Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears to immerse you in sound. They are generally tuned for audiophiles, and have features like active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that includes ANC as well as a mobile app to tweak the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest model in their noise cancellation line-up. The headphones feature a brand new design and enhanced ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with a higher-end sound quality and superior buy good headphones online materials.

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones at 250 grams. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or a book. The headband features a friction rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.

With an audio 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 it isn't excessively loud or harsh. They have a wide and spacious soundstage that has excellent instrument separation that allows you to hear the subtleties in your music. The earcups come with touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe forward to play the next track, then back to hear the previous track as well as up and down to adjust the volume. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically stop playback whenever you remove them from your head due to the built-in sensor. You can enable the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right-ear cup. This lets you listen to the sounds around you without having to take off 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 sturdy carrying case made from premium fabric and a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is superb. In our test, we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC turned on which is more than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on calls is exceptional and there's no distorted or static-y audio in the background. The noise-canceling performance is also top-notch and they're a perfect option for public transport as well as the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, providing premium performance and features. This includes 24-bit wireless streaming enhanced active noise cancellation, and clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully angled inside each earcup to provide an enhanced, more immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control music and calls from any device compatible with it.

Similar to the original PX7, these headphones are a sleekly refined look, with accent rings around each earcup, and a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium but they never feel tight. The redesigned shape and form took a long time to perfect, providing an incredibly comfortable clamping force that isn't too hard on my own rotund cranium.

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

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-quality audio as well as tight video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to signal rapid charging and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App provides the same features that the hardware onboard buttons offer including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignments wear detection, cycling through ANC modes as well as other features. The app also shows an album cover and track's title when you play music from your iPhone. However, the most popular features like music presets or a soundscapes feature are not available.

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 technical construction was optimized to achieve stunning detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic audio you'll experience on open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, therefore it requires a premium online headphone shop amplifier to operate at the right levels, without distortion. It is recommended to use a balanced connection, earphones which will double the output and improve the sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use and feature a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of leather and plastic. The design is simple and they're not fancy however the quality of the headphones and their build are superb. 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 vocals and instruments with a natural sound, even although they are a bit light on bass. The open-back design results in a wide out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region is extremely smooth, meaning you won't have issues with cutting sibilants, or the upper impact of a drum snare.

Even with the absence of high-pitched bass, they still provide dynamism and earphones impact when it is needed. They are still a great choice for those who love rock music with punchy basses however they might not be as impressive as the other models on this list.

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

The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They're a top choice because of their outstanding sound quality and a comfortable fit. They're costly however, you're getting headphones that will last for many years to come and perform at their best in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that will be a great choice for anyone who wants to pass the time or just wants an affordable pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag which will provide protection when you put them into a bag, and their battery can last multiple long haul flights. The ANC works well to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles. However, 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 ear cup there are buttons to power up and pair the headphones and for turning on or off active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, there are media playback controls. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about it later). The built-in microphone can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.

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 extends up to 40 kHz, these headphones can provide outstanding clarity and clarity, while their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out an extended range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.

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

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