Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones totally encase your ears, allowing you to be immersed in sound. They are usually designed for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control applications.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that includes ANC as well as a mobile app to alter the EQ and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones site are Sony's latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation range. The headphones are updated with a new design and have improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with higher-end sound quality and superior materials.

With only 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear, no matter if you're listening to or reading a book. The headband is supple, and has the same design of a friction rod as the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

With an audio quality that is able to please casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to have a slight focus on bass, but it isn't excessively loud or harsh. They have a wide and wide soundstage, with excellent instrument separation that allows you to hear details in your music. The earcups have touch controls that are simple 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 prior track. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices simultaneously and, thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically stop the playback when removed from your head. You can turn on the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right-ear cup. This allows you to listen to the sounds around you without removing the headphones.

They can also be linked with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of top quality fabric and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery capacity is exceptional. In our battery test we recorded 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for calls is exceptional, and there's no muffled or static-y sounding 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 significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering top-quality performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers premium performance and features like 24-bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are precisely positioned inside each earcup for an enhanced, more immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control calls and music from any device that is compatible.

The headphones have a sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They feature accent rings around the earcups, as well as a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tight on the cranium. The redesigned form and shape took many months to perfect, delivering an incredibly comfortable clamping force that isn't too hard even on my own cranium that is rotund.

They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough for carrying in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place during long listens. The headband is foldable by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

They're powered by bluetooth headphones cheap 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for both high-resolution audio and precise video sync. You can also play them wired 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 feature. It flashes green to show rapid charging, and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App offers the same controls that the buttons on the hardware provide including bass and treble adjustment actions button assignments, wear detection, cycling through ANC modes, etc. When you play music on your iPhone the app will display album cover and track titles. However, the most popular features like music presets and soundscapes feature aren't available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones from Sennheiser, and it is meant to meet the highest expectations. Its construction technology has been optimized to provide a detail resolution that encompasses all of the frequency spectrum as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic audio you can get from open-back headphones.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, so a good headphone amplifier is needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which can increase the output and enhance the sound quality.

These headphones are made for professional use. They feature a metal frame and a mixture of plastic and Noise Reduction Earbuds leather padding. The design is minimalistic and they're not fancy, but the quality of the headphones and their construction are excellent. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable, and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with naturality, although they are a bit less bass-y. The open-back design produces an expansive, out-of-head soundstage. The treble is excellent with minor peaks and drops. The Treble region also has a linear quality which means you won't have any issues with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of the drum snare.

They can still provide impact and dynamism when required, despite the absence of a powerful low-end. They'll still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to rock music that has punchy basslines, but they might not be like some of the competing models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

The Sennheiser headphones have a great midrange. They're very straight and have a slight slop in the upper mids, which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce precise time gradations, which is a nice bonus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are perfect for professionals and audiophiles. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fitting make them a great choice. They are expensive however you're buying a pair of headphones that will last for years to come and perform at their best in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones that will do the trick for anyone looking to relax or simply needs a cheap pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag that provides protection when you put them in a bag and their battery is capable of lasting several long haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, but their audio quality is a bit warm and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls can be easy to navigate and well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons to pair and power up the headphones, as well as turning on and off the active Noise Reduction Earbuds cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function button that activates your phone's voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about this later). The built-in mic can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide a rich and immersive listening experience, due to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones feature a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling is designed to block out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is disappointing. This means you won't be in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency while gaming on your PC.

In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headband are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing any discomfort. The ear cups can also rotate to adjust to the shape of your head. You can also enjoy your music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is provided for charging the battery.