10 Best Headphones for Movies and TV Shows

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Are you shopping for the best headphones for movies, but with the comprehensive array of choices you aren’t sure which ones to buy? The overwhelming amount of choice is a good thing, after all, you get to select the features that matter to you, from a brand you trust, and within your budget. In this buyer’s guide, you’ll find some of the best headphones that movie enthusiasts can own. We have broken up the list into 3 price categories to ensure all budget sizes are accommodated.

Take a look at the buying considerations section if you’ve never bought headphones for movies before. There you’ll find all the info that’s needed to make an informed buying decision you are not going to regret down the line. The various factors we have covered include audio quality, brand, comfort, wireless connectivity, and durability. When all of these characteristics are considered you’ll have a great chance of ending up with the headphones that are perfect for your need.

You’ll be fully informed on what the movie watching headphones marketplace is like by the time you finish reading this buyer’s guide. We hope you’ll have as much fun reading this guide as we had putting it together.

Budget
best-budget-headphones-for-movies
August EP650
4.8/5.0
Weight: 8.32 ounces
Wireless: Yes
Good comfort levels with 10 hours of battery life.
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Best Value
best-value-headphones-for-movies
Sennheiser RS 175 RF
4.9/5.0
Weight: 10.9 ounces
Wireless: Yes
Premium feel with 18 hours of wireless connectivity.
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Top Pick
top-value-headphones-for-movies
Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II)
4.9/5.0
Weight: 8.3 ounces
Wireless: Yes
Has a premium feel and long lasting comfort.
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How to connect headphones to a TV

The wave of constantly evolving TV’s represent a huge upgrade over what was available just 5 or 10 years ago, and at affordable price points to. However, they are often missing one crucial element – the headphone jack. Older TV’s typically always had the 3.5mm headphone jack, which manufacturers are slowly phasing out of their setup.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to connect when the 3.5mm headphone jack is not available.

  • Adapters: there may be an RCA audio jack in older TV’s, which can be connected to by using a RCA-to-3.5mm female adapter. These can be bought online from a number of stores for a relatively small price. Newer TV’s may have a digital Optical output, which requires a digital to analog converter. You can also connect to a streaming media device, which may have a 3.5mm headphone jack or require the use of an adapter.
  • Wireless: nowadays plenty of TV’s allow for Bluetooth connectivity, but if they don’t then you can make use of a Bluetooth adapter. When using RF headphones you connect wirelessly to the charging stand such as with the Sennheiser RS 175 RF. However, you still need to connect the base stand to the TV, which can be done using various wired options.

Buying factors to consider







Items by price:

Headphones For Movies Comparison Table

Make and ModelWeightWirelessPrice
August EP6508.32 ouncesYesCheck Price
ARTISTE Wireless Headphones for TV40 ouncesYesCheck Price
Sony RF995RK40 ouncesYesCheck Price
Avantree 40 hr Wireless6.2ouncesYesCheck Price
Sennheiser HD 2015.8 ouncesNoCheck Price
Sennheiser RS 175 RF10.9 ouncesYesCheck Price
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO16 ouncesNoCheck Price
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x10.1 ouncesNoCheck Price
Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II)8.3 ouncesYesCheck Price
Sennheiser HD 598 Special Edition9.44 ouncesNoCheck Price
P7 Wireless Over Ear Headphones by Bowers & Wilkins21.12 ouncesYesCheck Price

Best Headphones for Movies Under $100

Are you a movie enthusiast that’s looking for suitable headphones without putting a big dent in your wallet? Then the under $100 category is for you as you’ll find a variety of models. The level of audio in the budget movie headphones is surprisingly good, but the durability is lacking in quality.

There is enough variety in this category to give you the freedom to find the headphones that have the features you’re after. You’ll even notice some industry-leading brands in this price bracket.

1. August EP650

August EP650View on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5

The August EP650 headphones are a budget-friendly option that has a number of characteristics movie enthusiasts will appreciate. There is a choice of colors, which includes white, black, blue, red, gold, and silver. The overall quality here is so good that you will struggle to find better movie headphones at under $50.

