As a glasses wearer, I know how hard it can be to find a comfortable pair of headphones that actually sound good.
The best headphones for those of us who wear glasses need to be adjustable, enjoyable to wear, and have incredible sound quality.
Considerations when choosing glasses-friendly headphones:
- Ear cups – the ear cup needs to be well padded, which will avoid any additional pressure around your head, making wearing your glasses comfortably an easy experience.
- Flexible headband – This allows you to adjust the headphones, avoiding too much pressure over your glass frames.
- Over-ear vs On-ear – whilst the over-ear headphones fully encompass the ears and provide comfort when wearing glasses, they can have some leakage with sound and be slightly larger. On-ear headphones usually have smaller ear cups and are more compact, making them more portable headphones for glasses wearers.
- Closed-back vs Open-back – Closed-back headphones block out a lot more of the background noise, making them naturally better at noise canceling. They can, however, make your ears warm when listening for longer periods of time. Open-back headphones will let air pass through, so ventilating the ears and the sound is usually more natural. However, they are not the best at noise cancellation, so any background noise can be distracting.
I’ve reviewed eight different headphones, wireless, wired, over-ear, and on-ear headphones to allow you to choose the best headphones for you. These models will not only give you optimum comfort but also sheer listening pleasure as you enjoy your favorite podcast, audiobook, videos, and, of course, music.
Top 8 Best Headphones For People With Glasses
#1 – AKG K371
The AKG K371 headphones are an incredibly comfortable, advanced headphone that gives you great audio quality and a premium look design.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Bluetooth: N/A
- Type: Over-ear
- Enclosure: Closed-back
- Wireless: Wired
- Noise Canceling: N/A
- Charging: N/A
- Mic and Controls: N/A
- Transducer: Dynamic
- Colors: Black
- Waterproof: Not water resistant
- Weight: 8.9 ounces
- Battery time: N/A
Why do I like these headphones?
If you are looking for a pair of wired headphones that have excellent sound quality, over-the-ear headphones design, and are easily transported, then these are the ones for you. The soft ear cups rotate and the adjustable headband makes them perfect for glasses wearers. This makes these some of the best headphones for glasses wearers around.
Pros
- These are compact and foldable and come with a waterproof pouch, which makes them easy to store and take anywhere with you.
- With superior audio quality, the AKG Reference Response Acoustics produce a really clear and bright sound with an extensive frequency range.
- The adjustable headband makes it perfect for wearing headphones with glasses.
- These headphones come with soft oval ear pads, which make them ideal for periods of longer listening.
Cons
- They aren’t the most breathable and can get a bit hot. So, it may not be the best option for using whilst at the gym.
- If you have larger ears, then these may not cover the entire ear.
#2 Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is on the entry-level of studio headphones, perfect for any budding audiophiles out there.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Bluetooth: N/A
- Type: Over-ear
- Enclosure: Cl0sed back
- Wireless: N/A
- Noise Canceling: N/A
- Charging: N/A
- Mic and Controls: N/A
- Transducer: Dynamic
- Colors: Black/Grey
- Waterproof: N/A
- Weight: 1 lb
- Battery time: N/A
Why do I like these headphones?
These well-padded headphones sit snuggly over your ears and you will barely notice them over your glass frames. They feel very hard-wearing and that is reassuring. Music lovers who are looking for something inexpensive will find these great choices.
Pros
- These are strong, sturdy, affordable headphones that will sit nicely over your glasses frames.
- A superb sound quality that is rich and balanced.
- These headphones have a clamping force that is just right, securely holding them on your head without it feeling too tight, and have lovely felt ear pads which fit snuggly around your outer ear.
Cons
- The sound can still leak a little in quieter environments.
- These headphones are in more sizeable proportions, so carry them without a bag may be an issue.
- You cannot remove the cable so you have to be prepared to be super careful with them.
