The Top 5 Best Over-Ear Headphones of 2023

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In today’s market, there are numerous over-ear headphones to choose from. However, choosing the wrong one can be a waste of money and time. This article aims to provide information on the top 5 best over-ear headphones of 2023. After extensive research and testing, this list includes options for all types of situations so that every individual can find the perfect over-ear headphone for their needs. 

#5: Edifier Stax Spirit S3

The Edifier Stax Spirit S3 is recognized as the best planar magnetic over-ear headphone for the casual listener. Planar magnetic headphones offer a larger, flatter, and super thin diaphragm in each ear cup, resulting in more exciting and distortion-free sound. The Stax Spirit S3 delivers beautifully detailed and expansive audio quality, along with a light, comfortable, folding design. Additionally, its impressive 80 hours of battery life make it stand out. Although lacking in active noise cancellation, these headphones provide an element of passive sound isolation. While they are not cheap, their price is competitive with higher-end models from renowned brands like Sony.

#4: Sony WHCH720N

The Sony WHCH720N is the best budget option for over-ear headphones. Despite its paired-down features, it offers remarkable audio quality, noise cancellation, and affordability. These headphones support Sony’s 360 Reality Audio format, offer upscaling of lower quality tracks, multi-point pairing, and adaptive active noise cancellation. While they may feel slightly constrained compared to more expensive options, they make up for it with their lightweight design and overall comfort. They do not support high-resolution LDAC or automated control settings but are still a steal for their price.

#3: Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless headphones are often compared to the Sony WH-1000XM4. Although they lack some of the extra features found in their competitors, such as a virtual sound stage button mapping and NFC pairing, they excel in noise-canceling performance. These headphones effectively block out sounds like plane engines and ambient chatter. They offer a battery life of over 21 hours and support multi-device pairing. With their fairly neutral sound, they are versatile for all kinds of audio genres, and their lightweight design makes them comfortable for long listening sessions. However, they may feel somewhat cheap in terms of build quality.

#2: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones stand out as the flagship choice for top-quality sound and extensive features. These headphones boast an incredible 60-hour battery life, intuitive app control, easy on-air controls, and impressive adaptive noise cancellation. With the ability to transport you to a musical sound stage, the Momentum 4 Wireless headphones offer open, detailed, expansive, neutral, and crisp sound. While they may be less aesthetically pleasing and lack foldability, they make up for it with their numerous features. If you prioritize exceptional audio control, these headphones are the ideal choice.

#1: Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless headphones claim the top spot as the best over-ear headphones of 2023. Recognized as an older version with better performance for their price compared to the Sony WH-1000XM5, these headphones excel in various aspects. Their outstanding active noise canceling system effectively isolates ambient noise. With a bass-heavy sound profile and the ability to customize sound using a graphic EQ and presets in the companion app, these headphones are well-suited for bass-heavy genres. Their premium build quality, sleek design, and comfortable fit make them a popular choice. With approximately 37 hours of continuous playback time and multi-device pairing support, these headphones are perfect for those always on the go. However, the microphone performance for phone calls may not be as good compared to some cheaper options.

Conclusion

Choosing the best over-ear headphones requires careful consideration of individual preferences and needs. This article has provided information on the top 5 best over-ear headphones of 2023, covering various price ranges and offering different features. Whether it is the Edifier Stax Spirit S3, Sony WHCH720N, Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless, Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, or Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless, each of these headphones has its unique selling points and advantages. Consider your budget, desired features, and sound preferences to make the best choice for your over-ear headphone purchase.

Rank	Headphone Model	Key Features	Battery Life	Noise Cancellation	Price Range (Not Specified)
1	Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless	Bass-heavy sound, Customizable sound with EQ & presets, Premium build	~37 hours	Outstanding Active Noise Canceling	Premium
2	Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless	High-quality sound, Intuitive app control, Easy on-air controls	60 hours	Impressive Adaptive Noise Canceling	Premium
3	Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless	Neutral sound, Lightweight	>21 hours	Excellent Noise Canceling	Mid to Premium
4	Sony WHCH720N	360 Reality Audio, Upscaling of tracks, Multi-point pairing	Not Specified	Adaptive Active Noise Canceling	Budget
5	Edifier Stax Spirit S3	Planar magnetic sound, Lightweight, Folding design	80 hours	Passive Sound Isolation	Mid to Premium

Expert Comment

Adrienne Basso, Acoustical Engineer and Audio Analyst:

“In the dynamic realm of audio technology, over-ear headphones have always served as the nexus of acoustic precision and user comfort. The diaphragmatic depth of the Edifier Stax Spirit S3’s planar magnetic drivers, for instance, brings out a vibrancy that’s truly a testament to modern acoustic engineering. On the other hand, the digital noise cancellation algorithms employed by brands like Sony and Bose reflect the pinnacle of auditory isolation techniques, bridging the gap between raw sound and the psychoacoustic perception of the human ear. It’s important for consumers to understand the balance of tonal fidelity, impedance, and total harmonic distortion when selecting a pair. This list brilliantly underscores not just the technological advances, but also the artistry inherent in today’s top-tier auditory devices.”

Last Updated on November 3, 2023