Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones totally encase your ears, allowing you to be immersed in the sound. They are generally tuned for audiophiles, and have features like active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that comes with ANC and a mobile application to tweak the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio through USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 is Sony's latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. The headphones jbl feature a brand new design and enhanced ANC. They also have many of the same features, but they have higher-end sound quality and better materials.

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing just 250g. They're extremely comfortable to wear, even if you're reading or listening to the audiobook. The headband is a friction-rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.

With an audio quality that is able to please people who listen to music for no reason and Noise cancelling headphones serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass, but it isn't excessively loud or harsh. They have a large and spacious soundstage that has excellent instrument separation that allows you to hear details in your music. The earcups come with touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe forward to go to the next track, then back to hear the previous track and then up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at the same time and thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically stop the playback when removed from your head. You can also activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup and allowing you to hear what's going on around you without removing the headphones.

Other helpful features include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of premium fabric, and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers that run Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery capacity is awe-inspiring. In our battery test we recorded 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30 hour battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on voice calls is excellent and there's not any muffled or static-y sounding background. Noise cancelling is also excellent and these headphones are great for public transportation or in 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 PX7 S2 comes with premium performance and features, including 24bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled in each earcup, give you a more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones guarantee exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote allows you to control calls and music from any device that is compatible.

Like the original PX7, these headphones are elegant and refined with accent rings on each earcup as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, but don't feel tight. The redesigned shape and noise cancelling headphones form took many months to perfect, providing an easy clamping force that doesn't press too hard on my own rotund cranium.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough for carrying in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and will remain comfortably in place during long listens. A strong hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them for easy transport in a protective case.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for both high-resolution audio and fast video sync. You can play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is an excellent gesture, flashing green to indicate rapid charge and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is active.

The B&W App provides the same controls that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer - bass and treble adjustments, action button assignments wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes and more. When you listen to music on your iPhone the app will display album cover and track titles. Popular extras such as music presets, soundscapes and music mode are missing, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones from Sennheiser and is designed to meet the highest demands. The technical design was designed to give stunning detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic spatial audio you'll experience on open-back headphones.

The headphone has a 300 ohm impedance, so a good headphone amplifier is required to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which can increase the output and boost the quality of sound.

These headphones are made for a professional use and feature a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with leather and plastic. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't look like the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carrying case, an extra audio cable and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with naturality, however they are lighter on bass. The open-back design produces an expansive out-of-head soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent, with only minor dips and peaks. The region of the treble has a linear quality and you won't 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. They'll still be a great choice for those who love listening to rock music with punchy basslines, but they may not be as fun as some of the models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are a linear pair with a slight incline in the upper mids that won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations, which is an added benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice because of their outstanding audio quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive however you're buying headphones that will last for many years to come and perform to their best in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good set of headphones for anyone looking to pass the time or simply need a pair of affordable noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag that protects them when you put them into a bag. Their battery can last multiple long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles. However, their audio quality is a bit heavy and warm.

The Life Q20's controls are easy to use and clearly marked. On the left earcup, there are 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. This includes a multi-function control that activates your phone's voice assistant and turns on Anker BassUp (more about that later). The built-in microphone can be used to make phone calls hands-free.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone provides a full immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz the headphones can provide outstanding clarity and detail, as their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a wider range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.

Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is disappointing. This means you won't in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency when you're playing on your computer.

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 earcups are capable of turning so that they can adjust to the unique shape of your head so that you can have a comfortable fit. You can also listen to your music with a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.