Which Over the Ear Headphones Are the Best?

Whether you're on the train or Which Noise Cancelling Headphones at work the noise-cancelling headphones can be a godsend for those who love to listen. But which ones are the most effective?

Sony's flagship headphones are an excellent value. They feature a brand new design and superior sound quality, and also enticing features. They can capture every detail, from Sinead's shaking Bridge to the intense chorus.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony is the master of noise cancellation and its WH1000XM5 headphones represent the best version of this model. This model is a fantastic pair of headphones, specifically for those who commute or travel. They're comfortable, have multipoint technology that allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously and have the best ANC Sony has produced yet. They're also light and provide approximately 27 hours of playback without charging, which is plenty to last a week's worth commuting or one long-haul flight.

The WH1000XM5s are sleek and minimalist in design. They are made of ABS, which is a recyclable and recycled plastic. The branding is very minimal. You'll find tiny Sony logo on each hinge of the earcup. The earcups and headbands are made of a soft, plush material that is comfortable for all types of heads with the exception of the largest. The earcups can be adjusted so that they be perfectly sized for you.

In contrast to previous models that concentrated on reducing low-frequency noise the XM5s amplify high-frequency sound waves, which cancels out ambient sounds. This improves overall sound quality, and can help drown out engine and cabin noises during flights. The XM5s come with another processor to dial up noise cancellation even more on planes and the audio app will also automatically adjust your listening environment using data on air pressure.

The WH-1000XM5s comes with an assistant for voice that is easy to use, and it works with Alexa as well as Google Assistant, Siri, and more. You can also pair the XM5s with other Sony audio products to enable multi-room music playback as well as stereo separation. They're compatible with Bluetooth high-bitrate audio streaming through Sony's LDAC codec but they're not compatible with the aptX codec or aptX HD.

2. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

Sennheiser has been manufacturing headphones for over 50 years. You can expect premium sound quality and a comfortable fit. With their new over-ears, called Momentum 4 Wireless, they deliver on both fronts. They have reworked their design to eliminate some distinctive elements that gave their earlier models their aviator-style headset look. They also enhanced active noise cancellation by using their advanced Adaptive Noisy Cancellation Technology. They've evaluated these headphones to last for 60 hours of listening with ANC enabled, doubling the battery life of their major other competitors.

The new model is also more portable, as it folds down and is a bit smaller. The ear pads and the headband are made of artificial PU leather, which is comfortable on my head when I wear it all day. There's not a lot of clamping force that holds them in place either which means they'll remain comfortable during flights and during more intense workouts.

The sound is well-balanced and clear, but there are some peaks that can add a bit of confusion to the mixes. The bass is a little overemphasized, adding a bit of energy and thump to genres such as EDM or hip-hop. It's not an issue, but some listeners may find it irritating. The high-mid area has a bit of an uneven balance too, pushing vocals and instruments to the forefront of mixes but at the expense of bringing out sibilants in certain songs.

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless has all the usual features including bluetooth Wireless ANC Over Ear Headphones with Bluetooth connectivity, a transparency mode that mixes outside sounds into your music to increase awareness, and mobile app support for custom and preset EQ options. You can also use a 3.5mm cord to connect your phone. They can make use of SBC, AAC, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive codecs to connect to your device and they can reduce the latency to as little as one quarter of a second, which is great.

3. B&W PX7 S2

Since their launch, the original PX7s have appeared on countless lists of the best Bluetooth headphones, atop them in many instances due to their impressive ANC and excellent sound quality. The PX7s, just like other wireless headphones, were becoming old and needed a refresh. Therefore, the PX7S2. B&W not only changed the design and design, but also made enhancements to ANC, and added more features for voice calling.

The first thing you notice when you open the box and get the PX7 S2 is just how lightweight they are, which makes them extremely comfortable for long listening sessions. A lot of the design is reminiscent of the previous model, like the elongated aluminium earcup top-plate and the hook-like accent on the headband that glids rather than clicks when you expand it, and the actual buttons. The earcups, however are smaller, and the headband is less substantial.

The software from B&W lets you adjust the EQ settings for the bass and treble. However, you do not have as much control as you do with higher-priced headphones. The Quick Action button on left earcups switches the modes of the environment. It can also be configured to call the voice assistant of your device through the Bowers & Wilkins Music App.

The PX7 S2 is a great option for a variety of musical styles. It has a wide soundstage, and good separation of the different sound elements. It shines in particular on works that feature acoustic instruments like Rachmaninoff's Cello Sonata in G Minor Op. The 19 by Yuja Wang and Gautier Capucon features woody tones with a sense air. It can take on heavier music too. The bass power and midrange clarity of Entombed’s garage/deathn'roll crossover curiosity, To Ride and Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth, give an overwhelming sound while still allowing listeners to discern vocal nuances like Lars-Goran Petrov's gritty growl.

4. Bose QuietComfort 35

Bose was one of the first companies to introduce active noise cancelling headphones to the mainstream. They had a stranglehold for years but now they have to compete with newer headsets that offer more features and a better sound quality. That said the QuietComfort 35 is still a great option for anyone looking to listen to their podcasts or music without being interrupted by constant noises and rumbles.

They're also comfortable to wear and have a well-balanced default sound profile. The ANC does an excellent job of removing background noise, although it tends to emphasize low frequencies more than newer headphones such as the Sony WH-1000XM5.

If you're looking for a pair that can be used to listen to podcasts or audiobooks, the QC35s have an impressive noise cancellation mode which reduces ambient noise while keeping you adrift from the sounds of the environment around you. The QC35s let you connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and also "audio-share" which means you can listen to music on one set of headphones while answering an incoming phone call from the other pair.

The Bose Connect App is decent however it lacks the vast EQ features of other headphone apps. The QC35s can also be used in wired mode using cables, but the sound quality takes a major loss and they don't have the same battery life as wireless models.

The QC35s are a Bose product, which may not be a favorite for everyone. Other manufacturers have sleeker designs. However you can add a touch of personalization by buying a decal-covered cover-up from companies such as SlickWraps and Skin Sticker. You'll also be able to change the color of the ear cups and headband later this year, similar to what you can with the older QC25 model.

5. Sony WH-1000XM3

Sony's WH-1000XM3 are the best wireless headphones that have active noise cancellation that you can get right now. They're a bit more costly than the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless, but they block out a lot more ambient noise and feel more sturdy. They also have a premium companion app that gives you numerous sound-related features that can be customized.

The XM3s have an excellent sound quality, and ever since their release, they've been enhanced to deliver the best performance. They're a bit more depth in the frequency spectrum. Their noise cancellation is superior at all levels of volume. They also have improved controls like Quick Attention mode and Speak-to chat. They also have a new feature called Adaptive Sound Control that adjusts automatically how much external sound is allowed in based on where you're at and what you're doing.

However, they are not without imperfections. The mid-range can sound recessed and the treble can sometimes be too loud. And they still have a tendency to boost bass too much in some tracks, Which Noise Cancelling Headphones makes them sound too full and heavy. But that's something you can correct by changing the settings for your headphone or by using EQ adjustment in the Sony app.

The XM3s are a great pair headphones, especially for commuters or frequent travelers. They're more comfortable, stylish and more durable and premium than the JBL Tune 770NC Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Black Live 650 BTNC Wireless, and they have a much more powerful battery, and one of our top noise cancellation features in the business. They're also more versatile and more mobile-friendly than the Audio-Technica's ATH-M50X Wireless, despite having less impressive noise isolation. And they're not waterproof, which can be a major issue for some.