5 best headphones for big ears

This is a beginner-friendly review on the Best headphones for big ears for 2022.

The best headphones for big ears will most often be versatile, comfortable, and have earcups with a large circumference. They should also be built well and strong and sturdy.

I’ve been reviewing audio products for over a decade and can help you find the best product for your needs.

After testing multiple headphones for big ears, our view is that the Best headphones for big ears are the

Editors Choice

Sony WH-1000XM4  

Industry-leading noise cancellation

Smart listening technology 

Atmospheric pressure Optimising

Ambient Sound Control

However, if you are on a tighter budget and prefer something that works here is another alternative.

Best Budget Option


Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones

Deep, immersive sound

Clear, natural sound

Up to 15 hours of playtime

Lighter and more comfortable

If you would like to know more about the best headphones for big ears then keep reading.

As people have different tastes and preferences, I’ve included 5 reviews of Karaoke Speakers, including what makes each of them unique.

We have also prepared a buyer’s guide in addition to the Best headphone for big ears reviews below so that you can know what to consider before you make your purchase.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at and review the types of headphones for big ears you can use.

5 Best Headphones for Big Ears

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  1. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
  2. Sony WH1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling OverEar Headphones 
  3. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Over-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphone  
  4. Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH710N Bose
  5. SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II

Click any of the links below for a full review

  1. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
  2. Sony WH1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling OverEar Headphones 
  3. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Over-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphone  
  4. Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH710N Bose
  5. SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II

1 – Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 — Over-Ear, Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with BuiltIn Microphone for Clear Calls & Alexa Voice Control, Soapstone
Pros
  • Smart Noise Cancellation
  • Dual noise sensor technology
  • 35 hours of battery and quick charging
  • Hands-free calls and voice assistant
  • Wireless Bluetooth streaming with NFC one-touch
  • 30 millimeter driver units for improved sound
  • Ultra-comfortable headphones design with adjustable metal sliders
  • Next-generation USB type-C charging.
Cons
  • Touch Cotrols were a bit sensitive

Why We like It

Weight

The headphones are still very light coming in at 254 grams

Design

The headphones do not fold inwards, but they do fold flat
the carrying case is a hard shell case, which means that your headphones have extra protection

Headband

Instead of the traditional plastic headband and the suede padding on the underside of the headband,

Bose decided to make the headband of a rubbery silicone-type material

The inside of the headband is made of metal which makes sure that the headphones are strong

Clamping force

Clamping Force was decent, it was certainly enough to ensure that the headphones stayed in place but it was not so tight that it started to hurt my cheeks

Comfort

I could wear these headphones for hours on end with no brakes and still, I do not feel any wearing fatigue

Ear Cups/Pads

I personally felt as if the ear cups were sufficiently large and covered my ears in full

In normal temperatures such as at the home or at the office I found that the Bose 700 noise-cancelling headphones would not overheat my ears

Controls

To control the volume you slide up and down, sliding up increases the volume whilst sliding down decreases the volume.

A double-tap initiates the pause and plays functionality. All of this functionality is on the right ear cup by the way

Another feature is the battery life indicator which initiates when you touch the right ear cup and press.

The other button located on the left ear cup is the active noise cancellation button. Again this button is also sensitive.

Voice Assistants

Bose has not completely done away with physical buttons.

Towards the bottom of the right earcup, there is the Bluetooth slash voice assistant button.

Simply press and hold this button to activate your voice assistant, be it Siri

Google Assistant or Alexa, then give your voice assistant the instruction and when you are done, let go of the button

Noise Cancellation

The microphones in the headphones pick up your surroundings and are able to transfer that back into your headphones

Even at particularly high volume levels, there is absolutely no sound leakage.

So I tested the noise cancellation in the middle of a busy city street. the noise cancellation is fantastic.

Battery

The headphones can go for a continuous 20 hours with noise cancellation on before they need to be recharged.

