Which Over the Ear Headphones Are the Best?

If you're on the train or at work the noise-cancelling headphones can be an absolute must for anyone who likes to listen. Which ones are the best, though?

Sony's flagship headphones are a fantastic value. They come with a fresh design and a 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 a master at noise cancellation, and its WH-1000XM5 headphones are the most advanced version of this series. A few well-thought-out improvements over the XM4s make these headphones an all-round excellent pair of headphones, particularly for commuters and travelers. They're comfortable, feature multipoint technology to connect to two devices simultaneously and have the most advanced ANC Sony has made to date. They're also lightweight and provide around 27 hours of playback with no charging, which is plenty for a week's worth of traveling or one long-haul flight.

The WH-1000XM5s sport a sleek minimalist design. They are made from recycled and recyclable plastic, known as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The branding is minimal, but you'll find the tiny "Sony" logo on each hinge of each earcup. The earcups and the headband are cushioned by a plush soft material that feels comfortable on all but the largest heads. The earcups are also adjustable so you can find the ideal fit for your needs.

Unlike previous models, which focused on reducing low-frequency noise, the XM5s amplify sound waves at high frequencies to cancel out ambient noise. This improves overall sound quality and can help reduce engine and cabin noises during flights. The XM5s come with an additional processor that can increase noise cancellation further on airplanes, and the audio app will also automatically adjust your listening environment based on air pressure data.

Other features of the WH1000XM5s include an enhanced voice assistant that is easy to use and integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri and more. You can also pair the XM5s with other Sony audio products to enable stereo and multi-room music playback separation. They're compatible with Bluetooth high-bitrate audio streaming through Sony's LDAC codec however they don't support the aptX or aptX HD.

2. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

If a company has been making headphones for longer than Sennheiser is a top brand, you can expect superior sound quality and a comfy fit. They've got both with their latest pair of over-ears dubbed the Momentum 4 Wireless. They've redesigned their design to eliminate some distinctive elements that gave their previous models the look of an aviator. They also enhanced active noise cancellation using their newest Adaptive Noisy Cancellation Technology. They've rated these headphones to last 60 hours of listening time when ANC enabled, which doubles the battery life of many competitors.

They're also much more mobile than the previous model as they fold down and are smaller overall. The earpads and headband are made of synthetic PU leather, which feels comfortable on my head even when I wear it for the entire day. They're also not extremely tight, so you can wear them on long flights, or even during your workouts.

The sound is balanced and clear, however there are some highs that can add a bit of confusion to the mixes. The bass is a little overemphasised, HeadphonesShop adding some extra impact and thump to genres like EDM or hip-hop. It's not a big deal but it might annoy some listeners. The high-mid is a little uneven balance too, HeadphonesShop pushing vocals and instruments to the forefront of mixes, but at the cost of bringing out sibilants in certain songs.

The Sennheiser momentum 4 wireless comes with all the usual features that include Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a translucent mode that blends outside noises into your music for better awareness, and mobile application support for custom and pre-set EQ options. You can also use a 3.5mm cord to connect your phone. They are able to connect to your device using SBC, AAC HD, and aptX Adaptive codes and are able to reduce the delay by as much as one quarter second.

3. B&W PX7 S2

The original PX7s were top of the line on a variety of lists of the best Bluetooth headsets due to their outstanding ANC and sound quality. The PX7s, just like other wireless headphones, were becoming old and needed a refresh. This is why the PX7S2. B&W not only changed the design and design, but also made enhancements to ANC and added voice-calling features.

The PX7 S2 headphones are extremely light, making them ideal for long listening sessions. A lot of the design is the same as the previous model, such as the cool oval aluminium earcup top-plate as well as the hook-like design on the headband that glids rather than clicks as you expand it, and the actual physical buttons. The earcups are smaller, and the headband isn't as substantial.

The software of B&W lets you modify EQ settings for bass and treble, however, you don't have as much control over the mix of these two elements as you do with higher-end headphones. The Quick Action button on left earcups switches the environmental modes. It can also be set to call the voice assistant on your device via the Bowers & Wilkins Music App.

The PX7 S2 is a great choice for all music styles. It offers a wide soundstage and a good separation of the various sound elements. It is particularly impressive on pieces that have acoustic instruments such as Rachmaninoff's Cello Sonata, Op. 19 by pianist Yuja Wang and cellist Gautier Capucon with a woody tone and the feeling of air. It's also capable of handling heavier songs, too, with the bass power and mid-range clarity on Entombed's garage/death-n'roll crossover curiosity To Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth creating an impressive sound wall while allowing to be able to discern vocal details such as Lars-Goran Petrov's grittier growl.

4. Bose QuietComfort 35

Bose is one of the first companies to bring active noise cancelling headphones to the mainstream. They held a stranglehold for years but now they have to compete against newer headsets that have more features and better sound quality. But the QuietComfort 35 is still a ideal option for those who want to listen to their music or podcasts without being interrupted by constant noises and rumbles.

The default sound profile is balanced, and they're comfortable to wear. The ANC is great at removing background noise. However it tends to focus on lower frequencies more than other headphones, such as the Sony WH1000XM5.

If you're looking for a pair that can be used to listen to podcasts or audiobooks The QC35s come with an impressive passive noise cancellation mode that reduces ambient noises while keeping you isolated from the hum of the world around you. The QC35s can also connect two Bluetooth devices at once and "audio-share" so that you can play something on one pair of headphones and then answer an incoming phone call on the other pair.

The Bose Connect app is decent but it doesn't have the vast EQ options that other headphone apps. The QC35s are also available in wired mode, but the sound quality is drastically reduced and battery life isn't as great as wireless models.

The QC35s sport a classic Bose design that might not appeal to some consumers than the more modern designs of other manufacturers. However you can add a touch of personalization by purchasing an ear cover-up with decals from companies like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker. You can also alter the color of the earcups and headband later in the year, just like you can do with the previous QC25 model.

5. Sony WH-1000XM3

Sony's WH-1000XM3 are among the top 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 isolate a lot more ambient noise cancelling headphones wireless and feel much more durable. The app is also superior and has a wide range of sound-related options for customization.

The XM3s' excellent audio quality is among their biggest draws and they've been upgraded since their release to provide the best performance. They have a little bit more detail in the frequency spectrum. Their noise cancellation is better at all levels of volume. They also have upgraded controls like Quick Attention mode and Speak-to Chat. The new feature, Adaptive sound control, automatically adjusts the amount of external sound let in based the location you are in and what you're doing.

However, they aren't without their flaws. The treble can sound a little overpowering at times and the midrange sounds slightly recessed. They are still prone to boost the bass too much on certain tracks, which makes the sound too heavy and full. You can fix this by using the Sony app or in the headphone settings.

The XM3s make a great pair headphones, especially for commuters or frequent travelers. They're more comfortable, look and feel premium and durable than the JBL Live 650 BTNC Wireless and have a more powerful battery, and one of our favorite noise cancelling features available on the market. They are also more versatile and more suitable for use on the go than Audio-Technica's ATH-M50X wireless, though their noise cancellation isn't as impressive. They're not waterproof, which could be a deal breaker for some.