Best Over-Ear Headphones

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

The Focal Bathys is a wireless pair that includes ANC, a mobile app to adjust the EQ, and presets. They also support high-res audio through 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. They have a fresh new design, upgraded ANC and a host of the same features that their predecessors had but with premium materials and slightly more premium sound quality.

They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones at just 250g. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when you're listening to a podcast or reading a 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 features a distinctive sound signature designed to please casual music listeners as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, yet it is not harsh or overpowering. They have a large and open soundstage with excellent instrument separation that allows you to hear the specifics in your music. The earcups have control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe up or down to change the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track and backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at the same time and thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can also turn on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right ear cup, which allows you to hear what's going on 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 carry 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 operating Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is superb. In our standard test we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC switched on which is more than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on calls is exceptional, and there's no muffled or static-y audio in the background. The noise cancellation is top-quality and they're a great fit for public transport or 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 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 or tablet. The 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled inside each earcup, give you a more deep and focused listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer exceptional call clarity, even in noisy environments. And an inline remote and microphone lets you manage your music and calls on any device compatible with it.

As with the original PX7 These headphones have a sleekly refined look with accent rings around each earcup as well as an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium, but never feel tight. The new shape and form was developed over the course of several months and provides a soft clamping pressure that doesn't press too hard on my rotund skull.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to carry in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and will stay comfortable in your hand during long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them for easy transport in an enclosed 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 the headphones wired, too, with the included 3.5mm cable that connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a useful gesture, flashing green to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.

The B&W app offers similar controls to the hardware onboard buttons such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes, and more. When you play music on your iPhone the app will display album cover and track titles. Some popular features like music presets and a soundscapes mode are not available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones by Sennheiser and is designed to meet most demanding requirements. Its engineering was designed to provide an incredible detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic sound you can get from open-back headphones.

The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier will be needed to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, because it will increase the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.

These headphones are made to be used by professionals and feature a sturdy metal frame with a mix of plastics and leather padding. The design is simple and doesn't look extravagant, but the quality of the headphones and their construction are superb. They come with a carry case, an additional audio cable and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With an unison sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are a bit light on bass. The open-back design results in an expansive out-of-head soundstage. The treble quality is excellent with minor peaks and drops. The treble region is extremely linear, which means you won't have issues with cutting sibilants, or the upper impact of a snare drum.

Despite the lack of a booming bass, they can still deliver impact and dynamism when required. They will still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to rock music that has punchy basslines, but they might not be like some of the models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They're very straight and have 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 a nice bonus.

The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, headphones bose ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fit make them an excellent option. They're expensive however you're buying a pair of headphones that will last for years to come and perform at their best cheap wireless headphones in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones bose [stay with me] that will be a great choice for anyone who needs to kill some time or simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a simple bag that will protect the headphones when you place them into bags. Their battery can last for several long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, but their audio quality is a bit heavy and warm.

The Life Q20's controls are easy to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll see buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones, as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see controls for playback of media. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about this later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make calls without hands your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide a rich and immersive listening experience, due to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that offer certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones have an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancelling is designed to block out a variety of low- and mid-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means that you will not be able to take advantage of the better codes' lower latency when gaming on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam ear cups are soft enough to wear for extended periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups also rotate to adjust to your unique head shape. You can also listen to music with a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.