The comfortable soft faux leather ear cushions deliver a comfortable viewing experience that allows you to watch movies all day long without getting agitated with the fit. The sponge-like earpads are soft on the skin and don’t exert much pressure whilst wearing.

The headphones are foldable, which means they are easy to take on your travels. You can watch movies anywhere while enjoying great audio. The 50mm audio drivers provide an awesome soundstage and the audio experience can be altered with any EQ app.

You can use the 10 hour battery to watch several movies in one go, or alternatively make use of the 3.5mm cable. The ability to switch between different connectivity modes is a nice element of flexibility.

On ear controls are available to adjust the volume, which can come in handy when you’re watching a movie from a distance and don’t want to get up to alter the volume. A microphone is included here, not useful for watching movies, but it can come in handy when you want to talk with others online.

A few minor drawbacks should be considered before buying the August EP650 headphones. The status light can get a little bright, which can be annoying in a dark room. Furthermore, sound leakage can be an issue if you are watching a movie around others.

To summarize, the August EP650 headphones are a solid choice for buyers on a budget. Enjoying movies on a budget does not mean sacrificing the audio quality and the August EP650 prove this point. The array of features at the low price point makes this a highly competitive choice.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 8.32 ounces
Wireless: yes
Battery life: 10 hours
Surround sound: no
The Pros
Choice of various colors
Good comfort levels
10 hours of battery life
Good value for money
The Cons
Status light is too bright
Excessive sound leakage

2. ARTISTE Wireless Headphones for TV

wireless-headphones-for-tvView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

These headphones are designed specifically for use with a TV, which means you’re going to have a number of features that are well- suited for your viewing experience. The overall value for money means they are going to satisfy the majority of buyers, but if you’re looking for industry-leading audio quality then you’ll need to look at one of the more expensive categories.

The frequency range is 30HZ – 20kHZ and you can expect clarity – especially the mids and highs. The bass is somewhat lacking due to the minimum frequency of 30Hz. The signal to noise ratio is better than other analog systems at the same price range.

The battery allows for 20 hours of viewing pleasure on a single charge. Therefore, you may only have to recharge the battery one a week depending on how often you are watching movies. They provide 100 feet of range and make use of the 2.4 GHz frequency band. This is beneficial because this band is not used by the majority of devices in your neighborhood.

On-ear controls are available for you to alter the volume and enable a number of smart features. Play around with the functionality and various settings so that you can fully utilize your headphones.

However, before adding these headphones to the shopping cart consider some of the disadvantages that you have to overcome. The audio quality is great for the money, but music enthusiasts may need to purchase another pair of headphones to get the full experience. Furthermore, there is no big brand behind these headphones, which means you may not get great customer service.

Overall, these headphones for TV have all the features a movie enthusiast could want: great audio for movies, long battery life, a comfortable fit, and a reliable connection. They aren’t the most sophisticated movie headphones on this list, but they get the job done at an affordable price point.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 17.6 ounces
Wireless: yes
Battery life: 20 hours
Surround sound: no
The Pros
Good value for money
20 hours of battery life
Excellent comfort
The Cons
Better audio quality required for music

3. Sony RF995RK

Sony RF995RKView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

Sony is recognized around the world for industry-leading products that consistently bring something new to the marketplace. These affordably priced wireless headphones have an array of features that suits movie enthusiasts. The all-in-one approach to this package ensures you’re going to use these headphones for a variety of uses.

The headphones come with a wireless RF mode that allows for up to 20 hours of battery life per charge. You’ll potentially be able to watch movies all week long without the need to recharge, However, charging the unit is simple as you just place the headphones back on the stand. It’s a convenient place to store it and reduces the amount of damage they will incur over time.

