I tested 6 headphones for movies, and I found Bose Headphones 700 to be the best.
My experience with headphones had its ups and downs. But I recently came across a few brilliant headsets that changed the audio game for me. In this article, I’m going to write about the 6 best headphones to watch movies. I’m going to cover those headphones that allow you to have a soothing movie watching experience.
The Bose Headphones 700 is the best headphone for movies. It’s an Alexa-enabled headset with an over-ear form factor. It cancels out background noise so you can watch TV shows without interruptions.
I’m a big fan of its sound quality and noise-cancelling earmuffs. It’s the best three-hundred-something dollars I spent on wireless headphones.
Ailihen C8 wired headphones are my budget pick, and Bose QuietComfort 35 II is the best overall. Please scroll down to my reviews, where I discuss each headphone in detail!
Best Headphone for Movies in Our Tests
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II (Best Overall for watching movies)
- Zihnic Wireless Over-Ear Headphones (Best comfortable headphones for movies)
- Ailihen C8 Wired Headphones with Microphone (Best-budget headphones for movies)
- Bose Bluetooth Headphones 700 (Best noise-canceling Headphones for movies)
- Avantree HT4189 Wireless Headphones (Best Wireless Headphones with Extended Battery)
- Razer Nari Ultimate Wireless 7.1 Headphones (Best Surround-Sound Headphones for movies)
6 Best Headphones for Movies
For someone who watches a lot of movies, the following six headphones are a lifesaver.
They’re a good fit for your home theatre as well as a smartphone and PC. I had the opportunity to try all six of them recently.
If you’re looking for headphones with good sound quality, you might find them right here! Keep reading!
These headphones offer cool features, including 20-hour battery life. It delivers cinematic sound in great detail and creates an immersive home-theatre experience.
When I got these headphones, the first thing that came to my mind was aesthetics. It’s a sleek device with an over-ear form factor. You’ll find the controls around the speaker drivers and behind the cushions. It was pretty easy to change the volume without fumbling for my phone.
QuietComfort 35 II offers a good range of sound. You can compare its soundstage to that of home-theatre speakers. It’s a low-latency headphone, which means there’s no delay between the picture and the sound.
If you want to catch everything from background music to dialogues, you’ll like these headphones. For starters, its top-notch noise cancellation allows you to enjoy movies anywhere, anytime.
To my surprise, the sound quality was balanced at a high volume. The headphones also connect to Bose Music. This app lets you choose playlists, set timers, shuffle, and customize music in one place.
For Bluetooth headphones, QuietComfort packed the best-in-class connectivity. It maintains a stable connection for seamless hearing. The microphones pick up your voice and isolate it from the noise around you.
I didn’t need to worry about my voice getting muffled, thanks to the noise suppression technology. It’s an excellent Bluetooth headphone overall. You’ll be making a big mistake if you don’t raise your budget for such high-quality headphones.
Pros
- Superior soundstage and frequency response
- Comfortable headphone cushions
- Noise-canceling dual microphones
- Easy to pair Bluetooth devices
- A volume-optimized EQ
Cons
- A bit expensive
Verdict
I recommend Bose QuietComfort to anyone who’s looking for an Alexa-enabled headphone. At 20 hours or more, the excellent battery life gets you through the day. The drivers don’t buzz or vibrate at high volumes, and the sound is 100% distortion-free! Its battery backup, soundstage, and quality justify the price.
Zihnic produces good-quality devices. So, I was intrigued to try their over-ear headphones for watching movies. They offered a mesmerizing sound in terms of bass, mid and treble. But what I truly enjoyed about Zihnic headphones was their sound clarity.
The headsets are lightweight, allowing you to use them outside your home. I also liked their ability to deliver a surround sound experience. The speaker drivers did not vibrate in high volume levels, which was a major plus for me. I occasionally take the headsets to the gym. There wasn’t any significant sound leak, in my opinion.
So, if you’re planning to use these headphones on more than one occasion, you’ll like them a lot. The earmuffs are made of soft memory foam, the best of their kind! I found them to be an excellent fit for long periods of listening.
For a budget headset, the battery performance is incredible. You can use them for over 14 hours on a single charge.
I was doing a Marvel marathon last Friday night wearing the same Zohnic headphones. Word on the street is- they’re the most comfortable headphones for long-time use.