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2 – Sony WH1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling OverEar Headphones 

Sony WH1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling OverEar Headphones (Black) with Sony WLANS7 Wireless TV Adapter Bundle (2 Items)

Pros
  • Advanced noise cancellation
  • Premium sound
  • Smart listening technology
  • Dual noise sensor technology
  • HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1
  • Personal Noise Cancelling Optimiser
  • Atmospheric Pressure Optimising
  • Ambient Sound Control
  • Hand free listening experiencing
Cons
  • Great for gym but not for audiophiles

Why We like It

Great Wireless experience

Enjoy High Quality/High-Resolution Audio driven by LDAC, which transmits approximately three times more data (at the maximum transfer rate of 990 kbps) than conventional BLUETOOTH®

HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1

Working in conjunction with a new Bluetooth® Audio SoC (System on Chip), the HD Noise Cancelling Processor senses and adjusts to music and noise signals, and acoustic characteristics between the driver unit and ears, at over 700 times per second.

Making use of a new algorithm, the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 applies real-time noise-cancelling processing to various acoustic environments.

This technology features two microphones on each earcup, which pick up ambient noise and transfer the data to the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1.

Optimizing Noise Cancelling

Atmospheric Pressure Optimising – Is designed for air travel and delivers optimal sound at high altitudes.

Personal Noise Cancelling Optimiser – Analyses unique sonic characteristics caused by head size, glasses, and hair, then tailors the sound to you.

Ambient Sound Control
Use the headphones Connect app to cancel noise while still permitting essential sounds, such as transport announcements.

Built-in analogue amplifier

Powerful 40mm drivers, with Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) diaphragms, ensure the headphones can handle heavy beats and can reproduce a full range of frequencies up to 40kHz.

Integrated with the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1, the built-in analogue amplifier realizes an unmatched signal-to-noise ratio for low distortion and exceptional sound quality for portable devices.

Real-time restoration of all your compressed files

Using Edge-AI (Artificial Intelligence), DSEE Extreme™ (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) upscales compressed digital music files in real-time.

Dynamically recognizing the instrumentation, musical genres, and individual elements of each song, such as vocals or interludes, restores the high-range sound lost in compression for a richer, more complete listening experience

Smart Sensors

When you start speaking, your music automatically pauses in Speak-to-Chat.

Proximity sensors provide adaptive playback, and two acceleration sensors detect whether your headphones are being worn or not.

Speak-to-Chat and Precise Voice Pickup Technology

Speak-to-Chat automatically stops the music.

The moment you speak to someone and allow ambient sound in, you can talk to someone when your hands are not free.

Precise Voice Pickup Technology combines advanced audio signal processing and five built-in microphones to recognize and react to your voice.

When your chat is over, your music will start playing again automatically.

Designed For comfort

These headphones combine the perfect blend of exceptional comfort and sophisticated styling

The earpads are Super-soft and pressure-relieving.

Foamed urethane, evenly distributes pressure and increases ear-to-pad contact, promoting a stable fit.

And with a lighter-weight design, you’ll barely notice you’re wearing them.

These were made for the gym

Extended Battery Life

A 10-minute quick charge gives you 5 hours of battery for the morning that you are under pressure.

One charge gives you 30 hours of battery life

Multipoint connection

WH-1000XM4 headphones can be paired with two Bluetooth devices at the same time.

So when a call comes in, your headphones know which device is ringing and connect to the right one automatically.

You’ll also be able to quickly, and smoothly switch your headphones to either of the two devices at the touch of a button

Click any of the links below to get yourself a pair

3) – Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless

Pros
  • Adaptive Noise Cancellation
  • One-touch access with the Voice Assistant button
  • 30-hour battery life
  • Advanced ergonomic design
  • Rotating Earcups
  • Smart Pause Autopilot
  • Smart Control App
  • Triple Microphone Array
Cons
  • Battery Voice Promt can be annoying


Why We like It

Sensors

The headphones come with 2 microphones in total, 2 on the outside and 2 on the inside.

The right ear cups include the Bluetooth on/off switch, speech microphones, audio input (for the cable jack), micro USB input, LED display, effect mode control, and Noise guard/ANC control switch.

Sennheiser has made an interesting feature, whereby the headphones are automatically turned on when you turn the ear cups into the use position.

Battery

Unfortunately, the voice prompt that comes with the headphones can become very annoying and will consistently tell you the amount of battery life that comes with the headphones, especially when your battery starts to go below 20%

Fortunately, you can get upwards of 20 hours of use with the Sennheiser PXC 550 wireless headphones.

