Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you in the sound. They tend to be tuned for audiophiles and come with features like active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that comes with ANC as well as a mobile app to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones by Sony are the latest model in their noise cancelling lineup. They feature a new design, upgraded ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors, but with higher-end materials and a slightly higher quality sound.

They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones, with 250 grams. They are very comfortable to wear, even when you're reading or listening to the audiobook. The headband features a friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sound signature designed to satisfy both casual music listeners as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, yet it's not abrasive or blazing. They have a large and wide soundstage, with good instrument separation that allows you to hear specifics in your music. The earcups feature control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. You can swipe forward to access the next track, then back to hear the previous one, and up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at once and due to an inbuilt sensor, they will automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can enable ambient mode by placing your hand on the right earcup. This allows you to hear the sounds around you without having to remove the headphones.

They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of high-end fabric and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is excellent. In our battery test we recorded 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on which was more than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for calls is superb and there's no distorted or static-y sound in the background. The noise cancellation is top-notch and they're a great option for public transport as well as 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 PX7 S2 comes with premium performance and features like 24-bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully placed inside each earcup to provide an even more focused and deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote allows you to control music and calls from any device compatible with it.

Like the original PX7, these headphones are sleek and elegant with accent rings around each earcup, and a silver-colored headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium but never feel tight. The new form and shape was developed over the course of several months and offers an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't press too hard on my skull, which is a rotund one.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and stay in place comfortably for long listening sessions. A strong hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them for easy transport in the protective case.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio as well for a tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to show rapid charging and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app offers the same controls as the hardware onboard buttons including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes, and more. 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 are missing.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and is made to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction is optimized to give a detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic sound you can get from open-back headphones For gym.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier is needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which will increase the output and boost the sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They have a steel frame and a mix of plastic 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 carry pouch and an extra audio cable, as well as an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, although they are a bit light on bass. This is due to the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble is very good with minor peaks and drops. The region of the treble has a linearity, so you will not be able to deal with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of the drum snare.

They can still provide impact as well as dynamism and impact when required, despite the absence of a loud low-end. They'll still be a great choice for those who love listening to rock music that has strong basslines, however they might not be as enjoyable as some of the other models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

These Sennheiser headphones for running have a wonderful mid-range. They're very straight, with a slight scoop in the upper mids which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations of vocals, which is a big plus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and headphones for gym professionals. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fitting make them a great option. The headphones are costly, but they'll 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 for anyone looking to kill time or just want an affordable pair of headphones that cancel out noise. The headphones come with a basic bag which protects them when you throw them into bags. The battery will last multiple long-haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles from an airplane, although their audio profile is warm and bass-heavy.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, you'll see 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 see controls for playback of media. This includes a multi-function key that activates the phone's voice assistant and turns on Anker BassUp (more about that later). The built-in mic can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.

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. The headphones have an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a broad range of low- and mid-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is a pity. This means that you won't not be able to benefit of the superior codes' lower latency while playing games on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are soft enough to be worn for long periods without discomfort. The earcups are capable of rotating and adjust to the unique 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 connector is included for charging the battery.