Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you in music. They are generally made for audiophiles and come with features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones by Sony are the latest model in their noise cancelling lineup. They have a fresh new design, upgraded ANC and a host of the same features that their predecessors had but with higher-end materials and a slightly more premium sound quality.

They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing just 250g. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband has a friction-rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 has a sound signature designed to satisfy both people who listen to music for pleasure as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, yet it is not harsh or overpowering. The earphones feature a wide and spacious soundstage, with good instrument separation. This allows you to hear the details in your music. The earcups come with touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song and reverse to hear the previous track. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically pause playback when you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup. This allows you to hear the sounds around you without having to remove the headphones.

Other features that are useful include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made of premium fabric and a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones work with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers operating Windows and macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is impressive. In our standard test, we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC activated which is much better than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on calls is superb and there's no distorted or static-y sounding background. Noise cancelling is also excellent, and these headphones are great for public transportation and the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and improved performance. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits, optimized active noise cancellation, and clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully placed inside each earcup to provide an enhanced, more deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone let you control your calls and music on any device compatible with it.

The headphones have a elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They have accent rings 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 form and shape was developed over the course of several months and offers a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't press hard on my own skull, which is a rotund one.

At 10.8 ounces (or 307g) They're 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and noise cancelling headphones are a touch smaller. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a bag or backpack and are comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. A strong hinge on the back of the headband enables you to fold them to make it easy to transport them in a protective case.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for both high-resolution audio and precise video sync. You can 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 signal rapid charging and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app has the same controls as the buttons on the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments and assigning action buttons, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes and much more. The app also shows an album cover and track title when you play music using your iPhone. 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 by Sennheiser and is designed to meet highest demands. Its technical construction is optimized to give the highest resolution in detail that covers all the spectrum of frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever experience on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier that can drive it at the right levels, without distortion. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which will increase the output and boost the sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use and have a sturdy steel frame with a mix of leather and plastic. The design is minimalist and doesn't look like the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the palm and are well-built. They come with a carry 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 instruments and vocals with a natural sound, even although they are a bit less bass-y. The open-back design results in an expansive out-of-head soundstage. The treble quality is excellent with minor drops and peaks. The region of the treble has a linearity, so you will not have any issues with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of a drum snare.

They still have the ability to deliver as well as dynamism and impact in the event of need, despite the absence of a booming low-end. These headphones are still great for those who like rock music that has punchy bass however they might not sound as good as some of the other models on this list.

The Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful midrange. They are linear with a slight scoop on the upper mids, which won't be noticed by most listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations of vocals which is a major benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit make them an excellent choice. The headphones bose are expensive but they'll last for many years and perform in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good pair of headphones for those who wants to relax or just want an affordable pair of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a simple pouch that provides protection when you put them into your bag, and their battery can last multiple long haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles on an airplane, although their audio profile is a little 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 pair and power up the headphones, as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup there are media playback controls that include a multi-function switch that allows you to activate the voice assistant of your phone and enable Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make calls without hands your phone.

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

Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is disappointing. This means you will not be able to take advantage of the better codes' lower latency when playing games on your computer.

In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headband are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without creating discomfort. The earcups can rotate to adjust to your unique head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.