10 Best Headband Headphones 2025 in the United States

The JBL Live 770NC wireless over-ear headphones offer a solid choice for anyone seeking a blend of comfort and sound quality, making them ideal for music lovers and frequent travelers. One of the standout features is the True Adaptive Noise Cancelling technology, which effectively minimizes distractions, allowing you to enjoy your music or focus on tasks without interruptions. The Smart Ambient feature is a thoughtful addition, letting you stay aware of your surroundings when needed, a great safety feature if you're out and about.

In terms of sound quality, JBL’s Signature Sound combined with 40mm drivers delivers a rich audio experience, with the added perk of virtual surround sound for an immersive listening environment. Battery life is notably impressive, boasting up to 65 hours of playtime with a quick charge function that offers 4 hours of use from just a 5-minute charge, ensuring that you won’t be left without music on the go.

However, there are a few drawbacks worth considering. The headphones can feel bulkier than some other, more compact options, which might be less ideal for those who prioritize portability. While the Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity is advanced, it may not be as easy for a non-tech savvy user to fully utilize all its features, particularly the OTA updates for enhanced sound modes. Additionally, while they are durable, consistent heavy use might wear down the fabric headband over time, so careful handling is recommended.

For those who value noise cancellation and long battery life in their headphones, the JBL Live 770NC presents a strong offering. They are especially suitable for commuters and students who enjoy uninterrupted listening experiences. Just be mindful of their size and durability when considering your purchase.

The SHOKZ OpenRun (also known as AfterShokz Aeropex) offers a unique open-ear design that uses bone conduction technology to deliver sound through your cheekbones rather than traditional earbuds. This makes them very comfortable for workouts and running since they don’t sit inside your ears, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings for safety. The headband style adds stability, which is great for active use. Sound quality is good for this kind of bone conduction headphones, providing clear audio, though it won’t match the richness of regular in-ear or over-ear headphones.

Noise cancellation is mentioned as active, but since the design keeps your ears open, it doesn’t block outside noise completely, which is a trade-off for safety. Battery life is solid with about 8 hours of playback and quick charging that gives 1.5 hours with just 10 minutes of charging—handy if you’re on the go. The headphones are sweat and waterproof (IP67 rated), making them durable for intense workouts or rainy runs, but they aren’t suitable for swimming. The built-in microphone works well for calls, adding convenience for hands-free use.

Users seeking full noise blocking or deep bass may find these headphones less immersive. Also, the open-ear fit might allow some sound leakage in very quiet environments. The SHOKZ OpenRun is ideal for active users who prioritize comfort, awareness of surroundings, and durability over immersive sound or complete noise isolation.

The JBL Tune 520BT headphones are a solid choice if you're looking for lightweight, comfortable on-ear headphones with impressive battery life. They deliver the signature JBL Pure Bass sound, which means you can expect deep and punchy audio that works well for everyday music listening. Thanks to Bluetooth 5.3, these headphones connect quickly and stay connected within about 10 meters, making wireless use convenient and reliable.

Comfort is a noticeable plus here; the headphones are lightweight and have a foldable design for easy storage. There's also a helpful tip for adjusting the headband if it feels tight, which shows thoughtfulness toward fit and comfort. While the headphones don't have active noise cancellation, the on-ear design provides some basic noise isolation but might not fully block out loud environments.

One of the standout features is the battery life—up to 57 hours on a single charge is exceptional and means you can go days without needing to recharge. If you are in a rush, a quick 5-minute charge gives you an extra 3 hours of playback, which is handy. The built-in microphone allows for hands-free calls and includes a Voice Aware feature that lets you hear your own voice clearly during conversations, enhancing call quality. In terms of durability, the plastic build keeps them light but might not be as robust as more premium models. Given their price range and comfort, they offer good value and are ideal for general everyday use, like commuting, casual listening, or calls. However, if you need strong noise cancellation for noisy environments or professional-grade microphone quality, you might want to explore other options.