#3 – Sennheiser HD 660 S
Sennheiser HD 660 is an over-ear design with an open back, which means they have that rich open sound. If you are looking for a wired listening experience through open back headphones, this could be your top pick.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Bluetooth: N/A
- Type: Over-ear
- Enclosure: Open back
- Wireless: N/A
- Noise Canceling: N/A
- Charging: N/A
- Mic and Controls: N/A
- Transducer: Dynamic
- Colors: N/A
- Waterproof: N/A
- Weight: 9.3 oz
- Battery time: N/A]
Why do I like these headphones?
They produce a really rich open sound, which is lovely to listen to. However, if you don’t want to share some noise with everyone else around you, then maybe these are not for you. You can browse through Sennheiser manuals to get more info about this particular model.
Pros
- The open back keeps your ears cool and allows you to listen for as long as you want.
- The ability to replace the ear cups and cables makes them long-lasting.
- A super comfortable set of velour ear pads that hug your ears.
Cons
- If you are wearing glasses, the high clamping force can feel tight.
- Noise isolation is not the best and they leak sound, so these headphones are better for quiet listening sessions or if those around you don’t mind enjoying your music too.
- These are very expensive and you may not want to spend so much on your headphones.
#4 – Samson SR850
These headphones are the best headphones for glass wearers under 100 USD. Whilst the design might not be anything to write home about, they produce a decent sound for a great price.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Bluetooth: N/A
- Type: Over-ear
- Enclosure: Open back
- Wireless: N/A
- Noise Canceling: N/A
- Charging: N/A
- Mic and Controls: N/A
- Transducer: Dynamic
- Colors: Black
- Waterproof: N/A
- Weight: 1.05 lbs
- Battery time: N/A
Why do I like these headphones?
If you are looking for an inexpensive pair of headphones for glasses wearers, then I think these are the best budget pair. These headphones produce a clear sound quality which is impressive for the price tag but needs a fair amount of listening to break them in, around 100+ hours.
Pros
- Very cushioned ear pads which make these ideal comfortable headphones if you wear glasses.
- These have a nice long cable which makes it easy to move around.
- People looking for gaming headsets might want to use these as they work well in that environment.
Cons
- The semi-open back design means you get some noise leakage.
- As headphones for glasses wearers, you may need to sit these over something to reduce the clamping force, as they can be a little tight.
#5 – Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
You will get a really balanced audio quality with these over-ear headphones and for anyone that wears glasses, these are great and not too tight over your head.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Bluetooth: N/A
- Type: Over-ear
- Enclosure: Closed-back
- Wireless: N/A
- Noise Canceling: N/A
- Charging: N/A
- Mic and Controls: N/A
- Transducer: Dynamic
- Colors: Black/Blue/Gun Metal/White/Purple
- Waterproof: N/A
- Weight: 10.1 oz
- Battery time: N/A
Why do I like these headphones?
If you are looking for some headphones for glasses wearers that won’t squeeze your head but also won’t compromise sound, then these could be the ones for you. The design is sturdy and strong and so feels reassuringly durable.
Pros
- These have a large ear cup which makes them glasses-friendly headphones. It means they are not too tight over the head.
- The cable is removable and can be replaced.
- The sound is bright and bold and does not let down.
Cons
- The ambient noise canceling isn’t the best because of its studio design, so possible, not ideal for commuting or overly noisy environments.
- Fairly substantial, so not great for carrying around without a bag.
- Comfort when wearing headphones is key and the pleather design and padding can make your ears a little hot.
#6 – Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The Bose Quietcomfort 35 II is everything you would expect from Bose. These wireless headphones are among the best active noise cancellation headphones around and work with the Bose Connect app. They have a 20-hour battery life, making them great on the move.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Type: Over-ear
- Enclosure: Closed-back
- Wireless: Yes
- Noise Canceling: Yes
- Charging: add info
- Mic and Controls: Yes
- Transducer: Dynamic
- Colors: Black/Silver
- Waterproof: add info
- Weight: 8.3 oz
- Battery time: 20 hours
Why do I like these headphones?