The headphones are described as “optimized for cinema” as the powerful 40mm audio drivers render clear and detailed audio. The overall experience is excellent, which is what you can expect from a reputable brand like Sony. The bass of these headphones is boosted, but not so much that it becomes overwhelming. Finally, the frequency range is very wide, which allows it to capture the entire range of sounds from the movie.

The large earcups are convenient to wear for multiple hours without the need to take a break. You’ll love the solid feel of the headphones and it will take a beating before they get damaged. They are relatively light, which adds to the comfort of watching movies for hours.

Consider a few of the disadvantages to be fully informed about the Sony RF995RK. The headphones cannot be taken outside, because the dedicated stand must be in the vicinity of the headphones. Therefore, these headphones are limited to sitting in front of the TV.

To conclude, the Sony RF995RK is a solid choice at an affordable price point. The execution of the audio here is superb and with a 20 hour battery life, you get to watch all week without the need to recharge.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 40 ounces
Wireless: yes
Battery life: 20 hours
Surround sound: no
The Pros
Excellent comfort
20 hour battery life
Durable design
The Cons
Can only be used with the stand

4. Avantree 40 hr Wireless

Avantree 40 hr WirelessView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5

These Avantree movie headphones are an excellent choice for the budget buyer. The extra-long battery life, comfortable fit, and great audio mean you’re getting a highly competitive piece of kit. Avantree is not a well-known brand, but if you give these headphones a chance you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

The first thing to note is the 40 hour battery life that could potentially last you for weeks before you need to recharge. This exceptionally long battery life means you can watch TV on a daily basis without worrying about the status of the battery.

The super light design and adjustable headband add to the comfort of these headphones. The overall feel is convenient and suitable for daily wear. However, the materials used are not the most durable out there. Therefore, if you use these headphones on a daily basis, then you may find that the longevity will be questionable.

The Hi-Fi sound makes use of competitive technology at the budget end of the scale. Rich bass is available that provides an impactful experience – you’ll enjoy action-packed scenes and soundtracks. However, don’t expect the audio quality here to compete with the more expensive price categories in this guide.

A microphone is included that allows you to use these headphones for gaming and or talking via online voice chat. This is a bonus if you want to combine the movie watching headphones with other users.

Before making the decision to buy the Avantree 40 hr Wireless consider the drawbacks. The earcups do not swivel, which greatly reduces the flexibility of the headphones. Furthermore, the durability could be improved as the quality of the materials is questionable.

To conclude, the Avantree 40 hr Wireless is a competitive option for the budget end of the scale. The audio quality is great for watching movies and you have a good microphone to use for gaming.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 6.2 ounces
Wireless: yes
Battery life: 40 hours
Surround sound: no
The Pros
Competitive price point
40 hour battery life
Good quality audio
The Cons
Cheap materials

5. Sennheiser HD 201

Sennheiser HD 201View on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5

The Sennheiser HD 201 is a solid offering in the budget category for those who need an affordable personal audio solution for movies. They aren’t headphones with a premium feel, but for the price, you’re getting a good level of audio quality – after all, this is Sennheiser.

It’s a closed back design that provides a reasonable level of noise isolation. This helps block out ambient noise in a household that’s constantly busy. However, the disadvantages of a closed back design include the build-up of moisture and heat – this is only a minor nuisance with the HD 201.

The rich and crisp audio reproduction is immersive and the bass brings action-packed scenes to life. The balance here is nice – you’ll love the audio in the quiet scene as all the details can be heard. However, don’t expect the level of audio here to rivals some of the options in the more expensive products in this buyer’s guide.

These movie headphones are wired and have a cable length of 3m. This should be enough for the majority of users, but if it isn’t, then consider investing in an extension cord. The lack of wireless connectivity might be off-putting to some movie watchers, but at the very least you don’t have to worry about charging the battery.

Before buying the Sennheiser HD 201 consider the drawbacks that could be a deal breaker for you. Firstly, the audio isolation could be improved, because when the ambient noise gets loud it can be tough to keep out of the earcups. There is a noticeable amount t of harmonic distortion, which can somewhat reduce the quality of the experience.

