Best Headphones for Glasses

Glasses and headphones are quite like snakes and mongooses- they cannot live without getting into each other’s way! All the individuals who wear spectacles would be able to relate to how uncomfortable wearing headphones is. Especially when glasses can get when your headphones sit right on the temples of your specs. It gets even worse when you have to use them for long hours. You obviously cannot put aside your glasses either, especially if it is the prescribed ones. So, are there ways to tackle this? Can you ever use glasses with headphones without getting hurt? Can music lovers who use eyewear enjoy their favorite tracks just like others with the best sound-enhanced headphones available? 

To all the glass wearers- we understand your agony and hence we curated the “Best Headphones for Glasses” article. Through the course of this article we will answer all of these questions and more, provide you with solutions to your issues of wearing headphones with glasses. 

Best Headphones for Glasses: Glasses-Friendly Headsets

As technology is progressing, so are the gadgets and gears to make things easier for people. Different types of glasses-friendly headsets can give you a pain-free listening experience. We will cover some of the best headphones for glasses through this article that you can take into consideration. 

List of the Best Headphones for Glasses

The companies are coming up with innovative options of headphones to cater to every need, keeping in mind some difficulties people face while using these products. Here’s a list of some of the best headphones for glasses that you may want to consider: 

Bose QuietComfort 35 II

Our first pick in the “Best Headphones for Glasses” category goes to Bose QuietComfort 35 II. Designed to give ultimate comfort with its exceptionally soft ear padding. The ear cups have thick pads that will sit on the temple of the glasses without causing discomfort. The best part about this over-ear glasses-friendly headset is that it is extremely lightweight. Therefore, it can be worn for long hours without any issues.  However, if you have small ears, you might want to check out our ‘Earbuds for small ears‘ article.

When it comes to performance, Bose audio accessories rank high on the list. Bose QuietComfort 35 II features best-in-class noise cancellation technology. It offers an amazing listening experience without being interrupted by the surrounding sounds. You can also adjust the level at your convenience. The well-balanced audio quality and crystal clear voice audibility make it a perfect option for both music lovers and working professionals.

Features:

Some of the most appealing features of this audio gear are: 

• Easy Bluetooth pairing
• Integrated Voice Assistant feature for smart, hands-free use through voice control
• Compatibility with Bose connect app for personalizing settings
• Easy-to-use controls 
• Wearing headphones with glasses is made easy with the wireless option
• Long-lasting rechargeable battery that will give you a runtime of about 20 hours in a single charge

You will get this pair of headphones at $163.93. 

AKG Pro Audio K371 Over-Ear, Foldable Studio Headphones

Here’s yet another one in the best headphones for glasses list that is known for its superior design. It is crafted for an ergonomic fit. Wearing glasses with headphones is no longer a pain with this professional studio-grade headset because of its soft over-ear foam pads and swiveling ear cups. The ear cups are thick enough to form a cushion over the ears without exerting pressure on your temples. Their flexible build also enables you to monitor with a single ear if needed, and you can easily fold it up to make it more compact to slide it in your bag when traveling. 

Perfect for audiophiles or music professionals, the headset comes with 50mm titanium-coated transducers that deliver the best and the finest listening experience. With a frequency range of 5Hz to 40KHz, these headphones are way superior to the industry standards when it comes to delivering high-quality sound. Critical listeners will love its clean, powerful, and bass-forward sound production with well-adjusted lows, mids, and treble even at high volumes. 

The closed-back, foldable studio headsets are incredibly lightweight, so they will not wear you or your ears out even after long hours of usage. 

Features:

What we like about this: 

• Ergonomic fit compatible with glasses
• Superior Noise Isolation 
• Lightweight 
• Incredible sound quality
• Professional grade feature and functionality

Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

If you are looking for a budget-friendly, under $100 option to pair up with your glasses, then this one from Audio Technica is not going to disappoint you. Wearing headphones with glasses is certainly not easy. Keeping that in mind, the company has tailored the ear-cups of this headset with superior quality soft foam padding to ensure it sits well on your glasses without any irritation or uneasiness. The headset also comes with a weightless, foldable build which makes it easy to carry around or store when it is not in use, thus making it one of the best headphones for glasses. The lightweight set with an adjustable headband ensures that you can use it for a long duration. 

