The Most Comfortable Headphones In 2024

Harlan Ellison By, Harlan Ellison
Updated
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are the ultimate in active noise cancelling headphones. With a built-in active noise cancellation technology, you can reduce ambient noises by up to 90%. Custom oversized 40 mm dynamic drivers produce Hi-Res sound and reproduce music with extended high frequencies that reach up to 40 kHz for extraordinary clarity and detail. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Bose SoundLink Around Ear Wireless Headphones II - Black

The Bose SoundLink are the perfect choice for your on-the-go life. With deep, immersive sound and enhanced EQ performance, you can enjoy your favorite music without the wires. The wireless connectivity delivers a rich, dynamic sound that improves the audio experience for all types of content. The advanced microphone system lets you take calls in windy or noisy environments without interrupting your listening experience. Read Review

3. Best Easy Setup: Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH710N

Step into the world of noise cancellation with Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH710N. With Dual Noise Sensor Technology, you can have a world free from distractions, with long-lasting listening and quick charging. You also get an amazing wireless experience with Bluetooth streaming, NFC pairing and 30 millimeter driver units. Read Review

4. Best Versatile: Sennheiser Professional HD 280 PRO Over-Ear Monitoring Headphones

Sennheiser Professional HD 280 PRO Over-Ear Monitoring Headphones feature high ambient noise attenuation and accurate, linear sound reproduction. They provide a comfortable fit with soft earpads and have folding and rotating ear cups for space-saving transport. The single-sided cable is tough for reliable enjoyment of your favourite music. Read Review

When you’re wearing headphones, you want to be able to enjoy whatever you’re listening to without getting distracted or annoyed. You also don’t want your music or TV show to be ruined by outside noise. Luckily for you, headphone manufacturers have taken note of this and are now making headphones that offer the ultimate in comfort.

Many models now come with earpads made from memory foam or some other soft material that makes them so much more enjoyable than their predecessors. If your current pair of headphones is driving you crazy and you just can’t listen to anything else, check out our list of the most comfortable headphones available today.

You can count on our team of experts who have spent over 18 hours conducting surveys through 42,118 real customer reviews. Because of this, we came to the conclusion that the best-reviewed product is Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones. And Bose SoundLink Around Ear Wireless Headphones II - Black is another choice for you while keeping the product's quality and functionality.

