Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you in audio. They tend to be tuned for audiophiles and feature features like active noise cancellation and control applications.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that comes with ANC and a mobile application to adjust the EQ, and presets. They also support high-res audio through USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation lineup. The headphones feature a brand new design and enhanced ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with a superior sound quality and higher-end materials.

They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing 250g. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or a book. The headband is soft and it features an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

With an audio quality that is able to please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass, but not too loud or harsh. They have a large and wide soundstage, with excellent instrument separation that allows you to hear the subtleties in your music. The earcups feature control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe forward to play the next track, then back to hear the previous track and then up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices at once and will automatically pause playback when you remove them from your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also switch on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup, which allows you to be aware of what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones noise cancelling.

They can also be connected with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, Click In this article as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of premium fabric, and the USB-C charging cable. The Headphones Running work with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is impressive. In our standard battery test, we got 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic microphone that can be used for voice calls. There is no muffled or static audio in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent, and these headphones for swimming are ideal for public transportation and the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, providing premium performance and features. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits, optimized active noise cancellation, and clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully placed inside each earcup for an enhanced, more immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity even in noisy environments. And an inline remote and microphone lets you control your music and calls using any compatible device.

The headphones have a elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups, and a silver sheen for the headband. The memory foam earcups fit well, but not too tightly on the cranium. The new shape and form was developed over the course of several months, and delivers a soft clamping pressure that isn't into my rotund skull.

They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and are comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. The headband can be folded up by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio aswell for a tight video sync. You can play them wirelessly too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a useful touch that flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is active.

The B&W app provides the same controls as the onboard buttons in the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments and assigning action buttons wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes and more. When you listen to music on your iPhone the app will display album cover and track titles. However, popular extras like music presets or a soundscapes feature are missing.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones and is made to meet the highest expectations. Its construction technology has been optimized to provide an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic sound you'll hear on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier to drive it to the levels you want without distortion. It is recommended to use a balanced connection, which can double the output and improve the quality of sound.

The headphones are designed for a professional use and have a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of leather and plastic. The design is simple and doesn't resemble a fancy pair of headphones, however they feel premium in the hands and are built well. They come with a carry pouch and an additional audio cable and a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

With an unison sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are somewhat light on bass. This is because the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble quality is excellent with minor peaks and drops. The treble region is also extremely smooth, meaning you shouldn't have any issues hitting sibilants or the upper impact of a snare drum.

They can still provide impact as well as dynamism and impact in the event of need, despite the absence of a booming low-end. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who like rock music with a punchy bass however, they may not sound as good as other models on this list.

The Sennheiser headphones have a great mid-range. They are linear with a slight scoop on the upper mids that won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce precise time gradations, which is a nice benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them a top option. They are expensive, but they'll last for years 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 wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag which will provide protection when you throw them in a bag and their battery can last for many long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, Headphones For iPhone 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 find 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 playing back media. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistance and also turns on Anker BassUp (more about this later). The built-in mic can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver an immersive and rich listening experience, due to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. These headphones have a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancelling is designed to block out a wide range of low- and mid-frequency sound.

One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means that you will not be able to benefit of the superior codes' lower latency when playing games on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam ear cups are comfortable enough to be worn for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups can also rotate to adjust to the shape of your head. You can also listen to your music via a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is included to charge the battery.