Most of us can probably agree that audio quality is an important factor when purchasing headphones. However, owning the best-sounding headphones matters little if they are not comfortable for long.
How much enjoyment can you expect if you have to constantly adjust your headphones or take frequent breaks to prevent sore temples?
Choosing headphones with thicker padding seems like the solution. However, there are more factors that affect overall comfort than the padding alone. Weight is another consideration. Lighter headphones tend to be more comfortable.
What works for someone else might not be comfortable for you. Human faces differ in size and shape. You will need to find headphones that are comfortable for your circumstances. You should test different headphones and see how they feel on your face. Below are some of the most comfortable headphones.
Contents
- 1. PANASONIC RP-TCM125-K Headphones
- 2. Mpow 059 Bluetooth Headphones
- 3. Bose QuietComfort 25 for Apple Devices
- 4. Avantree Audition Wireless-Wired Headphones
- 5. Avantree Audition Wireless Over-Ear Foldable Headphones
- 6. Mpow H1 Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones
- 7. MAXROCK Sleeping Headphones
- 8. Mpow H7 Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
- 9. COWIN SE7 Noise Cancelling Headphones
- 10. Picun P26 Bluetooth Headphones
- Comfortable Headphone Selection Tips
- Types of Comfortable Headphones
- The Most Comfortable Headphone Brands
- Average Headphone Set Pricing
- FAQs
1. PANASONIC RP-TCM125-K Headphones
Are you looking for a comfortable pair of headphones that will block ambient noise? Consider this pair from Panasonic. Not only do they feature an ergonomic design and an integrated microphone, but the headphones also boost powerful neodymium drivers for high-quality audio. You are guaranteed of tonally balanced audio with deep low notes and crisp highs.
This is one of the most comfortable headphones that you can ever own. You will love the style, comfort, convenience, and functionality of these headphones. They will easily conform to your ears to help block ambient noise and ease fatigue.
Features
• Powerful 9mm Neodymium drivers
• Integrated microphone
• Tonally balanced audio
• Long cord
• Three earpad size options: small, medium, and large
• Frequency response range of 10Hz- 24Hz
• 200mW maximum input power
• 11 color options
Pricing
It costs around $10.
Pros
• Perfect for exercising
• Ultra-soft and comfortable
• Delivers dynamic, crystal clear sound while blocking ambient noise
• Perfect for all genres of music
• Wide frequency response range
• Vivid color options for color matching
• Will complement your personal style and mood
• Long-lasting headphones
Cons
• Does not have volume control
2. Mpow 059 Bluetooth Headphones
These comfortable headphones from Mpow were built specifically for immersive and hi-fidelity sound, and according to over 1,000 Amazon reviewers, they have succeeded in their design and performance. Along with being super lightweight and durable, these foldable headphones also offer robust, balanced, and detailed sound.
The Bluetooth connection will only take seconds to recognize your phone. Bluetooth 4.1 technology ensures hassle-free pairing with smart devices.
Mpow 059 Headphones are as comfortable as any over-ear headphones can be. You can wear them for hours without discomfort. They fit very comfortably and you can even forget that you are wearing them if not for hearing the awesome quality sound.
The sound quality is superb. You will enjoy an exceptional listening experience with a well-balanced sound.
Features
• 40mm finely tuned neodymium driver
• CSR chip
• Bluetooth 4.1 technology
• 20-hour battery life
• 3.5 mm audio cable
• 2 modes
• Universal compatibility
Pricing
It costs around $40.
Pros
• Functional yet cool design
• Fits snugly but comfortably
• Soft skin-friendly protein leather
• Durable anti-scratch UV finish
• Hands-free call and built-in microphone
• Switchable between wired and wireless mode
Cons
• These headphones don't have active noise cancellation. However, they make up for that with good passive noise isolation facilitated by closed-back ear cushions.
