Over-ear headphones are the leader in sound quality. Most often, they are purchased for the home due to their impressive dimensions and inconvenience of transportation. Among modern models there are wireless, foldable, with convenient covers and cases included. They are more versatile, but is it worth paying more? And what is it worth overpaying for when purchasing such headphones? The price difference can be significant. I figured out how budget full-size headphones differ from top-end expensive ones, and I ranked the best full-size headphones years, based on expert opinion and customer reviews.
JBL Live 650BTNC
Opening the rating are full-size active noise canceling Bluetooth headphones. Sound worthy for the price ... The emphasis is on low frequencies and bass. Hybrid connection - Bluetooth v. 4.2 or mini-Jack 3.5 mm cable (included). You cannot use headphones as a cable headset. Bluetooth works up to 30 hours. Push-button control + touch panel for calling the voice assistant. Features - branded Ambient Aware and TalkThru. The first mixes the surrounding sounds into the music if you need to hear something. TalkThru lowers the volume for a comfortable conversation.
Pros:
- price;
- ergonomics;
- carrying case included;
- convenient control;
- good sound;
- active noise cancellation;
- Ambient Aware and TalkThru technologies;
- autonomy;
- stable connection;
- hybrid connection;
- simultaneous connection with two devices.
Minuses:
- lack of aptX;
- inability to use headphones as a headset over a cable;
- light whistle ANC;
- microphone quality;
- inconvenient location of the voice assistant call button.
The peculiarity of the Ambient Aware and TalkThru models is a strong difference in sound with ANC and without it, when many people lack bass, especially rock lovers. There is nothing fundamentally better in this price segment.
Pioneer SE-MS7BT
Compared to the JBL Live 650BTNC, they have an extended frequency range (9-22000 Hz via Bluetooth, 9-400000 Hz via cable). Supports aptX. Due to this, the sound is clearer, more detailed. There is no active noise cancellation. In terms of design and build materials, this model has a soft headband and ear cushions finished with high-quality eco-leather. The outer surface of the bowls - metal anodized and decorated with laser engraving, looks expensive. An NFC chip is built in for easy connection. Therefore Bluetooth v 3.0. puzzling. Equipping headphones with an advanced pairing module and an outdated Bluetooth version is a strange decision of the manufacturer. Price - .
Pros:
- price;
- design;
- good materials, build quality;
- good sound;
- aptX support;
- stable connection;
- Multipoint;
- NFC.
Minuses:
- awkward design;
- backlash of buttons;
- Bluetooth v 3.0;
- weak bass;
- no noise cancellation;
- microphone quality;
- small volume margin;
- not the highest autonomy (12 hours);
- lack of a charge indicator.
Good earbuds that will not work except for bass lovers. For such music lovers, I recommend the JBL Live 650BTNC or the more expensive balanced sounding models.
Marshall Monitor
A model that appeared on the market 6 years ago and has not yet lost its relevance. Good sound quality speaks in favor of her purchase - headphones with excellent branded sound. F.T.F. system - felt inserts in the cups over the emitters. They can be removed, then the sound will become cleaner, bass. You can connect the cable to any bowl, and use the free connector to share music with someone nearby. Price - .
Pros:
- ergonomics;
- quality of materials and workmanship;
- good sound;
- good sound insulation;
- control panel on the cable;
- good microphone.
Minuses:
- overpriced;
- sometimes wires get in the way;
- demanding on the sound source, recording quality;
- great resistance. May sound bad with smartphones.
An excellent offer for those who are in no hurry to give up wired headphones. A model with great sound. 91% of Yandex. The market is recommended for purchase. But the price is too high. For about the same amount, you can get a Bluetooth model that sounds no worse - Pioneer SE-MS7BT.
Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC
Headphones of a famous brand that amaze with their attention to detail. The design and ergonomics are well thought out: foldable design, convenient push-button control, adaptive noise cancellation, a 2.5 mm jack with a latch that firmly fixes the cable in the headphones, a high-quality case included. In terms of sound quality, this model bypasses all the named competitors; clean, perfectly balanced sound with a large volume margin will delight any music lover. There is support for AptX. As a headset, these headphones work well too. There is one caveat - the microphone does not work via the cable, as well as the control buttons. Considering the possibilities of battery life (up to 25 hours), the presence of NFC for quick pairing, I think you will rarely use the cable. Price - .
Pros:
- design;
- equipment;
- sound;
- support for AptX and NFC;
- noise suppression;
- autonomy;
- hybrid connection;
- there is an application for mobile devices, mp-3 player with a decent equalizer;
- themselves turn off when the connection is lost.
Minuses:
- the ear pads are too narrow;
- the complete case does not have a carrying handle;
- annoying beeps when changing the volume;
- no control on the cable.
Headphones deserving attention with balanced sound and good noise reduction. Versatile, suitable for listening to any music, bringing the sound to your ideal is possible with an equalizer. However, one should not expect an emphasis on specific frequencies. A lover of bass and bass can consider the JBL Live 650BTNC and even save a few thousand.
Skullcandy Hesh 3 Wireless
Visual-oriented headphones from the American manufacturer: interesting design, 5 colors, including pure feminine red, foldable design. According to the characteristics, there is nothing special. Standard frequency range, combined connection type. There is not even a noise reduction and AptX. The sound is not bad, but the lack of noise cancellation and mediocre sound insulation affects - the model is clearly not for music lovers. Price -
Pros:
- design;
- 5 colors;
- folding design;
- good microphone;
- stable connection.
Minuses:
- sound quality for headphones in the “10,000+” price segment;
- no noise cancellation;
- poor sound insulation;
- no AptX support;
- no cover included;
- dubious quality of materials and workmanship - some of the corners and joints are not polished, you can catch hair or get scratched.
Quite good headphones without additional functionality and overpriced. Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC stand on less, and the sound is better, there is active noise cancellation. JBL Live 650BTNC is almost a quarter cheaper, but they sound no worse.
Technics RP-DJ1210
Headphones for professional DJs and performers. Features:
- free monitoring with swing system;
- you can fix the position of the cups for additional rigidity;
- the case is protected from water ingress;
- power, large volume reserve;
- twisted fixed cable;
- frequency range 5–30,000 Hz.
Together with professional equipment, these headphones are good, at least for simple electronic music - good bass and mediocre mids and highs without volume. Price - .
Pros:
- sound;
- extended frequency range;
- large volume reserve;
- good sound insulation;
- reliability;
- comfortable design.
Minuses:
- price;
- non-removable cable;
- not everyone seems comfortable, they put pressure on their ears, while the headband does not hold at all, with a sharp movement of the head, the headphones fall off.
A good gadget for professionals, but not the best choice for everyday use - the sound is still not as balanced as the Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC, especially when used with mobile devices. The price bites. But reliability can serve as an iron argument in favor of this model: experienced DJs claim that they can actually be used for 5-10 years without any complaints.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Can compete with Technics RP-DJ1210. They are slightly inferior in frequency range (15–28000 Hz) and sensitivity (99 dB). It is unrealistic for a non-professional to hear the difference in technical characteristics without knowing them. But this can be judged on the basis of the collective assessment of users. On Yandex. On the market, the Technics RP-DJ1210 sound received the highest rating - 5. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is slightly behind - 4.7. However, you should not accept this data by default, everything is subjective: before buying, you need to test both models in order to choose the best one for yourself. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has a higher impedance of 38 ohms, so the sound quality may vary when used with mobile devices. In terms of usability parameters, everything is also subjective - you need to try on. But the detachable cable is the advantage of this model. Price - $ 120.
Pros:
- ergonomics;
- convenient folding design;
- detachable cable;
- sound;
- large volume reserve;
- good sound insulation.
Minuses:
- price;
- not suitable for listening to music from a smartphone without a powerful audio output;
- inconvenient position of the plug socket, the cord often clings to the collar;
- very strong HF, revealing all defects of low-quality recordings.
