Update: We've added some new contenders to the list that will satisfy both budget-minded listeners as well as those will a little more cash to spend: the Sony MDR-ZX770BT and the Parrot Zik 2.0, respectively.
Compared to on-ear and in-ear headphones, which are loved for their portability and generally low asking-price, over-ear headphones tend to be the best option to get if you're looking for the most immersive sound experience and don't mind a bigger set of headphones.
Each kind of headphones has its perks, but people gravitate toward over-ear headphones for a few key reasons: their sound and comfort. If you're ready to bite the bullet on a set of expensive over-ear headphones, check out our list of the top-ranking options on TechRadar.
Philips Fidelio X2
Unlike the other recommendations in this guide, the Philips Fidelio X2 are unique in that the cups feature an open-back design, which is a more breathable environment for sound to travel around in. Sound reproduction is more realistic but may leak outside the headphone depending on how loud you like to listen.
This feature alone can only do so much, but the sound drivers inside really help to deliver a extraordinary audiophile listening experience that should make the Philips Fidelio X2 a really convincing deal for most at $299 (£220).
Sony MDR-ZX770BT
If value is key, but you don't want to sacrifice today's coolest headphone features, like wireless, NFC and stellar battery performance, you're not alone. We think the Sony MDR-ZX770BT is right up your alley.
For $150, you get all that and the kitchen sink. These might be budget in price, especially when compared to the other nominees in this roundup, but Sony decked these out with several premium touches in its design and feature set.
The build quality is durable and I was a particular fan of its appealing aesthetic, which is borrowed from Sony's gaming brand, PlayStation. Packed in the ear cups are some pretty capable sound drivers, as well as a killer battery, which clocks in for 17 hours of playback.
- Read our Sony MDR-ZX770BT review
Bose QuietComfort 25
Let's start the list with a no-brainer, the Bose QuietComfort 25. You, as well as most in your immediate network of friends and family have heard of the brand, and for good reason. They have been condensing military technology into consumer-friendly products for over 50 years and have been producing some of the best headphones around.
Their newest over-ear headphones, the Bose QuietComfort 25, are an excellent investment for anyone who's serious about music and quiet time. We liked it so much that it was given our rare "Editor's Choice" award. Why? It does pretty much everything right. It's lightweight, the ANC (active noise cancellation) is incredible and the engineers did a bang-up job on the new design. It will be hard to do better than this for $300 (£270, AU$399) price.
- Read our Bose QuietComfort 25 review
Parrot Zik 2.0
A clear benefit of going over-ear with your next set of headphones is the added comfort and the upped sound performance. But with the Parrot Zik 2.0, you get a lot more in the package.
$399 might seem like a bucket-load to drop a set of headphones and it is. However, there's more functionality stuffed into these cans than a few sets combined. Through a companion app for Android and iOS, listeners can tweak the EQ, create one from scratch and adjust noise cancellation. The app can even simulate different environments, like a jazz club or an amphitheater, and pump the enriched sound straight into your ears.
Get these if you're one to tweak with your tech once you buy it.
- Read our Parrot Zik 2.0 review
Bowers and Wilkins P7
The Bowers and Wilkins P7 are possibly the most regal looking over-ear headphones that money can buy. Like the Creative Sound Blaster EVO ZxR, it won the "Recommended" award, but that's where the comparison stops for the two headphones.
The P7 offers wonderful sound, and if you couldn't tell, they look dashing. Dressed to the nines in leather and shiny metal detail, the prowess expressed in design carries over into the robust sound quality pumped out of the drivers. But for nearly $400, we recommend finding a set to try on before taking the big plunge.
- Read our Bowers and Wilkins P7 review
Samsung Level Over
Coming in out of left-field is Samsung with the Level Over headphones. What can be said about these headphones that reviewer James Rivington has also said so well? Not much, but let us break it down.
The Samsung Level Over were some of the first on the scene with gesture controls embedded into the outside of the right ear well. Additionally, the battery life and the comfortable fit will please, but your desire to snag these might come to a halt once you see that they go for $300. That said, get these if you're in the mood for an elegant headphones stocked with some smart features.
- Read our Samsung Level Over review
Creative Sound Blaster EVO ZxR
For the user who likes to tinker, check out the mouthful that is the Creative Sound Blaster EVO ZxR. With a name like that, part of you hates to assume that it's aimed toward the PC crowd, but you assumed anyway, and you know what? You're pretty much right. So why is a PC headset on this list? Because being a PC headset is only one of the few things that it does so well.
The Creative Sound Blaster EVO ZxR was given our coveted "Recommended" award, meaning that it has so much going for it that it's negative qualities don't count against it much. In this headset's case, we loved the funky design, NFC-compatibility, rocking sound and the ability to get it working with ease on PS4 and Mac.
We're constantly reviewing new over-ear headphones, but let us know if there is a set that you'd like us to take a look at.
From techradar
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