Best Over-Ear headphones Noise Cancelling

Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you in music. They are usually 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 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 latest model in their noise cancellation lineup. The headphones are updated with a new design and enhanced ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with higher-end sound quality and better materials.

At only 250g, they're a light weight for over ear bluetooth headphones-ear ANC headsets. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or a book. The headband is supple, and it has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

With an audio quality that will please casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass but is not overpowering or harsh. The earphones feature a wide and wide soundstage, as well as excellent instrument separation. This allows you to listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups have control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track, backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at the same time and due to an inbuilt sensor, they automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can also activate ambient mode by resting your palm on the right earcup, which allows you to hear what's going on around you, without taking 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 high-end fabric as well as 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 life expectancy is awe-inspiring. In our battery test we had 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 superb, and there's no muffled 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 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and improved performance. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 is a premium model with a variety of features, including 24-bit wireless streaming and active noise cancellation optimized, and Headphones Noise Cancelling clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled inside each earcup, offer more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control calls and music on any device that is compatible.

The headphones sport a similar sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They feature accent rings around the earcups, and a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium but don't feel tight. The new form and shape was developed over the course of several months and provides a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force into my skull.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to fit in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and will remain comfortably in place during long listens. A strong hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them up for easy transportation in a protective case.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for both high-resolution audio and fast video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a helpful touch with a green flash to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.

The B&W app has similar controls to the hardware onboard buttons such as bass and treble adjustments and assigning action buttons 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 using your iPhone. However, some popular features such as music presets and soundscapes feature are not available.

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 technical construction was designed to provide an incredible detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic sound you'll ever experience with an open-back pair of headphones.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier is required to ensure it is operating at the desired 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 for professional use and have a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of plastics and leather padding. The design is minimalistic and doesn't look extravagant, but the quality of the headphones and their construction are excellent. They come with a carry case, an additional audio cable, and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With an unison sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are light in bass. The open-back design produces a spacious out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb, with only minor dips and peaks. The region of the treble is linear which means you won't have any issues with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of the drum snare.

They can still provide impact, dynamism and impact when required, despite the absence of a powerful low-end. They will still be enjoyable for those who like listening to rock music with powerful basslines, but they may not sound like some of the competing models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

These Sennheiser headphones have a fantastic midrange. They are extremely linear, with a slight scoop in the upper mids which will not be noticed by most listeners. They also can reproduce precise time gradations, which is an added bonus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top pick because of their outstanding audio quality and comfortable fit. They're costly 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 provide the perfect solution for anyone looking to relax or simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag which will provide protection when you put them into your bag, and their battery is capable of lasting many long-haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles on a plane, though their audio profile is a bit warm and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls can be easy to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones, as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup there are controls for playing back media which include a multi-function button which lets you turn on the voice assistant on your phone and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in microphone can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone delivers a rich immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz the headphones offer exceptional clarity and detail, while their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out an extended range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.

One thing to keep in mind about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means that you won't not be able to take advantage of the superior codes' lower latency when playing on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without discomfort. The earcups are able to rotate and adjust to the unique shape of your head so you can get a snug fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.