Best Over-Ear Headphones

over the ear headphones noise cancelling-ear headphones generally have better battery life than earbuds. They also offer superior noise cancellation.

Sony's WH1000XM5s are among the top over ear sound cancelling headphones-ear headphones with wireless technology. They sound fantastic with a deep, bass-heavy sound quality that still allows vocals and instruments to shine. They last for more than 40 hours on a single battery with active noise cancelling (ANC) turned on.

Focal Bathys Wireless

The Focal Bathys Wireless are an audiophile-grade entry into the booming travel-focused, premium Bluetooth headphone market, a segment that has been dominated by Bose and Sony offerings. Focal's reputation as a maker of the best high-fidelity speakers meant that it wasn't able to reduce its size to be competitive. It decided to design its own earbuds that had built-in ANC made of the same amplifiers, transducers, and other components that are in its flagship products.

The result is a pair headphones that offer top-of-the-line performance, but also feel luxurious and durable. Focal trimmed the size and weight of its premium headphones to make these portable headphones more suitable for travel however, they still use magnesium for the yokes to keep them lightweight. The design is sleek and elegant with a an elongated, "skeletonised", design similar to Focal's high-end Focal celestee headphones. LED backlit Focal logos are placed on the back of the headphones and actually glow.

The earcups fold flat for storage, and the cable is able to be separated to be used with other devices that do not have Bluetooth, such as many cell phones. The ear cups fold flat to make storage, and the cable is detachable for use on other devices that don't have Bluetooth as well as many cell phones.

The headphones can also be used in DAC-mode which disables internal processing to produce better sound quality than Bluetooth headphones with DACs built-in. 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 were designed for use on planes, in noisy environments and other locations. However they're also great for listening in noisy environments. DAC mode makes them perfect for over ear sound cancelling headphones listening with greater attention. The Bathys are an excellent alternative to closed-back headphones, which are tuned to bass. A pair of these would be a perfect gift for the audiophile on your list.

JBL Tune 760NC

The JBL Tune 760NC are a lightweight and comfortable pair of headphones with active noise cancellation. They have a bass-focused profile that gives your sound depth, and a long battery life. They also have a sturdy construction that is ideal for travel and commutes however they can be uncomfortable during long listening sessions because of their tight fit.

The headphones come with a good set of controls on the ear cups that allow you to control your music as well as call settings. They have buttons for volume up down, power, and ANC off and on. The buttons are surrounded with a small section of LED and you can tap them to change the light display. The headphones are well-padded and have a good fit however they may be uncomfortable for those who wear glasses.

JBL's Active Noise Cancellation Technology reduces ambient noise by analyzing and understanding the sounds that come from outside the headphone. It then inverts the sound and cancels them out, creating a more peaceful listening environment. This allows you listen at lower volumes and prevents fatigued ears. The headphones have a built-in microphone that allows you to make phone calls without hands and also activate voice assistants.

These headphones are compatible with a wide range of Bluetooth devices such as your laptop and many mobile phones. They also work with the majority of PS4 and Xbox One controllers to receive audio however you can't use them to communicate with teammates. The USB port allows you to charge the devices and listen to audio through your computer.

The JBLs 760NCs have an easy-to-fold, compact design that makes it easy to pack. They have a built-in battery that can last for up to 40 hours of continuous use, and they're equipped with noise cancellation technology that blocks out distractions. They can also be connected to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, meaning you can go from watching an online video on your tablet and then taking an incoming call on your phone without missing a beat.

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 is a pair on-ear headphones that deliver what people want from on-ear Bluetooth headphones. They come with a low price point with a long battery life that lasts all day, an aux cable backup and peace of mind thanks to Tile finding technology. It also features a simple set of controls on the earcups and can connect to both wireless and wired devices. The Riff Wireless headphones come with an excellent companion app that lets you modify your listening experience as well as decrease the delay in video and audio when connected to a smart television or computer and set up multi-device pairing.

These headphones have a padded band that is extremely comfortable. They are designed to be used to travel or commute and are able to fold up to be easily stored in backpacks or bags. The plasticky material is sturdy and they click when you stretch or move them. They don't have noise cancellation which may be a problem for some users, but they block out the low buzz of buses and chatter.

The headphones are of decent audio quality, especially given their low cost. The midranges are not as lush as the more expensive models, but they still have good detail at most volume levels. The bass is strong and punchy, whereas the highs are slightly soft, but not too loud. They are perfect for pop and rock, but not for genres that require a deep, full bass.

The Riff Wireless 2 headphones come with more features than the older version. They have a neutral sound that might appeal to certain users and a superior mic performance and allow multi-device pairing. They also have a longer battery life and support an increased volume.

They're an excellent pair of headphones but don't have the same level of comfort as other Skullcandy models, like the Hesh 3 Wireless. They're still a great choice for most people, but they aren't the best choice for those who are in active use, and they can be a bit shaky during intense workouts.

Razer Opus

The Opus is the first effort by Razer to create a headphone that is a lifestyle. It's a fantastic product. Its intended audience is likely a lot wider than the average consumer and has a quality that is comparable to top-of-the-line models from Sony and Bose at a reasonable price.

The design is a bit restrained by Razer standards: no RGB lighting or trademark green accents and the Tri-Snake logo is nowhere to be visible. Instead, the headset appears like any other Bluetooth headphones, with semicircle hinges which swivel and fold flat on top of the earcups, creating an incredibly comfortable headband. They're also more lightweight and portable than most gaming headsets, with a weight of just 265g when folded.

On the right earcup is the onboard controls. The power and track control buttons are located next to a multi-function button in the earcup that doubles as a noise-cancellation button. The controls are simple to press and responsive, and they functioned as advertised in my tests.

The Opus bass is a punchy, well-rounded sound with depth and clarity that you won't find in many budget headphones. It's not quite as full as the Bose Extra Bass headphones, but it's still better than expectations for headphones in the $200 price tag. Vocals and the lead instruments can be heard with good clarity. The mids are solid. I did notice a little lack of clarity in the highs, but switching the EQ to Vocal solved the issue.

In addition, you'll find an 3.5mm analog cable as well as a USB-C to-A adapter in the carrying case, as well as an ordinary airplane audio jack for those who haven't made the switch to all-cable audio. It's a small but welcome feature that makes it easier to use the headphones when traveling.

As with other THX-certified products such as the Opus performed well in my tests. I was able to stroll through the city without having to raise the volume to block out background noise and I never felt as if I had to turn my music up just to hear it. This is the kind of sound quality that can help you to prevent hearing loss from excessive exposure to high frequency frequencies.