Best Over-Ear Headphones

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

The Focal Bathys are a wireless pair with ANC and a mobile application to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade in their noise cancellation line-up. The headphones are updated with a new design and improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but they have superior sound quality and higher-end materials.

At just 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. They're extremely comfortable to wear, even when you're reading or listening an audiobook. The headband is supple, and it has the same design of a friction rod as the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 has a sonic signature that is created to please casual music listeners as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, but it's not harsh or overpowering. They have a wide and open soundstage with good instrument separation that lets you hear subtleties in your music. The earcups have touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe forward to play the next track, reverse to listen to the previous one as well as up and down to adjust the volume. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at once and due to an inbuilt sensor, they automatically stop the playback when removed from your head. You can turn on the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right ear cup. This lets you listen to the sounds around you without having to take off the headphones.

They can also be linked with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of high-end fabric and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers running Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is exceptional. In our most basic test we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC activated which is much better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on voice calls is excellent, and there's no muffled or static-y audio in the background. The noise cancellation performance is top-quality, and they're a good choice for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, offering top-quality performance and features. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 comes with premium performance and features, including 24-bit wireless headphones shopping streaming, active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are precisely positioned inside each earcup to create a more focused, deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. An inline remote and microphone lets you manage your music and calls on any compatible device.

These headphones have a similar elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups and a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium but don't feel tight. The new form and shape was perfected over many months and offers a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't press too hard on my rotund skull.

At 10.8 ounces (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, and headphones In uk are a touch thinner. They're light enough for carrying in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and will remain comfortable in your hand during long listening sessions. A strong hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them to make it easy to transport them in the protective case.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-quality audio as well as a fast video sync. You can also play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to a USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to show rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App has the same control options that the hardware onboard buttons offer including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignments, wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes, etc. When you listen to music on your iPhone the app displays album cover and track titles. However, some popular features such as music presets or soundscapes feature aren't available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones from Sennheiser, and it is meant to meet the highest demands. The design and construction of the headphones has been optimized to provide a detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic sound you'll experience on open-back headphones.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier is needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, since this can double the output power and improve the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They feature a metal frame and a mixture of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalistic and doesn't look extravagant however the quality of the headphones and their construction are superb. They come with a carry pouch and an extra audio cable as well as a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals in a natural way, even although they are a bit light on bass. The open-back design results in a spacious, out-of-head soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent, headphones in uk with only minor dips and peaks. The Treble region also has a linear quality and you won't have issues with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of a drum snare.

Despite not having a high-pitched bass, they still provide dynamism and impact when required. These headphones are still great for those who enjoy rock music with punchy basses however they might not sound as good as the other models on this list.

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

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are ideal for professionals and audiophiles. They're a top choice because of their excellent sound quality and a comfortable fit. They are expensive however you're buying a pair of headphones that will last for years to be used and perform at their best site for headphones in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good pair of headphones for those looking to pass the time or simply want an affordable pair of headphones that cancel out noise. The headphones come with a basic case that protects them when you throw them into bags. The battery will last for a long time on long-haul flights. Their ANC does a great job of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles when on a plane, though their audio profile is warm and bass-heavy.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones, as well as for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup, you'll find media playback controls that include a multi-function switch which lets you turn on the voice assistant on your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make calls hands-free with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone offers a deep immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones feature a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling is designed to filter out a variety of low- and mid-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is a pity. This means that you will not be able to benefit of the better codes' lower latency when gaming on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are soft enough to be worn for extended periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups are also able to rotate so that they can adjust to the specific shape of your head so you can achieve a perfect fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.