Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in the audio. They tend to be made for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancellation and control applications.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless pair with ANC and a mobile app for tweaking the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 is Sony's latest upgrade to their best headphones-in-class noise cancellation lineup. The headphones feature a brand new design and have improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but they have superior sound quality and higher-end materials.

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

With a sound quality that is able to please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass but is not too loud or harsh. The earphones feature a wide and open soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This lets you be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups feature 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 song and backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at once and due to an inbuilt sensor, they will automatically stop the playback when removed from your head. You can also switch on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right earcup that lets you listen to what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones.

Other helpful features include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for 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 and computers that run Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is awe-inspiring. In our test, we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC switched on, which is better than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.

The WH1000XM5 is a great microphone that can be used for voice calls. There's no muffled or static audio in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent and headphones Cheap these headphones are great for public transportation or in the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and improved performance. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 comes with premium performance and features, including 24-bit wireless streaming with active noise cancellation that is optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully placed inside each earcup to provide an even more focused and deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity even in noisy environments. An inline remote and microphone let you control your calls and music using any compatible device.

The headphones sport a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups, as well as a silver sheen for the headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium, yet they never feel tight. The new design and shape was developed over the course of several months and provides an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force into my skull, which is a rotund one.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to fit in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and will stay comfortable in your hand during long listens. The headband can be folded up by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2, with the aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio aswell as tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located 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 indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app has the same controls as the hardware onboard buttons such as bass and treble adjustments as well as action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and much more. The app also shows an album cover and track title when you play music on your iPhone. Some popular features like music presets and a soundscapes mode aren't available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones, and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. Its engineering was optimized to achieve a breath-taking detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and headphones cheap stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic spatial audio you can get from open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier to operate at the right levels, without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which can increase the output and enhance the quality of sound.

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

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals in a natural way, even although they are a bit less bass-y. This is due to the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble quality is excellent with minor peaks and drops. The treble region is extremely linear, which means you shouldn't have any issues piercing sibilants and the upper sound of a drum snare.

They can still deliver impact and dynamism when required, despite the absence of a powerful low-end. These headphones are still great for those who love rock music with a punchy bass however they might not sound as good as other models on this list.

These Sennheiser headphones have a great midrange. They're very straight, with a slight scoop in the upper mids that shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They also reproduce precise time gradations in vocals, which is a big benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They're a top choice because of their excellent audio quality and comfortable fit. The headphones are costly, however they will last for years and perform well in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that can do the trick for anyone looking to relax or simply needs a cheap pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They come with a basic pouch which will provide protection when you toss them into a bag, and their battery can last for many long-haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles when on the plane, but their audio profile is a little warmer and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are simple to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones Cheap, as well as to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup, you'll find controls for playback of media which include a multi-function button that allows you to activate your phone's voice assistant and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). You can also utilize the built-in microphone in order to make calls hands-free with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone provides a full, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones have a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a variety of mid- and low-frequency sound.

One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support aptX, which is disappointing. This means that you won't not be able to benefit of the higher codes' lower latency while playing games on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are soft enough to be worn for extended periods of time without discomfort. The earcups are capable of turning and adjust to the particular shape of your head, so you can achieve a perfect fit. You can also enjoy your music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is included for charging the battery.