Our Top Picks

  • Incredible Sound Loved by 20 Million+ People
  • Hi-Res Audio: Custom oversized 40 mm dynamic drivers produce Hi-Res sound. Life Q20 active noise canceling headphones reproduce music with extended high frequencies that reach up to 40 kHz for extraordinary clarity and detail.
  • 100% Stronger Bass: Our exclusive BassUp technology conducts real-time analysis of the low frequencies to instantly strengthen the bass output. Double press the play button when listening to bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop for an amplified listening experience.
  • 40-Hour Playtime*: Up to 40 hours of non-stop playtime in wireless active noise cancellation mode (at 60% volume) is extended to an enormous 60 hours in standard music mode. A single charge gives you enough juice to listen to over 600 songs or soundtrack multiple long haul flights. And when you’re in a rush, charge Life Q20 active noise canceling headphones for 5 minutes and get 4 hours of listening.
  • Reduce Ambient Noises By Up to 90%: Our team of engineers conducted more than 100,000 tests in real-life scenarios to fine-tune Life Q20’s 4 built-in ANC microphones and digital active noise cancellation algorithm. As a result, the hybrid active noise cancellation can detect and cancel out a wider range of low and mid-frequency noises such as cars and airplane engines.
  • Up to 15 hours play time with rechargeable lithium ion battery
  • Deep, immersive sound, improved EQ best in class performance for wireless headphones. Connectivity technology: WiredWireless
  • Switch between 2 Bluetooth devices so you can watch a video while staying connected to your smartphone. Wireless range up to 30 feet (9 meter)
  • Latest Bluetooth technology for easy connectivity and seamless audiovideo syncs
  • Advanced microphone system, HD voice for clear calls in windy or noisy environments
TOP Choice #3 Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH710N
Our Score:
9.6
Sony
  • Smartphone compatibility for hands-free calls and use with your voice assistant
  • Next-generation USB type-C charging
  • Connector type: USB type C
  • Wireless Bluetooth streaming with NFC one-touch
  • Hear more detail with the 30 millimeter driver units
  • Noise cancellation automatically senses your environment with Dual Noise Sensor Technology
  • Long-lasting listening with up to 35 hours of battery and quick charging
  • Cancel out the world with smart noise cancellation
  • Ultra-comfortable headphones design with adjustable metal sliders
  • Accurate, linear sound reproduction
  • Tough, single-sided cable
  • High ambient noise attenuation
  • Folding and rotating earcups for space-saving transport
  • Soft earpads for a comfortable fit
  • Lightweight 1.38 in neodymium dynamic drivers deliver a punchy, rhythmic response to even the most demanding tracks. Driver Unit: Dome type
  • Plug: L-shaped stereo mini plug 3.5mm
  • Cushioned earpads for total comfort and enfolding closed-back design seals in sound
  • The swiveling earcup design allows easy storage when you’re not using them, and enhances portability when you’re traveling
  • The wide frequency range—spanning 12 Hz to 22 kHz—delivers deep bass, rich midrange, and soaring highs
  • Self-adjusting 3D Wing Support provides a comfortable listening experience; total ear-fit design minimizes pressure. Maximum Input Power: 700 mW
  • Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW . Full open-air type headphones produce no sense of pressure on the ears, resulting in a completely natural sensation
  • 53 mm drivers reproduce clear treble and midrange. Connectivity Technology: Wired
  • Lightweight aluminum honeycomb casing with excellent acoustic properties
  • Frequency Response - 20 – 20, 000 Hz and Impedance - 45 ohms
  • Bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils for superior power handling. Impedance: 38 ohms
  • Connector Type: 3.5mm
  • True wireless freedom
  • Noise-isolating fit
  • Refined acoustics (4th gen)
  • 22 hours battery life
  • Major IV can be charged wirelessly, so it’s now easier than ever to charge and go. Spend less time looking for your charger in a mess of wires and more time listening to your music. You will receive a USB-C charging cable in the box. Wireless charging pad is not included
  • Included components: Major IV Headphones, 3.5mm audio cord, User Manual and legal and safety information, USB-C charging cable
  • 80+ solid hours of wireless playtime with quick-charge capability – only 15 minutes of charging will give you 15 hours of listening. These are headphones truly built for the long haul.
  • Improved ergonomic design means that when you’re deep diving into your music, the tenth hour is as comfortable as the first. Major IV’s ear cushions are softer to the touch and more faithfully fit the shape of your ear.
  • With the multi-directional control knob you can play, pause, skip and adjust the volume of your device, as well as power your headphones on or off. Phone functionality is also included so you can answer, reject or end a call with a few simple clicks.
  • Major IV delivers the signature Marshall sound that you’ve come to expect. Custom-tuned dynamic drivers deliver roaring bass, smooth mids and brilliant treble for a rich, unrivalled sound that you’ll never want to turn off.
  • Major IV features a 3.5 mm socket so a friend can plug in and enjoy your music.
  • Major IV combines enhanced usability with classic Marshall elements like the multi-directional control knob, textured black vinyl and the Marshall script for a design that is both iconic and innovative. The new fold clip means that Major IV folds away into an even more compact size, and the ear caps are protected from too much wear and tear.
  • 【Crystal-Clear Calls】The Latest cVc 8.0 noise cancellation technology of E600Pro Bluetooth headphones, filter out background noise, so people can hear your voice more easily. If you’re on a phone call in a loud environment, it makes a huge difference in call quality.
  • 【Pressure-Free Comfort】E600Pro wireless headphones have ultra-soft protein leather earcups with memory foam padding to fit snugly over your ears, deliver maximum comfort and strengthen the noise reduction effect.
  • 【Advanced Noise Cancellation Technology】Build-in 2 independent active noise cancelling chips and 5 microphone, the noise reduction depth of E600Pro wireless headphones can reach 35dB, which can effectively reduce the noise in the low and medium audio, such as the noise in the office, airplane, train. Maintain your focus with E600Pro’s hybrid active noise cancellation.
  • 【60H Playtime】Enjoy 60 hours of playtime in standard mode, 45 hours’ wireless ANC mode (at 60% volume).
  • 【High Definition Music】Equipped with the most high-end chip QCC3034, E600Pro Supports aptX HD, aptX, AAC and SBC. Custom oversized 40 mm dynamic drivers, these features will deliver you an immersive sound experience. Even More, E600Pro Bluetooth headphones also be featured with aptX Low Latency, Pair with 1Mii Bluetooth transmitters, it's an ideal wireless headphones for TV watching without lip delay.
  • Ambient Sound: choose when you need to be aware of your surroundings
  • Listening Optimizer: optimizes the sound in real time, adapting to you and your environment
  • Long battery life: up to 35 hours of battery life with Advanced ANC on
  • Bluetooth 5 with aptX Adaptive: stable wireless connectivity and premium streaming quality
  • Simple controls: make phone calls, activate Siri/Google Assistant and control your music with easy-to-find buttons on the earcups
  • Listening Care: intelligent equalization for full-range sound at lower listening volumes, including dynamic monitoring of content and background noise levels
  • Yamaha True Sound: unparalleled clarity, detail and dynamics, with lifelike atmosphere and deep, rich bass
  • Take them everywhere: folding/swiveling earcup design
  • What’s included: YH-E700A headphones, carrying case, USB-C cable, audio cable and flight adapter. iOS/Android app available to download.
  • Advanced ANC: Cut the noise, not the music with this Yamaha-exclusive Active Noise-Cancelling technology that leaves your music pure and untouched
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in the most comfortable headphones

Perhaps as a customer, you may be looking for a most comfortable headphones that may provide you with just what you want, such as being environmentally friendly, freely selected, and so on.

