To save you hours of research and potential pain, we’ve put together a curated list of the best headphones that don’t hurt your ears.
Finding the perfect headphones that fit your head or ear size is a challenge. However, in this article, we’ll take a look at the best headphones that don’t hurt your ears.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is a masterpiece of headphone design and technology, combining excellent sound quality with unparalleled noise cancellation.
With a long battery life of 30 hours, quick charging, and a range of smart features, you can be sure of a smooth listening experience.
Sony’s WH-1000XM4 sets the standard for wireless headphones for sensitive ears.
The innovative noise-cancelling technology is groundbreaking, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in their music without external distractions.
As avid music lovers have highlighted in their reviews, the soundstage these headphones deliver is vibrant, and each musical detail is reproduced with incredible precision.
Whether you’re a discerning audiophile or someone looking for solace in a chaotic environment, these headphones offer a sonic haven.
The perfect combination of performance, comfort, and features makes them one of the best on the market, truly demonstrating Sony’s commitment to audio excellence.
2. Steelseries Arctis 7p+
Every gamer wants a headset that doesn’t hurt their ears. So let’s talk about the comfort of this headset. The clamping force of this headset is not as strong as other new headsets.
The headband can be adjusted according to the size of your head. The headband is wrapped with soft foam. The earcups are larger than the average gaming headset.
The sound quality of this headset is really good because of the different equalizer settings. The sound is loud enough on all devices, so you can hear everything in the game.
This headset has a surround sound function when you turn up the volume.
The drivers of this headset produce deep, clear, and crisp sound. So you can easily track which direction your competitors are coming from. You can also use it to listen to music, but it’s not as effective for gaming.
This gaming headset has a noise-cancelling microphone. It blocks out external noise and transmits your voice to the other side.
This headset connects primarily to all gaming consoles via Bluetooth. You can also connect this headset to any gaming console via a USB-C dongle.
If Bluetooth unfortunately doesn’t work, you can also use a 3.5mm adapter to connect to your gaming console.
This headset is compatible with PS4, PS5, Mac, Nintendo Switch, and PC via USB-A and USB-C. However, you will need a 3.5mm adapter to connect this headset to Xbox.
The battery life of this headset is approximately 30 hours on a single charge. The battery of this headset has been improved by SteelSeries over the years.
So, a 30-hour battery life is perfect for a comfortable gaming headset. This headset can also be charged quickly. 15 minutes of charging gives you 3 hours of use.
3. Skullcandy Hesh ANC Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC is a notable entrant into the affordable ANC headphone segment. Powered by 40mm drivers, they promise to immerse users in deep bass and crisp highs.
Convenient features like tactile controls for calls, volume, and track changes, along with easy-to-find Tile technology integration, make these a user-friendly choice.
With a 3-hour charge time and 22 hours of playback, these headphones are built for long-term use.
For travelers, the foldable, flat design is a bonus, taking up minimal space in your luggage.
Skullcandy’s Hesh ANC stands out not only for its cost-effective approach to noise cancellation, but also for its dedication to audio quality.
In a market full of expensive ANC headphones, it’s rare to find one that balances affordability with performance.
Additional features like fast charging and Tile technology are thoughtful additions that enhance the user experience.
The passion of this brand, which originated in the mountains of Park City, Utah, is evident in the design and functionality of its products.
This is a great choice for those looking for mid-range headphones with features you’d normally find in higher-end models.
4. Hyperx Cloud 2
The headband and ear cups are covered with memory foam cushions. This gaming headset is extremely comfortable even after hours of gaming. This headset fits snugly without being too tight.
Even if you wear glasses, you will hardly feel this headset on your head. It also comes with an extra ear pad to replace the leather pads.
So if you feel uncomfortable even with the soft memory foam ear cups, you can install these ear pads.
The audio quality is perfect for gaming. The large 55mm drivers of this headset make the sound clear. The lows, mids, and highs are very clear with enhanced bass.
This sound combination provides a true gaming experience. Virtual surround sound allows you to identify objects in the game.
You can also enjoy a variety of music with excellent sound quality. However, for movies, the mid and low tones seem heavy, but it is not a big problem.
This headset has a detachable microphone. Simply plug it into the headset and start chatting with your friends.
The microphone has noise-cancelling capabilities, which makes your voice clear even during game chats. This microphone is very effective in eliminating unwanted background noise.
This comfortable gaming headset is compatible with PS4, Xbox, Mac, and mobile phones. You can connect it to Xbox via a 3.5mm jack.
