Most Comfortable Headphones (Top Options You Can Wear All Day)

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Comfort should be the top priority if you intend to use the headphones for an extended period. The comfort is taken for granted in most cases. However, most people use audio devices throughout the day for pure fun and work, especially after the pandemic crisis. If you go for dirt-cheap and low-quality headphones just a few hours later, you will most likely get a headache or hair dent. 

To avoid that, I have rounded up a list of the most comfortable headphones for different uses and situations.

A Quick Look at My Favorite Comfortable Headphones

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
SENNHEISER HD 599

SENNHEISER HD 599

9.7
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Meze 99 Classic

Meze 99 Classic

8.6
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Bose QuietComfort 45

Bose QuietComfort 45

8.5
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Beats Solo Pro

Beats Solo Pro

8.8
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JBL TUNE 760NC

JBL TUNE 760NC

8.6
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Sony MDR1AM2

Sony MDR1AM2

8.2
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Sony WH1000XM3

Sony WH1000XM3

8
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Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

7.7
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Apple AirPods Max

Apple AirPods Max

7.4
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Audio-Technica ATH-M20X

Audio-Technica ATH-M20X

7.2
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Key Takeaways

  • The comfort depends on whether the manufacturer allows you to adjust the headband, swivel, or fold the headphones.
  • My top picks for best comfort are Bose QuietComfort 45 and Sony WH1000XM3 headphones.
  • Look for a carrying case because the durability and portability depend on it. Usually, the headphones need to fold and go inside the case. That opens the door to versatile use

Top 10 Most Comfortable Headphones

10. SENNHEISER HD 599 – Killing Looks

If the looks could kill, the Sennheiser HD 599 is the serial killer. The nicely constructed body has a timeless design. Feel free to use it for ages; it will still look flawless. I fell in love with them at first sight when I saw the metallic detail—the combination of ivory and brown screams luxury in one word. 

The HD 599 guarantees complete comfort in an open-back design. No matter how many hours you plan to use them in a day, the beauty and comfort will follow you. The only downside is being non-foldable because it makes portability a significant issue.   

When it comes to sound quality, well, it’s a bit more sophisticated. The vocals and instruments are emphasized more, with some imprecision in the cymbals. Both acoustic and electronic guitars show great performance, but I can’t tell the same about the bass. The bass loss usually happens for two reasons; first, due to the open design, and second, because of sound leakage.  

Why Should You Buy It?

If your priorities are looks and comfort, then I see no reason why you shouldn’t buy it. Sure thing, the HD 599 will impress the audiophiles who seek balance and clarity in sound profiles.

Earpiece DesignOpen-back/ Over Ear headphones
Weight8.8 oz
AdjustabilityHeadband only
FoldableNo
Frequency Response12 – 38,500 Hz

Pros

  • The comfiest pair of headphones
  • Multiple connectivity options
  • Luxury design
  • Great audio quality

Cons

  • High-cost
  • Lacks bass

9. Meze 99 Classic – Most Versatile

The looks of Meze 99 Classic totally recall the mixture of vintage and retro style. I adore the old-style appearance more than the included features. The satinwood choice makes these headphones stand out against the competitors design-wise. The self-adjusting leather headband expands the weight to provide comfort for all head sizes. Even people with glasses can enjoy the music in total comfort. 

Meze 99 Classic performs well in all types of music genres. It has a bass emphasis on the high notes. Overall, instruments and vocals overpower the other components in a song. The sound isolation does the job well at a certain point because you can still hear the engine or talking noises. It’s not perfect, and it’s not awful, either.  

Why Should You Buy It?

If you want the premium feel and comfort all day long, Meze 99 is the ideal choice. Plus, you can throw any music genre and it will still deliver optimum sound performance.

Earpiece Designclosed-back
Weight10 oz
AdjustabilityHeadband only
FoldableNo
Frequency Response15Hz – 25 Khz

Pros

  • Premium look
  • Strong built quality
  • You can throw any type of genre
  • Suitable for any head sizes

Cons

  • High-cost
  • Noise isolation could be better

8. Bose QuietComfort 45 – Best ANC

QuietComfort series is a milestone for Bose Company. Everything is very well put together, with a balance of quietness, comfort, and audio. QC 45 has many beautiful color options, including eclipse gray, midnight blue, triple black, and white smoke. The sophisticated modern look packs all the high-end features, but first, let’s talk about sound quality.

