Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in music. They are usually made for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless speaker with ANC and a mobile app 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 from Sony are the latest upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation line-up. The headphones with best noise cancelling are updated with a new design and improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but they have higher-end sound quality and better materials.

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

With an audio quality that will please casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass, but it isn't excessively loud or harsh. The earphones feature a wide and spacious soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This allows you to hear the details in your music. The earcups feature control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song, backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at once and thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically stop the playback when removed from your head. You can activate the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup. This allows you to listen to the sounds around you without having to take off the headphones.

They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made from premium fabric and an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones gaming are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is exceptional. In our test we were able achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC activated which is much better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.

The WH1000XM5 has a great microphone that can be used for voice calls. There's no muffled or static audio in the background. The noise cancellation is excellent and they're a perfect option for public transport as well as the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering high-end performance and features. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit, optimized active noise cancellation, and clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled to fit in each earcup, give you a more immersive and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide outstanding clarity for calls even in noisy environments. An inline remote and microphone lets you manage your music and calls on any compatible device.

Like the original PX7 These headphones have elegant and refined with accent rings on each earcup and a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium but they never feel tight. The new design and shape took many months to perfect, delivering an easy clamping force that doesn't push too hard on my own cranium that is rotund.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to fit in your backpack or Headphones Jbl Wireless bag without much discomfort, and will remain comfortably in place during long listening sessions. The headband is foldable by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio aswell as tight 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 helpful feature, flashing green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.

The B&W app has the same features as the hardware onboard buttons - bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes, and more. The app also displays an album cover and track title when you play music on your iPhone. However, some popular features such as music presets or soundscapes feature are missing.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones, and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. Its engineering was designed to provide a breath-taking detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic spatial audio you'll experience on open-back headphones.

The headphone has a 300 ohm impedance, so a good headphone amplifier will be needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, as this will double the power output and increase the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They feature a metal frame and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is minimalist and they're not fancy 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 instruments and vocals with a natural sound, even though they are a little less bass-y. The open-back design results in a wide, out-of-head soundstage. The treble is very good with minor drops and peaks. The Treble region also has a linear quality which means you won't have issues with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of the drum snare.

They still have the ability to deliver and dynamism in the event of need, despite the absence of a powerful low-end. These headphones are still great for those who like rock music with a punchy bass however, they may not sound as good as some of the other models on this list.

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

The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are perfect for professionals and audiophiles. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fitting make them a great option. They're expensive however, you're getting headphones that will last for many years to be used and perform to their best in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that can be a great choice for anyone looking to kill some time or simply needs a cheap set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic pouch which will provide protection when you put them into a bag, and their battery can last for multiple long haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, however their audio profile is a little warm and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are easy to use and clearly marked. On the left earcup you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones jbl wireless, as well as for turning on or off active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see media playback controls. This includes a multi-function control that activates the phone's voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about it later). You can also make use of the built-in microphone to make calls without hands your phone.

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

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

In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headband are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing any discomfort. The ear cups are also capable of rotating, allowing them to adapt to the specific shape of your head, so you can get a snug fit. You can also enjoy your music via a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is provided for charging the battery.