3. Bose QuietComfort 25 for Apple Devices
You have probably heard about Bose and their acoustic noise-canceling headphones. Well, QuietComfort 25 is one of their best over-ear headphones. These headphones have been engineered to sound better, be more comfortable and easier to carry.
With these headphones, your music is powerful, deep, and balanced. Every note sounds clear. With Bose QuietComfort 25, no matter how noisy the environment is, it's just you and your music.
Built quality is good with no weak points. Their light design and soft cushions make these one of the most comfortable headphones. Durability is good and the design is cool. You can see people wearing these headphones on the streets since they look unique.
Fly once with these headphones and chances are that you will never fly without them again. They are a flyer's delight because they reduce airplane roar.
Features
• TriPort technology
• Bose Active EQ
• 2 color options
• 56 inch QC25 inline remote and microphone cable
Pricing
It costs between $120 and $150.
Pros
• Engineered to work optimally with most Apple devices
• Significant noise reduction
• Deep and powerful sound for the music you love
• Compact case
• Frequent flyer's delight
• Music minus noise
• Lightweight
Cons
• It is a bit costly. However, it is worth the cost.
4. Avantree Audition Wireless-Wired Headphones
Do you prefer to use over-ear headphones that can easily attach to whatever device you are using? Check out this amazing pair from Avantree. These comfy headphones have been specially designed to comfortably fit over your ears and provide superior hi-fi sound.
You will experience excellent sound reproduction with a wide audio range including clear treble and rich bass. They handle bass as good as headphones that cost twice more. When it comes to high pitch sounds, there are crispier than the expensive brands.
Avantree headphones have been designed with you in mind. They are ultra-light and feature super soft earpads with an adjustable headband. They are a great fit. They fit snugly but comfortably. You can easily adjust the head size.
Features
• 40mm drive size
• 20hz to 20khz frequency response
• APTX certified Bluetooth transmitter
• 40 hours of battery life
• Impedance: 32 ohm
• 180g weight
• Only 70ms of audio latency
• 2 modes
Pricing
It costs around $40.
Pros
• Multipoint and easy to use
• Superior hi-fi sound
• Comfortable and super light
• Long battery life and dual-mode
• No tech knowledge required
Cons
• If you want to pair the headphone with a phone without using Bluetooth, the phone needs to support NFC.
5. Avantree Audition Wireless Over-Ear Foldable Headphones
Enjoy a full range of clear treble, rich bass, and well-balanced mid-tones with the Avantree wireless headphones. This industry-leading headset allows you to experience crystal clear sound with minimal delay.
Unlike other headphones in the market, Avantree headphones are designed for long-term use. They feature a long-lasting battery and they are built with durable high-quality materials.
Passive noise cancellation will allow you to focus on your music without being distracted by the noise around you. With these top-rated wireless Bluetooth headphones, you will not experience audio delay while watching TV or PC.
Avantree headphones are lighter than most over-ear designs. They are great for extended use. Whether you are traveling or you have a long day of phone calls, Avantree has you covered.
Features
• NFC function
• Bluetooth 4.1
• Low latency
• Universal compatibility
• Wired and wireless
• Up to 40 hours playing time
• APTX hi-fi sound
• 199 grams
• Passive noise cancellation
Pricing
It costs around $70.
Pros
• Rich stereo sound
• Super comfortable
• Super lightweight design
• Multipoint and easy to use
• Long battery life
Cons
• Some hearing aids can "squeal" inside these headphones. However, hearing aids are not necessary with headphones; just remove the hearing aids and raise the volume a bit.
6. Mpow H1 Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones
Are you searching for a pair of comfortable Bluetooth headphones that cost less than $50? You are in luck because over 20,000 Amazon customers recommend this headset.
Along with its 20-hour battery life and natural HD sound, it also boasts of ultra-comfortable earpads and amazing noise cancellation capability. If you are a music lover, you cannot afford to ignore this lightweight and foldable headset. You can take it wherever you go because it weighs only 7 ounces.
