizes elegance with premium materials. Comfort is excellent for extended wear, aided by adjustable headbands. Pros: Exceptional battery life, high-fidelity sound, stylish design. Cons: ANC could be stronger, app functionality feels basic. A top choice for music purists, the Momentum 4 Wireless offers a premium listening experience for those who value sound over gimmicks in over-ear headphones.
The Beats Studio Pro brings a bold, bass-forward sound to the 2025 over-ear headphone market, paired with a sleek, modern design. Optimized for Apple users with seamless iOS integration, these headphones also support spatial audio and lossless playback via USB-C. ANC performs well in urban settings, and transparency mode is handy for staying aware. Battery life hits 40 hours (ANC off), though comfort may wane during very long sessions due to a snug fit. Pros: Punchy bass, Apple ecosystem perks, solid ANC. Cons: Fit can feel tight, sound less balanced for non-bass genres. Ideal for fans of Beats’ signature style, the Studio Pro is a trendy, reliable pick for casual listeners seeking wireless over-ear headphones with flair.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 is a favorite among audio enthusiasts in 2025, blending studio-quality sound with wireless convenience. Known for its flat, accurate audio profile, this over-ear headphone model suits critical listening and content creation. With 50 hours of battery life and low-latency mode for gaming or video, it’s highly versatile. The build is sturdy, though the ear cups may feel warm during extended use. While lacking premium ANC, passive isolation is decent. Pros: Excellent sound clarity, long battery life, durable. Cons: No active noise cancellation, comfort average for long wear. For those prioritizing sound fidelity over bells and whistles, the ATH-M50xBT2 is a fantastic choice in the mid-range over-ear headphone category.
The JBL Live 670NC offers a compelling mix of powerful sound and practical features for 2025 users seeking mid-range over-ear headphones. With JBL’s signature bass-heavy audio, these are great for EDM and pop, while the adjustable EQ lets you tweak the sound. Active noise cancellation is decent for the price, and 50 hours of battery life (ANC off) ensures longevity. The design is lightweight, though build quality feels less premium. Pros: Strong bass, customizable sound, long battery life. Cons: ANC underwhelms, plastic-heavy build. A solid pick for casual listeners who want reliable wireless over-ear headphones without breaking the bank, the Live 670NC delivers JBL’s trusted audio vibe with modern functionality.
The AKG K371-BT shines in 2025 as a professional-grade over-ear headphone with wireless flexibility, ideal for studio monitoring and casual listening. Its neutral sound profile delivers precise audio reproduction, making it a go-to for musicians and podcasters. With 40 hours of battery life and a comfortable, closed-back design, it’s built for long sessions, though ANC is absent. Bluetooth connectivity is reliable, and a wired option adds versatility. Pros: Accurate sound, good battery life, wired/wireless use. Cons: No ANC, design less flashy. If you’re after over-ear headphones for critical listening on a reasonable budget, the K371-BT offers pro-level performance without unnecessary frills, perfect for creators and audiophiles.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Sony WH-1000XM5 Rank #1 | 🏆 Top Pick | N/A | Check price |
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Rank #2 | ⭐ Editor's Choice | N/A | Check price |
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Rank #3 | 💰 Budget Pick | N/A | Check price |
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Rank #4 | — | N/A | Check price |
Beats Studio Pro Rank #5 | — | N/A | Check price |
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Rank #6 | — | N/A | Check price |
JBL Live 670NC Rank #7 | — | N/A | Check price |
AKG K371-BT Rank #8 | — | N/A | Check price |
Review Atlas Team - Editorial Team
