Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in audio. They are usually tuned 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 app for tweaking the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancellation lineup. They have a fresh new design, enhanced ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors, but with premium materials and slightly higher-quality sound.

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

With a sound quality that is able to please casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass, but it isn't too loud or harsh. They have a large and spacious soundstage that has good instrument separation that allows you to hear the specifics in your music. The earcups are also equipped with touch controls, which are easy to use. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track, backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically stop playback whenever you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can activate the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right ear cup. This lets you hear 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). The headphones come with a carrying case made of premium fabric, and an USB-C charging cable. 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 exceptional. In our standard test we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC turned on which is more than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on calls is exceptional, and there's no muffled or static-y sound in the background. The noise cancellation is top-quality and they're a great 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 high-end performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers premium performance and features like 24-bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled to fit in each earcup, give you a more immersive and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide superior call clarity even in noisy environments. And an inline remote and microphone let you control your calls and music on any device compatible with it.

The headphones uk sale sport a similar sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups as well as a silver sheen for the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, yet don't feel tight. The redesigned shape and form took a long time to perfect, and provides an easy clamping force that doesn't press too hard on my own cranium that is rotund.

At 10.8 grams (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as just a little smaller. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a backpack or bag and remain in place for long listening sessions. The headband is foldable using a sturdy hinge at the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2, with aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-quality audio as well as tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is an excellent feature that flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.

The B&W app has similar controls to the hardware onboard buttons such as bass and treble adjustments as well as action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes, and more. The app also displays an album cover and track title when you play music on your iPhone. The most popular extras like music presets and soundscapes mode are missing, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones from Sennheiser and is designed to meet the highest demands. Its construction technology has been optimized to achieve an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic sound you'll ever hear on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms so it requires a high-quality headphone amplifier that can drive it at the desired 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 professional use. They have a steel frame, and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalist and they're not fancy however the quality of the headphones and their construction are excellent. They come with a carry pouch and an additional audio cable, as well as a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with a natural sound, even though they are a little less bass-y. The open-back design results in a spacious out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb with only minor peaks and dips. The treble area is very linear, so you'll not have issues cutting sibilants, or the upper bite of the drum snare.

Despite the lack of a loud bass, they can still deliver impact and gaming dynamism when it is needed. They are still a great choice for those who love rock music with a punchy bass, but may not be as impressive as some of the other models on this list.

The Sennheiser headphones have a great mid-range. They are a linear pair with an incline on the upper mids that won't be noticed by most listeners. They also reproduce precise time gradations of vocals which is a major benefit.

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

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones that can be a great choice for anyone who needs to pass the time or simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag that will protect the headphones when you place them in the bag. Their battery can last multiple long-haul flights. Their ANC does a great job of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles on a plane, though their audio profile is a little warmer and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls can be easy to use and clearly marked. On the left earcup you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones, as well as for turning on or off active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see controls for playback of media. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistant and also turns on Anker BassUp (more about it later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make calls hands-free with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone provides a full, 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 they are able to provide exceptional clarity and detail, as their active noise cancellation technology is designed to block out a wider range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.

One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support aptX, which is disappointing. This means you won't be capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's low latency when gaming on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam ear cups are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without discomfort. The earcups are capable of turning, allowing them to adapt to the unique shape of your head so that you can achieve a perfect fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.