Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears and allow you to fully immerse in the sound. They are typically designed for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control applications.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. They sport a new design, improved ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors, but with higher-end materials and a slightly higher-quality sound.

At just 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when you're listening to a podcast or reading a book. The headband is supple, and has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

With a sound quality that will please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass but is not too loud or harsh. They have a wide and spacious soundstage that has good instrument separation that allows you to hear the subtleties in your music. The earcups feature control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. You can swipe forward to access the next track, reverse to hear the previous track as well as up and down to adjust the volume. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically pause playback when you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can activate ambient mode by placing your hand on the right earcup. This lets you hear the sounds around you without having to remove 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). They come with a durable carrying case made from premium fabric and an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers operating Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is superb. In our test, we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC activated which is much better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.

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

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and improved performance. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 comes with premium performance and features, including 24bit wireless streaming with active noise cancellation that is optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are precisely positioned inside each earcup to create a more focused, deep listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer exceptional call clarity even in noisy surroundings. A built-in microphone and remote allows you to control music and calls from any compatible device.

Similar to the original PX7 The headphones sport a sleekly refined look with accent rings on each earcup as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium, yet don't feel tight. The new form and shape was refined over a period of time and offers a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't press hard on my own skull, which is a rotund one.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and are comfortable to wear throughout long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them up for easy transport in a protective case.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and the aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio as well for a tight 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 headphone's status indicator is a helpful touch with a green flash to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.

The B&W App has the same features that the buttons on the hardware provide - bass and treble adjustments actions button assignments wear detection, cycling through ANC modes and more. The app also displays an album cover and track's name when you play music on your iPhone. The most popular extras like music presets and soundscapes mode are missing, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones by Sennheiser and is designed to meet highest expectations. The design and construction of the headphones has been optimized to achieve an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic sound you'll hear on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone shop uk has an impedance of 300 Ohms, which means it requires a top-quality headphone for sale amplifier that can drive it at the right levels, without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, since this can double the power output and where To buy headphones increase the overall sound quality.

The headphones are designed for a professional use and have a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of leather and plastic. The design is minimalistic and they're not fancy however the quality of the headphones and their construction are top-quality. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with naturality, although they are a bit light on bass. This is due to the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor peaks and dips. The treble area is extremely linear, which means you'll not have issues cutting sibilants, or the upper impact of a drum snare.

Even with the absence of loud bass, they can still deliver impact and dynamism when required. They'll still be a great choice for those who like listening to rock music that has strong basslines, however they may not be as enjoyable as some of the competing models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

These Sennheiser headphones have a great midrange. They are linear with a slight incline in the upper mids that won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations, which is an added benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fitting make them a great option. They're expensive however you're buying a pair of headphones that will last for years to be used and perform to their best in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones that can do the trick for anyone who wants to relax or simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a simple pouch that provides protection when you toss them in a bag and their battery is capable of lasting several long haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles when on an airplane, although their audio profile is a bit warmer 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 for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see media playback controls. This includes a multi-function control that activates your phone's voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about it later). The built-in mic can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer a rich and immersive listening experience, due to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz the headphones are able to provide exceptional clarity and detail, as their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out an extended range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.

One thing Where To Buy Headphones keep in mind about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they don't support aptX, which is disappointing. This means that you won't be capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's low latency when playing games 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 are also able to rotate and adjust to the particular shape of your head so that you can get a snug fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.