Best over-ear headphones 2022

Over-ear headphones differ from other types in that they have large “ears”. As funny as it may sound, it’s true. “Cups” of headphones that completely cover the ear transmit sound better than in-ear headphones. Over-ear headphones have a spacious and full sound. Usually they are chosen when you have to work at a computer for a long time, programmers, IT specialists often use them, music lovers choose them. In full-size headphones, you can often meet people on the subway or on the street. And it’s stylish.

According to the type of design, full-size headphones are divided into covering and overhead. But the idea that it is the type of construction that allows you to create a high-quality stereo image is fundamentally wrong. From the point of view of the internal device, headphones can be:

• dynamic;
• electrostatic;
• magneplanar

The essence of the differences is in the type of sound emitter and the mechanism of sound transmission. This affects not only the transmitted audio range, but also the level of distortion, as well as the amplitude-frequency characteristics. When choosing headphones, you should pay attention not only to technology, but also to noise isolation (electrostatic headphones do not have it, so these models are only suitable for indoor use) and sensitivity. As additional options – the presence or absence of wires, folding design, the presence of a microphone.

You also need to pay attention to comfort – do they sit comfortably, do they press? If they are suitable for one person, it is not certain that they will suit you. It is safer to buy full-size headphones in a store (not online) where you can try them on. A correctly selected option is practically not felt on the head. And if discomfort occurs after 5 minutes of wearing, then refuse to purchase, no matter how cool the model is.

By the way, sound quality depends on comfort: sound perception changes depending on the fit of the “cup” to the ear.

According to the type of connection, modern full-size headphones are divided wired и wireless. Almost all have active noise cancellation. If you intend to use them on the street, then you should pay closer attention to this factor and choose those that have this function. However, it should be remembered that on the street it must be used with extreme caution.

For wireless headphones, such a parameter as battery life is also important. After all, it is unpleasant if the sound suddenly turns off during a walk.

Healthy Food Near Me and expert Evgeny Filippov, manager of the interStore service center network, as well as sound engineer Oleg Izyumov, tell you which models are the most relevant in 2022 and how to choose the model that is right for you.

Editor’s Choice

Denon AH-D9200

This model is ideal not only for the recording studio and professionals who work with audio, but also for those who listen to lectures or music offline in the office. This model was chosen by the expert Evgeny Filippov as the best

The Denon AH-D9200 has a beautifully detailed sound that distinguishes the slightest nuances, as well as a feeling of a wide stage, that is, the effect of surround audio is created.

The model is stylish and high-quality assembly, natural bamboo and leather are used in the design. In the Denon catalog, this model is one of the top ones.

Denon AH-D9200 are wired headphones, but they are designed so that the wires do not interfere and almost do not wear out, as they have reliable insulation (two wires included). And the ear pads are made of soft foam, have a memory effect, that is, they adapt to the characteristics of the user’s ear. They are comfortable even for very long listening sessions.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

Top 12 best over-ear headphones in 2022 according to KP

1.Sennheiser HD820

These are quality flagship headphones made in Germany. They are distinguished by a wide sound picture, the sound is as natural as possible, this is inherent in devices with open acoustics. These headphones are especially good for watching movies or listening to concerts, since even at the minimum volume, all sound shades are heard.

The design is convenient, the ear pads are almost not felt. With headphones, you can listen to music, watch movies or play games for hours. 

The buyer will be pleased with the excellent equipment. There are three cables in the kit – balanced cables with a 4.4 mm jack and unbalanced with a 6.3 mm jack. Both of them are “packed” in a fabric braid, which ensures their long-term operation. And the headphones themselves fit in a wooden box for storage.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

2. Beyerdynamic T5

Flagship headphones designed specifically for indoor use. They guarantee excellent sound when listening to music or watching movies. At the same time, they can be used with a regular smartphone or player. The main advantage of the model is high quality for home listening.

The design, including gold-plated connectors, and the quality of the Beyerdynamic T5 are top notch. The kit includes a 6.3 mm adapter, as well as an adapter for an aircraft, a case, an extension cable. 

Closed acoustics a priori gives sound insulation, protects from external noise. Music lovers say that the sound in such headphones is soft, smooth, high-quality, voluminous. 

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

3. Audeze LCD-4z

Open planar headphones continuing the LCD-4 line. The only difference between the model and the previous one is the ability to work with a low power amplifier. The manufacturer keeps the diaphragm material secret (in the specification it is designated as “nanofilm”).