But one criticism that I have of the headphones is that they do not come with a fast-charging mechanism.

Sound

Effect mode – allows you to control your headphones based on the genre of the music and the effect that you would like.

Higher frequencies have such superb definition

If your phone happens to support APT-X playback, the sound is even more impressive.

The overall sound is crisp and really immersive

The mids are well-defined, and I was impressed with the sound stage.

Fit and comfort

The build is robust and solid.

When I do the flex test, I notice you can stretch these out quite wide and there is no sign of fragility.

So automatically you can see that they were designed with various head sizes in mind.

Active Noise Cancellation

Sennheiser Noise cancellation is the adaptive kind adaptive.

Sennheiser calls their noise cancellation technology “noise guard”, there is a button located on the right ear cup that allows you to control the amount of noise cancellation.

You can choose between full and adaptive noise guard mode.

The cans also come with an effect mode button that allows you to toggle between different effects or the built-in EQ’s.

Talk-through is a feature that allows you to be able to hear someone talking to you without having to remove your headphones.

This is achieved through the microphones that are outside of the headphones

NFC

The Sennheiser PXC 550 wireless headphones are NFC enabled.

Simply slide your phone against the left ear cup to connect and your devices are paired immediately and automatically.

Remember that this can be done only if your device has NFC enabled on it as well.

Bluetooth

The headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 4.2 and cover the traditional range of +/-10m/+/-30ft

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4) – Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH710N


Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH710N: Wireless Bluetooth Over the Ear Headset with Mic for PhoneCall, Blue (Amazon Exclusive)

Pros
  • Smart noise cancellation
  • 35 hours of battery and quick charging
  • Hands-free calls 
  • Wireless Bluetooth streaming with NFC one-touch
  • Hear more detail with the 30 millimeter driver units
  • Adjustable metal sliders
  • USB type-C charging
Cons
  • I expected a better bass response

Why We Like It

Noise-cancelling headphones

Even if you are on a long-haul flight or travelling to work, the CH710N noise-cancelling headphones repeatedly gather data about your environment and enhance the noise-cancelling performance accordingly using Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Up to 35-hour battery life and Quick Charging

Extended battery life provides up to 35 hours of power. USB Type-C quick charging provides up to 60 mins of playback with a 10-minute recharge.

Ambient Sound mode

change to Ambient Sound mode to allow important sounds to enter your environment.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth connectivity allows you to wirelessly stream your most popular songs with a Bluetooth connection.

NFC One-touch for instant music

The headphones are NFC-compatible, permit fast and simple connectivity, and permit you to stream your music with just one touch.

Clear hands-free calling

With just a single tap, you can have free-flowing conversations with the hands-free calling functionality.

All-day comfort

A flexible metal slider and gentle oval-shaped earpads make extended listening sessions, not only possible but more comfortable.

Swivel design

The WH-CH710N earcups rotate flat, so you can move with them securely when on the go.

Designed with style in mind

The WH-CH710N headphones have a cool, curved that is very stylish

30mm drivers

The new 30mm drivers deliver a clean, rich sound perfect for recreating a variety of frequencies.

USB Type-C Charging is available for these headphones

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5) – Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II


Bose SoundLink Around-Ear Wireless Headphones II  Black

Pros
  • Deep, immersive sound and improved EQ
  • Latest Bluetooth technology for easy connectivity and seamless audiovideo syncs
  • Advanced microphone system
  • HD voice for clear calls in windy or noisy environments.
  • Up to 15 hours play time with rechargeable battery
  • Switch between 2 Bluetooth devices so you can watch a video while staying connected to your smartphone.
  • Wireless range up to 30 feet (9 meter)
Cons
  • The noise cancellation of the headphones is the passive type and not the active type.

Why We like It

Comfort and Fit

These headphones are extremely lightweight, and allow you to focus on your workout, instead of what is on your head.

I was able to wear these for 4 hours at a time, without any fatigue.

Ear Cups/Pads

The ear cups are oval and large and fit comfortably for people with different sizes of ears.

The profile is very slim and at first glance, the earpads do not seem like they do very much at all.

