Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you into sound. They are typically designed for audiophiles and come with features like active noise cancellation and control applications.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile application to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones by Sony are the latest model in their noise cancelling lineup. They have a fresh new design, improved ANC and a host of the same features as their predecessors but with higher-end materials and a slightly higher-quality sound.

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

The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sonic signature that is designed to satisfy both casual music listeners as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, yet it's not harsh or blazing. The earphones boast a huge and wide soundstage, as well as good instrument separation. This allows you to listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups also feature touch controls that are easy and responsive to use. Swipe up or down to change the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song or backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can connect to two devices at once and will automatically stop playback when you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also switch on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup that lets you be aware of what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones.

They can also be linked with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made of premium fabric and a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with most Android and iOS smartphones and computers operating Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our standard battery test we had 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on calls is exceptional and there's not any muffled or static-y audio in the background. Noise cancellation is also great, and these headphones are perfect for public transportation and the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers a significant upgrade over ear headphones its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and performance. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits and optimized active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled to fit in each earcup, give you a more complete and bluetooth headphones jbl focused listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer excellent call clarity even in noisy surroundings. And an inline remote and microphone let you control your music and calls using any compatible device.

The headphones have a elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They have accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit comfortably but not too tight on the cranium. The new design and shape required a lot of time to perfect, and provides a comfortable clamping force that isn't too hard, even on my own cranium that is rotund.

At 10.8 grams (or 307g) They're 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and slightly thinner. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. A strong hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them up for easy transport in the protective case.

They're powered by bluetooth headphones jbl (Suggested Internet page) 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for high-resolution audio as well as fast video sync. You can also play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to an USB-C port located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is an excellent feature, flashing green to indicate rapid charge and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.

The B&W App provides the same control options that the buttons on the hardware provide - bass and treble adjustments as well as action button assignments, wear detection, cycling through ANC modes and more. When you listen to music on your iphone headphone the app will display album cover and track titles. However, the most popular features like music presets and soundscapes feature are missing.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones, and is made to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction is optimized to give an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic audio you can get from open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms so it requires a high-quality headphone amplifier to operate 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 designed for a professional use and feature a sturdy metal frame with a mix of plastics and leather padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't look like a fancy pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carry case, an extra audio cable, and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are light in bass. This is because the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble quality is excellent, with minor drops and peaks. The Treble region also is linear which means you won't have issues with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of the drum snare.

They still have the ability to deliver, dynamism and impact when needed despite the lack of a loud low-end. They will still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to rock music with strong basslines, however they might not be as fun as some of the other models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids in the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are straight and have a slight incline in the upper mids that won't be noticed by most listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations of vocals, which is a big plus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are ideal for professionals and audiophiles. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fitting make them a great option. They are expensive however you're buying headphones that will last for years to come and perform well in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that will be a great choice for anyone who wants to relax or simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a simple bag which protects them when you throw them in the bag. Their battery can last for a long time on long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out noisy passengers and engine rumbles. However, their audio profile is a little heavy and warm.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left ear cup there are buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones and for turning on or off active noise cancellation. On the right earcup there are controls for playback of media which include a multi-function button that lets you activate your phone's voice assistant and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). The built-in mic can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver an immersive and deep listening experience, due to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones feature a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancellation is specifically designed to block 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 the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means that you will not be able to benefit of the higher codes' lower latency while playing games on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are comfortable enough to wear for long periods without discomfort. The earcups are capable of turning so that they can adjust to the unique shape of your head so that you can get a snug fit. You can also listen to your music via a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is provided for charging the battery.