The M50X is an updated version of the M50, which in 2007 became a real sensation in the market. If you have used it before, you can take the M50X without hesitation: they differ only in the detachable cable. If you are buying professional headphones for the first time, but plan to listen to music from mobile devices, it is better to buy Technics RP-DJ1210. They are less demanding on the quality of the output, therefore, they are universal. You can save and purchase Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC. I would not recommend saving any more: headphones in the range of up to will not have such a balanced sound.
Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2
Bluetooth headphones with microphone, technical characteristics comparable to the budget JBL Live 650BTNC. However, in practice, the sound in them turns out to be an order of magnitude better - balanced volumetric with a slight predominance of bass + increased volume reserve. Shumodav is useful in transport, shows itself well. The Open Mic function is also convenient, allowing you to hear what others are saying without removing the headphones. The model has the best ergonomics and comfortable control with a corporate volume control in the form of a circle. They also look more prestigious. Price - .
Pros:
- beautiful view;
- good materials and build quality;
- design;
- case included;
- excellent ergonomics;
- convenient mechanical control;
- good sound;
- good microphone;
- autonomy (up to 24 hours of work);
- smart sensors - playback pauses when you remove the headphones, and automatically starts when you put them back on;
- the ability to connect up to two devices at the same time;
- range of coverage of Class 1 Bluetooth-connection - 100 meters;
- voice assistant;
- Open Mic function.
Minuses:
- price;
- there are false alarms of smart sensors, but they turn off if necessary;
- complete wires of poor quality;
- no AptX;
- no NFC.
Headphones with excellent sound, noise cancellation and smart features. But a little overrated.It is more logical to pay $ 100-150 for the specialization of this model with AptX and NFC or to consider other models in the rating.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro (80 Ohm)
The best closed studio headphones in terms of price / quality ratio (according to many experts): high-quality assembly, balanced sound with a slight emphasis on low and high frequencies, sound unmatched for most music genres. Comfortable, fit tightly on your head. They have a three-meter cable with a straight plug and soft velor ear pads. Work best with Hi-Fi players or advanced sound cards, with good output amplifiers. For portable devices, there is a version with an impedance of 32 ohms. Price - .
Pros:
- price (for a model of this type);
- sound quality;
- excellent sound insulation;
- large volume margin;
- interchangeable ear pads, headband pad;
- ergonomics.
Minuses:
- the design is rustic;
- fixed cable;
- awkward design.
Good model for professional use. In everyday life, especially with mobile devices, I do not recommend using at least a modification with an impedance of 82 Ohms. You can save if you take Technics RP-DJ1210.
Beats Studio 3 Wireless
Top-10 headphones with good sound quality with an emphasis on low frequencies, the Pure ANC proprietary noise reduction system close it. They are based on the Apple W1 processor. They have the best indicator of autonomy in the ranking (up to 40 hours without ANC and 22 hours with it). There is a quick charge function - 10 minutes is enough for 3 hours of work. 10 colors, emphasize the image, solidity. Management - touch. Price - .
Pros:
- design, choice of colors;
- folding design;
- good sound;
- good noise reduction;
- soundproofing;
- autonomy;
- fast charge;
- stable compound;
- integration into the ecosystem of Apple devices;
- case included.
Minuses:
- price;
- small ear pads;
- low volume margin;
- no support for AptX;
- microUSB charging is a serious minus for owners of Apple devices;
- turn off on the street in winter (at minus temperature);
- there are problems with the touch panel in the cold;
- There is no application for setting up for iOS;
- weak microphone.
Good headphones for fans of the "apple" brand. In combination with Apple devices, they work perfectly, easily connect, produce high-quality sound, which can not be said about other devices, which are more difficult to connect to, and it is impossible to guarantee that the sound will eventually please. I can recommend them only to owners of Apple devices, if they are not sorry to pay for the brand - the price is definitely too high. Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC supports AptX, produces high-quality balanced sound, has excellent noise reduction, and costs 2 times cheaper. For home, I would advise you to consider Marshall Monitor, if you are not confused by listening to music only on cable.
