Best Headphones for Sensitive Ears: Reviews and Buying Guide

Exposing your ears to loud sounds for extended periods can cause hearing problems. However, buying the best headphones for sensitive ears will allow you to enjoy your favorite track, podcast, or movie without exposing your ears to any harm.

There are many high-quality headphones on the market and finding the best pair can be problematic. Keep on reading to learn more about buying the right pair of headphones.

Reviews of the Best Headphones for Sensitive Ears

People with sensitive ears might not be happy while wearing earbuds because they can cause discomfort and pain, especially when worn for long hours. Nevertheless, finding high-quality headphones is mandatory whether you are using your phone, playing your favorite game, or enjoying you are a comedy show on a plane. Check out our top picks.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones

• Wireless on the go design delivers the same critically acclaimed...
• Touch control provides convenient access to voice assist...
• Mic and button controls built into the ear cup allow for easy...
• Proprietary 45 millimeter large aperture drivers deliver...
• Includes 30 centimeter (1.0 feet) USB charging cable and carrying...

$199.99

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These wireless Bluetooth headphones represent a great addition to the gear of every music lover. The ear cups are adequately padded to decrease the strain and pressure that you are likely to feel after wearing your headphones for a long time. They feature touch controls that allow you to access all the functions of the headphones in a second.

The mic and button controls are in the ear cup to allow for fast access while taking calls, playing music, and adjusting the volume. The 45 mm drivers are designed to improve the audio quality with an extended frequency range and deep accurate bass. The vocals will be exceptionally clear, and audio tracks will be more balanced.

Wearing these headphones will not cause any discomfort because the headband is padded. There is another wired model available, which is lighter than this one. However, a wired option can be more limiting if you wish to move freely while wearing your headphones.

Although these headphones do not cancel the noise, the overhead closed-back design will isolate the noise and allow for an exceptional audio experience. The headband is durable but allows for a comfortable fit. They take about 7 hours to get fully charged but will last for about 40 hours of playback time.

What We Like

• ✓ Wireless headphones that last up to 40 hours of playback time.
• ✓ Durable headband and padded ear cups.
• ✓ Buttons are in the ear cup to allow for easy access.
• ✓ Bass rich sounds.
• ✓ More balanced audios.
• ‍
• ✗ They do not cancel the noise completely.
• ✗ They take a long time before they are fully charged.

Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WH1000XM3

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• DIGITAL NOISE CANCELING: Industry leading ANC lends a...
• PHONE CALL: A built-in mic enables you to take hands-free calls.
• VOICE ASSISTANT: Alexa enabled for voice access to music,...
• QUICK ATTENTION MODE: Cover the right ear cup to turn down your...
• PERSONAL NOISE CANCELLING: Adjusts ambient sound to your activity...
• TOUCH CONTROLS: Control music tracks and volume, activate your...
• LONG BATTERY LIFE: A single charge provides up to 30 hrs of...
• COMFORTABLE TO WEAR: Ergonomically redesigned foldable earphones...
• IN THE BOX: Foldable headphone, carry case, charging cable and...
• With our new HD Noise-Canceling Processor QN1, noise-canceling...

$175.97

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These ergonomically designed headphones feature a padded headband and ear cups for the most comfortable fit. They feature intuitive touch controls and allow for a smart listening technology in every setting. Using the buttons, you can control the volume, skip tracks, and take phone calls in the most convenient way using a Bluetooth connection.

Compatible with Alexa, these wireless headphones will be a great addition to your smart home. You can access music, entertainment, and other commands using a simple touch.

Thanks to their smart listening feature, the headphones will adjust the sound to match the surrounding environment to provide an adequate noise canceling level. As a result, you will enjoy an immersive audio experience in every setting. A single charge will provide up to 30 hours of playback time, and they charge fast.

When you do not need them, the headphones fold conveniently for better storage and portability. They are quite expensive, but for their features, they represent a worthy investment. The sound on the microphone does not sound good, given the price of the headphones.

What We Like

• ✓ Wireless headphones with touch buttons.
• ✓ Compatible with Alexa.
• ✓ Smart noise cancellation feature.
• ✓ Fast charging and long playtime on a single charge.
• ✓ Fold for better storage and portability.
• ‍
• ✗ More expensive than other models.
• ✗ The mic quality is not impressive.

