Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones bose are designed to surround your ears and immerse you in the music. They are typically made for audiophiles and have features like 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 most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation range. The headphones feature a brand new design and improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with a higher-end sound quality and better materials.

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

The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature created to please casual music listeners as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, yet it is not harsh or blazing. The earphones feature a wide and open soundstage, with good instrument separation. This lets you be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups also feature control buttons that are easy and responsive to use. You can swipe forward to access the next track, reverse to hear the previous track, and up and down to control the volume. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at once and, thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can also turn on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right earcup and allowing you to hear what's going on around you, without taking off the headphones.

Other features that are useful include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, headphones on sale and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of premium fabric, and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with most Android and Headphones on sale iOS smartphones, as well as with computers running Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our battery test, we got 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

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

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and performance. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers 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 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled to fit in each earcup, provide a more immersive and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone lets you manage your calls and music on any device compatible with it.

The headphones have a sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They feature accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly but not too tight on the cranium. The redesigned form and shape took many months to perfect, and provides a comfortable clamping force that doesn't push too hard, even on my own rotund cranium.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough for carrying in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and will stay comfortably in place for long listening sessions. The headband can be folded 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 tight video sync. You can also play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to a USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a helpful touch that flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.

The B&W App provides the same control options that the buttons on the hardware provide such as bass and treble adjustments as well as action button assignments, wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes and more. The app also shows an album cover and track's name when you play music using your iPhone. However, popular extras like music presets or a soundscapes feature are missing.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones made by Sennheiser, and it is meant to meet the highest expectations. Its construction technology is optimized to give the highest resolution in detail that covers all frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic sound you'll hear on headphones with open backs.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier will be needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which will increase the output and boost the quality of sound.

These headphones are made for a professional use and have a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with leather and plastic. The design is minimalistic and they don't look fancy however the quality of the headphones and their build are excellent. They come with a carry case, an extra audio cable, and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are somewhat light on bass. This is due to the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head, passive soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent, with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region also is linear which means you won't have issues with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of a drum snare.

Despite not having a booming bass, they can still provide dynamism and impact when required. They'll still be a great choice for those who like listening to rock music that has powerful basslines, but they may not sound like some of the competing models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are extremely linear and have a slight scoop in the upper mids, which will not be noticed by most listeners. They also have the ability to reproduce precise time gradations of vocals which is a huge benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones for iphone, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fitting make them a great choice. They are expensive, but they'll last for a long time and will perform in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that will be a great choice for anyone looking to kill some time or simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic pouch that provides protection when you throw them into your bag, and their battery is capable of lasting many long-haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out noisy passengers and engine rumbles, however their audio quality is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are simple to use and clearly marked. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons to power up and pair the Headphones On Sale (125.141.133.9) and for turning on or off active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find controls for playback of media. This includes a multi-function control that activates your phone's voice assistance and switches on Anker BassUp (more about this later). The built-in mic can be used to make phone calls hands-free.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone offers a deep immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz they can provide outstanding clarity and detail, as their active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out an extended range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is disappointing. This means that you won't be in a position to benefit from the superior codec's low latency when playing on your computer.

In terms of comfort In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam earcups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing discomfort. The earcups are capable of turning so that they can adjust to the unique shape of your head, so you can get a snug fit. You can also listen to music with a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is included for charging the battery.