Best Over-Ear Headphones

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

The Focal Bathys is a wireless pair that comes with ANC as well as a mobile app to alter the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio through USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade in their noise cancellation lineup. The headphones are updated with a new design and improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with higher-end sound quality and superior materials.

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

The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sound signature created to please casual music listeners as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, however it is not harsh or overpowering. They have a wide and open soundstage with excellent instrument separation that lets you hear subtleties in your music. The earcups feature touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe forward to play the next track, back to hear the previous track as well as up and down to control the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices at once and will automatically pause playback when you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also activate ambient mode by resting your palm on the right earcup 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 available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of premium fabric, and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is awe-inspiring. In our standard test we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC activated which is much better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on voice calls is excellent and there's no distorted or static-y audio in the background. Noise cancellation is also great and these headphones are ideal for public transportation and 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 performance. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 is a premium model with a variety of features, including 24-bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled in each earcup, provide a more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control calls and music from any device compatible with it.

The headphones sport a similar elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups and a silver-colored headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, but they never feel tight. The new shape and form was refined over a period of time and offers an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force hard on my own skull, which is a rotund one.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to fit in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place during long listens. A strong hinge on the back of the headband enables you to fold them for easy transport in the protective case.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and the aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio aswell as a fast video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to show rapid charging and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app has the same controls as the buttons on the hardware including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes and much more. The app also shows an album cover and track title when you play music on your iPhone. The most popular extras like music presets and a soundscapes mode are not available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones bluetooth (browse around this site), and is designed to meet the highest expectations. The design and construction of the headphones 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 sound you'll hear with an open-back pair of headphones gym.

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

The headphones are designed for a professional use and feature a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of plastics and leather padding. The design is simple and they don't look fancy however the quality of the headphones and their construction are superb. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable, and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments in a natural way, even although they are a bit less bass-y. The open-back design produces a spacious, out-of-head soundstage. The treble is excellent with minor peaks and drops. The treble region is extremely smooth, meaning you shouldn't have any issues hitting sibilants or the upper sound of the drum snare.

They can still provide impact and dynamism when needed despite the lack of a loud low-end. They are still a great choice for those who love rock music with a punchy bass however they might not sound as great as other models on this list.

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 benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fit make them an excellent option. The headphones are costly, but they'll last for many years and perform in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent set of headphones for anyone looking to pass the time or just want a pair of affordable noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag which will provide protection when you toss them into a bag, and their battery can last for multiple long haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles, however their audio profile is a bit heavy and Headphones Bluetooth warm.

The Life Q20's controls can be 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 see controls for playback of media. This includes a multi-function button that activates your phone's voice assistance and also turns on Anker BassUp (more about this later). You can also utilize the built-in microphone in order to make hands-free calls with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver a rich and immersive listening experience, thanks to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones have a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancelling is designed to filter out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sound.

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

In terms of comfort In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headband Headphones bluetooth are soft enough to wear for long periods of time without causing discomfort. The earcups are capable of turning and adjust to the unique shape of your head so that you can have a comfortable fit. You can also listen to music via a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is included for charging the battery.