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Top rated on-ear headphones

AI-generated summary · updated July 27, 2026 · verify details before purchase.

  1. Best overall

    Sony WH-1000XM5

    4.7/5 $348-$399

    Exceptional noise cancellation and sound quality with comfortable design, making it the top choice for most users.

    • Top-tier noise cancellation
    • Excellent sound quality
    • Comfortable fit
    • Non-foldable design
    • Pricey
  2. Best noise cancellation

    Bose QuietComfort 45

    4.6/5 $329-$349

    Renowned for its industry-leading noise cancellation and balanced audio, ideal for travelers.

    • Superb noise cancellation
    • Comfortable for long wear
    • Good sound clarity
    • Average bass
    • No USB-C charging at release
  3. Best for studio monitoring

    Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

    4.7/5 $149-$179

    Professional-grade studio headphones with accurate sound reproduction and robust build.

    • Accurate sound
    • Foldable design
    • Durable build
    • Clamping force may be tight
    • Non-replaceable cable
  4. Best open-back for detail

    Sennheiser HD 560S

    4.6/5 $149-$199

    Open-back design offering a wide soundstage and detailed audio, excellent for critical listening.

    • Wide soundstage
    • High detail retrieval
    • Lightweight
    • Open-back leaks sound
    • Flimsy cable
  5. Best value

    Sony WH-1000XM4

    4.6/5 $248-$298

    Previous generation with similar features to XM5 at a lower price, still excellent noise cancellation.

    • Great noise cancellation
    • Good value
    • Multipoint Bluetooth
    • Slightly dated design
    • Not as comfortable as XM5
  6. Best for wireless connectivity

    Bose SoundLink Around-Ear II

    4.4/5 $179-$229

    Reliable wireless performance with a comfortable fit and impressive battery life.

    • Stable wireless connection
    • Comfortable
    • Good battery life
    • No noise cancellation
    • Average sound quality
  7. Best closed-back for accuracy

    AKG K371

    4.4/5 $99-$149

    Closed-back headphones with a balanced sound signature and excellent frequency extension.

    • Accurate bass
    • Detachable cable
    • Foldable
    • Build quality could be better
    • Earpads may cause heat
  8. Best budget noise canceling

    JBL Tune 760NC

    4.3/5 $79-$119

    Affordable wireless noise-cancelling headphones with decent sound and long battery life.

    • Low price
    • Decent ANC
    • Long battery life
    • Build feels cheap
    • Not very comfortable
  9. Best budget pick

    PowerLocus Bluetooth Over-Ear

    4.2/5 $25-$35

    Extremely affordable with good sound for the price, foldable and lightweight.

    • Very affordable
    • Foldable
    • Lightweight
    • Weak bass
    • Not durable
  10. Best budget wired

    Edifier H830

    4.3/5 $35-$50

    Entry-level wired headphones with decent sound quality and a comfortable over-ear design.

    • Good sound for price
    • Comfortable
    • In-line mic
    • Plastic build
    • Non-detachable cable

Buying advice

Consider your primary use: for commuting and noise isolation, choose active noise-cancelling models like Sony or Bose. For critical listening or studio use, open-back options like Sennheiser HD 560S offer better soundstage. Budget buyers can find good value in JBL or Edifier. Ensure comfort for long sessions and check for features like foldability if portability matters.

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