The vocals and high notes are more emphasized than other song instruments. QC 45 offers a bass boost to adjust the sound signature as you please. The noise canceling is an absolute superpower since you can choose between the Quiet Mode for complete noise canceling and Aware Mode to let the ambient noise in. 

The battery life of Bose QuietComfort 45 will last for 24 hours in total. Actually, it lasted 45 minutes more than the manufacturer claimed in their advertisements, but of course, the longevity will depend on how many features you use simultaneously.

Why Should You Buy It?

If you want to benefit from the high-end features of modern technology, here comes Bose QC 45. As the name implies, the main focus is to provide comfort all day long. 

Earpiece DesignOver Ear Headphones
Weight15.5 oz.
AdjustabilityHeadband only
FoldableYes
Frequency Response100 Hz – 10 kHz

Pros

  • High-end features 
  • Out of the world noise cancellation
  • Extremely comfortable 

Cons

  • The price is hard to swallow 

7. Beats Solo Pro – Best Overall

My heart “Beats” faster when I talk about this manufacturer. You can call it hype, but I call it high quality. The unfold and go build is mainly targeted to give you the best possible comfort. I’ve had Solo Pro for a couple of years, and I sincerely say it deserves all the praise. The portability isn’t an issue because it comes with wireless capabilities.

Beats is known for its highly emphasized bass boost sound profile. Therefore, some missing in the vocals are noticeable. I suggest getting the best performance out of it using passive isolation. This way, low ends are more audible, making the ANC highly effective. Plus, the transparency mode is also available.  When you turn the ANC and Transparency Mode off, you gain an extended battery life of 40 hours. Normally, with some features off, you get

Why Should You Buy It?

Don’t think twice if you look for the best of everything, the best comfort, a long-lasting battery, and the best sound quality. Let your heart beat with “Beats.”

Earpiece DesignClosed-back
Weight1.43 lbs.
AdjustabilityHeadband only
FoldableYes
Frequency Response100 Hz – 10 kHz

Pros

  • Outstanding ANC and Transparency feature
  • Excellent bass reproduction
  • Foldable and adjustable
  • Portable

Cons

  • Super expensive
  • Sometimes bass overpowers vocals

6. Sony WH1000XM3 – Best Sound Quality 

Each day, Sony becomes monstrous in the audio field. It hunts the competitors in the sound quality section in the line-up. Even though many years have passed, the WH1000XM3 noise canceling headphones competes with newly released headphones. 

The sleek design offers two colors, black, and silver, to suit your style. The ergonomic design results from extremely soft ear pads that relieve pressure in large ear space built. Adjust the headband or fold it for easy portability. You can wear them all day long without noticing the headphones in your head. 

The ANC feature is present in an industry-leading form. Sony did outstanding work in noise cancellation. There is no way of hearing the external noise engines or noises in the loud environment. Plus, it can sense the ambient and balance the noises accordingly. 

The sound quality is mainly based on bass. So, if you don’t like the bass emphasis, don’t put your hands on it. The sound profile is also adjustable in EQ, making small changes easy while mids and trebles, on the other hand, sound spacious. 

The battery life is decent, and Sony promises up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge. Of course, the used features will determine how long the headphones will last.

Why Should You Buy It?

If you prioritize comfort and punchy bass production, then Sony XM3 noise canceling headphones are your to-go headphone. The killing ANC feature is also present.

Earpiece DesignOpen-back/ Over ear Headphones
Weight9 oz
AdjustabilityHeadband only
FoldableYes
Frequency Response4 Hz to 40 kHz

Pros

  • Fantastic noise isolation
  • Exceptional sound quality
  • Highly ergonomic and portable 
  • Highly ergonomic

Cons

  • Extreme cold makes the controls hard to deal with.
  • Doesn’t feel that premium
  • Costs a lot

5. JBL TUNE 760NC – Best for Traveling

Is it possible to create a list of the best and not include the JBL? That’s why I picked the comfiest headphones for extended hours of listening time. JBL again allowed us to choose between black, blue, and white. There is a soft leather cover on top of the head not to tighten the head or dent hair.

The pure bass sound is an unwritten rule of the manufacturer. The punchy and deep bass reproduction is present, covering vocals a little bit, but it still depends on the genre you are listening to. The active noise canceling feature is available as well and manages to block the entire ambient noise more than enough.

The battery life appears to be 15 hours with ANC on and 22 hours in total. I guess the features play a significant role in the battery longevity—moreover, the “Multi-Port connection” means connecting to two devices simultaneously.

