The 5 most comfortable headphones weve ever tested

What are the most comfortable headphones? Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable The most comfortable earbuds and headphones shouldn't cause ear fatigue or pain, even after hours of listening to music or podcasts.

After extensive testing, we selected the five most comfortable headphones based on price, performance, and purpose.

However, one product in particular stood out, and it's the one with "Comfort" literally in the name.

Our audio reviewers are unanimous on this point: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) are the most comfortable headphones available right now.

Read on to find out what other pairs emerged as the top choices, including picks for those who want top-tier noise cancellation .

In-ear, on-ear, or over-ear? If you're looking for comfort above all, over-ear headphones are almost always the way to go.

They just wear better than earbuds or on-ear models.

The latter is harsher on your ears, which can cause serious discomfort, depending on how long you wear them.

In-ear buds are generally more comfortable than on-ear headphones, but they can still begin to hurt after just a few hours (they are jammed inside your ears, after all).

Although over-ear headphones are bulkier and less portable, it's worth the trade-off for comfort's sake.

Plus, over-ear headphones can be safer for your ears compared to earbuds because the sound isn't being funneled directly into your ear canal.

They also provide extra noise cancellation .

How much should you spend on comfortable headphones? The good news is that comfortable headphones aren't locked to a specific budget range.

You can find a super cozy pair at premium pricing just as easily as you can find them at the budget end of the spectrum.