Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones totally encase your ears to immerse you in the sound. They are generally designed for audiophiles and come with features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless pair with ANC and a mobile application for tweaking the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancelling lineup. The headphones have a new design and enhanced ANC. They also have many of the same features, but they have superior sound quality and higher-end materials.

They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones at 250g. They are very comfortable to wear, no matter if you're reading or listening to an audiobook. The headband is supple, and it has the same design of a friction rod as the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

With an audio quality that will please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to have a slight focus on bass but is not excessively loud or harsh. They have a wide and wide soundstage, with excellent instrument separation that lets you hear specifics in your music. The earcups feature control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe up or down to change the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song, backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously and will automatically stop playback whenever you take them off your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also switch on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right earcup that lets you listen to what's happening around you without removing the headphones for sleeping.

Other features that are useful include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). The headphones skullcandy come with a carry case made of premium fabric, and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is excellent. In our test of the standard battery we recorded 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.

The WH1000XM5 has a great mic for voice calls. There's no muffled or static sound in the background. The noise cancellation is top-quality, and they're a good fit for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and performance. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit, optimized active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled to fit in each earcup, offer more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide superior call clarity even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone let you control your music and calls on any device compatible with it.

The headphones have a elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They feature accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium but don't feel tight. The new design and shape took a long time to perfect, providing an incredibly comfortable clamping force that doesn't press too hard, even on my own cranium that is rotund.

At 10.8 ounces (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and are a touch thinner. The headphones wireless beats are light enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and remain in place during long listening sessions. The headband can be folded using a sturdy hinge at the back.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is ideal for high-resolution audio and fast video sync. You can also play them wirelessly too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to a USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice touch. It flashes green to signal rapid charging and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app offers the same features as the hardware onboard buttons such as bass and treble adjustments and assigning action buttons wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and more. When you listen to music on your iPhone the app displays album cover and track titles. The most popular extras like music presets and soundscapes mode aren't available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones by Sennheiser, and it is meant to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction is optimized to give the highest resolution in detail that covers all the spectrum of frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic sound you'll ever hear on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, which means it requires a top-quality headphone amplifier that can drive it at the desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, since this can double the output power and improve the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They have a steel frame and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't appear like the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the palm and are built well. They come with a carrying pouch and an extra audio cable as well as an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with naturality, however they are lighter on bass. This is because the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head, passive soundstage. The treble quality is excellent, with minor peaks and drops. The Treble region also has a linear quality, so you will not have any issues with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of the drum snare.

They can still deliver impact as well as dynamism and impact in the event of need, despite the absence of a loud low-end. They'll still be a great choice for those who love listening to rock music with punchy basslines, headphones sennheiser but they may not sound as fun as some of the competing models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

These Sennheiser Headphones sennheiser have a great midrange. They are extremely linear and have a slight scoop in the upper mids which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They also reproduce precise time gradations of vocals which is a huge plus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are ideal for professionals and audiophiles. They are a top pick because of their outstanding audio quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive, however they will last for years and perform well in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent set of headphones for anyone looking to kill time or simply need a pair of affordable headphones that cancel out noise. The headphones come with a basic case that protects them when you put them in a bag. Their battery can last for a long time on long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out noisy passengers and engine rumbles, however their audio profile is a bit warm and bass-heavy.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones, as well as to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find controls for playing back media which include a multi-function button that allows you to activate the voice assistant of your phone and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in mic can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone provides a full, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. These headphones have a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancellation is specifically designed to block out a variety of low- and mid-frequency sound.

One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support aptX, which is disappointing. This means you won't capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's lower latency while playing games on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam ear cups are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups can also be rotated to accommodate your individual head shape. You can also listen to your music via a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is included for charging the battery.