The range is great. You can go 20-30 feet before you start to notice that you are not around your phone. The battery life is amazing. It can last you for 3-4 days of moderate usage before the battery indicator starts to beep.
Features
• 40mm neodymium driver
• Provides 15-20 hours of playback time
• Hands-free calling
• Bluetooth 4.1
• Weighs 230g
Pricing
It costs around $30.
Pros
• Exclusively designed for comfort
• Lightweight and durable
• Foldable and portable
• Powerful and crisp sound
• Quick control over the music
Cons
• For this headset to work well with your laptop, you need to update drivers.
7. MAXROCK Sleeping Headphones
Does your mind race when it's time for bed? Do you stay awake all night long? Does your snoring spouse disrupt your sleep? You need an audio distraction to help you sleep better. MAXROCK Sleeping Headphones are the most comfortable headphones for sleeping.
If you need to block out sound and get some sleep, MAXROCK is a lifesaver.
Features
• 6mm drive
• Tri-band equilibrium
• Bass: strong and powerful
• Treble: distinct and clear
• High-frequency resolution
• Single-button control
• Earplug design
• High-intensity line
Pricing
It costs around $10.
Pros
• Super comfortable silicone material
• Effectively drowns out background noise
• Sound quality optimization
• Noise isolation earbuds
• Widely compatible
Cons
• If you have a serious sleeping problem, sleeping headphones alone will not help. You will need to consult a medical practitioner.
8. Mpow H7 Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
These top-rated Mpow headphones prove that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a comfortable, high-quality pair. They cost less than $30 yet they are just as good as the expensive brands.
They boast padded ear cuffs, 18 hours of battery life, built-in microphone, and noise-canceling capabilities. Plus, there are four stylish colors to choose from. With details like this, it is easy to understand why the Mpow H7 is a top-rated product on Amazon.
Features
• CVC6.0 noise cancellation technology
• 3-button easy control
• Rotatable space-saving design
• Hands-free calling
• Bluetooth 4.1
• Built-in microphone
• Up to 18 hours playback
• Built-in 420mAh battery
• Universal compatibility
Pricing
It costs around $25.
Pros
• Natural HD immersive sound for music
• Engineered to be more comfortable and lighter
• Gives you superior comfort at work, commuting, or exercising
• Provides crystal clear calls on both ends of the communication
• Connects to two devices at the same time
Cons
• You need a separate Bluetooth transmitter when connected with PC or TV
9. COWIN SE7 Noise Cancelling Headphones
You are probably aware of the superb noise cancellation capabilities of COWIN headphones. Well, the COWIN SE7 is their best ANC model to date. These are the best wireless headphones when it comes to Professional Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) Technology.
COWIN SE7 headphones use state-of-the-art ANC technology that can significantly quell city traffic, a busy office, or airplane cabin noise, to help you focus on what you want to hear.
Features
• High-quality built-in microphone
• Bluetooth 5.0
• Amazing sound with AptX Hi-Fi technology
• 50 hours playtime
• Built-in 800mAh battery
• 18-month warranty
Pricing
It costs around $110.
Pros
• Reduces airplane roar to a whisper
• Low latency with good fault tolerance
• Deep, powerful and balanced music
• Engineered to sound better and be more comfortable
• Foldable headband saves desk space
• Amazing package for gifts
Cons
• Overuse of headphones during summer can make your ears muggy. You should take off headphones every 1-2hrs to relax and protect your ears.
10. Picun P26 Bluetooth Headphones
More than 3,400 Amazon shoppers have given these Bluetooth headphones a 4.5 rating- and it is easy to see why. Besides boasting an ergonomic design that sits comfortably on your head, the Picun P26 also features an immersive music experience. You can play music non-stop for 40 hours.
These headphones have been designed to relieve any heat build-up and uncomfortable pressure. You will be impressed with this product straight from the box.