Why Should You Buy It?

It offers excellent value for the price range. Stop scrolling if you need a travel buddy to accompany you for long hours, and you love bass more than anything. The JBL Tune 760NC should be on your “add to bag” list.

Earpiece DesignClosed-back
Weight8.8 oz
AdjustabilityHeadband only
FoldableYes
Frequency Response20Hz – 20 KHz

Pros

  • Portable
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Deep and punchy bass production
  • Decent ANC

Cons

  • Batter life could have been longer

4. Sony MDR1AM2 – Most Sensational

Here I come with another Sony product. This time the MDR1AM2 is sporting a luxurious design that will immediately catch your attention. The ear cups swivel and tighten the ears sensibly, helping to seal the music entirely. That’s why I said sensational because the distractions are left out completely to let you listen to music with pure joy. The premium-built materials ensure the lifespan exceeds your expectations.

The sound profile is more emphasized in the vocals rather than instruments while it delivers the low ends and highs in any frequency perfectly without losing any detail. The bass lovers may not appreciate this aspect because the other components overpower it.   Sony MDR1AM2 works in a wired way, and it doesn’t include these once-in-a-month use features. So the aim is pretty straight, the sound quality and comfort.

Why Should You Buy It?

If your priorities are looks and comfort, then I see no reason why you shouldn’t buy it. Sure thing, the HD 599 will impress the audiophiles who seek balance and clarity in sound profiles.

Earpiece DesignClosed-back
Weight6.6 oz
AdjustabilityEarcups Swivel
FoldableYes
Frequency Response3 Hz –100,000 Hz

Pros

  •  Audible vocals and instruments
  • Great sound quality
  • Travel-friendly/ Portable
  • Ergonomic

Cons

  • Lacks bass
  • ANC feature is not included
  • Expensive

3. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro – Best For Studio 

Shout out to audiophiles because earth-shaking headphones a German manufacturer have landed. DT 990 Pro provides extreme comfort keeping in mind the long hours of studio listening times. Beyerdynamic made the body mainly from plastic with metal band support to keep it comfortable and lightweight as a primer target. The memory foam padding is super soft, not to cause headaches or tighten your head. However, the durability of the plastic is questionable, but the ear pads are replaceable.

DT 990 Pro emphasizes spacious sound and excellent trebles with some hints of bass production. The open-back design doesn’t allow the bass to command much and leaks the sound outside. So, if you are ok with people accompanying your music, then there’s no problem. Don’t expect good noise isolation.

These headphones offer high impedance. That means the sound will come out as Thor’s hammer’s power in detail, clarity, and precision.   

Why Should You Buy It?

If you are an audiophile, the opportunity has presented itself. Details and precision is the main target of DT 990 Pro. Considering the long hours of studio use, Beyerdynamic created super lightweight headphones and soft ear pads cushions. 

Earpiece DesignOpen-back
Weight8.8 oz
AdjustabilityHeadband only
FoldableNo
Frequency Response5 – 35.000 Hz

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Detailed and precise sound profile
  • Made for audiophiles
  • Super comfortable earpads

Cons

  • Not portable
  • Plastic built

2. Apple AirPods Max – Most Luxurious

I don’t think Apple needs a brief description, so I’m jumping straight to what it has to offer. If you do care about the looks, then AirPods Max is ready to give you striking looks. Unlike the earbuds, the headphones offer a classic space gray color. Other than that, there are silver, pink, sky blue, and green options to choose from as well.

Apple AirPods have a nice decent sound profile that addresses most users. The frequency response is more emphasized in the low ends and sub-bass mostly. That makes the headphones super friendly to all music genres. Let it be classical, rock, or hip hop. Remember, the vocals command the other instruments in the sound.

The spatial sound that Apple calls it gives that 3D effect illusion. It makes you feel like the music comes in a multidirectional way, which is a really nice experience. This time, Apple nailed it with noise isolation. My coworker couldn’t hear the music even though it was loud enough for me. The ANC and transparency mode are available as well. It’s noteworthy to mention if you have an Android device, you can’t benefit from the features.

The battery life lasts up 20 hours with the ANC feature on. I noticed that if you drop the volume down, you can increase the battery life too.

Why Should You Buy It?

If you are looking for high-end headphones that look and feel nice, with decent sound quality, then AirPods Max is your go-to product. You cannot go wrong with Apple; you know that.