OneOdio Wired Premium Stereo Sound Headsets

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• BASS SOUND: Enjoy powerful bass and comfort with the OneOdio...
• BUILT TO STAY COMFORTABLE: The protein leather memory foam padded...
• NO MORE ADAPTER: DJ style coiled cord (9.8Ft Stretched) easily...
• SINGLE-SIDE MONITORING: 90° swiveling ear cups for single-ear...
• WORKS WITH: All devices have 3.5 or 6.35mm audio jack. PC,...

$41.99

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If you are on a tight budget, you can still enjoy exceptional audio quality with these affordable and lightweight headphones. They have a durable leather headband and plush memory foam ear cups that reduce discomfort and heat buildup.

Featuring 50 mm drivers with neodymium magnets, these headphones will deliver rich bass for every audio experience. Whether you want to listen to music, play your favorite game, or engage in a business call, these headphones will be lightweight and comfortable to wear because the headband can be adjusted for the perfect fit.

The cord is long measuring 9.8 feet, so you can easily connect it to your TV or stereo without leaving your favorite chair. There are two plugs included, the 6.35mm and the 3.5mm, so you can pick the most suitable one based on your needs and connect the headphones to any device while you’re traveling, chilling at home, or working.

Swiveling the ear cups is possible up to 90 degrees for single-ear monitoring. These headphones decrease discomfort when you are mastering and mixing because the self-adjustable flexible headband allows for a fatigue-free listening experience.

When they are not used, the headphones fold flat, so you can easily carry them around. The audio might sound muffled, and the highs are not clear. They are made of plastic, so they are a bit flimsy.

What We Like

• ✓ Lightweight and affordable headphones.
• ✓ Memory foam ear cups and adjustable headband.
• ✓ Long cable to connect the headphones to any device.
• ✓ The ear cups swivel for 90 degrees.
• ✓ Two plugs to connect the headphones to several devices.
• ‍
• ✗ The plastic headband might be too flimsy.
• ✗ The headphones might sound too muffled as there is a big emphasis on lower frequencies.

Beats Solo Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling On-Ear Headphones

• Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) blocks external noise
• Up to 22 hours of listening time (up to 40 hours with ANC and...
• Features the Apple H1 Headphone Chip and Class 1 Bluetooth for...
• Compatible with iOS and Android
• Built-in microphone allows hands-free controls via “Hey Siri”...
• High-performance wireless noise cancelling headphones
• Transparency helps you stay aware of your surroundings while...
• Fast fuel provides 3 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge...
• Auto On/Off when you unfold and fold your wireless bluetooth...
• What’s in the box: Beats Solo Pro wireless noise cancelling...

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Enjoy a high-quality performance from these noise canceling wireless headphones. The Active Noise Canceling feature allows you to enjoy your favorite music and films in any environment. At the same time, their transparency feature filters the sounds and allows you to be aware of your surroundings while enjoying your favorite show, podcast, or songs.

The Bluetooth connection allows for an extended range and fewer dropouts. They are compatible with iOS and Android devices, so you can enjoy your headphones wherever you are. The hands-free controls and voice capability with a push of a button enable you to pair your headphones with multiple devices.

Once they are charged, the headphones can last up to 22 hours. You can extend the playback time to 40 hours when the Active Noise Cancellation and transparency features are not activated. The fast charging feature provides 3 hours of playback time when the headphones are charged for 10 minutes.

Folding these headphones will make them more portable and easier to store. They are available in multiple colors, so you can pick your favorite. The only way to turn them off is to fold them, so if you do not fold them properly, they can still be on and lose their charge.

What We Like

• ✓ Wireless headphones with active noise canceling.
• ✓ Their transparency filters the surrounding noises to keep you aware of the environment.
• ✓ Compatible with iOS and Android devices.
• ✓ Can last up to 40 hours when active noise cancellation and transparency are canceled.
• ✓ Foldable design.
• ‍
• ✗ There is no off button, so they might still work even after you fold them.

