The over-ear headphone market covers a wide price range, and most reviews do not tell you where the value actually sits. We dug into the mid-year roundup of over-ear headphone reviews to pull out the pairs that genuinely earned their spots.
- TechRadar has reviewed 28 pairs of over-ear headphones so far this year.
- Standout budget picks include the Nothing Headphone (a), Marshall Milton ANC and JBL Live 780NC.
- Premium standouts include the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 (a rare five-star rating) and the Grado Signature S750.
- Each pick comes with a clear summary of pros and cons, plus a link to the full review.
What the budget picks actually deliver
The Nothing Headphone (a) landed as a notable step up from the previous generation, with reviewers pointing to balanced sound, capable active noise cancellation, and a genuinely useful companion app.
Marshall's Milton ANC brings a retro look and unusually comfortable fit for an on-ear design. The trade-off is bass that leans heavy out of the box and active noise cancellation that does not compete with the best in class.
JBL's Live 780NC earned praise for clear sound and standout battery life. It suits commuters and office workers who want reliable performance without babysitting settings.
The premium tier rewards specific priorities
The Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 is the only over-ear set in the mid-year list to score a perfect five stars. Reviewers called out precise, engaging sound with strong low-end performance and lightweight comfort. The catches are the price and very high impedance rating, which means you will need a dedicated headphone amplifier to drive them properly.
The Grado Signature S750 is handmade, open-back, and aimed at listeners who prioritise soundstage and clarity. Reviewers described the sound as exceptional on well-produced music. The downsides are real: the fit is divisive, and some listeners may find the high frequencies too bright.
Apple's AirPods Max 2 and the Meze Audio Strada also appear in the roundup, sitting between the budget and ultra-premium tiers.
Our analysis: Where the real trade-offs live
Two patterns stand out from the roundup. First, the gap between mid-range and ultra-premium in pure sound quality is narrowing, even if it remains wide in build materials and engineering. Second, fit is the single most common complaint across all price tiers. Every reviewer who docked points docked them for clamp force, weight, or ear cup geometry—not for sound.
For most listeners, budget headphones are no longer a meaningful compromise. The Nothing Headphone (a) and JBL Live 780NC prove that decent audio, solid ANC, and good battery life are attainable without spending big. But if you are buying premium, sound quality gets you most of the way there. Fit and amplification requirements are what bite you after the purchase.
Who should care
| Priority | Best fit from roundup | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget, all-round performance | Nothing Headphone (a) | Strong sound, ANC, app support, no major compromises |
| Comfort for long sessions | Marshall Milton ANC | On-ear design with exceptional fit; sustainable build |
| Battery life above all | JBL Live 780NC | Never-ending battery; clear, safe sound signature |
| Maximum audio fidelity | Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 | Only five-star pick; requires amplification investment |
| Wide soundstage and detail | Grado Signature S750 | Open-back design; excellent on well-produced tracks |
What to watch next
The mid-year cut gives you three safe anchors: the Nothing Headphone (a) for budget buyers, the Marshall Milton ANC for comfort-first listeners, and the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 for those with an amp already on their desk. For anything in the four-figure range, wait for the year-end roundup unless you have auditioned them in person.
Key takeaways
- Budget over-ears in 2025 are good enough for most listeners, no apology needed.
- Fit and amplification matter more than brand loyalty at the high end.
- Use TechRadar's full reviews for impedance and clamp force details before buying premium.
Frequently asked questions
Which over-ear headphones got a perfect score in the mid-year roundup?
According to TechRadar, the Audio-Technica ATH-ADX7000 was the only over-ear pair to earn a full five stars.
Are the Nothing Headphone (a) worth it over the original model?
TechRadar describes them as a meaningful upgrade in sound and noise cancellation, at a lower price than the previous generation.
What is the main downside of the Marshall Milton ANC?
Reviewers noted bass that leans heavy out of the box and limited active noise cancellation compared with leading rivals.
Do the Grado Signature S750 need a special amplifier?
TechRadar highlights an exceptional soundstage and excellent clarity, but their high impedance means you will want clean source gear to get the most from them.
Where can I read the full individual reviews?
TechRadar links each pick to a dedicated review with full pros, cons and listening notes.