Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones totally encase your ears, allowing you to be immersed in the sound. They are generally made for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade in their noise cancellation line-up. They have a fresh new design, upgraded ANC and a lot of the same features that their predecessors had but with higher-end materials and a slightly more premium sound quality.

With only 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. They are very comfortable to wear, even if you're reading or listening a book. The headband is soft, and it has a friction rod design like the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sound signature designed to please casual music listeners as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, yet it's not harsh or imposing. They have a wide and spacious soundstage that has excellent instrument separation that allows you to hear the details in your music. The earcups also have touch controls that are easy to use. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song, reverse to hear the previous track. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at the same time and, thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically stop the playback when removed from your head. You can activate the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right earcup. This lets you listen to the sounds around you without removing the headphones.

Other helpful features include the ability to pair 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 premium fabric and a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is exceptional. In our most basic test we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC activated which is much better than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for calls is superb and there's not any muffled or static-y sounding background. The noise cancellation is excellent, and they're a good fit for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, delivering top-quality performance and features. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits and optimized active noise cancellation, and clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are carefully placed inside each earcup to provide a more focused, deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones guarantee excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control calls and music from any device compatible with it.

These headphones have a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They feature accent rings around the earcups as well as a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit comfortably but not too tightly on the cranium. The redesigned form and shape took a long time to perfect, delivering an easy clamping force that doesn't press too hard on my own cranium that is rotund.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to fit in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and will stay comfortable in your hand during long listening sessions. A strong hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them up to make it easy to transport them in a protective case.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2, with the aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-quality audio as well as a fast video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a useful feature with a green flash to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.

The B&W App has the same control options that the buttons on the hardware provide including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignments, wear detection, cycling through ANC modes as well as other features. The app also displays an album cover and track title when you play music on your iPhone. The most popular extras like music presets, soundscapes and music mode are not available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones and was designed to meet the highest expectations. The technical design was designed to provide stunning detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever experience in a pair of open-back headphones.

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

These headphones are designed to be used by professionals and have a sturdy steel frame that is adorned with plastics and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't resemble the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel premium in the hand and are built well. They come with a carry case, an extra audio cable and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, though they are somewhat light on bass. The open-back design results in a spacious out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding, with only minor dips and peaks. The Treble region also is linear and you won't have any issues with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of a drum snare.

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

In the mids in the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are extremely linear and have a slight scoop in the upper mids that should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations in vocals, which is a big plus.

The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones gym, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top pick due to their exceptional sound quality and a comfortable fit. They are expensive, but you're paying for headphones that will last for years to be able to perform at their best cheap wireless headphones in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that will provide the perfect solution for anyone who wants to relax or just wants an affordable pair of noise-cancelling Headphones Sennheiser. They come with a basic bag that provides protection when you toss them into a bag, and their battery can last many long-haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out noisy passengers and engine rumbles. However, their audio profile is a little warm and Headphones sennheiser bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are simple to navigate and well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll find 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 media playback controls. This includes a multi-function button that activates your 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 hands-free calls with your phone.

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

One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means you won't in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency while playing games on your PC.

In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam ear cups and headband are soft enough to wear for long periods of time without creating discomfort. The ear cups also rotate to adjust to the shape of your head. You can also listen to music wired with an included 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.