Its getting loud in here: The best over-ear headphones of 2026, tested
Whether you’re tuning out the world on your morning commute, powering through a workout or simply getting lost in your favorite playlist, a good pair of headphones can make all the difference.For me, a good pair of headphones is one that offers decent noise cancellation, long battery life and a comfortable design for all-day wear.The sound (especially the bass) also needs to be balanced.
For you, maybe portability or fast-charging features are more important.Whatever you prefer, there’s a pair of headphones out there for you.We’ve tested all sorts of headphones, and if over-ear headphones are your pick, we’ve found some of the best options available right now.Check out the best pairs of headphones below, from Bose to Apple.
Pros:Cons:These Sony headphones have been my daily favorite for the last year or so.They’re comfortable, offer an extended 30-hour battery life and have fast-charging features.The ear cups are my favorite, as they don’t hurt my ears even after long hours of use.
They’ve also got some of the best noise cancellation, completely tuning out my surroundings, whether I’m on busy New York streets or noisy planes.Better still, I’ve yet to find a song that doesn’t sound good on these headphones.After consistent use for more than a year, they’ve shown no signs of wear or tear.Weight: 8.96 ounces (0.56 pounds) | Battery life: Up to 30 hours with ANC on, 40 hours with ANC off | Noise cancellation: Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation with 12 microphones and HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connection and 3.5mm wired audio |Probably the best luxury headphones I’ve tried recently, these plush Technics headphones have a classic, sleek design and some of the clearest sound I’ve ever heard on a pair of headphones.
These ones truly shine on instrumental tracks, making them a great pick to use when you’re watching movies on your mobile or portable device.Best of all, battery life is up to 45 h...