But if you are still on the fence as to what sort of pair to punt for, this list will give you a comprehensive overview of what's on offer. Every pair on this list has been through the rigorous What Hi-Fi? testing process and, badged with a full five-star rating, wears our stamp of approval as among the best over-ear headphones out there. Also look out for the What Hi-Fi? Award winners, which represent the absolute best-value pairs on the market. Over-ear headphones FAQs Are over-ear headphones better than on-ear headphones? If preferred use them as a wired headphones with the provided aux cable so the headphones will never power off.

If your over-ear headphones are causing headaches or head pain, it's likely down to one of two reasons: you're playing music too loudly for too long, or the headband is putting too much pressure on the top of your head. Fit is important when it comes to over-ears. You want the headband and earpads to clamp securely enough so that they don't move around on your head and leak sound; but if the earpads clamp too tightly, they can be uncomfortable and cause your ears to overheat. Too much pressure on the crown of your head may be down to insufficient headband padding. We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in London and Reading in the UK, where our team of expert reviewers, who have a combined 100 years plus of experience, carries out our testing. We have price-appropriate DACs to help us test wired headphones, and put wireless noise-cancelling pairs through the wringer in working offices, out and about on city streets, and on public transport too. If you have an iPhone, some headphones equipped with Apple's W1 chip, like AirPods or BeatsX, are even easier to pair. You don't even have to go to the Bluetooth menu—an on-screen notification appears when the earphones are close to your phone and they pair almost instantly. The difference is in the listening: the SR325x sound notably cleaner and clearer than their predecessors, offering a superbly detailed and articulate performance that comes across more precisely and insightfully than ever. On-ear headphones have smaller earpads that sit 'on' your ears, and over-ear headphones have larger earpads that sit around and cover your ears – and the former is something of a dying breed. On-ears have their advantages: they are often lighter, inherently less obtrusive and isolating, and usually more physically compact and portable. But there is more choice of over-ear headphones, period, and they tend to accommodate more isolated and immersive listening.Headphones are for one of two things: they are for either casual entertainment, or critical, businesslike purposes such as monitoring or mixing. It’s unusual to find a pair of headphones that can fulfil both roles adequately – and it’s even rarer at the sort of money Røde is asking for the NTH-100. Read the full Beyerdynamic T1 (3rd Generation) review How to choose the best over-ear headphones for you The 10-year-old, original T1 models are something of a touchstone for us as far as premium headphones go. The main change between this third-generation model and its predecessor is that the new pair is easier to drive for laptops and mobile devices. The old model had a 600ohm impedance, while this new one takes that down to 32ohms.

The results are a sound that is very similar to the originals but cleaner and clearer if anything, slightly less bright and a little more rounded in the treble too, making them a bit more forgiving of aggressive electronics and recordings. There's that same delivery of music with a palpable sense of power and authority, and vocals come through with nuance and clarity, too. Comfortable Head Cushion: The Roxel RX-90 headphones are designed for long-lasting comfort. The head cushion provides a soft and ergonomic fit, allowing you to wear the headphones for extended periods without discomfort.The mission is achieved with startling confidence, though. Detailed, dynamic and yet relentlessly well-balanced, you really can imagine using the NTH-100 as both a pair of casual listening cans or as a studio-grade model for monitoring or mixing. They are that versatile; they are that good. Built-in Microphone: Stay connected and communicate effortlessly with the built-in microphone. The Roxel RX-90 headphones allow you to make hands-free calls, participate in online meetings, or engage in voice chats with crystal-clear audio quality. When we saw the official pictures of the XM5, we were more than a bit surprised. We wondered whether it was a wise move to give one of Sony’s biggest success stories in recent memory, the WH-1000XM4, a major redesign.But it has paid off! No, the CH720N don’t fold up and away, nor do they come with a designated carry case, but they feel good in the hand and on the head, with a construction that, like so many of Sony’s products, never feels as though it’s about to disintegrate, snap or be torn asunder by the wear and tear of everyday use.

No, you don't get many features with a pair of wired cans and yes, paying for an extra cable seems a little mean-minded, but these shouldn't be enough to dissuade you, especially if sound-per-pound value is your primary concern. Measured by that metric, the Røde NTH-100 are pretty much unbeatable, hence their current What Hi-Fi? Award crown. You might consider another Award winner in the excellent and slightly more affordable Austrian Audio Hi-X15, but the NTH-100 are compellingly good value too. Roxel is a brand offering bluetooth mini hi-fi systems, wired foldable headphones, and portable dab radios to customers. Our Roxel review dives deep into the brand and its collection. We’ll provide the details on the quantity, price, and more to help you decide if these products are your new must-haves. Suitable for Kids and Adults: The adjustable headband ensures a comfortable fit for both kids and adults. With a versatile size range, these headphones are suitable for the whole family. There are quite a few things that make the RødeNTH-100 something of a wonder. Firstly, they are the first proper headphones the Australian company (better known as a maker of microphones) has ever made. Second, they are a pair of wired cans trying to make it in a world dominated by the all-consuming Bluetooth behemoth. Thirdly, and most importantly, they sound absolutely stunning for the price.Versatile Usage: These headphones are suitable for various scenarios, including office use, home entertainment, and schools. Whether you’re working, studying, or enjoying your favourite music, the Roxel RX-90 headphones deliver reliable performance.