Headphones have become a go-to electronic gadget among many youngsters who are professional musicians, music enthusiasts, or even casual listeners. Besides being a listening device, headphones have been popular among fashion accessories. Many social media influencers and college-going students often wear headphones to get a classy look to their outfits.  

While they are available in different sizes and styles, many manufacturers design and produce headphones for standard heads to cover the majority of the customer base. But what about people with big heads? They generally struggle to find the best one for them.  

When it comes to headphones, fit, comfort, and sound quality are the foremost factors every individual considers. However, if a person with a big head wears headphones designed for the standard head, he/she may not receive good sound quality and experience discomfort wearing them. 

So, if you have a big head, it is essential to buy headphones that fit perfectly to avoid any kind of discomfort. This article lists some of the best headphones for big heads to help you find a suitable one. 

Understanding the Needs of Big-Headed Individuals

Standard or normal headphones do not provide sound quality and comfort to individuals with big heads. The discomfort is caused by the tightness of the standard headphones on big heads. Hence, buying one that provides a secure and snug fit becomes essential. It should not pressure the head, allowing users to wear it for an extended period of time. 

Furthermore, standard headphones do not offer complete ear coverage to big-headed people. As a result, they receive poor hearing experience and inadequate sound isolation. So, selecting a headset with larger and more spacious earcups and an adjustable headband is essential so that it can adjust to any size of head, including a big one.  

Tips on Choosing Headphones for Big Heads

With overwhelming options available for headphones for big heads, selecting the right one can be intimidating. Here, I have mentioned some essential factors to consider while buying headphones for your big head: 

1. Type of Headphone 
   
   Typically, headphones are categorized into three types – in-ear, over-ear, and on-ear. Let us discuss these headphone types in detail below. 
   
   (1) Over-the-Ear Headphones 
   Over-the-ear headphones are the most common and are used widely. They have large earcups that completely cover the ears. They are considered the best fit for big heads and large ears, and hence, I recommend you opt for over-the-ear headphones for maximum comfort. 
   
   Moreover, this type of headphone offers high sound quality, blocks external noise, and is more durable. 
   
   (2) In-Ear Headphones 
   In-ear headphones are among the lightest and smallest types but are uncomfortable for people with large ears and big heads. They directly sit inside the ear canals. Plus, this headphone type does not have cushioning to surround ear canals, making them less efficient in blocking out ambient sounds. However, they are small in size and portable. 
   
   (3) On-Ear Headphones 
   On-ear headphones are similar to over-the-ear headphones, but the difference is that the former does not have large earcups. Also, they do not entirely cover the whole ears. So, if you are buying on-ear headphones for your big head, do not expect them to cover your ears properly, resulting in poor hearing experience. 
   
2. Comfort 
   
   Comfort is the foremost factor to take into account while buying headphones. If you are an individual whose lifestyle requires wearing a headset for a longer time period, comfort should be your go-to deciding factor, along with sound quality. 
   
   Regarding comfort, a headphone’s headband and earcups are the primary elements to look for. Look for lightweight headphones with an adjustable headband and foam padded or memory foam ear pads. These features ensure that your headphone does not cause any discomfort, such as ear pain or skin irritation, even if you wear them for longer periods. 
   
3. Size and Design
   
   The size and design of headphones are directly interrelated to comfort. For big-headed individuals, choosing headphones large in size is a must to ensure maximum comfort. Though the headphones may have an adjustable band, you have to select the one that is big enough to fit your head. 
   
   Furthermore, check the size and design of the earcups, as they play a vital role in deciding the amount of noise isolation. The earcups should completely cover your ears, allowing you to hear the intended sounds by blocking the outside noise.
   
4. Sturdiness/Durability 
   
   The next essential factor is sturdiness or durability. Headphones must withstand several circumstances of your lifestyle. For instance, your lifestyle requires you to travel frequently. In such a case, your headphones should withstand external factors, such as dust, moisture, etc. Plus, they must fit in place perfectly and not slide frequently. 
   
   If your headset is not durable, you have to replace it every few months, putting you at a heavy expense. 
   
5. Usage features 
   
   Here comes the core factor, i.e., features. It includes battery life, connectivity, noise cancellation, and sound quality. The headphones you choose must offer a connectivity feature (e.g., Bluetooth), allowing you to connect to your mobile phones or laptops. Look for an extended battery life that lasts for a long time, eliminating the need to frequently charge your headphones. 
   
   Do not compromise on the sound quality. If your headphones offer a snug fit and comfort but not the sound quality, I recommend you not purchase them. Open-back headphones generally provide exceptional sound quality, offering a more natural and immersive listening experience. Though closed-back headphones block out external noise, they lack in delivering exceptional sound quality due to their closed nature. 
   
