16 Best Headphones for Movies

There are some fabulous headphones out there for movies in 2022. Here is a list of what I consider to be the best 16.

These are arranged in no particular order, and they come in various price points. So depending on your budget and your preferences, I am sure you’d find one that suits your needs.

1. Bose QC45 ANC Headphones – $329.00

The Bose QC-45 is still one of the top noise-canceling headphones on the market, and for a good reason. These puppies pack a serious punch when it comes to features and performance.

If you can find a deal, the Bose QC35 ii is also still a winning headphone. You can see our full review here.

These top-of-the-line headphones feature noise cancellation, perfect for movie lovers who want to drown out the world and get lost in their favorite flick. Additionally, the QC-45 is exceptionally comfortable to wear for extended periods, meaning you can marathon your way through an entire movie without taking a break.

2. Sony WH-1000XM4 ANC Headphones – $248.00

Another headphone that offers excellent noise cancellation and top-notch sound quality is the Sony WH-1000XM4. These top-of-the-line headphones feature both Active Noise Cancellation and Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing, which work together to create a perfect listening experience.

Additionally, the WH-1000XM4 offers a variety of other features that make them perfect for movie lovers, including quick charging, touch controls, and Alexa enabled. And if that wasn’t enough, they’re also some of the most comfortable headphones to wear for extended periods.

Of course, you can also get the WH-1000XM5 but if you can get a deal on XM4, so worth it. I’m not a huge fan for listening to music but great for movies with the big bottom end (aka bass).

3. Philips SHP9500 Headphones – $79.99

If you’re looking for top-notch sound quality without breaking the bank, then the Philips SHP9500S is an excellent option. These budget-friendly, open-back wired headphones offer incredible sound quality, perfect for movie lovers who want to get lost in action.

The SHP9500S features an ergonomic design that makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods. In addition, the 50mm neodymium drivers deliver the full spectrum of sound without being too fatiguing. And since they’re from Philips, you know you’re getting a quality product.

4. AKG Pro Audio K371BT Headphones – $179.00

The AKG Pro Audio K371BT is another excellent pair of top-notch wired studio headphones. These are perfect for both immersive music listening and watching movies. It is also proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get studio-quality AKG sound.

These closed-back headphones offer excellent sound quality thanks to their 50 mm titanium drivers, tuned to the AKG’s Reference Response Curve. Additionally, the foldable, notched 8-position articulated hinge collapses for maximum portability. And the slow-retention foam earpads offer superior comfort and fit for long listening sessions with minimal leakage.

5. Fostex TH-600 Headphones

This pair of Fostex, with its beautiful wood-grained housings made of black walnut with a matte finish, screams premium. But for a lower range Fostex these headphones can outperform even its more expensive cousins.

Especially for movies, its 50mm drivers with 1 Tesla (1,000 Gauss) magnetic circuit reproduces a wide dynamic range like no other headphone on this list. The low repulsion earcup cushions are also perfect for long sessions. If you have the money to spare, these are probably the best movie headphones you can get in 2022.

6. Beat Solo 3 – $109.99

Based on the company’s first and most popular over-the-ear, noise-canceling headphones, the Beats Solo Pro, this updated model packs all the features found in the older model but is now powered by Apple’s W1 chip and Class 1 wireless Bluetooth connectivity.

The design has been refined, and the sound quality fine-tuned. As a result, they offer a more balanced sound than their predecessor, maximizing clarity and width, which is good for the movie viewing experience. Plus, they offer a ‘Fast Fuel’ feature, which gives you 3 hours of playback with just 5 minutes of charging.

7. Airpods Pro – $187.63

Technically not a headphone, but with the latest addition of Spatial Audio, these are worth a mention. They are incredibly comfortable to wear for long periods and offer some of the best in class active noise cancellations, which is great for an immersive movie viewing experience.

Although the technology is not thoroughly tested and is still not universal on all streaming apps, Spatial Audio can be game-changing for movie streaming. Its 3D and directional sound features make for a very immersive viewing experience. So you can count out the Airpods Pro as one of the top earphone choices for movies in 2022.

8. Sennheiser HD 450BT – $94.95

Sennheiser is a well-renowned name in the audio industry, and for a good reason. The HD 450BTs has become a standard in the active noise-canceling headphones segment, and they do not disappoint.

The 45mm drivers offer Sennheiser’s signature rich and detailed sound quality. In addition, you can play around with equalizer settings and various modes through the Sennheiser App, which makes it perfect for an immersive movie viewing experience. They also have a 30-hour battery life, so you can watch your favorite movies all day long without worrying about recharging.

9. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 – $349.99

The PX7 brings the B&W class to a small package. The 43 mm drivers of this headphone are the largest in their headphone collection and are tuned by the same engineers behind their 800 Series diamond speakers used in Abbey Road Studios. So you can be assured of the sound quality of these headphones.

These feature active noise cancellation, which is perfect for movie watching. In addition, the headphone automatically pauses when you lift one ear cup and resume when you put it back on, which is a very convenient feature to have. The headphone also looks classy, and the carbon fiber composite arms are sleek and durable at the same time.

10. Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X – $269.99

A classic, the DT900 Pro X is still one of the best options for movies and music. Beyerdynamic’s technology ensures that these headphones offer a comprehensive frequency response with extremely low distortion. The result is detailed and natural sound quality, perfect for movie watching.

The ear cups are also very comfortable and can be worn for long periods without causing any discomfort. The only downside is that it is wired, and being a 600 Ohm can, it needs a headphone amplifier to get the most performance. But they are still a great choice without one.

11. Grado SR325X – $295.00

Another wired open-back design from an excellent audiophile company. The Grado SR325X features the 4th generation Grado tuned 44mm drivers. Unlike other studio headphones on this list, the drivers are easy to drive at 38 Ohm. So they won’t require a headphone amplifier to get the full range of performance.

These headphones are also the only hand-built headphones on this list. They offer outstanding detail and clarity and provide an immersive movie-watching experience. The only downside is that the open-back design of the Grados is very leaky. But that shouldn’t be a problem for home streaming.

12. AKG N60NC – Price not available

Another affordable AKG offering. With features like active noise cancellation, a long-lasting battery, and a foldable compact design for ease of carrying. The N60NC is one of the most balanced headphones on this list and offers superb detail, clarity, and soundstage for an immersive movie experience.

The headphones are very comfortable to wear for long periods. And the fact that they are noise-canceling means you won’t be bothered by any external noise when trying to concentrate on your movie.

13. Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless Headphones – $533.93

This high-end wireless headphone offers optimum sound quality thanks to the Tesla coil technology inside the drivers. The only other headphone (along with the Foxtex) featuring this technology on this list.

The headphone adapts acoustically to the user’s hearing thanks to integrated sound personalization and thus delivers perfect sound, no matter the device. In addition, the masterfully balanced contact pressure earcups deliver an ideal fit no matter the size of the head.

14. Shure SRH1540 Headphones – $499.00

The Shure SRH1540 is a professional-grade closed-back headphone designed for critical listening. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be used for movies. The headphones have 40 mm neodymium drivers, which offer excellent sound quality and provide an extended bass response which is perfect for movie watching.

The ear cups are also very comfortable and can be worn for long periods without causing any discomfort. In addition, the lightweight construction features an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy yoke and carbon fiber cap for enhanced durability. So if you’re looking for excellent sound quality and solid construction, then the Shure is a name you cannot go wrong with.

15. Anker Soundcore Life Q20 – $49.99

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is an affordable option for those on a budget. But that doesn’t mean it’s not good. The headphone features four-microphone technology for enhanced detection and cancellation of ambient noises. So you get a hybrid active once cancellation system for under $60 which is a pretty good deal for a movie-watching headphone.

It also has Hi-Res Audio and 40mm dynamic drivers for superior sound quality. The ear cups are also very comfortable and can be worn for long periods without causing any discomfort. The battery life is excellent at 40 hours of playback. The only sticking point is that Anker has cranked up the bass too much, so it sounds a bit muddy, but that’s expected at this price point.

16. OneOdio A70 – $44.99

They are the cheapest headphone on our list. The OneOdio A70 is a closed-back, wired/wireless headphone that promises a playback of over 72 hours in its wireless mode.

The 40 mm driver is nothing to write home about, but it does the job, reproducing the sounds faithfully to keep you engaged. In addition, the earcups feel soft enough for extended usage, which is perfect for movie watching.

The headphones feature a 3.5mm cable input on one end and a 6.35mm input on another. This allows two devices to be connected to the headphone simultaneously. This feature might be helpful for DJs or musicians practicing at home.

We have a full review of these coming soon. You can also check out our review of the Monitor 60 from OneOdio.

Summing it allll up

It’s a lot of headphones but I spent time with our team creating it and they’ve done a great job helping me pull together the details.

This post was last updated on 2025-03-20 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.