Earpiece DesignOpen-back
Weight13.6 oz.
AdjustabilityHeadband, Earcups swivel
FoldableYes
Frequency Response5Hz – 48 KHz

Pros

  • Spatial audio
  • Great battery life
  • Great for most users
  • Comfortable
  • Portable

Cons

  • It costs an arm and a leg

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M20X – Best for Audiophiles

Audiophiles or even casual music listeners can give Audio Technica a shot. The comfort is taken for granted. The thick earcups that swivel 15 degrees give extra comfort for adjustability. The entire body, on the other hand, is made of plastic to reduce weight. It’s surprising how premium it looks despite being on a budget.

The sound profile depends on the music genre but nonetheless, the high notes and bass will overpower vocals in most cases. It’s a great performer in the soundstage part. So, if you plan to use it for music creating and mixing, I would highly suggest you put these headphones on your list. The clarity and precision aren’t absent either.

As for the sound isolation, I found it to be average, maybe that’s just me tough. The closed-back design should offer more sealing to the sound, but leakage is present.

Why Should You Buy It?

If you belong to an audiophile group and critical listening is your top priority, these headphones can guarantee that. Plus, being budget-friendly, it won’t cost you much to experience quality sound and comfort.

Earpiece DesignClosed-back
Weight6.7 oz.
AdjustabilityHeadband, earcups swivel
FoldableYes
Frequency Response40Hz – 15 KHz

Pros

  • Affordable price tag
  • Super comfortable
  • Great for critical listening
  • Sounds appear clear and detailed

Cons

  • Sound bleeding is noticeably present
  • It gives a cheap feel

Buying Guide

Using a buying guide is quite helpful when purchasing headphones. This buying guide will function as a checklist of all the features to consider while looking for comfy headphones.

 We will explain what to look for, such as the ear pad material, the fit of the headband, the weight of the headphones, andwhether or not they contain noise-canceling technology.

Through this, you will be able to avoid mistakes like only considering the price or the design of the headphones without considering how comfortable they are.

Therefore, to put it simply, stick to this guideline in order to get yourself a better final choice regarding comfortable headphones. 

Ear Pads

The ear cushions are important when searching for comfortable headphones. The element of the headphones that touches your ears is called the ear pad, and it helps to provide a comfortable fit for your ears.

Ear pads are generally made of comfortable, soft fabrics that adapt to the shape of your ears, such as memory foam, leatherette, or velour. These elements help to prevent ear pain while keeping the headphones in place. Ear cups made of hard plastic or metal might be uncomfortable and pressure your ears.

Because they may have an effect on how well the headphones fit on your head, the size and form of the ear cushions are extremely important. The ear cushions may be uncomfortable and put to much pressure on your ears if they are too smal.

In conclusion, ear pads are necessary for comfortable headphones since they provide that the earbuds are soft on the ear and have a secure fit on the head. Also, they help in balancing pressure distribution and reducing any discomfort brought on by the weight of the headphones.

Headband

The headband is very important when looking to purchase comfortable headphones. The part of the headphones that wrap around your head to keep them on is called the headband. A good headband should be able to be adjusted to the exact size of your head without pressing on it.

Another major element is the headband’s cushioning. The padding on headphones that is soft as opposed to firm helps to evenly distribute pressure and makes the headphones feel lighter on your head. This is necesary if you plan to use the headphones for a long period of time.

In order to be portable and simple to store, a good headband should also be flexible and moveable.

To put it simply, headbands are important when choosing comfortable headphones to purchase since they keep the headphones on your head, the padding improves comfort, and a good headband is flexible and convenient to store.

Durability

What you can also think about is how long the headphones will last when searching for comfortable headphones. Sturdy headphones can suport extreme use and are less likely to break or stop working. You can save money over time by not having to purchase new headphones as often.

Furthermore, it’s important that the headphones can survive being carried around, such as being droped or put in a bag. This is necessary if you travel a lot or want headphones you can use everywhere, including at home, the gym, and while you’re on the go.

Also, more durable headphones are better equipped to withstand extreme weather conditions like rain, dust, and freezing temperatures. They are therefore more trustworthy.

Simply said, it’s important to consider how long the headphones will survive when you’re considering purchasing comfortable headphones. Because durable headphones can resist using and a lot of environments, you won’t need to replace them as frequently and will end up saving money over time.

Price

It’s important to think about the price of comfortable headphones while making a purchase decision. Finding a set of headphones that fits within your budget is necessary because of how much they can differ in price.

