Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones totally encase your ears, allowing you to be immersed in the sound. They are typically made for audiophiles and come with features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless pair that includes ANC and a mobile application to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio For sleeping wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 is Sony's latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. The headphones are updated with a new design and enhanced ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with higher-end sound quality and superior materials.

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones at 250g. They're extremely comfortable to wear, even when you're listening to or reading the audiobook. The headband is soft and has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sonic signature that is designed to satisfy both people who listen to music for pleasure as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, but it's not harsh or overpowering. The earphones feature a wide and open soundstage, with excellent instrument separation. This lets you be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups feature control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. You can swipe forward to access the next track, then back to listen to the previous one as well as up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously and will automatically stop playback when you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can enable the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right-ear cup. This lets you hear the sounds around you without having to take off the headphones.

They can also be connected with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of high-end fabric and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones cheap work with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is exceptional. In our most basic test, we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC switched on which is more than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.

The WH1000XM5 has a great microphone for making calls. There is no muffled or static sound in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent, and these headphones are great for public transportation and the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement 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 with active noise cancellation that is optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled inside each earcup, provide a more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control music and calls from any device that is compatible.

Similar to the PX7's original design These headphones have elegant and refined with accent rings around each earcup and a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tight on the cranium. The redesigned form and shape took a long time to perfect, and provides an easy clamping force that doesn't push too hard on my own cranium that is rotund.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough for carrying in your bag or backpack without any discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place for long listens. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them to make it easy to transport them in the protective case.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-quality audio as well for a tight 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 headphone's status indicator is a useful gesture, flashing green to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.

The B&W app offers the same features as the onboard buttons in the hardware - bass and treble adjustment, action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes, and more. When you play music on your iPhone the app will display album covers and track titles. However, popular extras like music presets or soundscapes feature aren't available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

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

The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier is required to operate it at the right levels without distortion. It is recommended to use a balanced connection, which will increase the output and boost the sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They have a steel 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 construction are top-quality. They come with a carrying pouch as well as an additional audio cable as well as a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with a natural sound, even though they are a little less bass-y. The open-back design results in a spacious out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb, with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region is extremely linear, which means you'll not have issues cutting sibilants, or the upper bite of the snare drum.

They can still deliver impact and dynamism in the event of need, despite the absence of a loud low-end. They'll still be a great choice for for Sleeping those who enjoy listening to rock music with powerful basslines, but they may not sound as enjoyable as some of the competing models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids in the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are straight and have a slight scoop on the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations of vocals which is a major plus.

The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top pick because of their outstanding audio quality and comfortable fit. They're expensive however, you're getting headphones that will last for many years to be able to perform well in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great set of headphones for anyone looking to pass the time or simply want a pair of affordable headphones that cancel out noise. They come with a basic bag that provides protection when you throw them into a bag, and their battery can last multiple long haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles from an airplane, although 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 pair and power up the jbl headphones, as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup you'll find controls for playback of media that include a multi-function switch which lets you turn on the voice assistant on your phone and enable Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). The built-in mic can be used to make phone calls hands-free.

Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone provides a full, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz the headphones can provide outstanding clarity and detail, while their active noise cancellation technology is designed to block out an extended range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means that you won't not be able to 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 headband are soft enough to wear for long periods of time without creating discomfort. The ear cups also rotate to adapt to the shape of your head. You can also enjoy your music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is included for charging the battery.