Top 6 Best Headphones for Big Heads of 2023 Review & Buying Guide

There are so many different options available for headphones these days that we’re really spoiled for choice. Options included headphones for different budgets, wired, wireless, noise-canceling, general, professional use, and more.

But what if you have a bigger head than most? While most headphones feature some form of adjustment, the limitations are sometimes restrictive and can cause some discomfort. There must be some models that can accommodate?

That’s why I decided to put together this review of the best headphones for big heads so you can also enjoy high-quality audio in comfort. So, let’s get that larger skull bobbing along to your favorite tracks.

Best Headphones for Big Heads – Top 6 Picks in 2023 Reviews

1 Bose Soundlink II – Best Bose Headphones for Big Heads

This could very well be the stepping point into becoming an audiophile. Bose offers a distinct sound signature with clean and balanced audio at affordable prices. You also gain convenient features and wide compatibility in an attractive package.

The Bose Soundlink II headphones offer the same audio quality as their more expensive QC35 II but without noise cancellation technology. And the best part is that they are incredibly comfortable even on larger-sized heads.

Connectivity and battery…

Connect to your audio source using the built-in wireless Bluetooth technology or the included 3.5 mm auxiliary cable. You can even connect to two wireless devices simultaneously and swap between them up to a distance of 33-feet (10-meters).

A built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 15-hours of playback from a single charge. Simply plug in the included Micro USB cable to your wall plug, car adapter, computer, or any other USB power source to recharge.

Handy features… 

While the headphones don’t provide noise-canceling technology, the built-in microphone does. This results in clearer phone calls with the caller on the other line not being distracted by background noise like traffic or wind.

Rather than removing your device from your pocket, control the audio from the ear cup controls. Utilizing only three buttons, they are easy to access and simple to use. Perform functions like volume control, play/pause, and skipping tracks.

1 Philips SHP9500 – Best Affordable Headphones for Big Heads

While you won’t get any of the fancy wireless features or active noise cancellation here, what you do get is high-end audio quality at an affordable price. These SHP9500 headphones from Philips audio might often be overlooked, and anyone that does is missing out.

They have an amazingly comfortable design, along with providing a warm and pleasant audio tone far exceeding any expectations. Don’t let the low price tag put you off; these are anything but a cheap pair of headphones. That said, they are some of the best budget friendly headphones for big heads on the market.

Well-padded and comfortable…

The adjustable headband is extremely well-padded, as well as the soft and cushiony ear cups. People with smaller heads actually complained that there’s not enough force to keep them from moving about during wear.

That makes these headphones perfect for those with larger heads. Not only are the SHP9500s comfortable, but they are sturdy as well. Stretching the headband doesn’t cause any nervousness about causing damage at all. The result is some of the best fitting headphones for big heads you can buy.

For your listening pleasure… 

Featuring an open-backed design means that these headphones aren’t suited for mixing or studio use due to sound leaking. However, the 50mm drivers provide crisp, clear, and dynamic sound that is a pleasure to listen to.

If you prefer something with pounding bass, these aren’t the headphones for you. Instead, audio is bright and well-balanced across the entire frequency range. A standout in the sound profile is definitely how clear vocals can be heard.

3 Beats Studio 3 – Best Apple Headphones for Big Heads

If you are part of the Apple ecosystem of products, then the Beats Studio 3 headphones will integrate seamlessly. Featuring Apple’s H1 chip pairing to your iPad, iPhone, Macbook, or iMac couldn’t be any easier.

You’ll also benefit from a huge range of features as these stylish headphones are packed full of technology. What’s also great is that, unlike some of the other Beats headphones, they will stretch over larger heads for a comfortable listening experience.

Pure adaptive noise canceling…

Not only do the Beats Studio 3 headphones offer active noise-canceling technology, but it is also purely adaptive. What does that mean? They use real-time audio calibration to constantly detect what’s happening in the environment around you.

The result is external noises such as traffic, crowd noises, or aircraft engines during flights being actively blocked. You can then hear your audio tracks more clearly instead of other distractions in your surroundings.

Enjoy your audio for longer… 

The built-in rechargeable battery can last for up to 22 hours with noise cancellation activated. If you are in a less noisy environment, you can enjoy up to an incredible 40 hours of playback with noise cancellation switched off.

Need a quick boost? If you do find yourself with a low battery, the Fast Fuel feature will provide up to 3 hours of use from only a 10-minute charge. Therefore, these are some of the best battery life headphones for big heads on the market. No, you can make sure you never go too long without listening to your favorite audio tracks again.

4 Sennheiser HD 650 Pro – Best Professional Headphones for Big Heads

Next in my Best Headphones for Big Heads review, for something a little more professional, I’ve selected the Sennheiser HD 650 Pro headphones. You will require a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) amplifier combination or premium sound system to take full advantage of what’s on offer here. Check out our reviews of the Best Desktop DAC Amp and the Best Portable Dac Amp Combo you can buy for more info.

If you plug directly into your smartphone, tablet, computer, system, then you will be lacking some volume. If you’re looking to kick back and lose yourself in some music, this is a great way for those with larger heads to achieve it.

Begging for customization…

These are probably the most neutral set of headphones currently available on the market. What this allows is for users to add their own personal signature by making equalizer adjustments depending on what they would like to achieve.

Many headphone manufacturers struggle to offer a consistent balance between their left and right drivers. Sennheiser are absolute experts at offering perfectly balanced left and right channels across the entire spectrum.

