Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cheap cover your ears and plunge you into audio. They tend to be made for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancellation and control applications.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 is Sony's latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation lineup. They have a fresh new design, upgraded ANC, and many of the same features as their predecessors but with better materials and slightly higher quality sound.

They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones, with 250g. They're very comfortable to wear, no matter if you're reading or listening to an 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.

With an audio quality that is able to please casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass, but not overpowering or harsh. They have a large and open soundstage with good instrument separation that allows you to hear the specifics in your music. The earcups feature touch controls that are simple and responsive. You can swipe forward to access the next track, back to hear the previous track and then up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously and will automatically pause playback when 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 listen to what's happening around you without taking off the headphones on sale.

They can also be linked 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 of top quality fabric, as well as a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones and computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is impressive. In our standard battery test we recorded 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on which was more than Sony's advertised 30 hour battery life.

The WH1000XM5 has a great mic for Headphones Skullcandy voice calls. There's no muffled or static sound in the background. The noise cancellation is top-notch and they're a perfect fit for public transport or 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 & Wilkins S2 is a premium model with a variety of features, including 24bit wireless streaming and active noise cancellation optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled inside each earcup, give you a more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone lets you control your calls and music on any compatible device.

The headphones sport a similar sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They feature accent rings around the earcups, as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium, but never feel tight. The new design and shape was perfected over many months, and delivers a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force hard on my own rotund skull.

At 10.8 pounds (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as just a little thinner. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. The headband is foldable 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 tight video sync. You can play the headphones wired, too, with the included 3.5mm cable that connects to an USB-C port located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice touch. It flashes green to show rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app provides similar controls to the onboard buttons in the hardware - bass and treble adjustment and assigning action buttons wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and much more. When you play music on your iPhone the app will display album cover and track titles. The most popular extras like music presets and soundscapes mode are not available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. Its technical construction was optimized to achieve an incredible detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic spatial sound you'll hear in a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier to operate at the right levels, without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended since this can double the output power and improve the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed to be used by professionals and feature a sturdy metal frame with a mix of leather and plastic. The design is minimalist and doesn't look extravagant however the quality of the headphones and their build are top-quality. They come with a carry case, an additional audio cable and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with a natural sound, even although they are a bit light on bass. This is because the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head, passive soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding, with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region also is linear which means you won't have issues with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of the drum snare.

They can still deliver impact as well as dynamism and impact in the event of need, despite the absence of a booming low-end. They will still be enjoyable for those who like listening to rock music that has punchy basslines, but they may not be as fun as some of the competing models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are very linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids which shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations, which is a nice benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice because of their excellent audio quality and comfortable fit. The headphones are expensive however they will last for a long time and will perform in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good set of Headphones Skullcandy for anyone looking to pass the time or simply need a pair of affordable headphones that cancel out noise. They come with a basic pouch that will give them some protection when you toss them into a bag, and their battery can last multiple long haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles when on a plane, though their audio profile is warm and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are easy to navigate and well-marked. On the left earcup there are buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones, as well as for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function control that activates the phone's voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about it later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make hands-free calls with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide an immersive and deep listening experience thanks to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones have an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a variety of low- and mid-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is a pity. This means you won't be able to take advantage of the superior codec's lower latency when you're gaming on your PC.

In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory foam ear cups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without causing any discomfort. The ear cups are also capable of rotating, allowing them to adapt to the unique shape of your head so that you can get a snug fit. You can also listen to your music wired with an included 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.