Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones totally encase your ears to immerse you in the sound. They are usually tuned for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that includes ANC and a mobile application to alter the EQ, and presets. They also support high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones by Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancelling lineup. They have a fresh new design, improved ANC, and many of the same features as their predecessors, but with premium materials and slightly higher quality sound.

They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones, with just 250g. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or a book. The headband features a friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.

With a sound quality that is able to please those who enjoy music casually and audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass but is not too loud or harsh. They feature a wide and wide soundstage, with good instrument separation, which lets you hear subtleties in your music. The earcups have control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe forward to play the next track, then back to hear the previous one as well as up and down to control the volume. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at the same time and thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right-ear cup. This lets you hear the sounds around you without removing the headphones.

Other useful features include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res 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 running Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our battery test, we got 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on calls is superb and there's not any muffled or static-y sounding background. Noise-canceling is also excellent and these headphones are great for public transportation or in the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, delivering premium performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 comes with premium performance and features like 24-bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are carefully angled inside each earcup to create an even more focused and immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide outstanding clarity for calls even in noisy surroundings. A remote inline and microphone let you control your music and calls on any device compatible with it.

These headphones have a similar elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They feature accent rings that wrap around the earcups as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium, yet never feel tight. The new design and shape required a lot of time to perfect, delivering an easy clamping force that doesn't press too hard even on my own rotund cranium.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough for carrying in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and will stay comfortably in place during long listening sessions. The headband is foldable by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio as well as a fast video sync. You can also play them wirelessly too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to an USB-C port located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App provides the same control options that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer including bass and treble adjustment actions button assignments, wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes and more. The app also shows an album cover and track title when you play music on your iPhone. However, some popular features such as music presets and soundscapes feature are missing.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones and is made to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction was optimized to achieve stunning detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic sound you'll experience on open-back headphones.

The buy headphone online has a 300 ohm impedance, which means a quality headphone sales amplifier will be needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to use a balanced connection, which can double the output and improve the sound quality.

These headphones are made for professional use. They feature a metal frame, and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't look like a fancy pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the palm and are well-built. They come with a carry pouch as well as an additional audio cable, as well as a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are a bit light on bass. This is due to the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble quality is excellent with minor drops and peaks. The treble region also is linear, so you will not have issues with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of a drum snare.

Despite not having a booming bass, they can still provide dynamism and impact when it is needed. These headphones are still great for those who enjoy rock music with a punchy bass, but may not sound as great as some of the other models on this list.

In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They're very straight, with a slight scoop in the upper mids, which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations which is an added benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are ideal for professionals and audiophiles. They're a top choice because of their excellent sound quality and comfortable fit. The headphones are costly, but they'll last for many years and perform in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent set of headphones for anyone looking to kill time or simply need an affordable set of headphones that cancel out noise. They come with a basic pouch which will provide protection when you put them in a bag and their battery can last many long-haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles on an airplane, although their audio profile is a bit warm and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are simple to navigate and well-marked. On the left ear cup, 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 there are controls for headphone Sales playback of media, including a multi-function button that allows you to activate the voice assistant on your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make calls without hands your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide an immersive and deep 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 technology is designed to block out a wide range of low- and mid-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is disappointing. This means you won't be able to take advantage of the superior codec's lower latency when you're playing games on your PC.

In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without creating discomfort. The ear cups are also able to rotate, allowing them to adapt to the particular shape of your head so you can get a snug fit. You can also enjoy your music via a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is included to charge the battery.