Features
• Extra strong bass
• TF card MP3
• 40mm neodymium driver to ensure sound purity and precision
• Up to 40 hours playtime
• Bluetooth 5.0
• Built-in microphone and control
Pricing
It costs around $35.
Pros
• Compact and portable
• Comfortable to wear
• Dual-mode: wired and wireless
• Hi-Fi stereo sound
• Foldable
Cons
• It must be stored in a cool and dry environment because it is made of memory-protein materials.
Comfortable Headphone Selection Tips
Headphone comfort is more than just the right fit. A few other things matter too, such as its physical shape, build quality, and materials used. The headphones’ shape also determines where and when you could use the headphones. If you’re out in the market for selecting comfortable headphones, the following tips should get you closer to the right pair.
• Visualize yourself in situations you would commonly give the headphones a listen. If it’s going to be public places, like during your daily commute, you may want to steer clear of headphones with large earcups. They attract unnecessary attention, to say the least. You may go with something more understated instead, such as on-ear headphones and even the in-ear ones.
• Do your research. Do not fall for the marketing and branding exercises since not all branded headphones sound great or are the most comfortable. There are $100 headphones that could be a lot more comfortable to wear compared to a $300 pair.
Types of Comfortable Headphones
There are basically four types of headphones: over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, and classic earbuds. All these types come with their unique design and fit and, therefore, perform differently too. However, you would find quality, high-end, and comfortable models in the first three categories (maybe not the fourth).
• Over-Ear Headphones
Also referred to as around-the-ear headphones, over-ear headphones are the largest among the bunch in terms of size. They are called over-ear because their earcups are large enough to encapsulate your ears completely. When it comes down to fit and comfort, they rule the roost. The large, plush earpads provide great levels of comfort. They come in different types and versions and sound excellent.
The high-end, over-ear headphones invariably pack in active noise cancellation (ANC). Even if they don’t, the seal that the earcups create lend to some solid passive noise isolation. Over-ear headphones are primarily designed for relaxed home listening and studio use. They are ideal when portability, sound leakage, and sweat protection are not major concerns.
• On-Ear Headphones
On-ear headphones have the design language of the over-the-ears, but they are smaller in size and more portable. Also referred to as supra-aural headphones, these are the over-the-head earphones that you usually see people wearing on the streets, while commuting, and even in sweaty, hot gyms. They weigh lesser compared to the over-ear headphones. Also, they have smaller ear cups, which makes them less distinguishable when sported in the crowd. Compared to over-the-ears, these are more stable and ideal for running and sports. DJs who are frequently travelling usually sport on-ear headphones.
• In-Ear Headphones
Also called in-ear monitors or earbuds, in-ear headphones are the smallest of the bunch. The reason they are called ‘in-ear’ is because a portion of the earphones stick inside your ear. A small tube usually enters your ear canal so that the music source could be positioned as closely as possible to your eardrums. This helps with sound quality and also noise isolation. They come in both the wired and wireless forms.
Not to mention, these headphones provide increased privacy and are also the most portable. Since there is little space to house the drivers, these may not be on the same level as over-ear and on-ear headphones as far as audio quality goes. But they sound great, nonetheless. And the trade-off between portability and sound quality is usually minimal, especially if you’re buying the high-end in-ear monitors.
• Classic Earbuds
These are quite similar to the in-ear headphones in terms of design. However, they do not go into your ears. These earbuds stay put at the entrance of your ears. They are the older variants of the modern-day in-ear headphones and are usually identified with the iPods and Sony Walkmans of the past. Though still available for purchase, existing buyers usually prefer in-ear monitors over these. Due to the dwindling popularity, these earbuds are slowly being phased out. The ones available are fairly inexpensive. Also, most smartphones come bundled in with these earbuds.
