Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears, allowing you to be immersed in the sound. They are usually designed for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's latest upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation line-up. They feature a new design, improved ANC and a lot of the same features that their predecessors had but with premium materials and slightly more premium sound quality.

At only 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. They're extremely comfortable to wear, no matter if you're reading or listening an audiobook. The headband is supple, and it features an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

With an audio quality that is able to please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass, but not excessively loud or harsh. The earphones feature a wide and spacious soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This allows you to hear the details in your music. The earcups come with touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track, backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at once and, thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically stop the playback when removed from your head. You can turn on the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right earcup. This lets you hear the sounds around you without having to remove the headphones.

They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made of premium fabric and a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones sennheiser work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is impressive. In our standard battery test we recorded 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was more than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.

The WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic microphone for making calls. There is no muffled or static sound in the background. The noise-canceling performance is also excellent, and they're a good option for public transport as well as the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering premium performance and Bluetooth features. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits enhanced active noise cancellation, and clear voice call quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are precisely positioned inside each earcup to provide an enhanced, more deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control music and calls from any compatible device.

The headphones sport a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They have accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium but they never feel tight. The new form and shape was perfected over many months and provides a soft clamping pressure that isn't hard on my own rotund skull.

At 10.8 grams (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and are just a little thinner. They're light enough for carrying in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and will remain comfortably in place for long listens. The headband is foldable by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2, with the aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio as well as tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is an excellent feature that flashes green to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.

The B&W app provides the same features as the buttons on the hardware - bass and treble adjustment, action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes, and more. The app also displays an album cover and track title when you play music from your iPhone. However, popular extras like music presets or a soundscapes feature aren't available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and was designed to meet the highest expectations. The technical design was designed to give a breath-taking detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic spatial sound you'll hear with an open-back pair of headphones.

The headphone has a 300 ohm impedance, so a good headphone amplifier will be needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, because it will increase the output power and improve the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use and have a sturdy metal frame with a mix of plastics and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't resemble an expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the hand and are built well. They come with a carrying pouch and an additional audio cable and an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with naturality, however they are less bass-y. This is because the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head soundstage. The treble quality is excellent, with minor drops and peaks. The region of the treble is linear, so you will not have any issues with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of the drum snare.

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

In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are a linear pair with a slight incline in the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations, which is a benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top pick because of their outstanding sound quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive, but they will last you for a long time and will perform in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great pair of headphones amazon for those looking to pass the time or simply want an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a simple bag that protects the headphones when you place them in the bag. The battery will last multiple long-haul flights. Their ANC does a great job of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles when on the plane, but their audio profile is a bit warm and bass-heavy.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, you'll see buttons to pair and power up the headphones as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup, you'll find controls for playing back 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 that later). The built-in mic can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offers a deep, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. These headphones have an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancellation is designed to block out a broad range of mid- and low-frequency sound.

One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means you will not be able take advantage of the higher codes' lower latency while gaming on your computer.

In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam ear cups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without creating discomfort. The earcups can rotate to adjust to the shape of your head. You can also listen to your music via a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is provided for charging the battery.