Best Over-Ear Headphones

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

The Focal Bathys is a wireless pair that includes ANC, a mobile app to tweak the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancelling lineup. They sport a new design, enhanced ANC and a host of the same features as their predecessors but with higher-end materials and a slightly more premium sound quality.

At just 250g, they are lightweight for over-ear ANC headsets. They're extremely comfortable to wear, even when you're listening to or reading a book. The headband features a friction rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sound signature that has been designed to satisfy both casual music listeners as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, but it is not harsh or overpowering. They have a large and open soundstage with excellent instrument separation that lets you hear subtleties in your music. The earcups also have touch controls that are responsive and intuitive to use. Swipe forward to go to the next track, reverse to hear the previous track as well as up and down to control the volume. The headphones can be connected to two devices at once and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also activate the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup and allowing you to listen to what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones.

They can also be connected with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The jbl Headphones (Forum.insnetz.com) come with a carrying case made of top quality fabric and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers operating 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 calls is superb and there's no distorted or static-y audio in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent, and these headphones are perfect for public transportation or in the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, delivering top-quality performance and features. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit enhanced active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are precisely positioned inside each earcup to provide a more focused, deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure superior call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control music and calls from any compatible device.

These headphones have a similar elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups, as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium but don't feel tight. The redesigned shape and form took a long time to perfect, providing a comfortable clamping force that doesn't push too hard even on my own rotund cranium.

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 much discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place for long listening sessions. The headband can be folded up using a sturdy hinge at the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with the aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio aswell for a tight video sync. You can play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to an USB-C port located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to show rapid charging and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app has the same controls as the onboard buttons in the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments as well as action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes, and more. The app also shows an album cover and track's name when you play music using your iPhone. However, popular extras like music presets and soundscapes feature aren't available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones by Sennheiser and is designed to meet the most demanding requirements. Its engineering was designed to give stunning detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic sound you'll hear in a pair of open-back headphones iphone.

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

The headphones gym are designed to be used by professionals and have a sturdy steel frame, with a mixture of plastics and leather padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't look like an expensive pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the hand and are built to last. They come with a carrying case, an extra audio cable and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with a natural sound, even although they are a bit lighter on bass. The open-back design results in a wide out-of-head soundstage. The treble is very good, with minor drops and peaks. The Treble region also has a linearity which means you won't be able to deal with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of the drum snare.

Despite the lack of a loud bass, they can still provide dynamism and impact when needed. They are still a great choice for those who enjoy rock music with a punchy bass however, they may not sound as great as the other models on this list.

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

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are ideal for professionals and audiophiles. They are a top choice because of their outstanding sound quality and comfortable fit. They're costly, but you're paying for headphones that will last for many years to come and perform well in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great pair of headphones for JBL headphones those who wants to relax or just want an affordable pair of headphones that cancel out noise. They come with a basic bag which will provide protection when you toss them into your bag, and their battery is capable of lasting multiple long haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles from an airplane, although their audio profile is a bit heavy and warm.

The Life Q20's controls are easy to use and clearly marked. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons to pair and power up the headphones as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup there are controls for playback of media which include a multi-function button that allows you to activate your phone's voice assistant and switch on 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 headphones offer an immersive and deep listening experience thanks to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. These headphones have a treble range that reaches 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 disappointing. This means you won't be capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's lower latency while playing games on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam earcups are soft enough to be worn for long periods without discomfort. The earcups are able to rotate, allowing them to adapt to the particular shape of your head so that you can have a comfortable fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.