Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones generally have a longer battery life than earbuds. They also provide superior noise cancellation.

Sony's WH1000XM5s have the best over-ear headphones with wireless technology. They sound fantastic with a rich, bass-heavy audio profile that allows vocals and instruments to shine. With active noise cancellation (ANC) in place they last for over 40 hours on one charge.

Focal Bathys Wireless

The Focal Bathys wireless are a high-end audiophile entry into the highly sought-after premium Bluetooth headphone segment that has been dominated for a long time by Bose. But with a reputation for creating the highest quality, high-fidelity speakers, Focal couldn't simply scale down to compete in this crowded market. So it opted to build its own set of earbuds, which have built-in ANC and the same amplifiers and transducers that are used in its flagship products.

The result is a pair that not only is top-of-the-line in performance but also feels luxurious and robust. Focal reduced the size and weight from its premium headphones to make these portable earbuds more travel friendly however, they still use magnesium for the yokes to keep them lightweight. The design is sleek and stylish, with a the circular, "skeletonised", design similar to Focal's premium Focal celestee headphones. LED backlit Focal logos are placed on the side of the headphone and actually glow.

The ear cups fold flat for storage and the cable can be removed to be used with other devices without Bluetooth, such as many cell phones. The ear cups fold flat to make storage and the cord is detachable for use on other devices that do not have Bluetooth like a lot of cell phones.

For true audio nerds the headphones can be used in DAC mode, which bypasses internal processing and produces better sound quality than Bluetooth headphones that have a built-in DAC. 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 are specifically designed to be used in planes and other noisy environments However, the DAC mode allows for critical listening. Most portable headphones are closed back and tuned to boost bass however, the Bathys provide an even, neutral sound that's perfect for rock and other popular genres without getting overly boomy. A pair of these would be a wonderful present for the audiophile on your list.

JBL Tune 760NC

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

The headphones have a decent set of controls on the earcups which allow you to control your music and call settings. They include buttons for volume levels up down, power and ANC off and on. The buttons are surrounded by tiny LEDs and you can press it to change the display of light. The headphones offer a comfortable fit and are padded, but they clamp quite tightly on your head and might be uncomfortable for listeners who wear glasses.

JBL's Active Noise Cancellation technology reduces ambient noise by analyzing and interpret the sounds emanating from outside the headphone. It then reverses those sounds and cancels them out, resulting in a quieter listening experience. This lets you listen at lower volumes and avoid ear fatigue. The headphones are equipped with a microphone that lets you make calls hands-free and to activate voice assistants.

These headphones work with the majority of Bluetooth devices such as your computer and most mobile phones. They also work with the majority of PS4 and Xbox One controllers to receive audio however you won't be able use them to connect with your co-workers. The USB port allows you to charge them and listen to audio on your computer.

The JBL 760NCs are designed to be portable and compact, with a foldable design that makes them easy to carry on the on the go. The JBL 760NCs come with built-in batteries that can last for up to 40 hours of continuous use and also come with noise cancellation to block out any distracting sounds. They can be connected to two Bluetooth devices at once, so you don't have to miss a beat when switching from watching a film on your tablet to making a call.

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 is a pair of headphones on-ear that provide the features people expect from on-ear Bluetooth headphones. They provide a reasonable price and a battery that lasts all day, a backup aux cable and peace of mind thanks to Tile technology for finding. It also features a simple set of controls for the earcup and is able to connect to both wired and wireless devices. The Riff Wireless headphones come with a fantastic companion app that allows you to modify your listening experience as well as decrease the delay in video and audio when connected to computers or a smart TV and set up multi-device pairing.

The headphones come with a cushioned band that is very comfortable. These headphones are made to be used for commutes and travel. They can be folded up to fit comfortably in bags or backpacks. The tough plastic material is durable and they click when you stretch or move them. Noise cancelling may be an issue for some users but they block some of the low rumbles that come from busses and chatter of passengers.

The headphones are of decent audio quality, especially considering their price. The midranges are not as lush as the more expensive headphones, but they are still able to provide good clarity at most volume levels. The bass is strong and punchy, wired while the highs are a little rolled off but still not too loud. They are great for rock and pop, but they may not be the best over ear headphones under 100 choice for genres that feature deep, full bass.

Compared to the older version of these headphones, the Riff Wireless 2 have more features. They have a neutral sound that might appeal to some users, a better mic performance and allow multi-device pairing. They also have a much longer battery life and support the use of a higher volume.

They're good headphones however they don't provide the same level of comfort as other Skullcandy products like the Hesh 3 Wireless. They're still a good choice for most users, but they aren't the best choice for those who are in active usage and could fall off during high-intensity exercise.

Razer Opus

The Opus is the first effort by Razer at creating a lifestyle headphone. It's a great product. The target market is likely to be much larger than the average consumer and has a quality that rivals top-of-the-line models from Sony and Bose at a reasonable price.

The design is somewhat sluggish even by Razer's standards. There is no RGB lighting or trademark green accents. The Tri-Snake is not apparent. The headset is a lot like any other Bluetooth headphone, sporting semicircle hinges that fold flat and swivel over the earcups to create an adjustable and comfortable headband. They're also lighter and portable than other gaming headsets, with a weight of just 265g when collapsed.

On the right earcup are onboard controls. Power and track control buttons are close to a multi-function button recessed into it that also doubles as a noise-cancellation button. The controls are simple to press and responsive, and they functioned as expected in my testing.

The Opus bass is a roaring and well-rounded, with depth and clarity that you won't find in a lot of budget headphones. It's not as deep as Bose's Extra Bass headphones, but it's still better than expectations for the $200 price point. The mids are a solid sound and vocals as well as lead instruments are able to stand out with decent clarity. I did notice a slight lack of clarity in the highs however changing the EQ to the Vocal setting fixed the issue.

As a bonus, you'll find an 3.5mm analog cable and USB-C-to A adapter in the carrying case, along with an ordinary airplane audio jack for those who haven't yet switched to all-cable audio. It's a tiny, but appreciated addition that makes it easier to use headphones while traveling.

Like other THX-certified devices, the Opus did a great job in my tests. I was able to walk through the city with ANC turned on without the need to increase volume to block out ambient noise, and I never felt the need to play my music at a higher volume to hear it. This is the kind of quality which will help you to prevent hearing loss from excessive exposure to high-frequency frequency.