In some cases, more expensive headphones may offer higher sound quality, more features like noise-canceling capabilities, andmore durability. However, that isn’t always the case; you may find some good headphones that are reasonably priced.

Simply put, it’s essential to think about the price of comfortable headphones while making a purchase decision. In order to find the ideal pair that has all the qualities you desire and is within your price range, research around and compare different possibilities.

Brand reputation

It’s a good idea to consider the brand when looking to get comfortable headphones. Quality brands typically produce high-quality, long-lasting headphones.

 Furthermore, when you choose a well-known and trusted brand, you can feel at ease knowing that you’ll have support if you need it, including the ability to locate new parts or have your headphones fixed.

Finally, choose a reputable brand that might increase your sense of security and reduce your purchase anxiety.

Tunning and tonality

Tuning is the process of changing the headphones’ audio frequency response to produce a certain sound characteristic. The balance and precision of the various frequency levels in the audio are known as tone.

The sound is balanced, accurate, and aesthetically pleasant when the headphones are tuned correctly and have decent tonality. The sound might be aggressive, boomy, or unclear if the tune and tone are poor. This can make it uncomfortable to listen to music or podcasts and can soon make you tired.

To guarantee that you purchase a set of headphones that will give you a comfortable and satisfying listening experience, it is important to take tuning and tone into consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the Most Comfortable Headphones?

I believe there are two options when it comes to complete comfort. The first one is Bose Quiet Comfort 45 and the second one is Sony WH1000XM3. For a budget price, Audio-Technica ATH-M20X can be your ideal choice.

Are High-quality Materials Giving the Best Comfort?

Absolutely yes, but bare in mind that the manufacturers use mostly plastic to reduce the weight of the headphones. Nonetheless, the lightweight design results in more comfortable wear. On the other side, high-quality materials are more durable. Moreover, the decision is yours to make. Which one is worth compromising, durability or comfort?

Are Wired or Wireless headphones more Comfortable?

I can’t give an exact answer to that question; it depends on the manufacturer. To be honest, wired headphones are long gone, and thank goodness they are. Comfort is defined based on the ear cushions of the headphones, their weight, and grip.

For the sound quality part, wired headphones perform the best, but the wireless ones have some nice features coming along, and I’m sure they’ll reach their quality-sound mark in the upcoming years.

Do regular headphones feel more comfortable than noise-canceling ones?

For some people, noise-canceling headphones may be more comfortable than regular ones. Background noise can be distracting and tiresome over time. Noise-canceling headphones help to reduce this.

Moreover, they often provide a stronger seal around your ears, which can help in blocking out background noises and lessen the need to increase the volume. It’s a good idea to put on noise-canceling headphones to see how they feel on your head and ears because, for some people, they can be a little heavier and bulkier.

Final Words

Finally, we have reached the end of the article. If I have to summarize the entire topic, I can confidently say comfort is based on the adjustability of headphones. Not all manufacturers offer swivel or fold designs, so you need to pick wisely. Before buying anything, let me at least guide you. Look how much the headphones weigh and put them on. This way, you will discover their stability and how much it tightens your head.

As a nice bonus, the features that newer models have are insane. I’m always on the beneficial side of technology. Undoubtedly, it’s good to know that budget-priced headphones are available and are actually fantastic.

Hopefully, I provided all the information you need regarding this topic. I had so much fun while writing and I hope you felt the same while reading.

Further Reading

Since we are talking about music, headphones, in ear headphones, comfort, and how we can make such choices so we can reassure ourselves that we will be comfortable, by my estimation, classic music gives us as people comfort in every dimension.

So if you share the same opinion with me, I remember to have written an article about The 5 Best Headphones For Classical Music Of This Year, so you can also check that one out, and as we are talking about comfort, I’ve also written an article about Best Headphones For Sensitive Ears, so, if you consider yourself a person whose ears get easily irritated, that’s just the article for you. 

Give it a read also to the best headphones for podcasters. 

Be sure to read the comparison between the Elac B6 and Elac Unifi UB5. Find out which Klipsch is superior by comparing the Klipsch R-15pm and Klipsch R-51pm.

There are two Logitech models: Z323 and Z313, find out which is better.

The well-known JBL Flip 5 and JBL Flip Essential are also contrasted among JBL devices.

Whether you’re looking for information on audio equipment, looking to learn more about how things work in the music field, or looking for reviews of products, we got you covered!

 
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