Imagine my horror when, earlier this year, men came out and announced they were raw-dogging flights. First of all, keep that to yourself. Second, no thank you, not for me. Podcasts, music and audiobooks are my constant companion while doing laundry, walking, commuting, grocery shopping. And over-ear headphones are my favourite mode of transmission.
There is power in old school headphones. They make us the main character. Think: Zoe Kravitz in High Fidelity (or in my case, Bill Nighy in Love Actually). With the added benefit that we can tune out the world around us. Did that man on the sidewalk just cat-call me? I can't hear him and so he will not ruin my day. Plus, not all of us can be wired It Girls, some of us need Bluetooth.
So if you're in the market for headphones and are wondering what the best options are for your budget and needs, we've got you. Below, we've scoured the internet for the best 8 headphones based on noise-cancelling, comfort, audio quality, look and price tag.
The best noise-cancelling headphones...
BOSE QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
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Bose is a regular contender for the best headphones for a reason. Tech reviewers widely praise the brand's active noise-cancelling technology, which allows you to flick between Quiet and Aware Mode easily. So if you're looking to drown out your colleague's chewing or peak hour chaos while commuting, the QuietComfort Ultra are legit. They also feature immersive technology that creates a spatial soundstage, kind of like surround sound TV. Battery life is standard though, around 24 hours, but it'll get you through a long-haul flight so that's all that matters.
Best for comfort...
DYSON OnTrac Headphones
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For those who prioritise comfort above all else with their headphones (you'd feel the same after hot, strained, over-stimulated ears), then Dyson's OnTrac style might be a good fit. First off, it's important to note that Dyson's take on over-ear headphones offer 55 hours of listening time – no small feat for battery-power Bluetooth devices – and you'll get 9 hours out of a 30 minute charge. In terms of comfort, Dyson has gone to great lengths to ensure the band doesn't clamp on your head and the ear cups are generously padded, detachable and, importantly, hand-washable, so you can keep them clean as they wear. While they might be heavier than other options on the market, the weight is evenly dispersed on the OnTrac, and the style is completely customisable from an aesthetic point of view.
Best for sound...
SENNHEISER Momentum 4 Wireless
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Audiophiles assemble. Sennheiser have designed their Momentum 4 Wireless as the essential lifestyle-oriented option for those who are pedantic about sound. This particular style offers a rich, immersive audio experience, without skimping on comfort or style. While true audio obsessives might have no problem forking out thousands for hyper-specialised headphones, the Momentum 4 Wireless asserts itself easily in the mid-range market. You can get up to 60 hours of listening time out of one charge, and the ear cups are deeper and wider than others, say from Sony, so people with larger ears can listen comfortably for extended periods.
Best for that luxury feel...
BANG & OLUFSEN Beoplay H100
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Bang & Olufsen's Beoplay H100 headphones will set you back a princely sum. But if that doesn't bother you, then prepare for a luxury audio experience. In typical Bang & Olufsen fashion, the headphones are crafted in their Danish factory from hard-wearing, quality materials like aluminium, titanium, scratch-resistant glass, lambskin and cowhide. Each set comes with a five-year warranty and what's really special is that parts of the headphones can be swapped out and serviced. A lot of the complaints of other headphones on the market is that if the battery fails or headband falls apart, you have to replace the set altogether. This is not the case with the Beoplay H100. You'll also get to experience adjustable noise-cancelling technology, adaptive play, and a 32-hour long battery.
Best for style...
SONOS Ace Headphones
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If your home is already bedecked with Sonos equipment, I see no reason for that to change if you're hunting for chic headphones. While some critics have critiqued the fidelity of the Ace's audio for the price tag, they get five stars on the style front. The design is minimal and curvaceous, with clean lines and discrete branding. We like that the ear cups don't get tangled in our hair, match every outfit and come with an anti-fingerprint finish. Sadly, these don't let you toggle between noise-cancelling and aware modes, it's all or nothing.
APPLE AirPods Max
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Apple's AirPod Max headphones hardly need vouching for. It's well known that they're made with quality materials for those who value premium design and the spatial audio and active noise-cancellation is pleasing. There has been critique that overall the style is too bulky and undercooked, but if you're looking for headphones that are flashy and easily-recognisable, this is another choice.
Best on a budget...
SONY WH-CH520
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With headphones, it's not always the case that you get what you pay for. Some high-end options fall short in terms of audio or comfort, and some affordable sets will leave you pleasantly surprised. That's the case for Sony's WH-CH520 headphones, which fall under the $100 mark yet feel like they could fetch double the price. They're padded enough to make day-long listening a comfortable experience and the audio quality is decent and balanced (this is Sony we're talking about). Even better, the battery can last up to 50 hours with one complete charge. The set might not be overflowing with features but where it counts Sony has pulled through.
The best overall...
SONY WH-1000XM5
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Time and time again, Sony's WH-1000XM5 option is cited as the best set of over-ear headphones on the market. Why? Because it knows what people value and hits each mark. Sony consistently provides impeccable audio, flawless noise-cancelling, superior, light and plush design, with a long battery life and as more versions emerge from this range, the features grow more advanced.
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