Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you into music. They are typically designed for audiophiles and feature features like active noise cancellation and control applications.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile app to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. The headphones feature a brand new design and enhanced ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with a superior headphones Gaming sound quality and higher-end materials.

They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones jbl at just 250g. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or a book. The headband is a friction-rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.

With a sound quality that will please people who listen to music for no reason 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. They feature a wide and open soundstage with excellent instrument separation that allows you to hear specifics in your music. The earcups are also equipped with control buttons that are easy to use. Swipe forward to play the next track, then back to hear the previous one and then up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at the same time and due to an inbuilt sensor, they will automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can turn on ambient mode by placing your hand on the right ear cup. This allows you to hear the sounds around you without removing the headphones.

Other useful features include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made of premium fabric and a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is impressive. In our test we were able achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC turned on which is much better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on voice calls is excellent, and there's no muffled or static-y sounding background. The noise-canceling performance is also top-notch and they're a great choice for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

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

Similar to the original PX7, these headphones are elegant and refined, with accent rings around each earcup and a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium but they never feel tight. The new design and shape required a lot of time to perfect, and provides a comfortable clamping force that doesn't push too hard, even on my own rotund cranium.

They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a bag or backpack and are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. The headband can be folded up using a sturdy hinge at the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with the aptX Adaptive. This is ideal 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 an excellent feature with a green flash to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.

The B&W App offers the same features that the hardware onboard buttons offer including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignments, wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and more. When you listen to music on your iPhone, the app displays album cover and track titles. Popular extras such as music presets and Headphones Gaming soundscapes mode are missing, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones from Sennheiser and is meant to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction has been optimized to provide an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It's the most realistic sound you'll hear on headphones with open backs.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier that can drive it at the right levels, without distortion. It is recommended to use a balanced connection, which can double the output and improve the quality of sound.

These Headphones Gaming are made for professional use. They have a steel frame and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is simple and they don't look fancy however the quality of the headphones and their construction are excellent. They come with a carrying case, an extra audio cable and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with naturality, however they are light on bass. The open-back design produces an expansive, out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb, with only minor peaks and dips. The treble area is very linear, so you won't have issues with piercing sibilants and the upper bite of the snare drum.

Despite the lack of a loud bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when needed. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who like rock music with a punchy bass, but may not sound as good as some of the other models on this list.

In the mids in the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are linear with a slight scoop on the upper mids, which won't be noticed by most listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations, which is a benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them a top choice. The headphones are expensive but they will last you for years and perform well in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones that will be a great choice for anyone looking to relax or simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic case which protects them when you put them in bags. Their battery can last multiple long-haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles when on an airplane, although their audio profile is a little warm and bass-heavy.

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

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide a rich and immersive listening experience, due to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that offer certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz they offer exceptional clarity and detail, as their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a wider range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is disappointing. This means that you won't not be able take advantage of the superior codes' lower latency while playing on your computer.

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 any discomfort. The ear cups are able to rotate, allowing them to adapt to the specific shape of your head so you can get a snug fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.