   Now that you know what factors to consider, I suggest you visit offline stores, try out different headphones, and buy one that is the most comfortable. If you cannot visit the store in person, utilize an online size chart to find the perfect fit.

Top 10 Headphones for Big Heads

The following table provides a brief overview of some of the best headphones for big heads. To explore detailed features, read on to the article further. 

Headphone Name	Type
Bose QuietComfort 35 II	Over-Ear
Sony PULSE 3D	Over-Ear
Sennheiser HD 660S	Over-Ear
Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphone	On-Ear
HyperX Cloud Flight S	Over-Ear
AfterShokz Aeropex	In-Ear
Skullcandy Crusher Evo	In-Ear
Philips HiFi Stereo Headphones SHP9500/00	Over-Ear
Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700	Over-Ear
HIFIMAN Ananda Hi-Fi	Over-Ear

Type: Over-Ear

Battery-Life: 20 hours

Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth)

The first on the list of the top headphones for big heads is the QuietComfort 35 II from Bose. Bose is a leading company selling audio equipment and is well known for offering comfort and sound quality. The sleek and discreet design of QuietComfort 45 II makes it suitable for any outfit. 

With the balanced audio performance, these wireless Bluetooth headphones allow you to enjoy movies, series, and games at a low volume without creating much damage to your ears. Plush padding on earcups and a padded headband ensure maximum comfort, even if the headphones are on for an extended time period. The headband is wrapped in Alcantara, the soft covering material used in high-end automobiles. 

Pros: 

• Cushion earcups and a padded headband provide maximum comfort
• Lightweight 
• Bluetooth connectivity 
• Extended battery life

Cons: 

• Expensive compared to its contenders
• Audio leakage at a high volume
• Cushioned earcups can make ears sweat in summers 

Type: Over-Ear

Battery-Life: 12 hours

Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth)

If you are fond of playing games on PlayStation and looking for a headphone, the Sony PULSE 3D wireless headset is an ideal option. It is peculiarly designed to be used with PlayStation and perfectly fits big heads. It works seamlessly with PS4 and PS5 consoles and comes with dual noise-canceling microphones. 

The plush earbuds and headband strap provide supreme comfort, while the sleek design offers a classic look to your outfit. 

So, if you are an avid gamer with a big head willing to enjoy an immersive gaming experience, do not miss out on Sony PULSE 3D wireless headphones.

 

Pros: 

• Comfortable and snug fit
• Immersive 3D audio experience 
• Budget headphones for gaming
• Bluetooth connectivity for wireless use
• Works with Windows and macOS

Cons: 

• The battery life is low compared to others
• Only compatible with PlayStation consoles

Type: Over-Ear

Connectivity: Wired 

This open-back headphone from Sennheiser is a perfect blend of power and sound. HD 660 S and its predecessors, HD 650 and HD 600, have broken the performance barriers in the audiophile headphone category. They utilize a cutting-edge transducer and specially ventilated drive unit to deliver an out-of-the-box music experience without sacrificing the speed. 

The ventilated drive unit offers consistent control of air displacement, reducing a significant amount of turbulence. Hence, diaphragm travel is pure, allowing only the music to travel, balancing its purity and quality. 

Pros: 

• Ensures sound quality over a wide range of frequencies
• Enhanced sound clarity 
• The open-back design ensures a natural and spacious soundstage
• Exceptional comfort 
• Ideal for everyday and all-day use

Cons: 

• They are not wireless headphones 
• Do not offer a dedicated mobile app to control it remotely 
• Ideal for home use only 
• Do not provide a premium look

Type: On-Ear

Battery-Life: 40 hours

Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth)

Immerse in rich and award-winning sound with Beats Solo 3 wireless on-ear headphones. They are a perfect blend of active and passive noise-canceling technology and have the potential to monitor what is going around you using real-time audio calibration. They actively block out external noise and ensure a premium listening experience. 

A built DAC and amplifier ensure high-quality sound across a wide range of frequencies. Cushioned earcups and an adjustable headband make these headphones ideal for everyday use. Plus, the foldable feature makes them portable and easy to carry. While being durable, these headphones have a sleek and streamlined design. 

Pros: 

• A prolonged battery life 
• A 5-minute charging provides a 3-hour playback
• Connects seamlessly with Apple products, like iPhones, iMacs, iWatches, and iPads
• Extreme comfort and exceptional sound quality 
• Modern design provides a stylish look

Cons: 

• The cost is pretty higher than others

Type: Over-Ear

Battery-Life: 30 hours

Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth)

Another headset specially designed for gamers with big heads is HyperX Cloud Flight S wireless headphones. They offer exceptional sound quality and ensure an unbeatable listening experience with custom-tuned 7.1 surround sound. They help gamers focus on only priority or intended audio elements, enabling them to get the most out of their PC or PS4 gaming experience. 

