Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones sale are designed to surround your ears and immerse you in sound. They are typically made for audiophiles and come with features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless speaker 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 WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest model in their noise cancelling lineup. The headphones jvc are updated with a new design and enhanced ANC. They also have many of the same features, but they have higher-end sound quality and better materials.

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

The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sound signature that has been created to please casual music lovers as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, however it is not harsh or blazing. They have a large and spacious soundstage that has excellent instrument separation that allows you to hear specifics in your music. The earcups have touch controls that are simple and responsive. You can swipe forward to access the next track, reverse to hear the previous track, 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 automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can activate the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right earcup. This allows you to hear the sounds around you without having to take off the headphones.

Other useful features include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made from top quality fabric, as well as an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery capacity is awe-inspiring. In our standard battery test we had 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was more than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH1000XM5 has a great microphone for making calls. There is no muffled or static sound in the background. The noise-canceling performance is also top-notch 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 performance. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 comes with premium performance and features, including 24bit wireless streaming, 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, give you a more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide superior call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote allows you to control calls and music on any device compatible with it.

Similar to the original PX7 These headphones have sleek and elegant with accent rings on each earcup as well as an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium but don't feel tight. The new design and shape was perfected over many months and provides a soft clamping pressure that isn't too hard on my skull.

They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to carry in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and will remain comfortably in place for long listens. The headband can be folded up by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio aswell as a fast video sync. You can also play them wirelessly 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 signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app has the same controls as the hardware onboard buttons such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and more. The app also shows an album cover and track's name when you play music using your iPhone. Some popular features like music presets and a soundscapes mode aren't available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the highest expectations. The design and construction of the headphones has been optimized to provide a detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever hear with an open-back pair of headphones.

The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier will be needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. It is recommended to use a balanced connection, which will increase the output and enhance the sound quality.

These headphones are made for professional use. They have a metal frame and a mixture of plastic and leather padding. The design is simple and doesn't resemble an expensive pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carrying pouch as well as an additional audio cable, as well as a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

With an unison sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, although they are a bit light on bass. The open-back design produces a wide, out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region is also extremely linear, which means you'll not have issues piercing sibilants and the upper bite of the snare drum.

They can still deliver impact and dynamism when needed despite the lack of a loud low-end. These headphones are still great for those who love rock music with a punchy bass, but may not sound as good as other models on this list.

In the mids in the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are extremely linear, with a slight scoop in the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They also can reproduce precise time gradations, which is a benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them a top choice. They're expensive however, you're getting a pair of headphones that will last for years to be used and perform at their best in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that can do the trick for anyone looking to kill some time or simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a simple pouch that will give them some protection when you toss them into a bag, and their battery can last for multiple long haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles on the plane, but their audio profile is a bit 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 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 playing back media. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistance and switches on Anker BassUp (more about this later). You can also utilize the built-in microphone in order to make hands-free calls with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones delivers a rich and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones feature a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancellation is designed to block out a wide range of low- and mid-frequency sound.

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

In terms of comfort In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam earcups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing discomfort. The ear cups are also able to rotate, allowing them to adapt to the specific shape of your head, so you can have a comfortable fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.