Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in the sound. They tend to be designed for audiophiles and feature features like active noise cancellation and control applications.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless pair with ANC and a mobile application to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio through USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest model in their noise cancellation line-up. The headphones feature a brand new design and have improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with a higher-end sound quality and superior materials.

With only 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. They're extremely comfortable to wear, even when you're reading or listening the audiobook. 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 has a sound signature that has been designed to please casual music listeners as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, however it's not harsh or overpowering. The earphones feature a wide and wide soundstage, as well as excellent instrument separation. This lets you listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups come with touch controls that are simple and responsive. You can swipe forward to access the next track, then back to hear 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 whenever you remove them from your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup, which allows you to listen to what's happening around you without taking off the headphones.

Other useful features include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made of premium fabric and an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones and computers running Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is exceptional. In our standard test we were able achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC turned on, which is better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on calls is exceptional, and there's no muffled or static-y audio in the background. The noise cancellation performance is excellent, and they're a good fit for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and improved performance. This includes 24-bit wireless streaming and optimized active noise cancellation, and clear voice call quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are carefully angled inside each earcup for a more focused, immersive listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. And an inline remote and microphone lets you manage your calls and Dj music on any device compatible with it.

As with the original PX7, these headphones are sleek and elegant with accent rings around each earcup and a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium, yet don't feel tight. The redesigned shape and form took a long time to perfect, providing a comfortable clamping force that doesn't push too hard, even on my own rotund cranium.

At 10.8 grams (or 307g) They're 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and are just a little thinner. They're light enough to carry in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place for 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 ideal for high-resolution audio and fast video sync. You can also play the headphones wired, too, with the included 3.5mm cable that connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to signal rapid charging, and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app offers the same controls as the buttons on the hardware including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes, and more. The app also shows an album cover and track's name when you play music on your iPhone. Some popular features like music presets and soundscapes mode are missing, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the highest expectations. Its engineering was designed to provide stunning detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It's the most realistic audio you can get from open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, which means it requires a top-quality headphone amplifier to operate at the right levels, copyoa.com without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which will double the output and improve the quality of sound.

These headphones are made for professional use. They have a metal frame, and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is minimalist and they're not fancy, but the quality of the headphones and their build are top-quality. They come with a carrying pouch as well as an additional audio cable, as well as an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

With an unison sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, though they are light in bass. This is because the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head soundstage. The treble quality is excellent, with minor drops and peaks. The region of the treble has a linearity which means you won't have issues with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of a drum snare.

Despite not having a loud bass, they can still provide dynamism and impact when needed. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who love rock music with a punchy bass, but may not sound as good as the other models on this list.

The Sennheiser headphones have a fantastic mid-range. They are straight and have an incline on the upper mids, which won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations, which is a benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fit make them an excellent choice. They're expensive, but you're paying for a pair of headphones that will last for years to be used and perform well in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that will do the trick for anyone who wants to kill some time or simply needs a cheap set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic case which protects them when you put them in a bag. The battery will last for several long-haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles on a plane, though their audio profile is a little heavy and warm.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones for tv, as well as for ypperfect.com turning on or off active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup, you'll find controls for playback of media, including a multi-function button that allows you to activate the voice assistant on your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in microphone can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.

Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone delivers a rich, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones have an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancelling is specifically designed to block out a variety of mid- and low-frequency sound.

One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means you will not be able take advantage of the higher codes' lower latency while gaming on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam earcups are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups are also capable of turning so that they can adjust to the specific shape of your head, so you can achieve a perfect fit. You can also enjoy your music via a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is included to charge the battery.