The minimal clamping force makes them one of the best headphones for glasses wearers. They have really well-padded ear cups, which means you can wear them for longer periods without feeling like you are getting a sore head. If you are looking for the best wireless tv headphones that are feature-rich and take glass wearers into account, then these are the best headphones for you. The headset controls make it easy to use these excellent wireless headphones.
Pros
- Incredible noise cancellation levels that really increase your listening pleasure
- Wireless headphones, which are lightweight and portable
- Works with Apple and Android devices
- 20-hour battery life
Cons
- Not suitable as a wireless gaming headset, but can be plugged into an Xbox or PS4 controller. They will only receive audio, so not ideal for gamers.
- They do still leak a bit of noise, so you might still annoy people in your office or on your commute.
- These are on the more expensive side, as you would assume with Bose.
- The built-in microphone has an average recording quality.
#7 – Sony MDR1RNC
If you are searching for a more premium-looking headphone, then the Sony MDR1RNC could be the one for you. They do have a particular luxury feel to them.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Bluetooth: N/A
- Type: Over-ear
- Enclosure: Closed-back
- Wireless: N/A
- Noise Canceling: Yes
- Charging: Charging cable sold separately
- Mic and Controls: Inline remote control cable
- Transducer: Dynamic
- Colors: Black
- Waterproof: N/A
- Weight: 11.8 oz
- Battery time: 22 hours
Why do I like these headphones?
The sound quality is quite different with or without noise cancellation, giving you a brighter tone when it is switched on vs a richer sound without. That said, the noise cancellation does very well! The design is simple and stylish, yet still very comfortable. This comes with two detachable audio cables, one with in-line remote control and a microphone for mobile devices.
Pros
- Built-in rechargeable battery with 22 hours battery life.
- Comes with a cable that works as a microphone for mobile devices, able to receive phone calls when headphones are used with iPhone
- Luxury design and looks.
Cons
- The ear pads could be thicker, which would provide more comfort for long-term use.
- Slightly on the expensive side.
#8 – KRK KNS 8400
The KRK KNS 8400 studio headphones are the on-ear style which does not have active noise cancellation but performs really well with noise isolation nonetheless.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Bluetooth: N/A
- Type: On-ear
- Enclosure: Closed-back
- Wireless: N/A
- Noise Canceling: N/A
- Charging: N/A
- Mic and Controls: Volume controls
- Transducer: 40mm, neodymium
- Colors: Black
- Waterproof: N/A
- Weight: 8.2 oz
- Battery time: N/A
Why do I like these headphones?
These headphones come with memory foam cushions for the top of the headband and ears, which are all replaceable. This makes the headphones easy to wear and reduces pressure when wearing with glasses. I liked how portable they were and if the volume control is important to you, these are great as they come with a detachable cable which allows you to do that.
Pros
- The ear cups rotate so you can fold these headphones, which makes them super portable.
- These have good noise isolation as they fully enclose your ears.
- Ability to control volume with detachable cable.
Cons
- Sound quality is a bit on the bright side and a little low on Bass
Using headphones while wearing glasses: frequently asked questions
1. What are the best headphones for people who wear glasses?
Besides your desired features and functions in audio equipment such as clarity of sound and noise-canceling capability, you should also look for something that will not cause any discomfort when you wear it alongside your eyeglasses. The 8 products I reviewed here pass those criteria.
2. How do you wear headphones comfortably with glasses?
Make sure that you get a model that will not squeeze your eyeglasses’ frame hard to the side of your head or the back of your ears to cause pain or discomfort.
3. Can people with glasses wear headphones?
Absolutely! Your specs should not be a hindrance for you to enjoy crisp audio and stunning videos from your media devices. Just make it a point to pick out something comfortable even when you’re wearing eyeglasses.
4. Can you wear over-ear headphones with glasses?
It depends on what headphones you got, but of course, you can! You can try some headphones I mentioned in this review. They were already tested by bespectacled audiophiles.
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