The people aren’t wrong. But I wish they mentioned how good these headphones are for watching movies. Then I would have gotten them much sooner! By the way, these wearables double up as a wired headsets. Simply connect the audio cable to your device and enjoy nonstop music on the go!
Pros
- Soft memory-foam leather earmuffs
- Easy to switch between calls and music
- Fast-charging and a 14-hour playback time
- The headset has quick onboard controls
Cons
- Decent microphone; it could be better
Verdict
I wouldn’t say Zihnic outdid themselves with the headphone. But it’s as far as twenty-five-something dollars will get you. I think the sound quality was decent for playing games or watching TV. The bass-boosting feature makes it the best headphone for action movies and music.
Over the past few weeks, the Ailihen C8 has become my favorite headset. I was intrigued by its foldable design, but I eventually stayed for the sound. First, it offers a full-blown cinematic experience at home. You get to hear the high and low frequencies as well as the extraordinary sound effects.
Since it’s a wired headset, I didn’t have to worry about Bluetooth pairing or connectivity issues. I simply had to plug it in and enjoy surround sound for as long as I liked!
In my experience with foldable headphones, Ailihen C8 packed the most bang for the buck. On the one hand, it’s comfortable and practical. And on the other hand, it’s easy to carry the headset around.
Thanks to the adjustable hinge, you can expect a good deal of flexibility from the headset. It adapts to your head and instantly becomes the right size headphone for you!
A 47-inch braided cable connects the headset to your device. It withstands rough use and is surprisingly resistant to tangling! The cord also houses a mic, two volume buttons, and a control knob for incoming calls and music.
The microphone lets you have high-definition audio calls with a bit of help from the ear cups. It makes sure that your voice is heard loud and clear when you’re outdoors.
It’s easy to lose yourself in the immersive soundstage of Ailihen C8. But it’s still a wired headphone, which means you can’t enjoy the perks of going wireless. If you’re specifically looking for a wired headphones, consider Ailihen C8 the winner!
Pros
- A comfortable over-ear form factor
- Portable design and adjustable headband
- Soft earmuffs for long-term wearing
- Compatible with most media devices
Cons
- It doesn’t support Bluetooth
Verdict
Ailihen C8 is the best-value headset for watching movies. I liked its super-soft earmuffs and the foldable headband. It packs a durable cord and all your necessary controls for a seamless experience. The soft cushions won’t cramp your ears over long periods of listening.
Remember when you’re watching a movie, the actors start to talk under their breath? You dial the volume all the way up and still can’t make out what they’re saying? I may have discovered the ultimate headset that puts an end to these problems.
First off, Bose has some excellent headphones. So, when it came to watching movies in peace, I naturally opted for this headset.
It has 11 noise-cancellation levels so that you can block out ambient sound for good! I enjoyed its balanced audio at every volume. Thankfully, it doesn’t muffle the treble nor leave the low-frequency bass notes behind.
It delivers hi-res sound for up to 20 hours at a stretch. Even for the best noise-canceling headphones, that kind of battery power is hard to beat.
Other than a magnificent soundstage, Bose 700 is also known for its looks. If I’m not wrong, this headphone is one of the best-looking wearables out there. It features a steel headband and ergonomic ear cups for a comfy fit.
The headset is compatible with Alexa and Google Voice Assistant. So, there’s no need to reach for your phone when you want to call someone or listen to a podcast. Speak, and let Alexa handle the rest!
This bit makes the headset worth 350+ bucks. As it turns out, the right earcup is touch-sensitive. Tap it once, and the headset plays your Spotify playlist on a loop. Tap it again; you’ll be directed to new music without touching your phone or calling Alexa!
Pros
- You can play Spotify music with a single tap
- Balanced sound quality with crisp bass and treble
- Eleven levels of active noise-cancellation
- Supports Alexa and Google Voice Assistant
Cons
- It doesn’t connect to Bose Music App
Verdict
This headset is a must-have for its powerful soundstage and simplicity. The touch sensitivity of the right ear cup is on point. The mic makes your voice sound crystal clear from the other side.
These Bluetooth headphones are specially made for watching TV. You can depend on its sound quality for making the most out of your favorite shows. It’s a low-latency Bluetooth headphone under a hundred dollars.
Before buying, I had high hopes about the Avantree HT4189. It became quite the phenomenon as soon as it was released. It comes with a Bluetooth transmitter for AUX RCA and USB cables.
