If you love music, you will want to read this buying guide to help you choose the best over-ear headphones for your budget. Many people think that pricey over-ear headphones are the best quality, but that’s not always the case and is a common misconception. The best buys don’t have to be unreasonably costly. But why are over-ear headphones preferred by many users?
When you’re taking a break from work, having sleepless nights or maybe trying to keep a soothing and relaxing ambiance, there’s one thing you probably want to do – listen to music. And to keep the music on the perfect beat, you need the best headphones. There are actually different kinds of headphones – in-ear or earbud headphones, on-ear headphones, over-ear headphones and wireless headphones. But if you compare headphones from one another, over-ear headphones are the most comfortable.
These over-ear headphones are also known as full-size headphones, circumaural headphones or ear-cup headphones. Just by these nicknames or the name itself, over-ear headphones have large or oversized padded caps that encase your ear completely and so give perfect fit. Its sound quality is often commended excellent as it delivers flawless beat and often noise-cancelling. However, since these headphones are large in size, they are not that compact and portable though some types are foldable. Most of them are also lightweight for more convenient use.
The most comfortable over-ear headphones don’t need to be expensive but rather affordable. If you’re budget limits you to $300, need not to worry. We’ve listed the best headphone brands that would definitely suit your budget.
Buying Guide on How to Choose Over-ear Headphones
So, how would you know the best over-ear headphones in the market? Here are some factors you should consider.
- STYLE/SIZE – Though over-ear headphones are the largest type of headphones, they still come in different styles and sizes. Most sizes are somewhere in 8 inches or 9 inches but it still depends on you what size is the most comfortable for you. You can also consider checking the style and design though they could be just minor factors. They have their own extra features. Make sure what you prefer – should it be powered by cord or wireless? Does it have a microphone? Are the pads comfortable enough and are replaceable? Does it eliminate noise quite well?
- CLOSED OR OPEN-BACK – Closed back headphones have the earcups closed while the open-back have the earcups open. If the earcups are open-back, they are susceptible with ambient sounds and more of speaker-like sound. Closed back headphones eliminate more noise and provide intact sound as if it is from within the head.
- IMPEDANCE – Headphones nowadays are designed to be low-impedance as they provide better sound quality which means they are compatible and can be used with lesser amplification such as phones, tablets and other portable gadgets. They are louder with these gadgets or even computers. This can be measured from 16 to 50ohms. High-impedance headphones can also be used with these gadgets but not really as well as with the low-impedance. They work much better with devices of higher amplification. It can be measured from 100ohms and above.
- FREQUENCY RESPONSE – The normal frequency that our ears can handle is between 20-20,000 Hz so the headphones you’re going to buy should have a frequency response between that ranges.
Top 10 Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $300
If you want to buy the best over-ear headphones without getting over the budget, you don’t need to worry. We’ve listed down the Top 10 Best Over-ear Headphones Under $300. Check the list!
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Noise-cancelling headphones are one of the best types of headphones if you want to keep the sound faultless and without all the unnecessary noise. Bose QuietComfort headphones won’t let you down with this. This type is recommended when you’re travelling as it eliminates the noise while keeping the music or the sound clear and reasonably loud. It includes a microphone and controls for music and calls. These headphones are compatible with Apple devices, Android, Windows and Blackberry smartphones.
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Sony MDR7505 Headphones surely eliminate noise with its closed-back feature but at the same time provide great comfort while listening to your favorite music. It also gives high-quality sound with a wide frequency response of 10 Hz to 20 kHz. The cord is coiled for more convenient use even when you move. The headband is also padded to give more comfortable experience.
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This over-ear headphones from Sennheiser feature EAR (Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement) technology which gives accurate channeling of Audio signals. This is an open-back type and yet minimizes unnecessary noise. The headband and ear pads are padded with cushions for more comfortable use. It is also reliable to use with its frequency response of 14-26,000 Hz.
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This one is another great headphones from Sennheiser which are open-back that deliver natural, detailed and balanced sound. It allows you to enjoy your music comfortably with the high-quality leatherette headband and padded ear pads. It is compatible with smartphones, tablets, computers, and even with stereo components,
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If you need something portable and could fit right in your bag, the Beats Solo2 headphones has the foldable design that allows you to bring it anytime and anywhere. It also boasts its elegant and sleek design that goes along with the modern styles. It is very comfortable to use as the ear pads dissipate heat and minimize sound leakage. It keeps the sound intact without the unnecessary noise. It is lightweight so you can definitely bring it wherever you go.
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The Cowin E-7 Wireless headphones surely impress you with its modern and elegant design! Moreover, the features made the product even more commendable. It provides enjoyable listening experience as it cancels the noise without distorting the sound. The headband and ear pads are padded so that you can ease discomfort while you stream your music playlist. It also features 90-degree swiveling ear cups and adjustable headband to go according your preference. The best part of these headphones is its wireless feature. No need to worry about tangled cords. It is powered by battery and can be put on Bluetooth mode for hassle-free listening.
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If you’re looking for wireless headphones, Beats Studio gives you another excellent product. These are powered by batteries and can be recharged after long time of use – up to 20 hours of use! And you can save the battery with its on and off function. If not in use, you can just turn it off. It is durable, foldable, and lightweight so you can definitely have it wherever you go. A remote is also available to control the volume, playlist or calls. You can also have a quality sound and enjoyable time of listening with its great reduction of noise.
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Wireless headphones are indeed portable and easy to use. Sennheiser does have this feature so it is hassle-free from all those tangled wires. It features a multi-purpose transmitter that allows you to connect your audio device via digital or analog. It also serves as a charging station and a holder for your headphones. It is powered by battery and can be used up to 18 hours of continuous use. The controls for the volume and switching tracks are available and easy to use. Included in the controls is the adjustment for the bass and surround sound.
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The Bose SoundTrue headphones are designed with the slimmer and lightweight body so that you can wear it anytime and anywhere you want to listen your favorite playlist. The headband and earcups are padded so they are assured to be comfortable while wearing it. It also features a volume control and microphone for music and calls.
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Open-back headphones offer natural sounds but in high quality and this one from Sennheiser does it so. The HD 598 unit has a classy design which is available in Ivory and Black. It also provides extreme comfort with its lightweight body and padded earcups and headband. The EAR (Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement) technology is also featured in this product which channels the audio and sound in a more natural way and at the best quality. It is a low-impedance headphone-type with 50 ohms which makes it compatible with phones, computers, tablets and other portable devices.
Today’s Amazon Best Sellers: Over-ear Headphones
You can find some great deals on Amazon, and here we bring you the list of best sellers. This list is based on actual sales data rank from Amazon and is updated daily. You can see that these are the headphones that many other consumers purchased and therefore they consider these to be great buys. You will too.
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