The large earcups provide full coverage, and the extra plush memory foam and breathable leatherette offer extreme comfort. In addition, earcups are made up of durable steel sliders so that they can withstand everyday struggles or challenges. 

So, if you are a night gamer, you must consider HyperX Cloud Flight S. 

Pros: 

• Excellent audio quality and wireless connectivity
• Prime comfort and secure fit 
• Ideal for gaming and chatting 
• An extended battery life 
• Durable 

Cons: 

• Highly expensive 

Type: In-Ear

Battery-Life: 8 hours

Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth)

Aeropex is the best-selling bone conduction headset from AfterShokz. This advanced and premium wireless headset offers exceptional sound quality and long-lasting battery life. It is among the most lightweight headsets, weighing only 26 grams. Being highly stable, it guarantees pain-free listening for hours and freedom of movement. 

Pros: 

• Extremely lightweight and comfortable
• Bluetooth connectivity up to 33 feet (10 meters)
• Powerful bass and high volume
• Enjoy calls, podcasts, audiobooks, and music all the day

Cons: 

• The battery life is low compared to others
• Though waterproof, it is not ideal for swimming 

Type: In-Ear

Battery-Life: 40 hours

Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth)

Skullcandy Crusher Evo are wireless headphones for big heads; rather, they are a perfect fit for all head sizes. Crusher Sound, combined with the ultimate audio customization of Personal Sound, lets you get lost completely in music and movies. Thickly padded earcups and a headband provide tranquil and relaxing comfort, even if you wear headphones for a long time. 

Pros: 

• A prolonged battery life 
• A 10-minute charge provides 4 hours of playback
• Custom-tuned to deliver sound that is optimal to your ears
• Provides a deeper and richer bass
• Flat folding and collapsible 

Cons: 

• Introduces haptic feedback at higher volumes
• Slightly bulky 

Type: Over-Ear

Connectivity: Wired

The next on the list of the best headphones for big heads is the Philips HiFi Stereo headphones SHP9500/00. They provide an authentic listening experience with high-precision sound. The open-back architecture and the high-precision 50 mm neodymium speaker drivers create Hi-Fi sound, offering outstanding audio performance. 

These headphones feature breathable cushion earcups, making them comfortable for long wear. Plus, the headband has a double-layered cushion, which does not create any pressure on the head. 

Pros: 

• Incredibly comfortable and durable 
• High-quality at an affordable price
• Good sound quality across the frequency range 

Cons: 

• Wired
• Bulky and not portable 
• The open-back design may sometimes result in sound leakage 

Type: Over-Ear

Battery-Life: 20 hours

Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth)

These headphones for big heads from Bose have a rich and deeper bass, providing an immersive listening experience to any audiophile. Bose’s proprietary active noise canceling technology leverages microphones placed inside and outside the earcups to cancel or block out the sounds around you by creating an opposite signal. As a result, you can hear what is intended or what you want. 

Moreover, these headphones let you change the noise-concealing levels (low, medium, and high) depending on the location’s crowd. Multiple Bose technologies work together to deliver high-quality, consistent sound at any volume. 

 

Pros: 

• Seamlessly connect to two devices simultaneously 
• Have a Bluetooth range of up to 9 meters
• A 15-minute charge provides 2 hours of playback
• Extreme comfort and snug fit

Cons: 

• Highly expensive 

Type: Over-Ear

Battery-Life: 10 hours

Connectivity: Wired and Wireless (Bluetooth)

The last on my list of the best headphones for big heads is HIFIMAN Ananda Hi-Fi wireless headphones. The company claims that these are the world’s highest-quality Bluetooth headphones. More interestingly, these headphones support a USB Type-C cable so that you can effortlessly connect them to your PC. 

Pros: 

• Ergonomic design and comfortable wear
• A hybrid headband for long-term listening 
• Reduces sonic reflections for crystal clear sound

Cons: 

• Poor noise isolation 
• Sound leakage at higher volumes

Conclusion

Here ends my list of the best headphones for big heads. Comfort is the primary factor, along with sound quality, all big-headed individuals consider when purchasing headphones. Tight headphones create pressure on the head and result in discomfort when wearing them for an extended time period. On the other hand, headphones that are too large have the risk of sound leakage. As a result, the ultimate decision depends on an individual’s fighting needs and preferences.

In the above list of headphones for big heads, I have mentioned all entries from renowned brands known for offering rich sound quality and an immersive audio experience. Determine the type of headphones you want and make the decision accordingly. 

Interested in loud headphones? Check out: The Top 10 Loudest Headphones