Our Top Picks for Comfortable Headphones in 2024
Here's a detailed breakdown of our top picks, including key features, pros and cons, and who each headphone is best suited for:
Headphone Model Type Comfort Highlights Sound Quality Pros Cons Best For Bose QuietComfort 45 Over-Ear, Noise Cancelling Plush earcups, minimal clamping force, lightweight design. Known for their exceptional long-wear comfort. Balanced and clear, with adjustable EQ. Superb noise cancellation, comfortable for extended periods, excellent call quality. Not the most bass-heavy sound profile, design is relatively unchanged. Commuters, travelers, anyone needing long-lasting comfort and effective noise cancelling. Sony WH-1000XM5 Over-Ear, Noise Cancelling Soft-fit leather earcups, redesigned headband for even weight distribution. Detailed and immersive, with LDAC support for high-resolution audio. Industry-leading noise cancellation, exceptional sound quality, sleek design. Higher price point, less compact folding design than previous models. Audiophiles, frequent flyers, users who prioritize top-tier noise cancellation and sound. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Over-Ear, Noise Cancelling Deep, well-padded earcups, comfortable headband with fabric covering. Detailed and dynamic, with a wide soundstage. Excellent sound quality, customizable noise cancellation, comfortable fit. Gesture controls can be finicky, more expensive than some competitors. Music lovers, those who appreciate detailed sound and customizable features. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Over-Ear, Studio Headphones Circumaural design, comfortable earcups, adjustable headband. A more affordable option. Accurate and balanced, ideal for monitoring and critical listening. Great sound quality for the price, durable build, comfortable for extended use (considering it's a studio headphone). Less effective noise isolation than noise-cancelling headphones, can get warm during prolonged use. Podcasters, music producers, anyone needing accurate sound reproduction. Apple AirPods Max Over-Ear, Noise Cancelling Knitted mesh canopy headband, memory foam ear cushions. Distinct and premium design. Detailed and balanced, with spatial audio support. Excellent noise cancellation, spatial audio, seamless integration with Apple devices. Very expensive, can be heavy for some users, limited Android compatibility. Apple ecosystem users, those who want premium features and spatial audio. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Over-Ear, Closed-Back Velour earcups, adjustable headband, comfortable for long listening sessions. A studio standard for a reason. Detailed and accurate, with a wide frequency response. Exceptional sound quality, comfortable for extended use, durable build. Less portable than wireless options, no noise cancellation. Studio professionals, audiophiles, those who prioritize sound quality and comfort at home. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 Over-Ear, Noise Cancelling Lightweight design, angled earcups, comfortable headband. Known for their sleek aesthetic. Balanced and clear, with excellent call quality. Excellent noise cancellation, clear call quality, stylish design. Not as comfortable as the QuietComfort 45, bass response could be stronger. Professionals, those who need excellent call quality and noise cancellation in a stylish package. Status Audio BT One Over-Ear, Wireless Plush earcups, minimalist design, comfortable headband. A great value option. Balanced and neutral, with decent clarity. Comfortable, affordable, good battery life. Noise isolation is minimal, sound quality is not exceptional. Budget-conscious users, those who need comfortable wireless headphones for everyday use. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Over-Ear, Gaming Headset ComfortMAX System, which includes adjustable earcups, a suspension band, and rotating earcups. Designed for long gaming sessions. Hi-Res Audio certified, clear and detailed sound. Exceptional comfort, low-latency wireless, simultaneous game and chat audio, swappable batteries. Expensive, complex setup, may be overkill for casual users. Serious gamers, streamers, anyone who needs a comfortable and feature-rich gaming headset.