You can use the headphones with an old television that doesn’t have Bluetooth. Just plug the transmitter into its audio port and start watching! It’s that easy. I was worried about latency because I have an old TV myself. But the audio came perfectly synchronized with the visuals. I couldn’t ask for more!
Without the transmitter, Avantree functions like a regular Bluetooth headset. You can use it separately for watching movies on your phone. The speakers are powered with 40mm stereo drivers for high-quality sound. Much like the best headphone for classical music, Avantree has a bright sound that I like.
At half the price, these headphones lasted longer than my Bose 700. Its playback time is 40 hours. You can pack this headset for a short trip and never have to charge it on the way!
Pros
- A universally compatible Bluetooth transmitter
- Transforms any TV into a Bluetooth device
- Reliable Bluetooth connectivity within 100ft range
- Synchronized audio and visuals
- 40 hours of playback time
Cons
- TV speakers might not stay on when the headphones are in use
Verdict
It packs a revolutionary sound quality, producing lifelike sound in crisp detail. But I recommend this headset for the Bluetooth adapter and playback. The transmitter might mute your TV speakers.
So, you can’t have anyone else listening to the TV while you’re using the headphones. There’s a high chance your Smart TV supports this feature, and the speakers can stay on.
I like experimenting with 7.1 gaming headsets. So, recently I used my Razer Nari headphones for watching a show. The surround-sound speakers paid off. I definitely enjoyed the listening experience more than I imagined.
The best thing about 7.1 headphones is the multidirectional audio. It makes you feel like you’re inside the game. So, when I played a movie through Razer, the sound automatically became more realistic.
These headphones have cutting-edge audio technology. They can pick up sound effects from your movie as they happen. The ear cups produce dynamic vibrations in response. This is a valuable feature in gaming for obvious reasons- virtual gunshots and explosions.
So, when it comes to watching movies, you can’t unlock the full potential of Razer HyperSense. In my experience, its THX spatial audio served more purpose. It delivers a life-like sound and hooks the viewers from the first scene!
Want to enjoy high-fidelity audio from a mediocre home theatre? Then you can look at Razer Nari headphones. But if you have a knack for gaming, you’ll leave with one. They have a balanced game chat/audio. So, neither sound stream overpowers the other!
Razer Nari, still surprisingly cheaper than Bose 700, is all about performance and comfort. Its ear cushions are infused with a cooling gel. The ear cups swivel so that you can easily remove them for a breather.
Pros
- A 7.1 surround-sound headphone with a retractable mic
- 360° audio for natural and life-like listening
- Razer HyperSense for special sound effects
- Cooling gel-infused cushions and swiveling ear cups
- Up to 12 meters wireless range
Cons
- Not compatible with XBOX one
Verdict
Anyone who wants to buy standard 7.1 surround-sound headphones will like Razer Nari. You get 360°, high-fidelity sound, and comprehensive Bluetooth coverage. It’s an on-ear headphone with swiveling ear cups and a retractable mic. I think it’s an excellent headset for gaming and watching movies in your home theatre.
What to Look for Before Buying Headphones
Sound is a big part of our cinematic experience. You want headphones that sound brilliant and feel comfortable at the same time.
Whenever I buy new headphones, I weigh the seven things below. It helps me compare and pick suitable headphones for my every need.
If you can’t put the finger on what type of headphones you want, this one-minute-read will save you from the trouble!
Form Factor
There are two main form factors for headphones. I personally like on-ear headsets because they rest on top of my ears. Over-ear or circum-aural headphones cup your entire ear for an immersive sound.
They make my ears sweat after a while. I don’t prefer the stuffy form factor unless the sound quality is particularly impressive.
Sound Quality
The soundstage of a headphone depends on a couple of things. First, you need to consider the size of the speaker driver. A large one kicks out a loud sound. The notion that you’ll get a better bass response is not necessarily true.
Other vital factors are- frequency response, total harmonic distortion (THD), impedance, and sensitivity. As a general rule, speaker drivers 40mm or larger are preferable for over-ear headphones.
Even though our audible band is 20Hz to 20,000Hz, the best headphones for bass guitar hits lower. I like headphones with a broader frequency range.
The last thing here is sensitivity. It’s measured in decibels per milliwatt (dB/mW) and decides how loud your headphones can go.
Wireless Connectivity
In my opinion, wireless headphones are better for watching movies. Any headset with Bluetooth 5.0 standard is good to go. But what if your TV doesn’t have Bluetooth?
