Everyone loves a pair of comfortable headphones; wearing flimsy or cheap headphones may be alright if you’re just planning to listen to music or podcasts for a short period of time, but if you’re in for the long haul, you will really see the difference a pair of comfortable headphones make.
Looking for a pair of comfortable headphones may be quite overwhelming, especially with all the available brands and models in different designs and price range today – from humongous noise-cancelling headphones to tiny, almost invisible ear buds. In this article, we will be featuring compiled reviews for the best comfortable headphones in the market that can give your ears a premium listening experience for hours. Comfort is a big factor to consider especially if you like to travel and constantly find yourself on long haul flights.
Our curated list of comfortable headphones not only boast cushioned headbands and padded ear muffs – we also chose the products that offer top rating sound quality and performance that you would expect from a premium, high-quality pair. Whether you’re looking for a pair of comfortable headphones to sleep in, or a pair of snazzy, over ear headphones to bring with you during your travels, we’re pretty sure you’ll find something you’ll love in this list.
Table of Contents
- How Can I Know What Comfortable Headphones Are?
- Comfortable Headphones – Wireless: Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WH1000XM3
- Comfortable Headphones – Over Ear: OneOdio Over-ear Headphones
- Comfortable Headphones – Earbuds: Apple Inc. Airpods
- Comfortable Headphones – Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
- Comfortable Headphones – Wrap Around In Ear: Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones
- Comfortable Headphones – Travel: Bose QuietComfort 35 II
- Comfortable Headphones – Audiophile: Sennheiser HD 660 S
- Comfortable Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 880 Premium Special Edition
- Comfortable Headphones – For Office: Plantronics HW710 EncorePro Noise-canceling Headset
- Comfortable Headphones: V-Moda XS
- Comfortable Headphones: Beats Electronics Beats Solo Pro
- Comfortable Headphones: Jabra Elite 85h
- Comfortable Headphones – How did we test comfort?
- Comfortable Headphones: Conclusion
How Can I Know What Comfortable Headphones Are?
We know that it would be really a waste of time and money if you purchased a pair of headphones only to find out that it’s not what you really wanted to have. If you are planning to purchase a pair of comfortable headphones, you need to do some online sleuthing to narrow down your choices and eventually decide on a perfect pair. There are numerous varieties of comfortable headphones in the market today, from athletic comfort, traveling comfort down to sleeping comfort.
Fortunately, we’ve curated a list of the most comfortable headphones on the market today so you won’t have to go through different tabs and review forums. Ready? Here we go!
Comfortable Headphones – Wireless: Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WH1000XM3
What We Like:
- easy to carry around
- audio can be tweaked with Sony app
What We Don’t Like:
- manufacturer switched from metal to plastic headband material, lessening its premium look
This product not only offers a super comfortable fit on your ear, it also has touch controls and smart listening technology powered by Bluetooth. The Sony WH1000XM3 also has an ergonomic design that can easily fold up and fit inside its carrying case (which is included in the kit). Aside from being one of the best comfortable headphones in the market, Sony WH1000XM3 has one of the best noise cancelling technology in the market and the audio is also superb. This model also allows a customer to tweak the sound using the Sony app. Users can enjoy using this smart and comfortable audio equipment for hours without any issues of comfort.
Comfortable Headphones – Over Ear: OneOdio Over-ear Headphones
What We Like:
- super light and easy to wear
- sound quality can compete with surround sound speakers
- adjustable band
What We Don’t Like:
- no wireless tech
This pair of comfortable headphones from OneOdio is one of the most popular products on Amazon, with more than 2,300 Amazon shoppers giving the headphones a 4.3 star rating. Aside from having a rich, leather headband that sits comfortably on the head, this pair of comfortable headphones from OneOdio also has earmuffs that have plush memory foam to relieve any heat build-up or uncomfortable pressure that can make the ears feel tired. When it comes to sound quality, OneOdio gives more than expected, impressing customers with sound quality above the norm. Whether you intend to use them for playing online computer games, watching videos on your phone or TV, this model is very comfortable and offers high-end sound quality that can compete with surround sound speakers.
This pair of comfortable headphones from OneOdio truly does not disappoint – in fact, in some online reviews, users have shared that they can actually forget that they are actually wearing headphones.