Mpow 059 Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear

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This is another budget-friendly option for audiophiles who need to enjoy their favorite tracks and shows. These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature 40mm neodymium drivers and a CSR chip to improve the sound quality. The headphones are available in multiple colors.

Although they do not have an active noise cancellation feature, the over-ear design isolates the ears completely to provide passive noise cancellation that allows them to fully immerse in your audio experience. The memory-protein ear cushions stimulate the skin to increase comfort when you wear these headphones for extended periods.

Adjusting the headband is easy, thanks to the stainless-steel slider. The headband is padded to decrease discomfort and improve the fit without putting extra pressure on your ears or head. You can make hands-free calls easily with the built-in mic.

The Bluetooth 4.1 connection allows for fast pairing and reliable transmission with your favorite device, but you can also use these headphones in a wired mode. However, the mic will only work when the Bluetooth feature is activated. The fast charging feature allows you to charge the headphones for 10 minutes to deliver 2 hours of playback time. When the battery is low, you can attach the cable to use the headphones, and a single charge will allow them to run for 20 hours.

When you are not using them, the headphones can fold for convenient storage. The quality of the bass is not impressive. In some cases, the mic might make the sound muffled.

What We Like

• ✓ Affordable headphones can be used wired or wireless.
• ✓ Passive noise cancellation to guarantee a good audio experience.
• ✓ Adjustable headband with padded ear cups.
• ✓ Fast pairing with any device.
• ✓ Fast charging feature and a foldable design.
• ‍
• ✗ The mic might make the sounds muffled.
• ✗ The bass quality is not impressive.

Why are Headphones Better than Earbuds?

People with sensitive ears can still enjoy their favorite music with the help of the right pair of headphones. However, if you are in the market, headphones will be better for sensitive ears than earbuds.

• Headphones provide a kind of buffer, unlike earbuds, that direct the music directly into your ears, trapping sweat and moisture inside.
• They are usually padded, so they will not cause any discomfort when you wear them for long hours.
• Headphones usually have larger 40 up to 50 mm drivers, compared to the 7 or 15 mm drivers on earbuds. As a result, in most cases, the bass quality will be more impressive when you use headphones. At the same time, they will deliver a smooth and more consistent performance from the lowest to highest frequencies.
• Headphones do not apply pressure to the ear canal, and you do not have to worry about the right fit.
• Headphones create a wide soundstage where all the instruments can be heard clearly.
• There are lots of models that allow for active or passive noise cancellation to improve your audio experience.

How to Choose the Best Headphones for Sensitive Ears?

Headphones can be used everywhere; at home, in the office, or while you are commuting. Therefore, you need to be extra careful when you are picking your next pair, especially if you have sensitive ears. Here are a few factors to think about.

Fit and Comfort

All headphones will feel fine when they are worn for short periods. Problems arise when you are wearing your headphones for long hours while working or enjoying your favorite music. Make sure that the headband is adjustable, so it does not press on the sides of the head as this can cause headaches.

The ear cups should be padded to increase comfort. Larger ear cups are more comfortable to wear when you are shopping for over the head headphones. If your headphones sit on your ears, the ear cups should be small.

Durability and Weight

There is always a trade-off between weight and durability when you are shopping for headphones. Lightweight headphones are usually more comfortable to wear, but they can be less sturdy. There are lots of plastic models that can prove to be reliable.

Stainless steel models are more durable but can be heavier. These should be padded to keep you comfortable.

Wired or Wireless

If you are shopping for wired headphones, you need to make sure that the cable is long enough, so it will not limit your movement. It should be able to connect to multiple devices for the most enjoyable audio experience.

Wireless headphones are easier to use, as they can be paired with multiple devices. They allow you to move around without affecting your audio experience.

Wrap Up

Even if you have sensitive ears, you can still enjoy a good pair of headphones. We chose the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones as our top choice because they’re durable and come with padded ear cups. They will allow for long playback time, so they will not disappoint you when you are enjoying your music.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, we recommend that you take a look at the OneOdio Wired Premium Stereo Sound Headsets. These are wired headphones, but they are extremely comfortable to wear because the ear cups are padded, and the headband is adjustable.