Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you into music. They are usually tuned for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones by Sony are the most recent upgrade in their noise cancellation line-up. They feature a new design, improved ANC, and many of the same features as their predecessors, but with better materials and slightly higher quality sound.

They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing 250 grams. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband is soft and it has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

With a sound quality that can satisfy casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass but is not too loud or harsh. The earphones feature a wide and spacious soundstage, with good instrument separation. This allows you to listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups also feature control buttons that are easy and responsive to use. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song and reverse to hear the previous track. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at the same time and, thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically stop the playback when removed from your head. You can enable ambient mode by placing your palm on the right-ear cup. This lets you hear the sounds around you without having to remove the headphones.

Other helpful features include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made from top quality fabric, as well as a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones work with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers operating Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is superb. In our test we were able achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC turned on which is much better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.

The WH1000XM5 has a great microphone for making calls. There's no muffled or static audio in the background. Noise-canceling is also excellent, and these headphones are perfect for public transportation or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and performance. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 is a premium model with a variety of features, including 24-bit wireless streaming and active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled in each earcup, provide a more immersive and focused listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer outstanding clarity for calls even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control music and calls from any device that is compatible.

The headphones have a 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 memory foam earcups fit well but not too tight on the cranium. The redesigned form and shape required a lot of time to perfect, delivering a comfortable clamping force that isn't too hard even on my own cranium that is rotund.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to carry in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and will remain comfortable in your hand during long listens. The headband can be folded by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for high-resolution audio as well as fast video sync. You can play the headphones for ipad wired, too, with the included 3.5mm cable that connects to a USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to show rapid charging, and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app offers similar controls to the buttons on the hardware including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes, and more. When you listen to music on your iPhone the app will display album cover and track titles. Popular extras such as music presets, soundscapes and music mode aren't available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones by Sennheiser, and it is designed to meet highest demands. Its technical construction has been optimized to provide the highest resolution in detail that covers all the spectrum of frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever hear with an open-back pair of headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms which means it requires a top-quality headphone amplifier that can drive it at the right levels, without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended as this will double the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They have a metal frame, and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is simple and they don't look fancy however the quality of the headphones and their build are superb. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable, and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, though they are light in bass. The open-back design produces a spacious out-of-head soundstage. The treble quality is excellent, with minor peaks and drops. The treble area is extremely linear, which means you'll not have issues piercing sibilants and the upper sound of the drum snare.

Despite not having a booming bass, they can still provide dynamism and impact when needed. These headphones are still great for those who like rock music with punchy basses however, they may not be as impressive as some of the other models on this list.

The Sennheiser headphones have a great midrange. They are very linear and have a slight scoop in the upper mids, which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations, which is a nice benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fit make them a top option. They're costly, but you're paying for headphones that will last for years to be used and perform at their best in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great pair of headphones for running for those looking to pass the time or just want a pair of affordable Headphones Apple that cancel out noise. The headphones come with a basic bag which protects them when you put them into the bag. The battery will last for a long time on long-haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles on the plane, but their audio profile is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are easy to navigate and well-marked. On the left earcup you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones and to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup you'll find controls for playback of media that include a multi-function switch that allows you to activate your phone's voice assistant and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). The built-in microphone can be used to make phone calls hands-free.

Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone delivers a rich and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones feature a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancelling technology is specifically designed to block out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means you will not be able to benefit of the better codes' lower latency when playing on your computer.

In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory foam earcups and headband are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without causing discomfort. The earcups can be rotated to accommodate the shape of your head. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.