Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you in the music. They tend to be made for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that includes ANC as well as 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 are Sony's latest upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation range. They feature a new design, enhanced ANC, and many of the same features as their predecessors but with premium materials and slightly higher quality sound.

With only 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. They're extremely comfortable to wear, even if you're listening to or reading a book. The headband is soft and has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

With a sound quality that will please those who enjoy music casually and audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to have a slight focus on bass, but it isn't too loud or harsh. They have a large and wide soundstage, with good instrument separation that lets you hear details in your music. The earcups also have control buttons that are easy and responsive to use. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track, reverse to hear the previous track. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices simultaneously and thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can enable the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right ear cup. This allows you to listen to the sounds around you without having to take 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). They come with a sturdy carrying case made from top quality fabric, as well as a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones work with the majority of Android and 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 recorded 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.

The WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic mic for voice calls. There is no static or muffled audio in the background. Noise-canceling is also excellent and these headphones are ideal for public transportation or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, providing premium performance and features. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits and optimized active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are precisely positioned inside each earcup to create a more focused, deep listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer exceptional call clarity even in noisy surroundings. And an inline remote and microphone lets you control your music and calls using any compatible device.

These headphones uk have a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups as well as a silver sheen for gaming the headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium, but don't feel tight. The new design and shape required a lot of time to perfect, delivering an easy clamping force that isn't too hard on my own cranium that is rotund.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and remain in place throughout long listening sessions. The headband is foldable 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-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 feature. It flashes green to signal rapid charging and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App provides the same features that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer including bass and treble adjustment actions button assignments, wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes, etc. The app also displays an album cover and track's name when you play music from your iPhone. Popular extras such as music presets and a soundscapes mode are missing, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones made by Sennheiser, and it is designed to meet most demanding requirements. Its construction technology has been optimized to provide a detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic sound you'll ever experience on a pair of open-back headphones.

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 utilize a balanced connection, which will increase the output and enhance the sound quality.

These headphones are made to be used by professionals and feature a sturdy metal frame with a mix of plastics and leather padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't resemble the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the hands and are built well. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, though they are a bit light on bass. This is due to the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head passive soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent, with only minor peaks and dips. The treble area is very linear, so you won't have issues with piercing sibilants and the upper sound of the drum snare.

Even with the absence of high-pitched bass, they still produce a punch and dynamism when needed. They'll still be enjoyable for those who like listening to rock music that has powerful basslines, but they might not be as fun as some of the models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

The Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful mid-range. They are a linear pair with an incline on the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations which is a nice bonus.

The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice because of their excellent sound quality and a comfortable fit. They're expensive however you're buying headphones that will last for years to be used and perform at their best 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 pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They come with a basic pouch which will provide protection when you toss them in a bag and their battery can last many long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out noisy passengers and engine rumbles, however their audio profile is a little warm and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are simple to navigate and well-marked. On the left earcup there are buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones, as well as to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see media playback controls. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistant and turns on Anker BassUp (more about it later). The built-in mic 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 provide certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz the headphones are able to provide exceptional clarity and detail, while their active noise cancellation technology is designed to block out a wider range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support aptX, which is disappointing. This means you won't in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency while gaming on your PC.

In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headband are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing any discomfort. The ear cups can also rotate to adjust to the shape of your head. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.