Integrated with Bluetooth 5.0 for easy connectivity, impressive sound quality, and incredible battery life of a whopping 40 hours, this is a perfect travel partner. The headset comes with in-built noise-canceling features and has 45 mm large drivers giving you a clear and powerful sound. 

The only thing that you will not get in this set is the microphone and voice assistant technology. So, if you are looking for a headset to make calls or to use at work, you will have to look for other options. 

Features:

Some main highlights of this product: 

• State-of-the-art design and technology
• Lightweight and soft ear cup padding
• Portability
• Comes with a carry pouch
• Impressive audio output and noise isolation
• The affordable price tag of $69.00

Ghostek soDrop Pro Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Tired of wearing glasses with headphones? Well, don’t be, because this audio accessory here is going to give you an extremely comfortable listening experience even when you have your glasses on. From its stylish and aesthetic look, which enhances your style quotient to an incredible bass boosted powerful sound, this headphone has professional-level capabilities. 

The headphone is equipped with tactile controls that are easy to access and operate, easy Bluetooth pairing, and active noise-canceling features for the best experience. With an integrated microphone, 3.5 mm Aux-in, and stellar audio output, this is ideal for both home and office environments. 

Ideal for music admirers, this is one of the best headphones for glasses with its super comfortable headband and ear pads. 

Features:

Some appealing features of this headset: 

• Elegant look
• Excellent sound with noise-canceling technology
• Ergonomic design to fit in perfectly with glasses
• Allows free movement due to long-range of close to 30 meters 
• LED indicators to show the battery level 

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones

When it comes to sound quality, Sony leaves no room for complaints. This particular audio piece has been carefully engineered to give an ace-level performance in terms of both sound and comfort. Wearing headphones with glasses is going to be as enjoyable as wearing one without glasses, thanks to its plush over-ear padding. The headband also has soft padding to keep the rigid feeling off the head allowing you to use these for as long as you want. 

When it comes to functionality, it is packed with some innovative and high fidelity features making it one of the best headphones for glasses. With best-of-class dual noise-sensor technology, 5 in-built mics with advanced signal processing, this audio equipment offers you exceptional voice and audio quality. The wireless headphone can sync with multiple devices. The touch-sensitive control keys with various functions make navigation effortless. 

Features:

Some notable features of Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones

• Incredible battery life of 30 hours. 10 minutes quick charge features give 5 hours of playback time.
• Amazing sound 
• Smart features like Voice Assistance
• Hands-free modes like speak-to-chat technology to adjust the volume, playback pauses when the headset is removed from the head make it much easier with this headphone. 

The headphone has a price tag of $200 which is a bit higher on the scale but with such advanced features and superior comfort, it sure is a good investment. 

Sennheiser Pro Audio HD 600 Open Back Professional Headphone

One of the best headphones for glasses, this product is a choice of many music professionals, audio enthusiasts, or podcasters who need an exceptionally well-tuned and dynamic sound. This wired headphone weighs much less than other similar ones in competition and has soft ear pads that rule out the potential tenderness caused while wearing glasses with headphones.

The most significant feature of this headset is its unmatchable audio deliverance at a frequency range of 12 Hz to 39 kHz. With an impedance as high as 300 ohms, and the presence of Neodymium ferrous magnets, the headphone delivers a well-balanced and life-like audio, wonderfully defined and deep bass, and seamless mids and highs. The open back and wider soundstage make this a perfect addition to the professional recording studios. 

Sennheiser Pro Audio HD 600 is a premium pair of headphones that will cost you around $329 which is expensive and may not be something that you want for casual use. But if you are looking for a professional-grade product, this can be a good one to keep an eye on. 

Sennheiser HD 450 BT Headphones

Here’s yet another product in the “Best Headphones for Glasses” category. It is from Sennheiser, a versatile headset option, packed with several features and flexible foam padding ideal for glass-wearers. While it sits perfectly on the ear without letting the sound leak or change in the overall audio output, there is no compromise on the comfort aspect irrespective of whether you wear glasses or not. 

The headphones feature Bluetooth 5.0 version along with the most reliable and the best codec supports (AAC and AptX) for seamless audio and video streaming with low latency. However, if you are in the market for a headset with less or no latency, check this out – Nintendo Switch headset. The headset can be easily folded for storage and portability.