To summarize, the Sennheiser HD 201 is a solid offering in the budget department. You’ll get a serviceable level of audio and comfort to satisfy your daily needs. However, there are a few drawbacks, which can be expected at this low price point.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 5.8 ounces
Wireless: no
Battery life: 3m
Surround sound: no
The Pros
Good audio
Great value for money
Comfortable fit
The Cons
Cheap build
Noise isolation could be improved

Best Headphones for Movies Under $200

Do you have a decent budget to invest in some highly competitive movie headphones? Here you’ll find industry-leading brands delivering on their reputation with flagship products. The mix of features and attention to detail here is impressive. The audio quality is good enough to bring any movie to life and gives it another dimension. Re-watch all your favorite movies with one of these headphones for a fresh experience.

6. Sennheiser RS 175 RF

Sennheiser RS 175 RFView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

Sennheiser manufactures some of the best personal audio products in the world and the Sennheiser RS 175 RF is one of their flagship options. The combination of the comfortable fit and amazing level of audio detail means any movie watcher will love to wear these for their viewing pleasure. It comes in at a premium price point of just under $200, but the comprehensive array of well-executed features fully justifies this price tag.

The headphones are wireless and have a 330 foot range if there are no obstacles in the way. Removing wires from the equation means you can sit back comfortably on your couch regardless of how far away you are. The rechargeable batteries provide up to 18 hours of usage and can be easily charged when placed on the stand. The stand that comes in the package is a great place to store your headphones in a safe manner when not in use.

The audio experience can be customized using the buttons on the side of the earcup. One button allows you to toggle the surround sound and the other enhances the bass. Give these different features a try to see how it changes the audio. Perhaps for one movie boosting the bass improves the experience, but for another having it off is the way to go.

The large earcups of the Sennheiser RS 175 RF movie headphones ensure you have a comfortable fit that will not become cumbersome to use. You’ll feel as if you can get through the entirety of a 3 hour movie and not need to take a break from the headphones.

A couple of limitations should also be considered before making the choice to buy. It’s a pricey option and some might argue that you can get cheaper alternatives that have equally good quality. Furthermore, the stand has a rather cheap build – not the same quality that’s poured into the headphones.

To summarize, the Sennheiser RS 175 RF are industry leading headphones that movie fans will love to enjoy the latest big hits. The combination of the immersive audio, excellent wireless connectivity implementation and superb comfort means you’re getting one of the best movie headphones out there.

amazon

Tech Specs
Weight: 10.9 ounces
Wireless: Yes
Battery life: 18 hours
Surround sound: yes
The Pros
18 hours of wireless connectivity
Premium feel
Very comfortable
The Cons
Pricey
Cheap feeling stand

7. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO

Beyerdynamic DT 770 PROView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

Beyerdynamic has experience releasing audiophile grade headphones, and the DT 770 PRO offers audio that’s suitable for professionals. Invest in these headphones and you’ll find that your movie watching experience will receive a serious upgrade. The detail of the audio will unlock new sounds you never knew that existed in your favorite movies.

The musical level of detail and ultra-low bass ensures the audio will impress from the very first movie you watch. Each note is reproduced crisply and the high frequencies are analytically transferred to your ears. The audio of these headphones packs a lot of technology that has been refined over the years by Beyerdynamic.

Another highlight here is the exceptional level of durability. The DT 770 Pro can take a beating and will certainly last you for many years. If you’re going to upgrade it’s probably because there is a better product, and not because they have broken down.

The closed-back design offers a powerful level of noise isolation, which is ideal when trying to watch movies in a noisy environment. The earcups are very comfortable due to their large size and soft padding. Furthermore, the headband provides a stable fit that will not come loose once adjusted correctly.

The drawback of the headphones is the relatively short cable at 1.6m, which can be problematic if you want to sit back on your couch. However, you can easily invest in an extension cable to get over this setback.

