Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in audio. They are usually made for audiophiles, and feature features like active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that includes ANC as well as a mobile app to tweak 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 upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation range. The headphones have a new design and have improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but they have higher-end sound quality and superior materials.

They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing 250g. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband is soft, and has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

With an audio quality that is able to please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to have a slight focus on bass but is not too loud or harsh. The earphones feature a wide and open soundstage, with good 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 track and headphones Apple backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically pause playback when you remove them from your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also switch on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right earcup and allowing you to be aware of what's happening around you without taking off the headphones.

They can also be linked 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 premium fabric, and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is exceptional. In our battery test, we got 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for calls is superb and there's no distorted or static-y audio in the background. The noise cancellation performance is excellent and they're a great choice 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 improved performance. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit and optimized active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully placed inside each earcup to provide an even more focused and deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. An inline remote and microphone lets you control your music and calls using any compatible device.

Like the PX7's original design, these headphones are elegant and refined with accent rings on each earcup as well as an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, yet they never feel tight. The new form and shape was perfected over ear bluetooth headphones many months and offers a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't press too hard on my skull, which is a rotund one.

At 10.8 pounds (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, and a touch smaller. They're light enough to carry in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place for long listens. A strong hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them for easy transport in an enclosed case.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for high-resolution audio as well as tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a useful touch that flashes green to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is active.

The B&W app has the same controls as the buttons on the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes and more. When you play music on your iPhone the app displays album covers and track titles. However, the most popular features like music presets or soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones by Sennheiser and is meant to meet the highest demands. Its technical construction has been optimized to provide a detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic spatial audio you'll hear on headphones with open backs.

The headphone has a 300 ohm impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier is needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which can increase the output and boost the sound quality.

The headphones apple [just click Easy Ksubest] are designed for a professional use and have a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of leather and plastic. The design is minimalist and doesn't look extravagant however the quality of the headphones and their build are superb. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable, and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With an unison sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, although they are somewhat light on bass. The open-back design creates a spacious out-of-head soundstage. The treble is excellent with minor drops and peaks. The treble area is very linear, so you shouldn't have any issues piercing sibilants and the upper impact of the snare drum.

They can still provide impact, dynamism and impact when required, despite the absence of a booming low-end. They are still a great choice for those who like rock music with a punchy bass however, they may not sound as good as the other models on this list.

These Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful mid-range. They are very linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids that shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations which is an added bonus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice because of their excellent sound quality and a comfortable fit. They're expensive however you're buying a pair of headphones that will last for many years to come and perform well in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that will be a great choice for anyone who wants to kill some time or just wants an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic case which protects them when you throw them in bags. The battery will last for several long-haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles from the plane, but their audio profile is a little warmer and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are simple to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup, there are buttons to pair and power up the headphones, as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, there are controls for playback of media. This includes a multi-function button that activates your phone's voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about it later). The built-in microphone can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone offers a deep immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz the headphones are able to provide exceptional clarity and detail, while their active noise cancellation technology is designed to filter out a wider range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is a pity. This means you will not be able to take advantage of the better codes' lower latency when playing games on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are soft enough to be worn for extended periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups also be rotated to accommodate the shape of your head. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.