With active noise-canceling technology, virtual assistant support, an impressive 30 hours of battery life, this is sure a complete package delivering a solid performance. If you are looking for the best headset for glasses that will allow you to use it for a video call, conference calls, or for listening to your favorite tracks, then this is a reliable option to go for.  You will get this at a reasonably low price of $127 than its other counterpart listed above. 

Now that you have a list of some of the best headphones for glasses, stay calm because there is more to add to it. 

Alternatives to Headphones for Glasses: Headphones Directly Integrated Into Glasses!…

Technology can surely do anything and a solid example of it is a microphone, speakers, and Bluetooth integrated glasses! Many audio equipment companies are coming up with compact audio systems fitted into the eyewear, along with the provision of customizing the lenses as per the prescribed ones. 

Now, while it would be untrue to say that these are better options than the ones listed above, this technology-integrated eyewear can be a great sigh of relief for those who are wary of wearing glasses with full-sized headphones. But a word of caution here is- do not expect the same level of audio output or overall sound performance from these ‘glasses come headphones’ as the actual headsets. 

We have listed a few of them here for you to see if these are something you want to try out to escape from the distress caused by wearing both spectacles and the headphones together. 

VocalSkull Alien 5 Bone Conduction Glasses

This Audio enabled glass frame features Bluetooth 5.0 technology, open-air design along bone conduction technology. Wondering what bone conduction technology is? Well, the devices that use bone conduction perform the function of the eardrum. The devices decode the sound waves and pass them on directly to the inner ear by transmission through the bone of the skull. This way the actual eardrum present in your ear does not get involved at all.  

You can replace the VocalSkull eyewear with your prescribed glasses if you have a myopic condition. The eyewear is pretty lightweight and the brand claims that the glasses are suitable for outdoor activities like diving, fishing, etc. The microphone-embedded glasses give you a talking time of 3 to 4 hours with a Bluetooth range of 10 meters. Click on the above link to check the price. 

 JLab JBuds Frames 

Unlike the one listed above, Jbud frames do not have built-in audio systems inside the frames. Rather, they are detachable buds/ mini audio systems that are meant to clip into the frame of the glasses, although they call them frames which is a bit misleading. To clear out the smoke, they come in a set of two, and you just need to clip them with your pair of glasses. 

Jbuds have pretty decent sound output, good enough to take calls, and audible to the person on the other end of the call. This product has received quite a few positive reviews and ratings on how it delivers. Both the Bluetooth-enabled audio pieces are independent of each other and are packed with 16mm drivers for sound delivery. Now, one thing to note here is that if you listen to music at a high volume, it may be audible to people around, so you may have to tune the volume to a moderate level if you do not want others to listen. 

For its size, the battery life of the Jbuds is fairly decent, with 8 hours of runtime. They are also splash-resistant with an IPX4 rating, which means that you may have to remove them if you encounter a sudden cloudburst. The company also provides clips of different sizes to fit into different sizes of frames. Above all, with Jbuds you do not have to worry about wearing headphones with glasses anymore!  Quite reasonably priced, you get this pair of audio frames at $49.00 on their official JLab website. 

Amazon Echo Frames

These smart frames by Amazon are lightweight and have different variations, so you can choose what you want or works best for you. The frames are also prescription ready which means that you can add your powered lenses to these frames with the help of an eye specialist. 

As far as the features are concerned, the frames are integrated with Amazon’s virtual assistant, Alexa, so you can access several services and functions while keeping your hands free. The voice control technology allows you to make phone calls, get alerts and notifications, pick the contacts you need to call, and more. 

With an IPX4 rating, the frames are water and splash-protected, making them perfect wear for the sweaty summers as well! However, if you are looking for workout earbuds, the echo frames are not for you. The battery life is pretty decent for its kind with 4 hours of continuous music streaming on a single charge, up to 2 hours of talking time, 14 hours of media runtime, virtual assistance, etc. The audio quality of the Amazon Echo Frames is pretty good with noise reduction capability, but when it comes to the bass depth, do not keep your expectations high. 

Although the frames are loaded with multiple features, Amazon has managed to keep the design impressively slick, stylish, and lightweight giving you the feel of regular trendy glasses. 

When you are buying a headphone for yourself, there are various things you need to keep in mind, so you get the best one that can serve your purpose well. If you are bespectacled, then you need to be more careful about picking one, so you do not fall victim to the sufferings associated with this duo. 

