Built-in DAC, USB-C, and hi-res playback support are repeatedly praised for improving clarity, solidity, or wired performance.
Pros: Instrument separation, Charging
Cons: Xbox compatibility, Water/sweat resistance rating
Best 2025 Over-Ear Headphones for Built-in DAC and hi-res playback
Narrow by product type
Showing Over-Ear Headphones only. Switch back to all Headphones & Earbuds anytime.
Release year
The built-in DAC and hi-res playback mode are among the most praised features, repeatedly described as excellent, useful and a major reason to consider the headphones.
Pros: ANC effect on sound signature, Multi-platform compatibility
Cons: LE Audio readiness, Auracast support
The built-in DAC/USB-C hi-res path is repeatedly praised for clearer, more detailed, or higher-quality wired playback.
Pros: Award recognition, ANC sound impact on audio
Cons: Water/sweat resistance rating, LE Audio readiness
The built-in DAC and hi-res wired playback were praised for improving stability, detail, resolution, and flexibility with USB-C or wired use.
Pros: Immersive audio quality, ANC background noise level
Cons: Replaceable pads/headband, Replaceable earpads
The included USB-C DAC adapter was praised for convenience, but the evidence supports an external adapter rather than a fully built-in headphone DAC.
Pros: Sustainability and repairability, Replaceable pads/headband
Cons: Noise isolation (passive), Travel friendliness
Wired USB-C lossless playback was valued for added clarity, depth and more critical listening, even when the difference was not night-and-day.
Pros: Button control usability, Design and Aesthetics
Cons: Water/sweat resistance rating, Included accessories
The built-in DAC and hi-res USB playback are appreciated, though one reviewer hears little improvement over strong wireless codecs.
Pros: Frequency response accuracy, Multipoint connectivity reliability
Cons: LDAC, Wear detection performance
Wired hi-res and USB-C digital playback were viewed as useful extras, with reviewers noting clearer or lossless wired listening.
Pros: Smart Pause performance, App
Cons: Wear detection performance, Wear detection auto-pause
Hi-res playback and LDAC were praised for capability, but one iPhone-focused reviewer found LDAC less useful.
Pros: Instrument separation, USB-C
Cons: Button control usability, Maximum volume clarity
Hi-res playback settings had limited positive evidence, with one reviewer saying the Hi-Res Audio combination delivered the needed sound improvement.
Pros: Maximum volume clarity, Headband adjustability
Cons: Cable quality, Smart Pause performance
Hi-res or wired playback evidence is split, from strong USB-C wired praise to one review saying wired playback made sound worse.
Pros: Stability, Bluetooth
Cons: Smudge resistance, Smart Pause performance
Built-in DAC and hi-res wired playback were criticized because reviewers wanted a true digital lossless USB-C option.
Pros: Smart Pause performance, Award recognition
Cons: Cable quality, USB-C