For me, this sector is one I’m surprised still exists as I just assumed they would be superseded by the newer, smaller, in-ear Bluetooth options – particularly when they adopted noise cancelling.

But many of these are super-pricey and packed with technology. There are some great deals out there and some that for me are crazily over-priced (like the AppleAirPods Max!), so you pay your money and take your choice with our top-ten over-ear headphones from Amazon UK.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM5 continues to dominate the market with its outstanding noise cancellation and superb sound quality. These headphones offer a comfortable fit and excellent battery life, making them a top pick for both daily commutes and long-haul flights. They also feature high-quality Bluetooth connectivity and intuitive touch controls, which add to their premium appeal. in this company, they feel like good value at around £280.

2. Bose QuietComfort 45

Known for their unmatched comfort, the Bose QuietComfort 45 deliver excellent noise cancellation and balanced sound. They are lightweight, making them ideal for extended use. With a long battery life and the reliable Bose sound profile, they are perfect for those who prioritise comfort and quality. They are available in three colours and have a microphone for phone calls. They genuinely feel like good value at around £200.

3. Apple AirPods Max

Apple’s AirPods Max stand out with their premium build and excellent sound quality. They offer spatial audio for an immersive listening experience and active noise cancellation that effectively blocks out background noise. The design is luxurious, though they come at a higher price point than is reasonable. They are now starting to be discounted slightly and have fallen to around £459 for any of the six colours. It does mean that refurbs will also be available soon at an even lower price. Our son has these and they are great, but even as an apple user, I can’t say they are worth the huge premium.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

These are incredible value in this company and at under £80 with microphones and noise cancellation, feels like the bargain of the bunch. As a budget-friendly option with active noise cancellation, the Sony WH-CH720N is a great choice. They offer solid sound quality, decent ANC, and a comfortable design at a much more affordable price compared to the flagship models​ (Expert Reviews)​ (whathifi).

5. JBL Tour One M2

These headphones are a strong contender for those who love customization. With JBL’s Personi-Fi feature and a range of EQ presets, you can tailor the sound to your liking. They also offer great battery life and effective noise cancellation, making them a versatile option​ (Expert Reviews).

They also have four microphones for speech and in my experience, deliver good punchy base for the money. Decent value at around £180.

6. Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2

Bass lovers will appreciate the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2, which offers a powerful low-end response with adjustable haptic feedback. While the noise cancellation isn’t the best, the overall audio quality and customization options are solid for the price of around £150. They are also pretty chunky and would be too big and obtrusive for many​ (Expert Reviews).

7. 1MORE SonoFlow

For those on a budget, the 1MORE SonoFlow offers impressive value at under £65. They deliver strong sound quality across the frequency spectrum and have an outstanding battery life of up to 70 hours. While the ANC isn’t top-tier, it’s decent for the price, making these headphones a great all-rounder​ (Expert Reviews).

8. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e

These headphones are perfect for style-conscious users who don’t want to compromise on sound. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e combine a stunning design with detailed, balanced audio. However, they lack some of the customization options found in other high-end models​ (Expert Reviews).

9. Beats Studio Pro

The Beats Studio Pro offers that signature Beats sound, with punchy bass and a sleek design. They are well-suited for those who enjoy a bass-heavy audio profile, though they might not appeal to those seeking a more neutral sound. Not great if you listen to audiobooks or speech and you’d be far better with the cheaper Sony WH-CH720N.

10. Soundcore Space One by Anker

We have had a few different Soundcore models in our household. We still have two sets floating around. All have been good solid performers and very hard to fault, even if they are a little chunky. They deliver great performance for the money and the Space One is no exception. They have almost every feature of the more expensive ones above at a fraction of the price. In this case they are listed at £90 but add it to your wishlist and normally a 25% voucher appears soon enough.

Summary

These headphones represent a wide range of features, prices, and user preferences, ensuring there’s something for everyone in the market for over-ear headphones.

There is a HUGE range of prices here, so most will be buying with a budget in mind. I think the best mid range spec for the money that you will never be disappointed with is the Bose QuietComfort 45. A reliable workhorse that will last you for years and repay you in spades every time you use them.