Parameters according to the data sheet: 10-20000 Hz, 98 dB, 15 ohms. Fluxor neodymium magnetic matrix provides low distortion, which is especially noticeable at low frequencies, and good amplitude-frequency performance, allowing you to achieve maximum detail. For medium frequencies, a Fazor waveguide is used.

The model clearly falls into the category of the best full-size headphones in 2022, but the Audeze LCD line is not in demand in the Federation due to the price (more than 300 thousand rubles).

Advantages and disadvantages

4 Bowers & Wilkins PX7

These wireless headphones are convenient for walking, traveling, indispensable for business trips and work in the so-called open offices. They combine comfort – no wires, and at the same time quality with their rather impressive size.

The 43mm drivers are almost comparable to those used in speakers from the same company. They have adaptive noise reduction, that is, they adapt to the environment, changing the sound intensity depending on the external environment.

Their undoubted advantage is a long work without charging. A full battery is enough for an average of 30 hours of continuous operation. Then you can return them to service for another 5 hours in 15 minutes by putting them on fast charging. And the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 is comfortable to drive. If you lift the ear cup, the music will stop. Turn back, and the melody will continue to play on.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

5. Sony MDR-1AM2

These headphones are not just stylish and respectable, they are comfortable and versatile. They can be used both at home for watching movies or games, and on the street – listening to music, books, even just talking to someone on the phone.

Music lovers believe that the sound in such headphones is even, the frequency range is wide, all accents are heard well.

The headphones are comfortable to wear. The headband can be pulled up to fit the size of the head, while it is soft, covered with artificial leather. So you can spend many hours in them. The ear pads are also large and soft.

The model has good sound insulation. On a walk, even near a busy highway, you will not hear extraneous sounds.

Included is a cable with a headset for controlling music and answering calls, as well as a cloth bag for transportation.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

6. Sennheiser HD 660 S

The classic model of dynamic open-type headphones. 104 dB and 150 Ohm are decent parameters that will provide high sound quality and timbre balance in stereo mode. Can be used in conjunction with a special amplifier. The package includes a variety of wires and adapters. Of the advantages, we note ergonomics, of the shortcomings – insufficient sound detail.

Advantages and disadvantages

7. Bose Noise Canceling 700

Headphones can be classified as “smart”, as they can be controlled by voice. They have eight microphones, which is important for those who use full-size headphones for telephone conversations and conferences.

The model is comfortable, you can adjust the headband, they seem to adapt to the anatomical features of the owner. 

With the device, whether it is a laptop, or a tablet, or a smartphone, they are securely synchronized via the Bluetooth wireless interface. You can also use a 3.5mm audio cable.

This model has the function of active noise reduction, which allows you to listen to music as if at a concert, even in the crowd on the subway. The microphone is quite powerful, as a headset, the headphones work perfectly.    

Bose Noise cancelling 700 are wireless headphones. From the accumulator they can work till 20 o’clock continuously. And 15 minutes of fast charging will provide another 3,5 hours of additional activity.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

7. Fostex T20RP MK3

Headphones are planar, with high sensitivity (92 dB) and good impedance (50 ohms). Reproduce the entire frequency range with insignificant distortion. They are suitable for listening to high-quality audio material, but the flaws in recording or compressing tracks will be immediately noticeable. A three-dimensional stereo image is achieved through an open design. Among the shortcomings, we note not too comfortable ear pads that cause complaints from users.

Advantages and disadvantages

8. Denon AH-D5200

These headphones have built-in 50mm drivers that sound clear and music retains its natural sound.

The cups are made of wood, the headband itself is aluminum, covered with genuine leather. Detachable cable and storage case for long life. The ear pads are made of memory foam. Headphones are light weight, do not take up much space in the bag.

The bass is clearly audible and well controlled, and details can be discerned in the sound. At the same time, there is the effect of being in a good hall at a concert.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

8. YAMAHA HPH-MT8

Dynamic closed headphones from the Japanese manufacturer. Passport data: 102 dB and 37 ohms. Foldable design, multiple cables included, carrying case – everything you need to listen to music of any genre. Among the advantages, we note an excellent stereo effect (the model is positioned as a studio one). The disadvantages include the need for tuning and tuning low frequencies.

Advantages and disadvantages

9. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless

These are premium wireless headphones. They combine attractive design with modern technology and attention to every detail. Their studio quality sound is as close to the original as possible.

The headphones have a clear control interface. There is a function of intelligent pause, instant turn off and turn on. For example, when one earbud is not in the ear, the music stops. This function can be configured or completely disabled using the Smart Control application. 