Lightweight and comfortable… 

The Sennheiser HD 650 headphones are lightweight at only 9.17-ounces (260-grams), excluding the cable. Padding on the headband and ear cups is substantial and remains comfortable for extended listening sessions.

They will fit well to most head sizes, in particular larger heads. Durability is great with the use of premium materials for construction. Conveniently, there are also replaceable ear cups available as this is the most common part that receives the most wear. If you want some of the most durable headphones for big heads, then look no further.

5 Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro – Best Audiophile Headphones for Big Heads

When most people think of audiophile equipment, they immediately assume it’s going to be extremely expensive. While this is often the case, it doesn’t always have to be. There is some great value equipment out there capable of providing impressive results.

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones are one of those rare occasions where the lines between performance and value are blurred. As an added advantage, they are suitable for those with larger heads who sometimes struggle to find a comfortable fit.

Memory foam padding…

To save money, there is a lot of plastic used in the construction of these headphones. The correct materials have been used in all the right places, though. For example, the headband is metal for added strength and durability.

A healthy amount of padding wraps the headband, but the ear cups are something special. Memory foam has been surrounded in velour resulting in a feeling of luxury like you’re being pampered at a health retreat. All of this combined makes these some of the best value for the money headphones for big heads on the market.

And that’s not all… 

While all that comfort is important, for headphones, the number one priority is sound quality. This is another area in which the DT 990 Pro headphones shine. Lows are pronounced without becoming overwhelming, offering clean and clear bass.

Instrumentals and vocals across the mids are clear and emphasized across a variety of genres. Even the highs are clear without any detectable distortion even when listened to at high volumes. This makes them some of the best sounding headphones for big heads you can find.

6 Shure SRH440 – Best Studio Headphones for Big Heads

For all you budding DJs, sound engineers, or anyone with a home studio and a larger head, this might be for you. The Shure SRH440 headphones offer a larger and comfortable fit along with clean and balanced audio at an affordable price.

While these headphones are intended for musicians in recording studios, they are great for music lovers too. While they are not as compact as some of the other headphones available, they do offer an enjoyable listening experience.

As you’d expect from Shure…

Shure is a well-respected name in the audio industry, and with products like these, it’s little wonder why. Due to these being entry-level headphones, there has been a large amount of plastic used in construction, but it is of extremely high quality.

The SRH440 headphones are not built as a fashion accessory with a stronger emphasis on function over style. With that being said, though, they still look fantastic. They can be worn for extended periods with comfortable pleather ear cups and a heavily padded headband.

A blank canvas…

You have to remember that these are primarily studio monitor headphones. To the average listener, they might seem a little flat and boring, but this is intentional. Through the use of an equalizer, it’s possible to emphasize your own sound signature.

Bass is delivered with rich quality, although it isn’t going to provide any heart palpitations. Highs are probably the weakest area here but still offer satisfactory performance. As with most Shure products, the mids are the strong point giving clean and accurate representation.

Best Headphones for Big Heads Buying Guide

As you can see, there are still plenty of options available for anyone in possession of a big head. Each of these products has something slightly different to offer and performs better in some circumstances than others.

I have included this buying guide so you can make the most informed decision possible when it comes time for purchasing your new headphones. I will identify all the key differences you may not have already considered.

Wired or wireless…

If you are simply looking for a great set of headphones that are simple to use with a smartphone, tablet, or PC, wireless is your best bet. While wired headphones usually offer slightly better performance, they lack the convenience offered.

If you are an Apple user, your best option would be the Beats Studio 3 that features an H1 chip for seamless connectivity and integration. Android users would probably prefer the Bose Soundlink II with that amazing sound signature.

For the discerning ears…

If you are looking for something to pair up with your awesome home audio system and wish to hear every little detail, you’re covered too. Incredibly, you can own some amazing headphones without having to break the bank.

The Sennheiser HD 650 Pro headphones provide a level of balance usually only reserved for much more expensive products. If you’re on a tighter budget, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones offer some of the best bang-for-your-buck performance available.

Professional uses…

For musicians, anyone with a home studio, or even aspiring DJs, there’s something for you too. Many of the headphones available today offer a huge range of features, but unfortunately, most don’t offer much advantage to professional use.

Shure has provided a fantastic solution with their latest range of professional studio monitor-style headphones. The entry-level SRH440 provides everything you will have come to expect from this company, including rugged durability and solid, reliable performance.

If you’re still unsure about which of these great products will best suit your needs, then keep on reading. In the next section, I will reveal my choice for the best big head headphones and why, but before that… 

Need a Pair of Headphones for a particular task?

Then we can help you find just what you need. Check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Headphones For Rock & Metal Music, the Best Clip-on Headphones, the Best Podcast Headphones, the Best Gaming Headsets for Big Heads, the Best Electrostatic Headphones, and the Best Headphones For Cycling you can buy in 2023.

Also, have a look at our detailed reviews of the Best Headphones Under $20, the Best Wireless Headphones for TV, the Best Headphones Under $100, the Best Bluetooth Headphones Under $100, the Most Comfortable Headphones, the Best Headphones with Microphone, and the Best Bluetooth Headphones for Conference Calls currently on the market.

What are the Best Headphones for Big Heads?

With such a huge variety of different products, this decision has been difficult. I decided to break it down into the following categories. Build quality and design, useful features, sound quality, and performance, along with the overall value.

The product I believe performed best across all these areas is the…

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

Although there are some cheap materials, quality is used where it counts. Comfort features like memory foam and velour are fantastic. Best of all, the sound quality simply cannot be beaten at this level of value.

Until next time, happy listening.