Comfortable Headphones – Earbuds: Apple Inc. Airpods
What We Like:
- comes with compact charger
- smart play/pause technology
What We Don’t Like:
- expensive
Apple Airpods are undeniably one of the most best selling and popular wireless earbuds on the market. Aside from working incredibly well with Apple Inc. devices, Apple Airpods gives users control with just a double-tap on the earbud. Plus, the Apple Airpods are also powered by Bluetooth that allows users to seamlessly switch from one device to another. The Apple Airpods are considered to be comfortable headphones that can be maximized by people on the go.
This pair of comfortable headphones, or earbuds rather, from Apple, comes with a smart technology that automatically pauses music or podcast, taking the user’s removal from the ear as a sign to do so. Once the user puts the buds back in the ear, the music or podcast that you are streaming will automatically resume. Apple Airpods also come with a compact charging case that can easily be stored in a pouch or pocket, perfect for on-the-go charging.
If you are using Apple Inc. products, you will surely find the Apple Airpods to be the perfect and comfortable headphones that’s worth the quite hefty price tag. With the Bluetooth transceiver, the Apple Airpods can connect to iPads and iPhones instantly. In terms of fit, it stays snug and comfy in the ears with no issues at all. Consumers who have tried using cheap earbuds marketed to be comfortable headphones will really see and feel the difference once they use the Apple Airpods.
Comfortable Headphones – Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
What We Like:
- can fit small or large head sizes
- can compete with Bose for noise cancellation features
What We Don’t Like:
- might be too cumbersome or bulky for everyday use
If you prefer to use wired headphones that you can easily connect to whatever device that you are using, this pair of comfortable headphones from Audio-Technica may just be the ideal product for you. The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x is padded and specially designed to provide great sound quality while providing contour to the human ear.
Audio-Technica takes their take on comfortable headphones to a higher level by ensuring that it can fit either large or small head sizes. When it comes to noise cancellation, the ATH-M20x has been getting reviews that it is almost as good as Bose noise reduction headphones. You don’t need to call yourself an audiophile for you to appreciate great sound quality; with the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x, the bass is really rich and fine and the high pitches come out crisp and clear. If you’re looking for a pair of classy yet comfortable headphones that offer great electronics and sound quality, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x is a good choice.
Comfortable Headphones – Wrap Around In Ear: Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones
What We Like:
- Exclusive Stay Hear tips
- perfect for active lifestyle
What We Don’t Like:
- 6 hour battery life
- pricey
If you love in ear headphones but don’t like getting wrapped up in wires, it would be wise to get a pair of Bose SoundSport Wireless headphones. This pair of comfortable headphones from Bose conveniently wrap around the back of the neck and efficiently stays out of the way, making the wearer forget that he or she is wearing a pair of wrap around in ear headphones. In terms of battery life, this pair of comfortable headphones from Bose offer an average six hour battery life.
This pair of comfortable headphones from Bose also come with the brand’s patented Exclusive Stay Hear tips specially designed to stay snugly in place even during active or on-the-go moments, perfect for wearers who live a very busy or fit and healthy lifestyle. How’s that for comfort and functionality?
Bose’s comfortable headphones are also sweat resistant, so users don’t have to worry about getting them wet during intense workout sessions. In Amazon, this pair of comfortable headphones from Bose have an amazing 5-star rating, thanks to its super comfortable silicone earbuds and impressive sound quality. This item is really perfect as a gift for yourself or for someone special – you won’t go wrong with the Bose SoundSport Wireless headphones.
Comfortable Headphones – Travel: Bose QuietComfort 35 II
What We Like:
- ultra light, soft ear cups
- snug fit on the ears but not too tight to cause pressure
- 20 hour battery life
What We Don’t Like:
- not so great sound quality when used in passive mode
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II remains to be one of the most preferred comfortable headphones in the wireless, noise cancelling category. This model keeps on getting compared head to head with Sony WH-1000XM2, and the latter has more features and sounds better but don’t be so quick to kick the Bose QuietComfort 35 II out of the curve. When it comes to comfort and being lightweight, the Bose QuietComfort II is a stellar choice.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II falls into the comfortable headphones category, offering wireless noise cancelling (just like its predecessor), but offers a whole new Action button on its left ear cup that allows the wearer to access Google Assistant without needing to access their smartphone. Say goodbye to fumbling through your pocket or bag just to search for your phone so you could access Google Assistant. Available in silver or black, the Bose QuietComfort is actually the first comfortable headphones to integrate Google Assistant.