To summarize, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is a good choice that delivers professional grade audio and durability that will stand the test of time. They look classy and feel premium when in-hand. Watching movies with the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO will be a blast from day 1.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 16 ounces
Wireless: no
Battery life: 1.6m
Surround sound: no
The Pros
Professional grade audio
Durable design
Has a premium feel
The Cons
Cable only 1.6m

8. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

Audio-Technica is a reputable audio brand that can be trusted to deliver a reliable audio performance that rivals the majority of the marketplace. The ATH-M50x is a highly rated professional grade model that is suitable for those interested in watching movies. Wireless connectivity is not offered, but the cable length is 3 meters.

The critically acclaimed Sonic Performance has been praised by top sound engineers and reviewers. The audio is so good they are suitable for DJ’s, the studio, and watching movies. The 45mm audio drivers deliver the impact that’s required to bring movies to life. The audio sensitivity is at 98dB and the frequency range is an impressive 15-28,000Hz.

Furthermore, noise isolation is available that drastically reduces ambient noise. This allows you to watch movies in a noisy household without being distracted. If you have a big family it can be hard to get some quiet time during the middle of the day. However, these headphones block out unwanted noise so you can enjoy your movie.

The comfortable fit uses a professional grade earpad to provide long-lasting comfort. The headband is fully adjustable to provide a fit for all head sizes that’s snug and will not exert pressure much pressure.

A convenient carrying case is included that allows the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x to be taken on your travels. The headphones have a foldable design that drastically reduces the amount of space they take up. Therefore, they can easily fit in your backpack or suitcase when traveling on vacation.

To ensure you have a balanced overview of these headphones consider some of the drawbacks. Firstly, the noise isolation could be better, because when the ambient noise gets loud it lacks the noise protection that’s required for watching movies. Furthermore, the bass can sometimes be too strong, but this depends on your taste.

To conclude, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is reasonably priced that blows the competition out of the water at this price bracket. The combination of the professional grade audio, exceptional comfort, and foldable design means the headphones are practical.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 10.1 ounces
Wireless: no
Battery life: 3m
Surround sound: no
The Pros
Excellent comfort
Professional grade audio
Foldable design
Convenient carrying case included
The Cons
Bass can be too strong
Noise isolation could use improvement

Best Headphones for Movies under $400

Buyers with a big budget can enjoy industry-leading technology that will blow your mind. The level of cutting edge technology implemented in these headphones will impress even the audiophiles among you. The rich array of features in this category includes noise cancelation, premium materials, and a durable build.

Investing in premium-priced headphones is worthwhile if you enjoy movies on a regular basis. Movie watchers will appreciate the attention to detail and how each scene is brought to life with the level of clarity. Only reputable brands are featured in this category – so buy with confidence.

9. Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II)

Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II)View on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.9/5

The Bose QueitComfort 35 is an industry-leading product and it’s one of the flagship headphones of a premier audio brand. We have recommended it as the top pick in the Top Travel Headphones guide and feel that it’s one of the best headphones for movies that money can buy. The premium price point of around $350 is a big investment, but it will add another dimension to your movie watching.

The 20 hours battery life uses Bluetooth and can last for 20 hours. Don’t worry if your TV doesn’t have a Bluetooth card – you can buy an adapter that will accept the Bluetooth signal. The convenience of watching movies wirelessly adds to the level of comfort as you can sit back on your couch at the other end of the room.

The Bose Connect app allows you to customize the audio experience so that you can fine tune it to match the genre of movie you’re watching. The app is free to download and works with all Android and iOS devices.

A microphone is also included, which is of no use when watching movies, but it allows you to answer calls in a hands-free manner. Therefore, you won’t have to get up from your couch to grab your smartphone.

The noise canceling function of these headphones is exceptionally implemented. You’ll be able to watch movies without getting distracted by the rest of the household. You can also turn the noise canceling feature off to save battery life.

