2012 Holiday Gift Guide: The 10 Best Over-Ear Headphones

Bowers and Wilkins P3

Price: $200
Many would agree that the three biggest facets for over-ear headphones are sound, design, and portability. B&W’s managed to accomplish all three with the P3. The lightweight sound blasters produce fine-tuned bass and treble better than a majority of the premium headsets available, plus it offers distortion-free results, even at maximum volume. Damn, these things are beautiful.

Sennheiser HD 558

Price: $180
For decades, the German audio company has specialized in designing and producing the best in wide-range headphones. Though it might not be the most attractive of Sennheiser’s offerings, when it comes to studio-like sound and extreme comfort, the HD 558 is second to none. Utilizing an Internal Sound Reflector to push sound both toward and away from the ear, the end result makes it seem as if sound is playing across another area in a room rather than hitting your eardrum directly. Made for the stay-at-home audiophile.