Google Assistant is available for iOs and Android, and it works just like Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant. The Action button feature on this pair of comfortable headphones from Bose allows you to access Google Assistant without needing to access your phone. You can issue commands, ask questions or get pertinent information using voice control, plus, you can also control music playback using compatible smart devices at home or in your apartment.
Unlike the Bose SoundSport Wireless headphones that offer only 6 hours battery life, you’ll be smitten with Bose QuietComfort battery life that offers 20 hours playback. Plus, you can also use this pair of comfortable headphones in passive mode and use a cord to plug it in when you really need to use it if the battery runs out. Just don’t expect the same great sound quality when you are using it in passive mode.
Comfortable Headphones – Audiophile: Sennheiser HD 660 S
What We Like:
- soft, roomy earcups
- lighter than other audiophile headphones
What We Don’t Like:
- music tends to leak
- mainly intended for desktop usage
For the audiophile sector, sound quality is the most important factor when buying headphones. It is already a given that audiophile headphones may not be synonymous with comfortable headphones. Realistically speaking, audiophile headphones are expected to be bulkier and larger than regular headphones because they all need to accommodate larger, sophisticated drivers that deliver high-quality pitches and audio on site.
In short, audiophiles are used to sacrificing comfort over quality; they are willing to suffer from the pressure and tiredness that a bulky pair of audiophile headphones may bring just so he or she can enjoy Hi-Fi, studio quality audio.
Fortunately, the Sennheiser HD 660 S is willing to break barriers and tries to balance the best of both worlds by offering comfortable headphones with audiophile quality. It is designed with larger, open back earcups than other regular headphones, and while at first glance it may look as bulky and cumbersome like other audiophile headphones, the weight is actually distributed pretty nicely. Several product reviews about this pair of comfortable headphones from Sennheiser reveal that it actually felt lighter than other audiophile headphones in the market. The ear pads are covered in velvety cloth and lightly press on the side of the head, giving the ears of the wearers plenty of room to breathe.
Comfortable Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 880 Premium Special Edition
What We Like:
- tough and sturdy exterior
- comfortable velour
What We Don’t Like:
- treble peaks
- need an amp to maximize features
- sounds may leak a lot
There’s something really intriguing and sexy when you encounter the words ‘premium special edition’, right? Well, the Beyerdynamic DT 880 has all three words, and it fortunately falls on our list of comfortable headphones.
The Beyerdynamic DT 880 PRO are semi open, over ear headphones with a matte black finish on the metal ear forks and a matte chrome finish at the back. The band is wrapped in leather padding and there’s a cable that hangs from the left ear cup. It comes with three meters of coiled cable, giving you some freedom to move around. At a glance, the Beyerdynamic DT 880 PRO may not look like a pair of comfortable headphones but the reviews tell otherwise. The metal band and forks are easy and lightweight on the ears and the band padding is actually replaceable.
This pair of comfortable headphones from Beyerdynamic can be worn for long periods of time without putting pressure on your head or ears. The velour pads are specifically designed to provide a comfortable experience and since the back of these comfortable headphones are semi open, there is less chances for heat to build up. If there’s a drawback to this pair of comfortable headphones from Beyerdynamic, it would have to be the fact that sound leaks a lot, because of its semi-open design.
If you are looking for a closed-back studio model, we recommend Beyerdynamic DT 770.
Comfortable Headphones – For Office: Plantronics HW710 EncorePro Noise-canceling Headset
What We Like:
- swiveling, noise cancelling microphone
- lightweight, nylon materials
What We Don’t Like:
- not so sleek looking
If you don’t mind using a headset with cords, the Plantronic HW710 is actually a good selection for comfortable headphones. It has a standard wearing style that goes over the head with a headband and covers one ear.
At first glance, this pair of comfortable headphones from Plantronics looks light and flimsy, but it’s actually pretty sturdy. It’s light enough to be comfortable and not cause any pressure or fatigue on the head thanks to its nylon material. However, it’s headband is reinforced with tough materials to make sure that it stays in place. The headphone cushions are made of plush leatherette and as for the sound quality, it produces and picks up clear, HD quality sound that makes for great communication for Skype or Zoom calls.
