Even though we made sure to include headphones at all different price ranges, there's no denying that even the budget models in this guide can be something of an investment. Our recommendation? Take advantage of Amazon Prime Day, which runs this year from June 23 to 26, to save some money on our top picks.
If you don't want to wait until the sale proper, run into Prime-exclusive deals, or deal with the general chaos of the sale, check out our guide to the top headphones deals and look for chances to save.
What are the most comfortable headphones?
The most comfortable earbuds and headphones shouldn't cause ear fatigue or pain, even after hours of listening to music or podcasts.
After a full year of extensive testing, we selected the six most comfortable headphones based on price, performance, and purpose. However, one product in particular stood out, and it's the one with "Comfort" literally in the name. Our audio reviewers are unanimous on this point: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) are the most comfortable headphones in the world right now.
Read on to find out what other pairs emerged as the top choices, including picks for those who want top-tier noise cancellation.
In-ear, on-ear, or over-ear?
If you're looking for comfort above all, over-ear headphones are almost always the way to go. They just wear better than earbuds or on-ear models. The latter is harsher on your ears, which can cause serious discomfort, depending on how long you wear them. In-ear buds are generally more comfortable than on-ear headphones, but they can still begin to hurt after just a few hours (they are jammed inside your ears, after all).
Although over-ear headphones are bulkier and less portable, it's worth the trade-off for comfort's sake. Plus, over-ear headphones can be safer for your ears compared to earbuds because the sound isn't being funneled directly into your ear canal. They also provide extra noise cancellation.
How much should you spend on comfortable headphones?
The good news is that comfortable headphones aren't locked to a specific budget range. You can find a super cozy pair at premium pricing just as easily as you can find them at the budget end of the spectrum. The extra features you're looking for are what really determine how much you need to spend.
Want unrivaled active noise cancellation or the best sound quality in the business? Then be prepared to spend a minimum of around $200, all the way up to $800. If comfort is literally the only thing you care about and the extra bells and whistles are just nice-to-haves, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $300. Go any cheaper, and you're probably not going to get a lot of value for your money. No shade toward your favorite pair of gas station headphones, but they probably aren't the best option for all-day wear.