If you take a really close look inside the ear cup you will notice that the speaker angles into the earcup. This is in both the right and the left ear cup.

When looking at the speaker you see that there are little dots inside for purposes of ventilation and this helps to reduce the heat build-up in your ears.

These headphones quite interestingly recess or press the speaker down towards the bottom.

This downward angle means that your ear will be protected from touching the speaker.

Sound Quality

In my view, the headphone is very neutral sounding, not over-emphasizing bass, mid or treble.

Overall, the sound is crisp and clear and lets you focus keenly on your workout.

Ear Cups

The right ear cup includes the power on/off button and the volume button.

The right ear cup also includes Bluetooth for the headphones and of course has a lithium battery.

Battery

A full charge will power the headphones for 15 hours.

A full charge takes approximately 3 hours when the battery is dead.

The power charging function provides a 2-hour charge from a 15-minute charge.

The headphones do not play whilst charging.

Noise Cancellation

The noise cancellation of the headphones is the passive type and not the active type.

Active noise cancellation uses noise cancellation technology that blocks out ambient sound and lets you determine the amount of noise that you want to cancel.

These headphones are not designed to have superior noise cancellation capabilities.

The noise cancellation is more noise isolating as opposed to noise cancelling.

Therefore, you are likely to feel as if you have placed your fingers over your ears (well they perform a little better than that as your entire ear cup is covered)

Build Quality

The headphones are also well-built, do not be fooled by the lightweight thereof because they are built to last.

You would have to really try hard to break these cans.

The headphones do not fold, they simply flip for ease of storage.

This would be one of the more annoying things for me as they will not fit into a compact carry case.

The clamping force of the headphones is pretty good and the headphones also have excellent grip.

This is why they are good for the gym.

As I did my bench presses, I found that the headphones did not slip off, which is an absolute plus.

Connectivity

In addition to being Bluetooth compatible, the headphones have NFC (near field communication), which allows pairing to the headphones by placing your device a very short distance from your earphones.

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Buyers’ guide for Best Headphones for big ears

Comfort

Headphones may not consistently be comfy.

During gaming sessions, you change positions and perspire.

Therefore It is important to consider how comfortable your headphones are

If you are into long gaming sessions, get yourself headphones that are steady and have a decent clamping force so they do not move.

I would suggest headphones with thick padding around the headband and earcups.

Also, Look for breathable materials that allow air out so as to ensure your ears do not overheat.

Finally, think about the weight of the headset. Very heavy headsets can put pressure on your ears, and cause a headache, and sometimes neck pain.

Earpads

The materials used and the padding are of critical importance

My preference is for earpads made of sweat-absorbent material and has thick padding

Leather earpads are also not a bad idea, just as long as the padding is thick

Size

As someone with big ears, it is important that the diameter of the earcups is large so that they can fit on your ears.

Headphones that have the correct weight and size assist in reducing discomfort and irritation.

Over-ear headsets can increase isolation and limit ambient and external sound.

Build Quality

As tempted as you may be to just get a cheap set of cans, it will not be worth it as they can be very uncomfortable.

You can check product reviews or go to the store and put on a set of cans to see how they fit to get a sense of the build quality.

In addition, you must evaluate the audio output and additional features.

On-Ear vs over-ear

On-ear headphones tend to be less comfortable for people with big ears.

Over-the-ear/around-ear headphones exhibit wider and longer ear cups that encircle your outer ear.

Over-ear headphones, put less pressure on your ears and are significantly more comfortable, completely covering your ears.

Additionally, Over-the-ear headphones produce top-notch bass responses they cover the ears completely.

For the most part, you will hear less ambient outside noise whilst enjoying your favourite tracks.

Mic Placement

Most headphones include separate attachable boom microphones that you can bend based on the position of your mouth.

Some headphones include secure rigged microphones unsuitable for people with big heads.

If your microphone is up or down by around half an inch can affect the communication during gaming.

Therefore ensure you purchase headphones with adjustable microphones.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, you want a headset for big ears that is versatile.

A headset for big ears should be comfortable with thick padding and should have earcups with a wide circumference. They should also have a good sound quality and be well built so they stay on your head.

If you are still unsure of which is best – This is our pick.