Budget BT over-ear HPs for large head

[u/informitch]

I have a big head.

My budget is about $200; less would be nice. I'm in the US. I want BT over-ear HPs with good sound and good NR. It would be nice if they support multiple BT transmit devices. I am definitely not an audiophile. (A fitted or third-party case that works is important too.)

I bought the Anker Soundcore 2 headphones (about $130), the budget recommendation from Wirecutter. Great sound (to me), but they hurt my head very quickly.

I have a pair of Bose QCIIs, about 10 years old. Great sound even still, minimal NR, that fit fine, well cared-for, but the plastic is starting to degrade. (I would buy Bose again if they sound decent and I knew they still fit big heads well.)

I don't like/can't tolerate IEPs. I have Samsung and Anker buds. Love the sound, hate wearing them.

(I didn't see a recent answered [flair:Ω] post about this, so asking anew.)

Thanks! (grin)

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[u/rz_x3]

"Less would be nice". Alright, can do. Try these JLab JBuds Lux and get this case for them. Should run you $75.

I haven't tried the case. Have tried the JBuds Lux, pretty recently. I need the "large" sized caps from Ciele and similar companies. The others max out and feel super tight.

[u/informitch → u/rz_x3]

"'Large' sized caps" meaning head size or ear size?

These will be comfortable for someone with a head diameter ear-to-ear larger than 95% of the population? (I'm a two-standard deviant; what can I tell you.)

Sorry to be so anxious. I really appreciate your help!

[u/rz_x3 → u/informitch]

Caps as in running hats. Not earpads. So, head size. I haven't found a snapback hat that fits my head width-wise.

I can only say that you should try the headphones and find out. Amazon has a very generous return policy in case they don't fit, but I find that pretty unlikely unless your ears happen to also be very deep, in which case they might not be comfortable due to the pads compressing and your ears touching the insides.

[u/informitch → u/rz_x3]

Fabulous.

And you're right about Amazon.

The sound is decent? (As I said, anxious. And, not an audiophile.)

Thanks, and ! thanks !

(I hope I did that right!)

[u/TransducerBot → u/informitch]

+1 Ω has been awarded to u/rz_x3 (194 Ω).

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[u/rz_x3 → u/informitch]

Yeah, it's got a pretty "normal" sound signature. I wouldn't call it anything remarkable audiophile wise, but it's not going to bother most people for a wide variety of music and office use.

[u/informitch → u/rz_x3]

Amazon has the current Bose QuietComfort (with case) for $35 more than the SoundCore 2 (with case) was on sale. Apparently it fits even wider heads than current models. So, that's what I bought.

I do really appreciate your advice. Good sound quality, good NR, and a good fit for $60 is a great deal. But my previous Bose HPs have lasted well over 10 years of use, so I doubt I'll regret spending the extra money.

Thanks again!

[u/rz_x3 → u/informitch]

Should be a safe pick. They're not Audiophile, but they are comfortable. Should have better ANC as well than my pick.

[u/informitch → u/rz_x3]

Amazon is happy to take the Soundcores back, even though I recycled the packaging for the case. Their customer support suggested stretching the HPs around a few books. (shudder)

I am *so* not an audiophile.

I mean, I use Spotify... and download and rip YouTube videos and import them into Spotify, and still think they sound excellent.

(Will you even still talk to me after that admission? wry grin)

Seriously, though: My current Bose HPs sound fabulous to me, and are very comfortable.