Best Over Ear Headphones 2023: Sony, Bose, Apple, & More!

David & David rank and review the best over-ear headphones of 2023. We've tested dozens of pairs of headphones including the Sony XM4s, Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, and AirPods Max.

Each pair of headphones is put through an identical test to get a one to one comparison. We tested for overall sound quality, clarity, space, bass, durability, comfortability, and more!

We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking one of the links above. It's a great way to support our channel — we appreciate it! 🙏

🕓 TIMESTAMPS

0. Intro [0:00]
1. Apple AirPods Max Review [0:27]
2. Bose Noise Cancelling 700 Review [1:21]
3. Bose QuietComfort 45 Review [2:35]
4. Cleer Enduro ANC Review [3:39]
5. Skullcandy Crusher ANC Review [4:40]
6. Sony XM4 Review [5:47]
7. Sony WH-CH710N Review [6:56]
8. Sony XB910N Review [7:50]
9. #3 Best Headphones of 2023: Cleer Enduro ANC [8:42]
10. #2 Best Headphones of 2023: Sony XM4 [9:42]
11. #1 Best Headphones of 2023: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 [10:57]
12. Dishonorable Mention: Bose QuietComfort 45 [12:34]
13. #3 Worst Headphones: The House Of Marley Exodus [13:32]
14. #2 Worst Headphones: WH-CH710N [14:08]
15. #1 Worst Headphones: Skullcandy Crusher ANC [15:34]

Tracks We Used For Testing:
🎵 "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk — Pristine, well-recorded track: Overall clarity, space
🎵 "Jack Of Speed" by Steely Dan — Pristine, well-recorded track: Overall quality, 3D space
🎵 "Weird Fishes" by Radiohead/Noordpool Orchestra — Wide Dynamic Range: Clarity from loud to soft & "big" soundstage
🎵 "Tin Pan Alley" by Stevie Ray Vaughan — Wide Dynamic Range: Clarity from soft to loud & "live" sound
🎵 "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson — Bass: Makes you want to move but not overpowering
🎵 "Morning" by Beck — Bass: Not too much or too little (Goldilocks zone)
🎵 "Brass Monkey" by Beastie Boys — Bass: Powerful but doesn't get muddy / rumbly
🎵 "Waterwheel" by Kronos Quartet — Dynamic range & space: Sounds like sound is coming from outside your head

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#BestHeadphones #OverEarHeadphones #2022

[Christian]

You guys need to watch other youtubers on recommending a good mic, cause you guys need a new one.

[jarrahinthe]

I got the Bose 700 in that beautiful pink soapstone and they are exceptional. Half the time that I wear them I’m not even listening to music, I’m listening to the silence the noise canceling provides. Their ability to block out the noisy world has done wonders to help with my ADHD, when I have to work in a noisy office and need to focus. Also when you have the noise canceling on full on an airplane and then you take them off, it’s alarming how loud airplanes really are.

[cunever]

I had the Bose and it fell to pieces after a year. I now have the Sony for longer than that and it’s still in one piece. And that’s something that’s important for me…

[Lous-Clues]

I have the Bose Noise Cancelling 700’s and they are top notch. I absolutely love them and recommend them. Very comfortable, crystal clear sound, deep bass, long lasting battery and overall very stylish.

[thomassachs]

It’s really nice to watch a review where you guys are testing the actual headphones you’re talking about not just basing it on other reviews

[Snake]

Great reviews and overall great content - as always but… what happened to your own sound in this video? Did you change your microphones?? Maybe most people listening on their phones/laptops won’t notice much difference but to the rest of us listening on room speakers this episode sounds so weird! It’s kinda funny because you guys pay so much attention to the way things sound :)

[PayetteForward]

Which headphones do you think are the best? Comment below!
💰 Where to buy these headphones:

[tetsurostrife]

This is great you guys really included every competitor not just the most popular

[Hawkster]

The thing for me is I can't justify 200+ or more for headphones no matter how good the sound is. I tried to go high end once and just like virtually every other headphones I've owned they broke within a year. Headphones just don't last up long enough to make an investment like that worthwhile. Maybe I've been EXTREMELY unlucky (wouldn't be the first time) but with the exception of one or two that's always been my experience. I use them more then your average person but I'm not rough with headphones like throwing them around or whatever. Unless you count laying on your side in bed.

If I didn't have ear canal problems I'd probably go in ear exclusively but for comfort reasons I have to do headphones.

[lordofwar]

I really want the Sony XM4. They are amazing.

[kenlipson]

I love your content! Thank you for these reviews!

[n.leneah]

This video was so helpful! I'm going to give the Cleer Enduro ANC a try and report back. I would love to see you guys review the Anker Soundcore line. Would also love to see a bit more commentary on the microphone, phone connection, how the headphones sound wired vs. wireless and overall fit as I have a small head so it's hard to tell which ones would be better suited for me! Thanks for a great video :)

[qlisa]

Loved your review, could you guys also review over the headphones with a microphone, since many of us our now working from home-Zoom calls. Or add links to those type to this video-Thanks for putting out such great content 😊

[Veterans-ec]

Glad I found your channel been looking for a good sounding ANC over ear Bluetooth headphones for under $200. I’m gonna try the Cleese enduro anc their on sale on Amazon for $149. Appreciate you guys!

[anthonyferrer]

Hope you do a 2024 version of this. Also, would love to hear your thoughts about the Marshall Major V headphones. 🙂

[Cheri]

Thank you for the reviews! It helps me a lot

[CharicaRoche]

Love your uncompromisingly honest reviews of over ear headphones. Would love to see a comparison video of Technics headphones, specifically the EAH-F70N vs A800. The Audio Technica range, specifically ATH-ANC300BT vs 500BT vs 700BT vs 900BT. Lastly, Cleer Audio Alpha. If at all possible please 🙏.

[JokerHead]

Thanks guys, because of you I bought the best headphones ever( till date)
Thanks for your honest reviews, you are now on my must watch and listen list :))
I bought Cleer Enduro anc, and I'm seriously not disappointed at all.
Merci beaucoup:)

[Thorsvej]

The best! Have you considered: Focal, Audeze, Hifiman, Beyerdynamic dt1990, Sennheiser HD 560, Senheiser 600.., Grado. They should be part of your list. These headphones focus on the sound, not the Noise cancelling

[brenttitus]

I have both Sony MX4 and AirPods Max. The Apple’s are better. The sound is more neutral as well. Apple and Sony definitely the top two.