Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears, allowing you to be immersed in sound. They are usually made for audiophiles and have features like active noise cancelling and control apps.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 is Sony's most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. The headphones feature a brand new design and enhanced ANC. They also have many of the same features, but they have higher-end sound quality and better materials.

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

The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature that has been designed to satisfy both casual music lovers as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, yet it is not harsh or imposing. The earphones have a large and spacious soundstage, with excellent instrument separation. This lets you hear the details in your music. The earcups also have touch controls, which are responsive and intuitive to use. Swipe up or down to change the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track or backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones can connect to two devices at once and will automatically stop playback whenever you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also switch on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right ear cup and allowing you to be aware of what's happening around you without removing the headphones.

They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as well as high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made of top quality fabric, as well as a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers that run Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery capacity is awe-inspiring. In our most basic test we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC switched on which is much better than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on voice calls is excellent and there's no distorted or static-y audio in the background. The noise cancellation performance is excellent and they're a perfect option for public transport as well as the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, providing high-end performance and features. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits, optimized active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully placed inside each earcup for an even more focused and deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control music and calls from any device that is compatible.

Similar to the original PX7, these headphones are elegant and refined with accent rings on each earcup and an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit comfortably but not too tightly on the cranium. The new shape and form was developed over ear headphones the course of several months and offers an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force too hard on my rotund skull.

At 10.8 ounces (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as slightly thinner. They're light enough to fit in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and will stay comfortable in your hand during long listens. The headband can be folded up by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is ideal for high-resolution audio as well as tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone 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 hardware onboard buttons - 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 displays album cover and track titles. The most popular extras like music presets and soundscapes mode aren't available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones from Sennheiser and is designed to meet most demanding requirements. The technical design was designed to give stunning detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic sound you'll hear on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, so a good headphone amplifier will be needed to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to use a balanced connection, which can double the output and improve the quality of sound.

These headphones are made to be used by professionals and have a sturdy metal frame with a mix of leather and plastic. The design is minimalist and they're not fancy however the quality of the headphones and their construction are superb. They come with a carry pouch and an additional audio cable as well as an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with naturality, however they are light on bass. This is due to the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head, passive soundstage. The treble is very good, with minor drops and peaks. The treble region also has a linearity and you won't be able to deal with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of the drum snare.

Even with the absence of booming bass, they can still deliver impact and dynamism when it is needed. They'll still be a great choice for those who like listening to rock music with strong basslines, however they might not be as enjoyable as some of the competing models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They're very straight and over ear headphones have a slight slop in the upper mids, which will not be noticed by most listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations, which is a benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice due to their exceptional sound quality and a comfortable fit. They are expensive, but they will last you for a long time and will perform in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great set of headphones for anyone who wants to relax or simply want a pair of affordable headphones that block out noise. They come with a basic pouch that will give them some protection when you toss them in a bag and their battery can last many long-haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles. However, their audio quality is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.

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

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide an immersive and rich listening experience, thanks to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz the headphones wireless apple offer exceptional clarity and detail, as their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wider range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.

One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means that you won't not be able to take advantage of the better codes' lower latency when gaming on your computer.

In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory foam ear cups and headband are soft enough to wear for extended periods of time without causing discomfort. The ear cups are capable of turning so that they can adjust to the unique shape of your head so that you can have a comfortable fit. You can also listen to music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is included for charging the battery.