Best Over-Ear Headphones

over ear bluetooth headphones-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you into sound. They are typically designed for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control applications.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless pair with ANC and headphones bluetooth a mobile application for tweaking 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 lineup. The headphones have a new design and have improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with a higher-end sound quality and superior materials.

They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones, with just 250g. They're very comfortable to wear, no matter if you're listening to or reading a book. The headband is a friction-rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 has a sound signature that has been designed to please people who listen to music for pleasure as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, yet it's not abrasive or blazing. They have a wide and open soundstage with excellent instrument separation that allows you to hear the specifics in your music. The earcups have control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe up or down to change the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track or reverse to hear the previous track. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously and will automatically stop playback whenever you remove them from your head due to the built-in sensor. You can activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup. This lets you hear 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 supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of high-end fabric and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is impressive. In our standard battery test we recorded 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was more than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on calls is exceptional, and there's no muffled or static-y sounding background. Noise-canceling is also excellent, and these headphones are perfect for public transportation or in the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and performance. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit and optimized active noise cancellation, and clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are precisely positioned inside each earcup to create an even more focused and deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure superior call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control music and calls from any device that is compatible.

The headphones sport a similar elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups, and a silver-colored headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium, yet never feel tight. The new shape and form was perfected over many months and offers an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't press into my skull, which is a rotund one.

At 10.8 ounces (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter than the Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as a touch smaller. They're light enough to fit in your bag or backpack 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.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for high-resolution audio as well as precise 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 status indicator on the earphone is a nice touch. It flashes green to show rapid charging and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app has the same controls as the onboard buttons in the hardware - bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes and much more. The app also displays an album cover and track's name when you play music using your iPhone. Popular extras such as music presets and soundscapes mode are missing, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones, and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. The technical design was optimized to achieve a breath-taking detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It's the most realistic spatial audio you'll hear on headphones with open backs.

The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier will be needed to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended since this can double the output power and improve the overall sound quality.

The headphones are designed for a professional use and feature a sturdy metal frame with a mix of leather and plastic. The design is minimalistic and they're not fancy, but the quality of the headphones and their construction are top-quality. They come with a carry case, an additional 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 light on bass. The open-back design results in an expansive out-of-head soundstage. The treble is excellent with minor drops and peaks. The treble region is also extremely smooth, meaning you shouldn't have any issues cutting sibilants, or the upper sound of a drum snare.

They can still provide impact and dynamism in the event of need, despite the absence of a powerful low-end. They'll still be a great choice for those who enjoy listening to music with strong basslines, however they may not sound as fun as some of the other models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

These Sennheiser headphones have a fantastic mid-range. They are linear with an incline on the upper mids that won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations, which is an added bonus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fitting make them a great option. The headphones are costly, but they will last you for many years and perform in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent pair of headphones bluetooth for those looking to pass the time or simply need a pair of affordable noise cancelling headphones Bluetooth. They come with a basic bag that will give them some protection when you put them into your bag, and their battery can last for multiple long haul flights. Their ANC does a great job of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles from an airplane, although their audio profile is heavy and warm.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones, as well as to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup there are controls for playing back media which include a multi-function button which lets you turn on the voice assistant of your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make hands-free calls with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone offers a deep and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz the headphones offer exceptional clarity and detail, as their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wide range of mid- and low-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 you won't able to take advantage of the superior codec's low latency when 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 headphones bluetooth extended periods of time without causing any discomfort. The ear cups are able to rotate so that they can adjust to the specific shape of your head so that you can get a snug fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.