Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears and allow you to fully immerse in the sound. They are generally designed for audiophiles and include 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 hi-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest model in their noise cancellation lineup. They feature a new design, upgraded ANC, and many of the same features as their predecessors but with premium materials and slightly more premium sound quality.

With only 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. They're extremely comfortable to wear, no matter if you're reading or listening to an audiobook. The headband features a friction rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.

With a sound quality that will please casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass, but it isn't overpowering or harsh. The earphones have a large and spacious soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This allows you to listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups are also equipped with touch controls, which are responsive and intuitive to use. Swipe forward to play the next track, then back to hear the previous track as well as up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at once and thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can enable the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right earcup. This lets you hear the sounds around you without having to take 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 carrying case made of high-end fabric and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with most Android and iOS smartphones and computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our standard battery test we recorded 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.

The WH1000XM5 is a great microphone that can be used for voice calls. There's no static or muffled audio in the background. The noise cancellation performance is excellent and buy headphones online uk they're a great choice for public transport 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 PX7 S2 offers 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 designed specifically and angled in each earcup, provide a more immersive and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone lets you manage your music and calls using 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 memory foam earcups fit well but not too tightly on the cranium. The new design and shape took many months to perfect, delivering a comfortable clamping force that doesn't press too hard, even on my own cranium that is rotund.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and remain in place throughout long listening sessions. The headband is foldable by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for both high-resolution audio and precise video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to show rapid charging and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App has the same control options that the buttons on the hardware provide - bass and treble adjustments as well as action button assignments, wear detection, cycling through ANC modes and more. When you play music on your iPhone, the app displays album covers and track titles. However, buy headphones online uk the most popular features like music presets or a soundscapes feature are missing.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones from Sennheiser, and it is designed to meet highest expectations. The design and construction of the headphones has been optimized to achieve a detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It's the most realistic audio you can get from open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, which means it requires a top-quality headphone sales amplifier that can drive it to the levels you want without distortion. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which will increase the output and enhance the sound quality.

These headphones are made to be used by professionals and feature a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with leather and plastic. The design is minimalistic and doesn't look extravagant however the quality of the headphones and their build are top-quality. They come with a carry case, an extra audio cable and an 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 creates a wide out-of-head soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor peaks and dips. The treble area is extremely smooth, meaning you won't have issues with piercing sibilants and the upper bite of the snare drum.

Despite not having a loud bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when required. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who enjoy rock music that has punchy bass however, they may not be as impressive as the other models on this list.

These Sennheiser headphones have a great mid-range. They are linear with a slight incline in the upper mids, which won't be noticed by most listeners. They also can reproduce precise time gradations, which is a bonus.

The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They're a top choice due to their exceptional sound quality and a comfortable fit. They're costly, but you're paying for a pair of headphones that will last for years to come and perform well in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones that can provide the perfect solution for anyone who needs to pass the time or simply needs a cheap pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag that provides protection when you toss them into a bag, and their battery can last for multiple long haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles on an airplane, although their audio profile is a little warm and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are easy to navigate and well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons to pair and power up the Buy headphones online uk as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, there are controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function button that activates the phone's voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about that later). You can also utilize the built-in microphone in order to make calls hands-free with your phone.

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

One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means that you won't not be able to take advantage of the better codes' lower latency while gaming on your computer.

In terms of comfort In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam earcups and headband are soft enough to wear for extended periods of time without causing any discomfort. The ear cups are also capable of turning and adjust to the particular shape of your head so you can get a snug fit. You can also listen to your music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is included to charge the battery.