The best over-ear headphones in Australia (2024): From $129

Why we like them: The Sony WH-1000XM4s might be a generation old now, but they're still our top pick for the best wireless over-ear headphones for most people

To start, they're between $100 and $200 cheaper than the XM5s (depending on where you look), which represents a pretty significant saving. The XM4s also have a more compact, collapsible design that makes them more suitable for travel. 

The newer XM5s definitely offer improvements in sound quality and noise cancellation, but for most, we'd say it makes more sense to go for the cheaper WF-1000XM4s. 

Why we like them: While the Sennheiser HD 458BTs can feel a little cheap and look a little boring, you get great sound quality at a reasonable price. The noise cancellation isn't bad either! 

Note that if you can't find the HD 458BTs around, the HD 450BT and HD 450SE are effectively the same, other than some slight aesthetic differences. Namely, the 458BTs have red racing stripes, while the other models are just black. 

The HD 450SEs also benefit from Alexa support, which is missing on the standard models. We've linked out to the HD 450SEs as they're the cheapest option right. 

Why we like them: When it comes to consumer-grade headphones, the Sonos Ace have the best sound quality out of the bunch. And given the $699 RRP, you'd hope that would be the case. That's almost as expensive as the Apple AirPods Max. However, the Sonos Ace do have an edge in more than just pricing. They also lighter and come with a more traditional carry-case.

Not everyone will appreciate the audio prowess on offer, but the complete lack of distortion at high volumes, the throbbing-yet-balanced bass, and the spacious sound stage put the Sonos Ace closer to audiophile territory than most of the competition.

Why we like them: The Sennheiser Momentum 4s are basically unrivalled when it comes to battery life. You'll get a massive 60 hours per charge, with noise cancelling switched on. Better yet, a 10-minute top-up will take you from flat to about six hours of playback.  

Why we like them: Over the last few years, Sony has been a surprise contender for the noise-cancelling crown, creating serious competition in a space where Bose used to dominate.

While Bose, Apple, and Sennheiser have all made advancements with their noise cancelling tech late, Sony's new WF-1000XM5s are a step above if you care about blocking out as much as the world as possible. It helps they're always very lightweight and offer excellent sound quality. 

Why we like them: If you need headphones that will make it sound like you're taking a call from the office when you're actually at the pub, the Bose NCH 700s are the pair for you. On top of great noise cancellation, the NCH 700s can also reduce noise when it comes to phone calls, isolating your noise from background sounds. Your voice comes across crystal clear, even if you're strutting down a busy highway or waiting for a train.