Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you into audio. They are generally tuned for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile app for tweaking the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio through USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones by Sony are the latest model in their noise cancelling lineup. They feature a new design, enhanced ANC and a host of the same features as their predecessors, but with higher-end materials and a slightly higher quality sound.

At only 250g, they are lightweight for over-ear ANC headsets. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or a book. The headband features a friction rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 has a sound signature designed to please casual music listeners as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, yet it is not harsh or overpowering. They feature a wide and wide soundstage, with excellent instrument separation that allows you to hear the specifics in your music. The earcups feature touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track or backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously and will automatically pause playback when you take them off your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can activate the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right earcup. This lets you hear the sounds around you without removing the headphones.

They can also be connected with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made from premium fabric and a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our test of the standard battery we had 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH1000XM5 is a great microphone that can be used for voice calls. There is no muffled or static sound in the background. The noise cancellation is excellent and they're a great choice for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and performance. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 comes with premium performance and features, including 24-bit wireless streaming and active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled in each earcup, offer more deep and focused listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer outstanding clarity for calls even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control calls and music from any compatible device.

Like the original PX7, these headphones are sleek and elegant with accent rings around each earcup and a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium but don't feel tight. The new design and shape was perfected over many months, and delivers an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't press into my skull, which is a rotund one.

At 10.8 ounces (or 307g) They're 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and are a touch smaller. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and stay in place comfortably throughout long listening sessions. The headband is foldable using a sturdy hinge at the back.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is ideal for high-resolution audio as well as precise video sync. You can also play them wirelessly too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to a USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a useful feature, flashing green to indicate rapid charge and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.

The B&W app provides the same controls as the hardware onboard buttons - bass and treble adjustment, action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes, and more. The app also shows an album cover and track's title when you play music from your iPhone. Some popular features like music presets, soundscapes and music mode are not available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones made by Sennheiser and is meant to meet the highest expectations. The design and construction of the headphones has been optimized to achieve an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all of the frequency spectrum as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic sound you'll hear on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has a 300 ohm impedance, which means a quality headphone on sale (Ivimall site) amplifier is required to operate it at the right levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended as this will double the output power and improve the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use and feature a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with plastics and leather padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't look extravagant, but the quality of the headphones and their build are excellent. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable, and 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 however they are less bass-y. The open-back design creates an expansive out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region is extremely smooth, meaning you'll not have issues hitting sibilants or the upper impact of a snare drum.

Despite not having a booming bass, they can still provide dynamism and impact when needed. They are still a great choice for those who like rock music with a punchy bass however, they may not be as impressive as the other models on this list.

In the mids in the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are extremely linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids that should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations of vocals, which is a big plus.

The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them an excellent option. They're costly however you're buying headphones that will last for years to come and perform to 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 kill some time or just wants an affordable pair of noise-cancelling headphones sale. They come with a simple pouch which will provide protection when you toss them into your bag, and their battery can last for several long haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out noisy passengers and engine rumbles. However, their audio profile is a bit heavy and warm.

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

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide an immersive and deep listening experience, due to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones have an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling is designed to block out a variety of mid- and low-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a pity. This means you won't capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's low latency when playing games on your PC.

In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory foam earcups and headphone On Sale headband are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without creating discomfort. The ear cups can also rotate to adjust to the shape of your head. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.