You can check the Avantree HT4189 headphones. They come with a Bluetooth transmitter that connects to your TV with a USB/AUX cable.
Headphones with pairing issues are a big no. More often than not, we use the same headset with our phone, PC, laptop, and TV. So, hassle-free connectivity is a must!
Battery Power
Your preferable battery power comes down to your daily usage. Do you frequently travel and watch movies on your phone? Then you require headphones with no less than 20-hour battery life.
Bose headphones offer good battery backup in a wireless setting. Models like the Bose 700 allow USB C fast-charging. So, you can power up the gadget in 2.5 hours and enjoy it for the rest of your day!
Mic Performance
Assuming you’ll use the headphones for other reasons, it doesn’t hurt to get a good-quality mic. The wired ones have an HD microphone on the headset. It makes up for the retractable mouthpiece you get on gaming headphones.
Poor Bluetooth connectivity may break up your voice even when you have a working microphone.
Noise Cancellation
This part doesn’t require a lot of explanation. But the technology is available in two forms- active noise cancellation and ambient sound.
Active noise cancellation uses both the speaker and the mic to suppress your surrounding noises.
Passive noise cancellation is when the earmuffs physically block out unwanted noise. Ambient noise lets a few low-level frequencies get through. It allows you to keep in touch with your surroundings for safe listening.
Whichever you should get is entirely your call!
Foldability and Design
Do you watch TV shows while commuting? Then You need to pick a foldable headset with swiveling earcups. Much like the Ailihen C8, headbands can be folded in half.
You should pick a headset that allows you to adjust the headband to your head shape.
Modern headphones are sleek and lightweight. So, it matters little whether you can fold it up or not.
Types of Headphones for Watching Movies
There are many headphones in different form factors, earcup structures, and connectivity. I’m comparing them below so you can decide what works for you. Have a look!
Open-Back vs. Closed-Back Headphones
Open-back headphones come with “open” ear cups. They allow sound to escape through the headset on purpose.
Choose open-back headphones if you don’t want to detach completely from your surroundings. They leak some noise and provide a flat and airy sound.
Next, closed-back headphones are suitable for audiophiles. They block out all ambient noise and provide hi-res audio to your ears.
These are primarily available in over-ear form factors. My only problem with closed-ear headphones is the excess sound pressure.
Wired vs. Wireless Headphones
Bluetooth headphones let you move around without being tethered to a device.
Most wireless headsets I’ve used supported a 12-foot range. Paired devices instantly connect to these headphones.
However, wireless headphones might be prone to high latency. It can cause the audio and video to fall out of sync.
In that case, you can explore wired headphone options. Ailihen C8 is my all-time favorite from the wired headset category.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are open-back headphones good for movies?
Yes, open-back headphones are suitable for watching movies at home. Given the long duration of movies, you’ll enjoy their sound output. These headphones don’t overpower your senses. But they can leak sound at some point.
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Can you use wireless headphones to watch TV and movies?
You can use wireless headphones for watching TV and movies. Pair the headphones with your TV via Bluetooth and play any movie. The audio will be played directly through your headphones. You can turn the volume up and down from the headset and switch back to the TV speakers anytime.
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Are 7.1 headphones good for movies?
Yes, the 7.1 surround-sound headphones are suitable for movies and TV. As I see it, they’re in the same category as gaming headphones. If the rest of your home theatre setup doesn’t support surround sound, you can choose the regular on-ear headphones.
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Are gaming headphones good for movies?
Yes, gaming headphones are suitable for movies. They amplify the soundstage and make you feel the special effects.
But the advanced haptics, game chat/music balance, and the microphone are for gaming.
I’m a big fan of Razer’s dynamic sound quality and haptics. Unless you’re talking about a budget gaming headset, avoid gaming headphones for movies.
Wrapping UP!!
In my experience, good headphone offers incredible sound, comfort, and battery life. The Bose Headphones 700 is the best headphone for movies. It’s got a killer soundstage and makes movies come to life.
The headphones deliver sharp dialogues at every volume. Its over-ear form factor looks sleek. It’s also equipped with 11 noise-cancellation levels and a powerful microphone.
It supports Alexa and takes you straight to Spotify with a gentle tap on the right earcup. What’s better than 20 hours of non-stop music? Get your Bose Headphones 700 right now!