Best Over-Ear Headphones

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

The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with 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 from Sony are the latest upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation range. The headphones feature a brand new design and have improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but they have higher-end sound quality and superior materials.

At just 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or a book. The headband is a friction-rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature created to please people who listen to music for pleasure as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, but it's not abrasive or imposing. They have a wide and open soundstage with good instrument separation that allows you to hear specifics in your music. The earcups have touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe forward to go to the next track, back to hear the previous track, and up and down to control the volume. The headphones can be connected to two devices at once and will automatically stop playback whenever you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also switch on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup that lets you be aware of what's happening around you without taking off the headphones.

They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of high-end fabric and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones sale work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is impressive. In our battery test we had 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 distorted or static-y audio in the background. The noise-canceling performance is also top-notch and they're a perfect choice for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and improved performance. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits and optimized active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are precisely positioned inside each earcup for a more focused, immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity even in noisy surroundings. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control calls and music from any device that is compatible.

As with the PX7's original design The headphones sport a sleekly refined look with accent rings on each earcup as well as an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly but not too tightly on the cranium. 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.

At 10.8 ounces (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and just a little smaller. They're light enough to fit in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and will remain comfortably in place for long listening sessions. The headband is foldable using a sturdy hinge at the back.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for both high-resolution audio and 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 feature. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App offers the same features that the buttons on the hardware provide including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignments wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes as well as other features. When you play music on your iPhone the app will display album cover and track titles. Some popular features like music presets, soundscapes and music mode are not available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and was designed to meet the most demanding expectations. Its engineering was optimized to achieve stunning detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic sound you'll hear on headphones with open backs.

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. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which can double the output and improve the quality of sound.

These headphones are made for professional use and feature a sturdy metal frame with a mix of plastics and leather padding. The design is minimalistic and they're not fancy, but the quality of the headphones and their build are top-quality. They come with a carry case, headphones an additional audio cable and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals in a natural way, even although 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 is excellent, with minor drops and headphones peaks. The treble region also is linear, so you will not have any issues with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of a drum snare.

Despite the lack of a booming bass, they can still provide dynamism and impact when required. These headphones are still great for those who enjoy rock music that has punchy bass however, they may not be as impressive as other models on this list.

These Sennheiser headphones have a fantastic mid-range. They are linear with a slight incline in the upper mids that won't be noticed by most listeners. They also reproduce precise time gradations in vocals, which is a big benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top pick because of their outstanding sound quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive however, you're getting a pair of headphones that will last for many years to come and perform at their best in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that will do the trick for anyone who wants to kill some time or simply needs a cheap set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a simple bag which protects them when you throw them in bags. The battery will last for several long-haul flights. Their ANC does a great job of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles from the plane, but their audio profile is a little heavy and warm.

The Life Q20's controls are simple to use and clearly marked. On the left earcup, you'll see buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find controls for playback of media, including a multi-function button 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 hands-free calls with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone delivers a rich and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz they are able to provide exceptional clarity and clarity, while their active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.

One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they don't support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means you won't capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's lower latency while playing on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are soft enough to wear for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups are capable of turning and adjust to the particular shape of your head so you can have a comfortable fit. You can also enjoy your music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is provided for charging the battery.