Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones usually have longer battery longevity than earbuds. They also provide superior noise cancellation.

Sony's WH1000XM5s have the best over-ear headphones with wireless technology. They sound great with a bass-heavy, rich sound that lets vocals and other instruments to shine. They last for comfiest over ear headphones 40 hours on a single charge with active noise cancelling (ANC) activated.

Focal Bathys Wireless

The Focal Bathys wireless are a premium audiophile entry into the popular premium Bluetooth headphone category, which has been dominated for a long time by Bose. However, with a history of creating the highest quality, high-fidelity speakers, Focal couldn't simply scale down to compete in this competitive market. Therefore, it decided to create its own earbuds with built-in ANC, using the same amplifiers and transducers that are used in its flagship products.

The result is a pair of headphones that not only provide high-quality performance, but feel sturdy and luxurious. Focal reduced the weight and size of its premium headphones to make these lightweight earbuds more travel friendly and still use magnesium for the yokes to keep them light. The design is sleek and stylish, with a an elongated, "skeletonised", design like Focal's high-end Focal celestee headphones. LED backlit Focal logos are on the sides of the headphones and actually glow.

When connected to your device, they run on the latest Bluetooth v5.1 technology, which includes support for SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive and a built-in DAC that supports up to 24 bit/192kHz playback. The earcups fold flat for easy storage and the cord is detachable for use with other devices that lack Bluetooth like a lot of cell phones.

For audio enthusiasts who really know their stuff the headphones over the ear headphones can be used in DAC mode, which disables internal processing and provides better sound quality than Bluetooth headphones that have a built-in DAC. Focal declined to reveal the specific DAC they used, but when tested with a high-quality portable DAC/headphone amp, the Bathys delivered great results--including better-than-CD-quality resolution, tight bass, and an open, airy midrange.

The Focal Bathys are specifically designed to be utilized on planes as well as in other noisy environments However, the DAC mode also allows for attentive listening. The Bathys are an excellent alternative to closed-back headphones, which are tuned to bass. A pair of these headphones would make a great gift for the audiophile on your list.

JBL Tune 760NC

The JBL Tune 760NC is a lightweight, comfortable pair of headphones with active noise cancellation. They have a deep bass profile which adds depth to your music, and they provide a long battery lifespan for listening sessions. They also have a durable construction that is ideal for travel and commutes however, they may feel uncomfortable for long listening sessions due to their tight fitting.

The headphones come with a set of controls that you can use to control the music as well as your call settings. The headphones have buttons that control volume up and down, power, ANC, and the like. The buttons are enclosed by a small section that has an LED and you can tap it to switch the headphone's lighting display. The headphones have a good fit and are well-padded however, they are quite tight on your head and might be uncomfortable for people who wear glasses.

JBL's Active Noise Cancellation technology reduces ambient noise by analyzing and interpret the sounds coming from outside the headphone. Then, it inverts the sound and cancels them out, creating a more peaceful listening experience. This allows you to listen at lower volume and avoid ear fatigue. The headphones are equipped with a microphone that lets you make hands-free phone calls and to activate voice assistants.

These headphones are compatible with the majority of Bluetooth devices, including your computer and mobile phones. They're also compatible with many PS4 and Xbox One controllers to receive audio however, you won't be able to use them to connect with teammates. They also come with an USB port for charging and listening to audio from your computer.

The JBL 760NCs were designed to be portable and compact, with a design that folds down, making them easy to pack and take with you on the move. The JBL 760NCs have built-in batteries that can last for up to 40 hours continuously and also come with noise cancellation to block out any distracting sounds. They can also connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, so you can go from watching an online video on your tablet to making a call on your phone without a pause.

Skullcandy Riff Wireless

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 are a pair of in-ear Bluetooth headphones that deliver what people expect from Bluetooth headphones. They are priced at a reasonable price, have a long-lasting battery, an aux cable backup, and offer peace of mind with Tile finding technology. It comes with an easy control on the earcup, and it can be connected to wired and wireless devices. The Riff Wireless headphones come with a great companion application that lets you alter the sound quality, reduce audio and video delay when paired with computers or audiophile a smart TV and setup multi-device pairing.

The headphones come with a cushioned band and are very comfortable. They are made to be used to travel or commute and can fold up to be easily stored in backpacks or bags. They have a plasticky build quality, but they are quite sturdy and have a solid click when you move or bend them. They don't feature noise cancellation which could be a problem for some users, but they do block out the low rumble of buses and passenger chatter.

The sound quality of these headphones is good, especially considering their low cost. They don't have the luscious midrange as some of the more expensive headphones, but they have good overall clarity at most volume levels. Their bass is powerful and has plenty of punch and the highs are a little soft, but not a lot. They're perfect for rock and pop, but not for genres that need a deep full bass.

The Riff Wireless 2 headphones come with more features than the previous version. They have a neutral sound profile, which may appeal to some users. They also have a more efficient microphone and can work with several devices. They also have a longer battery life and can handle a higher volume.

They're an excellent pair of headphones, but they do not offer the same degree of comfort as other Skullcandy models, like the Hesh 3 Wireless. They're an excellent choice for the majority of users, but they're not necessarily the best for active use. They could fall off when doing high-intensity exercises.

Razer Opus

The Opus is the first attempt by Razer to create a headphone that is a lifestyle. It's a great product. Its market is likely to be broader than gamers and it comes with a premium sound that's comparable to top of the line models from Sony and Bose for an affordable price.

The design is somewhat sluggish even by Razer's standards. There is no RGB lighting or trademark green accents. And the Tri-Snake isn't evident. Instead, the headset appears like any other Bluetooth headphones, with semicircle hinges which swivel and fold flat on the top of the earcups to form a comfortable headband. The headsets are also lighter and more portable than most gaming headphones, and weigh just 265g when folded.

On the right earcup are the onboard controls. Power and track control buttons are located next to a multi-function button recessed into it that also doubles as a noise-cancellation switch. The controls were responsive and simple to use. They worked as advertised during my tests.

The Opus bass is an intense, well-rounded and punchy sound with depth and clarity that you won't get from many budget headphones. The sound is not as full-bodied as Bose's Extra Bass, but it's far superior for a $200 price tag. Vocals and lead instruments can be heard with good clarity. The mids sound solid. I did notice a little veiledness to highs, but changing the EQ to the Vocal setting fixed the issue.

As an added bonus there's an 3.5mm analog cable and USB-C-to-A adapter in the carrying case, as well as a standard airplane audio jack for those who haven't yet switched to all-cable audio. It's a minor but welcome addition that makes it easier to use the headphones while traveling.

The Opus was a success, just like other THX certified products. I was able to walk around town with the ANC turned on without having to increase volume to drown out ambient noise and I never felt the need to play my music at a higher volume to hear it. This is the type of quality which will help you to keep your hearing intact from excessive exposure to high-frequency frequencies.