You can also connect it to PS4 or PS5 and mobile phones via USB or a 3.5mm audio jack. To do this, you will need to make sure that the headset firmware is updated.
5. Audio-Technica ATHM50XBT
The Audio-Technica ATHM50XBT combines wireless freedom with studio-quality sound. With exclusive 45mm drivers, you get clarity and deep bass response across an extended frequency range.
Touch controls give you easy access to voice assistants and other features. Whether you’re on the go or at your desk, these headphones are designed for long-term use, with up to 40 hours of battery life.
These headphones have everything the modern listener wants: the flexibility of wireless, the option of wired listening, and top-notch sound quality.
Audio-Technica, a name synonymous with reliability in the audio world, has created a product that excels not only in sound, but also in comfort and functionality.
The battery life is commendable, and durability is guaranteed.
The biggest selling point is the sound signature that remains faithful to the acclaimed ATH M50x model, making them perfect for those who want studio-like sound on the go.
The added touch controls and microphone functionality are the best features.
6. Corsair Void Elite
This gaming headphone that doesn’t hurt your ears focuses more on comfort. That’s why the earpads and headband are made of breathable microfiber plush memory foam.
However, if you want to make it even more comfortable, you should stretch it out overnight. Then it will be very comfortable.
The Corsair Void Elite is a wireless headset that can be connected to any gaming console via a 2.4GHz USB dongle. This is the only way to connect this headset to any gaming console.
The battery life of this headset is 16 hours with the RGB lighting turned on.
However, it can be extended up to 17 hours with the RGB lighting turned off. When used at high volume and with the RGB lighting turned on, the battery drains quickly. So, the battery life of this headset is decent.
Unfortunately, there is no 3.5mm cord to use as a backup if the USB dongle stops working. However, it is very easy to connect to any device.
The 50mm neodymium audio drivers produce good audio quality. You can hear everything from the loudest footsteps to thunderous explosions.
The audio quality is really good for gamers, but the bass is not clear for music listeners. So if you’re buying it for gaming, it’s not a big deal at all.
The microphone delivers accurate and clear sound. It can be flipped in front of your mouth and turned upside down. The frequency response of the microphone is 100Hz to 10kHz.
That means that the low and high sounds are clear. You can also communicate with your friends and plan against your enemies.
7. Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
The Powerbeats Pro wireless earbuds for sensitive ears deliver a high-performance listening experience.
They feature up to 9 hours of listening time, are designed for a secure fit, and are sweat—and water-resistant.
Features like volume and track controls, voice functions, auto play/pause, and noise isolation ensure an enhanced audio experience. They also come with Fast Fuel for quick charging.
The Powerbeats Pro stand out as the best Bluetooth earbuds for sensitive ears, offering excellent sound quality and a secure fit that many earbuds on the market can’t match.
The brand’s commitment to durability and performance is evident in its design and features.
The added benefits of seamless Apple device connectivity and solid battery life make this deal even sweeter.
There may be some minor drawbacks, such as the size of the case, but the overall benefits far outweigh these issues.
They’re ideal for those who want the best audio quality without sacrificing comfort or durability.
8. Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) offers a great sound experience with rich audio quality, effective noise cancellation, and an added feature called Adaptive Transparency.
Customizable fit options ensure comfort for long listening sessions. Plus, these wireless earbuds, which are perfect for sensitive ears, boast impressive battery life, MagSafe charging, and convenient controls.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are a testament to Apple’s commitment to audio excellence.
In addition to clear sound and powerful bass, adaptive transparency and enhanced noise cancellation truly set these earbuds apart from the rest, ideal for sensitive ears.
Combined with the convenience of MagSafe charging and Siri integration, they deliver a refined and unparalleled listening experience.
These earbuds resonate with Apple’s signature combination of features and sophistication, making them a top choice for audiophiles.
What are the best types of headphones that won’t hurt your ears?
Which type of headphones is best for you will depend on your personal preference and needs, but here is a list of the best ones.
Padded earphones
Padded earphones have built-in padding that helps distribute pressure evenly across your ears. This will help prevent pain and discomfort, even when worn for long periods of time. Choose an adjustable type to find the perfect fit for your ears.
Circular Headphones
Circular headphones are designed to fit around your ears rather than on them. This helps reduce the pressure on your ears and prevents the pain you feel when wearing standard over-ear types. Circular is a fancy word for around the ear.
This type of headphone is also effective at blocking out outside noise, making it ideal for use in noisy environments
Also read: Best Earbuds That Don’t Go in Ear