Like most modern models, this one has active noise cancellation. With only three modes adapted to a variety of noise.

In the kit, in addition to the cable, there is an adapter for charging, as well as a hard case that reliably protects the headphones from damage. The headband padding is soft and the ear pads are large so they are comfortable.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

10. Sony WH – 1000XM3

They have advanced noise reduction technology, which is invaluable for music lovers in a big city, and a Smart Listening function that automatically adjusts the sound. You can just touch the right cup and the music will turn off.

This model is wireless, a 10-minute charge is enough for 5 hours of work. And if the battery is fully charged, the manufacturer guarantees 30 hours of uninterrupted sound.

There is a voice assistant, you can receive calls without taking your smartphone out of your pocket.

The model controls the sound volume, that is, it has an adaptive function that automatically adjusts to the level of environmental noise. There are several modes, such as “travel” or “waiting”, they can be configured in the application.

Have a low level of distortion for portable devices.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

11. Philips SHP2500

Dynamic closed headphones. Focused on a mass audience without any claims to sound quality. Fully correspond to the declared functionality, there are no complaints about the quality.

Advantages and disadvantages

12. Hoco W27 Cat Ear

First of all, these are unusual headphones that will appeal to a girl, teenager or child. Playful cat ears, which also shimmer thanks to LEDs, will appeal to many fans of Japanese pop culture.

But technically these headphones are good and comfortable. The ear pads completely cover the ears, they sound loud and clear throughout the entire frequency range.

Wireless headphones are indispensable on the road, they can work for a long time without recharging. Control buttons allow you to select music, adjust the volume and make phone calls without removing your smartphone. And support for memory cards and AUX make them universal and allow you to use in all occasions.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

What other full-size headphones should you pay attention to

1. Master & Dynamic MW65

These headphones will appeal to aesthetes. Why? You can buy a model, for example, in brown, and it will become at least a fashion accessory. In addition, the headband is made of durable leather, and the ear cushions and the inner part are made of soft sheepskin. 

In active mode, these headphones can be counted on for 24 hours. You can not charge for a day, the battery capacity is enough. And if you urgently need to “intercept”, then the quick charge function will help. 15 minutes – and at your disposal plus 50% charge.

The model has noise reduction, you can safely turn on the music at full volume in the subway, nearby passengers will not hear, and you will not be disturbed by extraneous sounds. The button for selecting the level of noise reduction is located on the left cup, just touch it and the mode will either turn on, turn off, or decrease to a minimum.

The headphones are easy to control with the Google Assistant voice assistant. Also included is a 3,5mm cable and a USB cable for charging, carrying case.

Main characteristics

Advantages and disadvantages

Leaders of the Past

1. TASCAM TH-02

Dynamic design model with 32 ohm impedance. Provides good quality of detail, but is demanding on recording parameters (during compression, distortions are possible). For sound mixing, the possibilities are not enough, but for normal listening it is a good choice.

How to choose over-ear headphones

We asked for some professional advice sound engineer of pop vocal studio Oleg Izyumov.

– For most users, the problem of choice comes down to finding a reasonable balance between affordable budget and sound quality. An important factor is that the quality of sound reproduction depends not only on the headphones, but also on the sound source: listening to the same track from an audio player or music center will differ. Users who need portability are unlikely to need headphones with an impedance higher than 32 ohms: a portable source simply cannot provide higher quality.

The price factor is not always directly related to sound quality. Let’s say that many Sennheiser models, which are considered obsolete in 2022, are able to create a completely adequate sound picture. To get an objective assessment of test tests, I recommend using the reference-audio-analyzer.pro service: reports are published here not only for pros, but also for those who are faced with the problem of choice.

Another obvious tip: still pay attention to the brand. NoName’s production technique, when scrutinized, may prove to be worthy, but it also has every chance of falling short of expectations. Such experiments can be carried out with in-ear headphones, I would not risk it with full-size ones.

I would recommend paying attention not only to the technical parameters and customer reviews, but also to listen to how the sound behaves depending on the model. Many nuances of sound reproduction (purity of low or high notes, timbre) will be noticeable only to professionals involved in sound processing. Fans should still listen to individual feelings. Even with identical characteristics, different models of the same class sound differently: this cannot be understood only from the description.

Popular questions and answers

Evgeny Filippov, manager of the network of interStore service centers answered the most popular questions from KP readers about full-size headphones.