Issues Related To Using Headphone and Glasses

Problems Caused:

Let’s go over the various problems that a person faces when using glasses with headphones and what are the reasons behind them. 

Headaches:

The very first and the most commonly occurring issue are headaches. This is caused due to the pressure that the headphone clamps exert on the temples of the glasses on each side. These in turn pin against the temporal bone, pressing the nerves running within, thus restricting the proper flow of blood. Therefore, due to the constant pressure at one particular place and lack of proper blood flow, you feel pain in the head. It grows intense with the amount of time you are wearing headphones with glasses. 

Auricular Chondritis

Another major issue that a lot of people face when they wear glasses with headphones is inflamed ear-cartilage, which is a medical condition called Auricular Chondritis. One of the many reasons that lead to this condition is the overuse or prolonged use of headphones, especially when they are tight and uncomfortable. In Auricular Chondritis, the cartilage of your ear inflames. Remember that it is not just the strain on the outer ear, but also excessive pressure in the surrounding ears like the temples or behind the ears that cause this condition. 

Other types of uneasiness and tenderness can be caused due to the glasses and headphones coming together inappropriately. 

Reasons That Cause Ear Problems:

Now, it is important to mention here that every human ear is different. They differ in size, shape, structure, and sensitivity. So, while one headphone may cause severe suffering to some, it may not be that uncomfortable to others. Here are a few reasons that may cause discomfort among people wearing headphones with glasses: 

Inappropriate Headphone Type:

Choosing the right type of headphones is extremely important whether you wear glasses or not. And, if you have to pair your glasses with headphones, then you will have to be even more conscious when buying the right kind. The headset is available in different types like over-ear headphones, on-ear headphones, in-ear earbuds, or earphones. While in-ear seems an easy solution against glasses with headphones, do remember that prolonged use of in-ear earbuds have their risks because they sit inside your ear canal while headphones are used externally.

The Overall Design of Your Spectacles:

This is also one of the major reasons that may result in discomfort in your ear. The temples of the glasses come in different designs, thicknesses, material, etc. Similarly, the frames are of various sizes and types. Along with choosing the right type of headphones, it is important to get the right pair of glasses to get a painless experience is important. 

The Pressure Caused Due to Securing of the Headphones:

Also known as the ‘clamping pressure’, this plays a major role in holding the headphone in place. It is also responsible for the overall performance of the headphone like the audio quality, and the extent of noise cancellation it offers. If the clamping coercion is too less, meaning if the ear paddings of the headphones sitting in the ear are too loose, they may slide off the head. However, if it is excessively tight it can cause discomfort, leading to the swollen and painful outer ear. This is particularly important for bespectacled individuals. 

The Type of Materials Used in the Earpads of the Headset:

The earpads come in a variety of materials like foam, leather, and others. They also have different levels of thickness that add to the cushioning. This has a huge impact on the user experience, but remember that the material and thickness also determines the listening experience.  

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Headphones for Glasses

You have to be extra picky when selecting these products to ensure the most comfortable listening experience without causing physical damage to your ears or the surroundings. Now, the best option for bespectacled individuals is to give a trial on the fitting and the ergonomics of the headset, however, it is possible only if you decide to buy one from a physical store. 

When buying online, take a look at minute details of it, but there is always a distant risk of unsuitability associated with it. The reason being that the best headphones for glasses have structure variations and not every audio gear goes well with glasses. 

Nevertheless, here are some of the parameters you need to consider if you are bound to wearing headphones with glasses on: 

Size of the Headphone:

If you have to wear your glasses with headphones, then you must choose the size of the headphone appropriately. This is a challenging task because the headphone needs to have a good snug fitting for the best listening experience. However, it cannot be so tight that it pins the frame of your glasses to your temples, leading to pain and discomfort. So, taking into consideration the size of your head, you need to go for the right-sized headset. The best thing to do here is to go for adjustable ones, so you can keep changing the fitting based on your comfort. In case you like something that has a standard small, medium, or large size, then pick it up accordingly. 

What Is the Ear Pad Material?

The ear pads in a headphone are made with different kinds of material like leather, foam, velour, etc. Wearing headphones with glasses calls for extra comfort along with proper fitting, which is why you need softer ear padding. Leather being a harder material can leave a space between the handle of your frame, consequently the headset, affecting the audio quality. Trying to adjust them may lead to discomfort. That is why it is recommended to use softer ear pads made with foam or suede, so the earpad bends where the frame passes and prevents it from exerting pressure on your temples and ear. 

