Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in the music. They are generally tuned for Headphones Review audiophiles, and have features like active noise cancellation and control apps.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancelling lineup. They have a fresh new design, enhanced ANC, and many of the same features as their predecessors but with better materials and slightly higher-quality sound.

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

With an audio quality that will please casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass, but not too loud or Headphones Review harsh. They have a wide and open soundstage with excellent instrument separation that lets you hear details in your music. The earcups are also equipped with touch controls that are easy to use. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track or backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at the same time and thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can enable ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup. This allows you to listen to the sounds around you without having to take off the headphones.

Other features that are useful include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of top quality fabric and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is impressive. In our most basic test we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC activated which is more than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.

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

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, delivering premium performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 comes with premium performance and features like 24-bit wireless streaming and active noise cancellation optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled in each earcup, offer more immersive and focused listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer exceptional call clarity even in noisy surroundings. A built-in microphone and remote allows you to control calls and music on any compatible device.

The headphones have a sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They have accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium but don't feel tight. The redesigned form and shape took many months to perfect, providing an easy clamping force that doesn't push too hard even on my own rotund cranium.

At 10.8 ounces (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter than the Sony WH-1000XM5, and a touch smaller. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and stay in place comfortably throughout long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them up for easy transport in an enclosed case.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and the aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio as well as a fast video sync. You can 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 an excellent gesture that flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is active.

The B&W App has the same controls that the buttons on the hardware provide - bass and treble adjustments actions button assignments, wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes as well as other features. The app also displays an album cover and track title when you play music from your iPhone. The most popular extras like music presets and soundscapes mode are not available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones made by Sennheiser, and it is meant to meet the highest demands. Its construction technology has been optimized to achieve the highest resolution in detail that covers all of the frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic spatial sound you'll hear on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier will be needed to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which will increase the output and enhance the quality of sound.

These headphones are designed for a professional use and feature a sturdy metal frame with a mix of plastics and leather padding. The design is simple and doesn't look extravagant however the quality of the headphones and their build are superb. They come with a carrying pouch and an extra 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 an expansive out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region is also extremely linear, which means you shouldn't have any issues cutting sibilants, or the upper sound of a drum snare.

They still have the ability to deliver as well as dynamism and impact when required, despite the absence of a loud low-end. These headphones are still great for those who love rock music that has punchy bass however they might not be as impressive as some of the other models on this list.

The Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful midrange. They're very straight and have a slight scoop in the upper mids that will not be noticed by most listeners. They are also able to reproduce fine time gradations in vocals which is a major plus.

The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones review (ncg.Kr), ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They're a top choice because of their excellent sound quality and comfortable fit. They're expensive however, you're getting a pair of headphones that will last for many years to be used and perform to their best in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that can do the trick for anyone looking to relax or just wants an affordable pair of noise-cancelling headphones bluetooth. The headphones come with a basic case that will protect the headphones when you place them in bags. The battery will last for a long time on long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles, however their audio profile is a bit heavy and warm.

The Life Q20's controls are simple to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup, there are buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function control that activates your phone's voice assistance and switches on Anker BassUp (more about this later). You can also make use of the built-in microphone to make calls without hands your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide an immersive and rich listening experience, due to the custom 40 mm 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 filter out a variety of mid- and low-frequency sound.

One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they don't support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means you won't able to take advantage of the superior codec's lower latency while playing on your computer.

In terms of comfort 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 earcups are capable of turning, allowing them to adapt to the specific shape of your head so that you can have a comfortable fit. You can also listen to your music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is included for charging the battery.