Who makes the best headphones?

For everyday consumer use, Sony.


Headphones are about the only thing Bose does well, but they still lag behind Sony.

I like my Seinnheisers

I do like Sennheiser. I've had great luck with Sony and Plantronics (depending on intended use) over the years.

Anytime I look into headphones, those 3 brands get preferred looks with the product they offer in the market segment - to the point, I can't remember when I actually shelled out hard earned cash for a different brand - probably had to be in the 1990s.

anyone here using headphones several hours a day, every day, who can speak to any of these brands' comfort for longer-term use like that?

i've got a decent offbrand pair of bluetooth over-ear ANC headphones, and they were plenty comfortable until i started spending so much time in them.

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anyone here using headphones several hours a day, every day, who can speak to any of these brands' comfort for longer-term use like that?

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Let's take just the big 2 for wireless, Bluetooth, ANC "consumer" models - The Bose QC35 and Sony W1000XM (now at XM3). These are headphones with 20 to 30 hours of battery life that are, essentially, supposed to target the long haul commuter and international/cross-country flier market. They are both given A or A+ grades by most reviewers in the long term comfort assessment.

I'm able to watch an entire feature film with the Sony XM2 model without any issues.

I can say that active noise cancellation takes getting used to. I had a little bit of equilibrium issues at first. I tend to fall asleep with them on. But, for prolonged use, they are very comfortable. For folks who evaluate them side-by-side, the Bose QC35 are comparable with some folks finding them a little more comfortable and others preferring the Sony by a bit.

As far as wired headphones, Sennheiser and Plantronics have been making professional grade headphones for a long, long time. I've never had significant comfort issues with on ear/over-the-ear cans from either company, although - again I use them for different purposes. Plantronics typically for voice/productivity (although I also wear their seat resistant, ear bud model at the gym), and Sennheiser is my go to for a studio monitor or audiophile type listening situation.

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The only comfort issue I've seen with the Sony XM3's are if you wear them outside, your ears will sweat after 30 minutes or so.

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That's always going to be an issue with an over-the-ears model in moderate or warmer temperatures. Science, bro.

Sennheiser.

I pulled the trigger on the Sony XM3 -- they were on amazon warehouse for $260 listed as good condition. They're pretty much brand new. Badass headphones.

Sennheiser