Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears and allow you to fully immerse in the sound. They are generally made for audiophiles and come with features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile app for tweaking 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 latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. They sport a new design, improved ANC and a lot of the same features that their predecessors had but with premium materials and slightly higher quality sound.

At only 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband has a friction-rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which prevents your ears getting too cold.

With an audio quality that will please casual music listeners and headphone shop uk serious audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass, but it isn't overpowering or harsh. The earphones have a large and spacious soundstage, with excellent instrument separation. This lets you be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups also have touch controls that are easy and responsive to use. Swipe forward to play the next track, back to hear the previous track as well as up and down to control the volume. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at once and, thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can also switch on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup and allowing you to be aware of what's happening around you without removing the headphones.

Other features that are useful include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of premium fabric, and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible 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 achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC activated, which is better than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.

The WH1000XM5 has a great microphone that can be used for voice calls. There is no static or muffled audio in the background. Noise-canceling is also excellent, and these headphones are ideal for public transportation or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, providing high-end performance and features. 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 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled to fit in each earcup, offer more immersive and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone lets you manage your music and calls on any device compatible with it.

The headphones sport a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They feature accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver sheen for the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, but don't feel tight. The new design and shape was refined over a period of time, and delivers an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that isn't hard on my own rotund skull.

At 10.8 pounds (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as just a little smaller. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and stay in place comfortably for headphone Shop uk long listening sessions. The headband can be folded using a sturdy hinge at the back.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for high-resolution audio and tight video sync. You can also play them wired too, using 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 addition. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App offers the same controls that the buttons on the hardware provide such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignments, wear detection, cycling through ANC modes, etc. When you play music on your iPhone the app displays album cover and track titles. However, some popular features such as music presets or a soundscapes feature aren't available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones by Sennheiser and is designed to meet the most demanding requirements. The design and construction of the headphones is optimized to give an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all of the frequency spectrum dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It's the most realistic audio you'll experience on open-back headphones.

The Headphone Shop Uk has an impedance of 300 ohms, therefore it requires a premium headphone stores amplifier to operate to the levels you want without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended because it will increase the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for a professional use and have a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with leather and plastic. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't resemble the most expensive pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the hand and are built to last. They come with a carry case, an extra audio cable and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, although they are light in bass. The open-back design creates an expansive out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding, with only minor dips and peaks. The region of the treble is linear, so you will not be able to deal with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of a drum snare.

Even with the absence of booming bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when required. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who like rock music with punchy basses however they might not be as impressive as the other models on this list.

In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They're very straight, with a slight scoop in the upper mids that should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations which is a bonus.

The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit make them a top choice. They're costly, but you're paying for headphones that will last for many years to be able to perform at their best in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that can be a great choice for anyone looking to relax or just wants an affordable pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag which protects them when you put them into the bag. The battery will last for several long-haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, however their audio profile is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.

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

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer an immersive and rich listening experience, due to the headphone shop custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that offer certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz they are able to provide exceptional clarity and clarity, while their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.

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

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam ear cups are soft enough to be worn for long periods without discomfort. The earcups are capable of rotating so that they can adjust to the unique shape of your head so you can achieve a perfect fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.