Speaking of Skype and Zoom calls, this pair of comfortable headphones from Plantronics also has a decent noise cancelling microphone that is positioned at a low angle to lessen that annoying feeling of having a mic sticking out of your face. The microphone also swivels which we think is a pretty cool feature.
Comfortable Headphones: V-Moda XS
What We Like:
- compact, comfortable headphones
- foldable
- with reinforced detachable cord , inline one-button remote and microphone
What We Don’t Like:
- design not so appealing to everyone
V-Moda rose to fame thanks to its Crossfade M-80 on-ear headphones. The manufacturer has successfully released a worthy successor to its big hit, the V-Moda XS. The successor is regarded to be impressively comfortable headphones and are actually better sounding than the M-80.
At a glance, the M-80 and XS look eerily similar to each other; however, at a closer look, there are a few key differences, including the hinged headband of the XS that the M-80 lacks. The V-Moda XS hinged headband allows users to fold up the headphone, picking up from the popular feature of the M-100 model.
The exoskeleton or outer frame of this pair of comfortable headphones from V-Moda also features an ergonomic design that comes with a carabiner so users can simply clip it onto their backpack (perfect for travelers and commuters). Fun fact: the compact and less bulky design of the V-Moda XS actually makes it a favorite pick of women when it comes to the comfortable headphones category.
Comfortable Headphones: Beats Electronics Beats Solo Pro
What We Like:
- noise cancelling
What We Don’t Like:
- no option to use it wired
If you loved the noise cancelling features of the Beats Electronics Studio 3, you’ll be delighted to know that the Beats Solo Pro has inherited them in a smaller, on-ear pair of comfortable headphones.
This pair of comfortable headphones from Beats Electronics have a unique anodised aluminum arm that is designed to slide smoothly in and out of the headband. Meanwhile, the ear cups have a memory-foam padding for unrivaled comfort. The ear cups are also designed to allow users to adjust the fit depending on the unique size of the head.
It is worth noting that there’s no option to use a wired connection with the Beats Solo Pro; meaning, the user needs to use a lightning cable to charge them. However, this is by far one of the most comfortable headphones from Beats Electronics and it also has a long battery life and great sound quality.
Comfortable Headphones: Jabra Elite 85h
What We Like:
- wireless, noise cancelling
- impressive battery life up to 30 hours
What We Don’t Like:
- sound is not as great as Sony or Bose
- large ear cups looks bulky
- heavier than Sony 1000X M3 by 40 grams
What does Jabra Elite 85h have in common with Sony 1000X M3 and Bose QC35? They are wireless headphones that offer premium noise cancelling features. Of course, they are also comfortable headphones, which make them all part of our curated list.
The Jabra Elite 85h are not only comfortable headphones; they are also simple to pair, easy to use and have abundant smart features that makes it worth the purchase. Primarily, the Jabra Elite 85h features SmartSound, an intelligent preset-switching function that smartly adjusts to ambient noise. It also has a superb battery life that is known to outperform its competitors.
When shopping for the best comfortable headphones, the headband is a real deal breaker. The headband of the Jabra Elite 85h is lined with faux leather and is impressively comfortable. Plus, it’s not going to budge easily once a user has already set the size that fits perfectly.
In terms of aesthetics, the Jabra Elite 85h Bluetooth headphones looks edgier than its counterparts, thanks to its woven fabric design. Most of the comfortable headphones in the market feature either an all metal or plastic look, so a woven fabric design is definitely a breath of fresh air.
If you’re looking for a pair of comfortable headphones with an edgy look and superb noise cancelling feature that takes it a notch higher than Sony 1000x M3, the Jabra Elite 85h is worth a try.
Comfortable Headphones – How did we test comfort?
Comfort is a relative term and it differs from person to person. What’s comfortable to Person A may not be Person B, and what’s comfortable to Person B may or may not be comfortable to Person C. That being said, we came up with a list for comfortable headphones by widening our scope and bracket of categories – price, specs, popularity, and lifestyle suitability.
When we say lifestyle suitability, we mean that we tried searching high and low for specific comfortable headphones for people on the go, athletes, commuters, travelers, gamers, etc.
Comfortable Headphones: Conclusion
So that concludes our list of comfortable headphones – we hope that this editorial served as a guide in helping you choose the best comfortable headphones fit for your needs. Whether you are on a budget or willing to splurge some money on a wired or wireless pair of comfortable headphones, knowing some basic product information about brands and models to choose from will always be a plus.