Headband:

While most people tend to ignore this part, the headband is just as important as the rest of it, especially in the case of people wearing headphones with glasses. When you are on your glasses, any little pressure on the head or around the ears can lead to sensitivity or headaches quickly. If the headband is not comfortable, then it can worsen the condition. Therefore, you must get one with a padded headband that can absorb the pressure, offering comfort. You can also opt for an adjustable headband, so you can try out different adjustments to get the most comfortable fit. 

What Type of Headphones Is It?

This is a huge factor to consider. There are different types of headphones like over-ear, on-ear headphones, and in-ear earbuds. Now which one makes you more comfortable is absolutely a personal preference. But there are a few things you need to know before you make your decision on which one to go for: 

Over-the-ear Headphones:

These types of models are the odds-on-favorite for people wearing headphones with glasses. The reason being the ear cups in this case is bigger and sit over and around the ear covering a larger area. It also cushions around the handle of your glasses, so the handle doesn’t get pressed against your temples. This helps in distributing the pressure equally around the ear making it comfortable yet creating a proper seal, so the sound quality does not get affected. Over-ear headphones are always a better option when compared with the in-ear or on-ear options. 

On-ear Headphones:

These types of headphones are lighter when compared with over-ear headsets because their ear cups are smaller. These headsets are a great option if you are looking at the portability aspect. However, it may pose discomfort for people who are planning to wear glasses with headphones. The reason is unlike the Over-ear models that surround the entire ear and the handles of the frame, these sit right on the ear exerting more pressure on the ear cartilage and the temple. 

Earbuds or in-ear Earphones:

You may think that this is probably the best option as it is placed inside the ear on the ear canal and there is no question of the ear pads resting on the ear. The truth is, while this may seem the most comfortable option, remember that it goes inside the ear, and using them for long hours every day can cause potential risks to the overall ear’s health. 

The Frame or the Design of the Glasses:

Other than choosing the right kind of headphones, it is also crucial to get the right type of frame and the design of the eyewear if you already know that you need to wear glasses with headphones for long hours. The wisest thing to do is to get a frame that has a thin arm and a plain, flat surface. Thicker frames make the headphone-wearing more uncomfortable and painful.  

The Versatility of the Headphones:

The versatility again is a very personal choice, but a wireless headset can be a good option for people wearing headphones with glasses. You wouldn’t need a wire to be hanging in between and tangling around, creating an additional burden. Similarly, the overall weight of the headphone is important. The more lightweight it is the better it is to pair up with your glasses. 

Tips and Tricks on How to Wear Headphones With Glasses:

To make the headphones wearing experience comfortable with your eyewear on, here are some of the tips and tricks on how to wear glasses with a headset: 

• Buy glasses that are lightweight and have thin and flat frames. 

• Use an adjustable headset and adjust it in a way that is a little loose on the temples. Now, when it comes to the clamping pressure, there are no separate adjustments to make.

• Position your headset to the right spot where it doesn’t poke or hurt. The earpads are large, so you can place them a little up and down depending on where the handles of the glasses are or as per your comfortable spot.

• You can also position the handles of your glasses if you are not able to position the ear pads. This is especially useful if your ear pad is smaller and sits right on the ear. Lift the handle of the frame-up, so it does not get crammed by the headphone. 

• Place thick padding between the frame of your eyewear and your temple bone. You can either fold a few tissue papers together to form a thick pad or soft clothes and even cotton pads, whatever works for you the best.

• Go for headsets that have thick and soft ear padding. Also, as mentioned earlier, choose the ones that are made of foam, velour, or other softer materials. 

Conclusion

Glass-wearers often find it challenging to get the right kind of headphones that will fit them perfectly without causing distress. The main reason is that the options of headphones become limited when it comes to bespectacled people. The most difficult part is to get a headphone that is balanced between the perfect fitting and performance. This article “Best Headphones for Glasses” has provided a list of some of the headphones that are ideal for people with glasses. They will also hopefully give you the best listening experience along with long-wearing time. There are also different ways to combat the discomfort associated with wearing headphones with glasses. Hope this article helps solve your problem and get you the ideal audio gear, so you can enjoy your favorite playlist or play games for as long as you want!

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)