It’s just a fact: Comfort is key. Many of us tend to prioritize comfort in our daily lives—myself included—and that can translate to personal style, our homes, and of course, leisure hours. But, what if there was more comfort to be had? And what if there’s an item you use everyday that could be more supportive?
Consider comfortable headphones. Personally, I wear headphones for several hours a day (at least three to four hours while I’m working or chilling out) and I could stand to use a bit more comfort in my routine.
That being said, many of us might own one utilitarian pair of headphones or earbuds that gets the job done for most activities. But, that also might come with the price of fatigue, ear pain, discomfort, and more.
So why not put feeling good front and center? Wearing an ultra-plush set of earbuds (or headphones) will make your normal activities better supported, lighter, and more important, stress-free. And many of these feel-good sets come loaded with impressive features, great sound quality, and durable materials that will last for years.
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We launched Soundly.com in 2022 to create a better starting point for the hearing health experience.
Instead of selling hearing aids directly, we spend our time reviewing products, publishing clearly organized information, and building modern tools to make the process of accessing hearing health easier. Learn more.
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- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 100% independently owned and operated
We launched Soundly.com in 2022 to create a better starting point for the hearing health experience.
Instead of selling hearing aids directly, we spend our time reviewing products, publishing clearly organized information, and building modern tools to make the process of accessing hearing health easier. Learn more.
Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Read more about our research process here.
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What should I look for in a pair of comfortable headphones?
While comfort and feel are going to be tantamount to your search, there’s a few other things that are essential to keep in mind when browsing market offerings.
Here’s what you need to consider:
- Weight: How heavy the headphones or earbuds are, particularly the band and ear covers.
- Clamp Force: Simply put, it’s how tight the band on headphones puts pressure on or squeezes the head.
- Materials: Materials used in the product design.
- Size (ear-tips, covers, pads): Measurements and size of any moveable or adjustable parts.
- Adjustability: Ability to change the size or tightness in the product (i.e. headband widths, etc.).
- Audio Quality: Clarity, sound crispness and excellence.
- Price: Product cost.
Now, there’s quite a few options available at different price points. Typically, the higher the cost, the more bells and whistles and specifications may be available. Or, perhaps sound quality is one of the most important decision makers for you over price. Whatever impacts your budget, keep that in mind as you continue the search.
Earbuds versus over-ear headphones: Which is better?
There’s no definitive answer on this one. What it really comes down to is personal preference as comfort is inherently unique. So if you find over-ear headphones way more snug and pleasant, then that’s the ticket. Depending on the activities, length of wear, personal preference, comfort plays a role in the type of headphone you choose.
Ready? From lightweight headsets and comfortable earbuds to gentle materials and headphones with low clamp force, check out our top five picks for the most comfortable headphones.
Final Thoughts
Essentially, it’s not difficult to find the right pair of headphones that can bring you all-day comfort based on your lifestyle and personal preferences. From adjustable parts and customizable settings to lightweight designs and plush materials, the market is filled with options to elevate anyone’s listening experience. Whether it is comfort above all else, a snug fit, a premium listening experience, or something more, there’s something for everyone.
The pursuit of comfort in your everyday headphones doesn't mean sacrificing audio quality or breaking the bank. With the right blend of features and design, you can enjoy a stress-free and immersive listening experience tailored to your preferences. Choose comfort without compromise, and let your headphones seamlessly complement your lifestyle.
