Best Over-ear Headphones for Music 2026
Audiophile-grade over-ear headphones for serious music listening.
Our Top Picks
Full Rankings
Sennheiser HD 800 S
Best OverallThe undisputed king of soundstage with 56mm ring radiator drivers creating holographic 3D sound. RTINGS calls it 'the best audiophile headphone we've tested.'
Pros
- ✓Best-in-class soundstage
- ✓56mm ring radiator drivers
- ✓Ultra-low distortion (<0.02% THD)
Cons
- ✗Requires quality amplification (300Ω)
- ✗Lean bass by modern standards
- ✗Exposes flaws in poor recordings
HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet
Best ValueFlagship planar magnetic technology at mid-tier pricing. Originally $1,599, now $600-650 with soundstage approaching the HD 800 S.
Pros
- ✓Exceptional value (was $1,599)
- ✓90mm planar magnetic drivers
- ✓Soundstage approaches HD 800 S
Cons
- ✗Requires powerful amplification
- ✗Some treble peaks (responds well to EQ)
- ✗Heavy at 404g
Focal Clear Mg
Best PremiumExceptional dynamic expression capturing music's emotional impact. What Hi-Fi? describes the presentation as 'elusive to most rivals.'
Pros
- ✓Exceptional dynamic expression
- ✓40mm M-shaped magnesium dome drivers
- ✓Full-bodied, engaging presentation
Cons
- ✗Heavy at 450g
- ✗Very expensive
- ✗Open-back design limits portability
Focal Bathys Mg
Proof that wireless can satisfy audiophiles. What Hi-Fi? rated it their highest-scoring wireless headphones ever.
Pros
- ✓Audiophile-grade wireless sound
- ✓Pure magnesium drivers from Clear Mg lineage
- ✓Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC
Cons
- ✗Three times Sony XM6 price
- ✗30hr battery (less with ANC)
- ✗Heavy at 350g
Sony WH-1000XM6
The mainstream benchmark with industry-leading ANC. Best balance of quality and convenience for everyday listening.
Pros
- ✓Industry-leading noise cancellation
- ✓Foldable design (brought back from XM4)
- ✓30mm carbon fiber dome drivers
Cons
- ✗Not audiophile-grade for critical listening
- ✗Premium price at $449
JLab JBuds Lux ANC
Best BudgetSoundGuys rated it 9.5/10 for value—extraordinary features at $50 including hybrid ANC and 70-hour battery.
Pros
- ✓Extraordinary value at $50
- ✓Hybrid ANC blocking up to 35dB
- ✓70-hour battery (40+ with ANC)
Cons
- ✗No high-res codecs (SBC only)
- ✗No carrying case included
- ✗Protein leather can get warm
Comparison Table
| Product | Sound Quality | Soundstage | Comfort | Build Quality | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1Sennheiser HD 800 S | 10 | 10 | 8.5 | 9.5 | $1899 |
#2HiFiMAN Arya Stealth Magnet | 9.5 | 9.5 | 8 | 8.5 | $599 |
#3Focal Clear Mg | 9.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 9.5 | $1599 |
#4Focal Bathys Mg | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | $1450 |
#5Sony WH-1000XM6 | 8 | 7.5 | 9 | 9 | $398 |
#6JLab JBuds Lux ANC | 7 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 7 | $50 |
Buying Guide
For pure music enjoyment, prioritize sound quality above all else. Open-back designs offer superior soundstage for home listening, while closed-back provides isolation. Consider impedance requirements—high-end headphones often need dedicated amplification.
What We Evaluate
Sound Quality
Audiophile-grade clarity and detail
Soundstage
Spatial presentation and imaging
Comfort
Long listening session comfort
Build Quality
Materials and craftsmanship
Value
Performance per dollar
Our Testing Methodology
We test headphones for sound quality, soundstage, and detail retrieval using reference recordings across multiple genres. High-impedance headphones are tested with quality amplification.
Learn more about how we test →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an amplifier?▼
Open-back vs closed-back?▼
Wireless vs wired for music?▼
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