Overall, the Bose QuietComfort 35 is a great investment if you can afford it. The mix of amazing audio, the noise canceling feature, and 20 hour battery life means you’re going to have a blast watching movies with these Bose headphones.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 8.3 ounces
Wireless: Yes
Battery life: 20 hours
Surround sound: no
The Pros
20 hours of wireless connectivity
Premium feel
Long lasting comfort
Suitable for traveling
The Cons
Pricey

10. Sennheiser HD 598 Special Edition

Sennheiser HD 598 Special EditionView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5

Are you after an exceptional level of clarity that can transform the way you watch movies? Then the Sennheiser HD 598 Special Edition should be considered for their audiophile grade performance. Sennheiser has packed all of their best technologies into this model for your movie watching convenience.

The XL earcups are very big, but that is advantageous because you’ll have plenty of room for your ears. The ventilation within the earcups is excellent as heat and moisture build-up is greatly reduced. Consequently, you’ll be able to watch movies for hours without the need to take the headphones off.

You’ll instantly appreciate the premium materials used here as they feel great and add to the level of durability. When spending a high price point you should demand the best materials and that’s what you’re getting here.

The Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement technology is designed to channel the music into your ears in such a way that it produces a more realistic sensation. The voice of the actors in movies will sound realistic – it’s as if you are there in person.

A 1.2 meter cable is provided, which is rather short for watching movies while relaxing on the couch. However, you can buy an extension cable and this problem will be a thing of the past. They look very bulky but are surprisingly light for their size.

Consider a few of the advantages before making a choice to buy. Products at the higher price brackets deserve a higher level of scrutiny. They aren’t portable and the cable that’s provided is on the short side. However, if you can get over these minor setbacks the Sennheiser HD 598 Special Edition is a solid choice.

To summarize, the Sennheiser HD 598 Special Edition is one of the best headphones that you can buy for sitting in front of the TV with. The exceptional audio quality and extreme comfort means you’re going to be using these on a daily basis without any complaints.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 9.44 ounces
Wireless: no
Battery life: 1.2m
Surround sound: no
The Pros
Premium materials
Crystal clear audio
Very comfortable
The Cons
1.2 meter cable is short

11. P7 Wireless Over Ear Headphones by Bowers & Wilkins

P7 Wireless Over Ear Headphones by Bowers & WilkinsView on Amazon

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5

Are you looking for a blend of quality materials and portability to take the headphones on your travels? Then consider the P7 Wireless as it has all the features a movie fan could want. Watching a movie should be a pleasant process and these headphones provide the perfect blend of comfort and audio superiority.

These are wireless headphones that provide up to 17 hours of battery life. The quality of the connection is stable, which ensures the level of audio distortion is kept at a minimum. The frequency range of 10Hz-20KHz means you can expect good quality bass that will bring the best out of action-packed scenes. Impactful audio is one of the best things about watching a movie and the P7 Wireless has no problem delivering in this department.

The earcups are large, which provide a comfortable fit that allows you to watch movies for hours. They are made of premium leather material that will stand the test of time. You’ll love the feel of the P7 Wireless in-hand as the quality and attention to detail is clearly evident.

The 40mm audio drivers deliver accurate audio that allows you to hear all the small details. Even during the quiet scenes, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive array of sounds that truly bring the movie to life. These are audiophile grade headphones that can rival the majority of other options on the market.

Before pulling the trigger on a purchase consider some of the drawbacks. The first thing to note is the very high price point. You’ll find equally good alternatives at a lower price point. Also, the bass can be a bit heavy, which means in some movie scenes it can lead to a synthetic level of audio.

To summarize, the P7 Wireless Over Ear Headphones offer professionally engineered 40mm audio drivers, a premium leather feel, and comfort that won’t become a hindrance for hours. If you have the budget, then the P7 Wireless provides exceptional performance for movie enthusiasts.

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Tech Specs
Weight: 21.12 ounces
Wireless: Yes
Battery life: 17 hours
Surround sound: no
The Pros
17 hours of wireless connectivity
Premium leather
Very comfortable
Stable 40mm audio drivers
The Cons
Pricey
Bass can be too strong