The Most Comfortable Headphone Brands
The first brand that comes to most people’s minds when talking ‘headphone comfort’ is Bose. Though other manufacturers such as Sony, Sennheiser, Audio-Technica, and Beats are catching up, Bose is still a distant first in the comfort department. Their headphones are extremely light and the materials used on their earcups and headbands are usually used in the insides of luxury cars. The sound output and performance across different Bose over-the-ear headphone models may vary, but the comfort is pretty much standard across the board.
Sony, with its WH1000X line of headphones, is posing serious threat to Bose. The WH1000X line-up is not just stepping toe to toe with Bose in the sound department but is also quite comfortable to wear. Sennheiser is an iconic brand known for making some of the most high-end audiophile equipment. Their headphones, in fact, are well-known for their spacious soundstages. However, ‘comfort’ has never been their forte. In other words, they have focussed more on technology that goes into their headphones than how comfortable they are to wear for the user.
Audio-Technica is not much different from Sennheiser. However, its offerings are a lot less expensive, which explains their appeal. The brand is lot more versatile and offers audiophile-grade and comfortable listening experience for half the price of its competitors.
Average Headphone Set Pricing
Headphones are extremely all over the place with their prices. You can buy them for $10 and even end up spending $10,000 or more on a single pair. If you’re looking for comfortable headphones, you should ideally look to spend anywhere between $100 and $200. The premium offerings of Bose and Sony cost a few hundred dollars more than that, but somewhere above $150 is a good start. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT would set you back by around $180, for instance. If you go the Bose route, you should be looking to spend at least $350 for the company’s top-of-the-line offering.
If your budget is less than $100, then that’s fine too. There is no dearth of solid headphone options under that price. However, ‘headphone comfort’ may not be even across the multiple brands and their models. If “comfort” according to you is a solid set of features for a decent price, then you would be absolutely fine with the fairly inexpensive pairs. But if your definition of comfort is wearing the headphones on a long-haul flight and not having to worry about the crying baby two rows behind you, spend a few hundred dollars more.
FAQs
What are the most comfortable headphones?
For a pair of headphones to be deemed “comfortable”, it should not just boast well-cushioned headbands and padded earpads, but should also offer solid sound. If the sound output is bad or not optimal, the listening experience would turn out uncomfortable, which the physical paddings may not be able to neutralize or compensate for. The WH1000XM3 from Sony and the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 ii are the two most comfortable headphones if money is not a barrier.
Which is more comfortable: headphones or earphones?
It depends on the situation and personal preferences. Some people like to listen to headphones (over-the-ear or on-the-ear) in their homes or offices. For private listening sessions in the public, they prefer earphones. If you wear glasses, headphones may not be that comfortable since the ear cushions could sit against the glass frame, causing discomfort and some pain with prolonged usage. Some over-the-ear headphones can cause warmth in the ear region, thanks to how their ear pads cover the entire area. And then there are some who find in-ear headphones causing them headaches. So, it depends.
Which wireless headphones are most comfortable?
Bose and Sony make some of the most comfortable wireless headphones. Their headphones sound great, are well made, have solid cushioning, and functional designs. If you like Bose, QC35 ii is a solid option. One of its more recent offerings and also the successor to the QC35 ii, Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is a great choice too. If you’re going the Sony route, the options are aplenty. Besides the WH1000XM3, you also have the previous iterations in the series: the WH1000XM2 and the original WH1000X. The WH-CH700N, MDR-1000X/B, WH-XB700, etc. are other options. If you want something other than Bose and Sony, take a look at the Sennheiser PXC 550 and B&O Play.
Are high-end headphones worth it?
Most high-end headphones come with a premium price tag, but that doesn’t mean all expensive headphones sound great or are worth the money. If the “high-end” in high-end headphones denote sound quality, then the premium headphones are certainly a major step up from budget headphones. They don’t just sound miles ahead of the run-of-the-mill headphones and feel extremely comfortable, but they also pack in a host of different features to constitute or even justify their “high-endness”. ANC, virtual assistants (such as Google Now and Siri), detachable cables, etc. are certain high-end features you’ll find in these premium headphones.