Over-ear headphones offer superior sound quality, longer battery life, and effective active noise cancellation (ANC) compared to wireless earbuds. Although they are bulkier, their performance makes them an excellent choice for various activities beyond commuting, such as watching shows or listening to albums.

Having tested headphones extensively over the years, including wireless earbuds, workout headphones, and open-ear models, I collaborated with the NBC Select team to identify the best over-ear headphones available. The list below represents our top picks.

The Best Over-Ear Headphones in 2026

We chose top models from reputable brands like Sony and Bose. All have ANC and transparency modes and include a travel case. All work well across different devices, except the Apple AirPods Max 2, which functions best with Apple products.

Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM6

The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver exceptional sound quality and effective ANC. Available in black, blue, and white, the model resists fingerprints well. While the bass is prominent, it does not overshadow other frequencies. Touch controls are intuitive, and the headphones fold for easy storage.

The right earcup functions as a touchpad, allowing you to control playback and switch to hear-through mode effortlessly. The headphones are priced higher but are more comfortable than previous versions, with a wider adjustable headband.

Best Budget: Soundcore Life Q30

The Soundcore Life Q30 headphones provide excellent value under $100. They feature ANC, transparency mode, a folding design, a hard case, and long battery life. Although the build seems slightly flimsy, they offer decent sound isolation and excellent battery performance.

While transparency mode is less effective, the headphones last up to 60 hours without ANC. For improved features, consider the Soundcore Space Q45, which costs more than $100 and offers better quality.

Best for Noise Canceling: Bose QuietComfort Ultra

These headphones offer outstanding noise-canceling abilities, comparable to the Sony WH-1000XM6 model. They are durable, easy to adjust, and come with a hard case. However, the controls need refinement, as the volume slider and on-off button can be slightly inconvenient.

Best from Apple: Apple AirPods Max 2

The AirPods Max 2 headphones, preferred for their comfort and padding, feature magnetic earcups for easy cleaning. They provide top-notch ANC and transparency modes. However, they are heavier than other models, and their features are optimized for Apple devices.

New internal software features like adaptive audio and call voice isolation enhance the user experience. However, the battery life is limited to 20 hours, and the included soft case provides minimal protection.

Best for Travel: Bose QuietComfort

Ideal for frequent travelers, Bose QuietComfort headphones combine excellent ANC, a lightweight design, and long battery life. The physical controls are easy to use, though ANC cannot be fully turned off to extend battery life.

Best Design: Sonos Ace

Sonos Ace headphones feature user-friendly controls with dedicated buttons for power and ANC, and a sliding media button for volume and playback. They offer balanced sound and natural noise cancellation. While they do not fold, the slim design makes them portable.

Best for Bass: Sony Ult Wear

These headphones share design features with Sony’s flagship models while amplifying bass. With a folding design and intuitive touch controls, they offer a unique bass experience with a dedicated ‘Ult’ button for enhanced bass settings.

How to Use Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones enclose your ear, providing isolation from external noise. Their size enables superior audio quality, ANC, and controls.

Explore various noise cancellation modes, such as ANC and hear-through, to optimize your listening experience. Download the companion app to access software updates, modify audio settings, and manage connections. Take breaks during extended use to avoid discomfort.

Choosing the Right Pair

When selecting headphones, prioritize comfort, ease of use, battery life, and noise-canceling capabilities. Try different models to discover which features and fit work best for you.

Expert Insights

I worked with experts and colleagues at NBC Select to compile a list of top over-ear headphones. We emphasize independent, unbiased reviews based on experience and specialist insights, helping you make informed choices.