In this section, we will discuss with you the buying guides and main factors to consider when planning to buy the product from e-commerce websites, so that when the time comes to make your final selection, everything would be laid out in front of you.

Headphone Type

Do you prefer a pair of headphones that are sealed or in-ear? Is active noise cancellation technology available in a headphone?
It is important to consider comfort. You might be using your headphone at least 4-5 hours per days. Would you choose a product that is strong but also isolates you well? Would you choose a larger can, which is lighter but still portable, or a smaller can?

Audio Quality

The second option is sound. There are many models that offer different sound quality. You want to choose headphones that suit your taste. With the companion app, some models can be customized to produce a sound that suits their needs.

Durability

A headphone shouldn't be considered disposable technology. This year's headphones will not be outdated six months from now, unlike almost all other consumer electronics. A pair of good headphones should last at least ten years.
Make sure you check the quality of headphones before purchasing. For example, some earbuds or portable devices can be quite fragile. Are the hinges strong enough to hold the headphones together for storage? Or will they break in just a few months? Remember that headphones' earpads, earbuds, and headphone cables will experience a lot of wear over their lifetime.

Mobile App

Most popular headphones and earbuds have an app that allows you to control your audio experience.
Some apps allow you to pair the device and control the settings, while others let you manually adjust the volume and bass levels of the headphones or earbuds.

Special Features

A lot of earbuds or headphones have bonus features like Dolby Atmos support, spatial audio and adaptive EQ. You can also participate in calls and video calls when they are paired with your phone.
Many of these earbuds can be used with either your phone's native app or a separate app that allows you to locate an errant earbud quickly. Most headphones, however, aren't waterproof or water-resistant.
Consider the audio type and the place you will be listening. Then, pick the headphones that have the most common features and functions.

Design

The design is often more important than everything. Do you want in-ear or on-ear headphones, as well as over-ear and under-ear models? Wireless or wired? Sporty or luxury? These headphones can be worn for many occasions so you need something that fits your needs. No matter what type of headphones you decide to get, ensure that they are sturdy, lightweight, comfortable, and easy to transport.

Accessories

Accessories are equally important for wired models. The manufacturer should include an aux cable. It is a good idea to get headphones with an carrying case, charger cable, user manual, extra tips, or ear cups.

FAQs

Do I Need A Headphone Amplifier?

The quality of portable MP3/CD players' amplifiers can be affected by the headphones you use. They aren't responsible for this. The little guys must power both their electronic devices and internal amplifiers using very few volts. The sound quality of some home AV receivers with headphone jacks can be very variable.

What Is The Difference Between Headsets, Headphones, And Earphones?

- A headset is an amalgamation of headphones and microphones. Gaming headsets are most popular.
- Headphones can be worn on the ears or over-ear.
- Earphones can be described as small, earbud-shaped earbuds that are worn inside the ears.

How Do Wireless Headphones Work?

The wireless headphones can be powered by batteries and pair with an infrared or radio signal. Bluetooth technology is available on many devices, which makes it easy to connect and provides high-quality audio.

How Do Noise-canceling Headphones Work?

Two types of noise-canceling exist: active and passive. Passive noise cancellation is where noise is blocked by headphones. Earbuds that are too close to your ears, such as over-the-ear or earbuds, can block the sound.
The active noise cancelling headphones feature a microphone to pick up noise and produce an opposing sound wave that blocks it.

If I Lose The Eartips That Came With My Headphones, Do I Need To Purchase A New Pair?

Absolutely, unless you are just trying something different. If you don't have the funds, you can contact the manufacturer to get a replacement pair. It can be frustrating to lose an earbud because they only have one size. Comply has a range of aftermarket tips to suit your brand if you are in an adventurous mood.

Are Wired Headphones Better Than Wireless?

Wireless headphones generally have better sound quality than wired headphones. However, there has been so much advancement in audio technology in the last few years that you won't notice any difference with most of the top wireless headphones.
We recommend that audiophiles keep choosing wired headphones. It's up to you, the individual. Wireless headphones are a good choice if you prefer wireless headphones and they offer more convenience. You won't regret buying a high-quality pair if you want to enjoy the best sound quality.

Does A Higher Price Tag Mean The Headphones Will Sound Better?

Not necessarily. It's surprising that so many people spend hundreds on smartphones but don't want to buy quality headphones. However, you shouldn't assume that all cheap headphones are equal.

Conclusion

In summary, the most comfortable headphones is the one that will provide you with exactly what you want. Provided that you are not satisfied with the models listed above, we propose Oladance Open Ear Headphones Bluetooth 5.2 Wireless Earbuds for you. 

If you are unclear about how to select an item for yourself or someone else at any time in this post, please let us know! Our team of professionals is always pleased to help you find the best match.


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About Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison is a writer and audio equipment enthusiast. He's particularly interested in home theater HiFi audio, and he has been the editor of The Audio Insights since its inception. Harlan is known for his sharp wit and scathing critiques, but he also has a great love of music and audio gear. When he's not writing or editing, Harlan can be found listening to music or watching movies with his wife.