Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you into sound. They are usually tuned for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade in their noise cancellation line-up. They feature a new design, upgraded ANC and a host of the same features that their predecessors had but with higher-end materials and a slightly higher quality sound.

At just 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or reading a book. The headband is a friction-rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which prevents your ears getting too cold.

With an audio quality that is able to please casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to have a slight focus on bass, but not too loud or harsh. The earphones feature a wide and wide soundstage, as well as excellent instrument separation. This allows you to listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups also have 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 and reverse to hear the previous track. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also switch on the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup, which allows you to hear what's going on around you, without taking off the headphones.

They can also be connected with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made from premium fabric and an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery capacity is awe-inspiring. In our test we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC turned on which is much better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.

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

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and performance. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 comes with premium performance and features, including 24-bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully angled inside each earcup to provide an enhanced, more immersive listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. An inline remote and microphone lets you control your calls and music on any compatible device.

The headphones have a elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They have accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit well, but not too tightly on the cranium. The new design and shape was refined over a period of time and provides a soft clamping pressure that doesn't force hard on my own skull.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and are comfortable to wear throughout long listening sessions. 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 great for high-resolution audio and 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 status indicator on the headphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue to signal bluetooth headphones (hop over to this website) pairing.

The B&W App offers the same controls that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignments, Bluetooth headphones wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes as well as other features. When you play music on your iPhone the app displays album cover and track titles. However, some popular features such as music presets or a 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 a detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic spatial audio you'll hear on headphones with open backs.

The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, so a good headphone amplifier is needed to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, since this can double the output power and improve the overall sound quality.

These headphones are made for professional use. They have a metal frame and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't resemble an expensive pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the hands and are well-built. They come with a carrying pouch and an extra audio cable as well as a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, although they are a bit light on bass. The open-back design results in a spacious, out-of-head soundstage. The treble is very good, with minor peaks and drops. The treble region is extremely smooth, meaning you won't have issues with hitting sibilants or the upper sound of the drum snare.

They can still deliver impact, dynamism and impact in the event of need, despite the absence of a booming low-end. They'll still be a great choice for those who enjoy listening to rock music with strong basslines, however they might not be as fun as some of the models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

These Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful mid-range. They are linear with a slight scoop on the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They are also able to reproduce fine time gradations in vocals which is a major plus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top pick due to their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit. The headphones running are expensive but they will last you for years and perform well in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent pair of headphones for those looking to kill time or simply want an affordable set of headphones that cancel out noise. The headphones come with a simple bag which protects them when you put them into a bag. The battery will last for several long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles. However, their audio profile is a little warm and bass-heavy.

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

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver a rich and immersive listening experience thanks to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones feature the treble range to go up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancellation is specifically designed to block out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is disappointing. This means you won't be in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency while playing games on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are soft enough to be worn for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups are also capable of turning, allowing them to adapt to the particular shape of your head so that you can get a snug fit. You can also enjoy your music with a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is included for charging the battery.