Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you into sound. They are generally made for audiophiles and come with features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 is Sony's latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation lineup. The headphones are updated with a new design and enhanced ANC. They also have many of the same features, but they have superior sound quality and higher-end materials.

They're extremely light for over-ear ANC Headphones Best, weighing 250g. They're extremely comfortable to wear, even if you're reading or listening to the audiobook. The headband has a friction-rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sonic signature that is designed to please people who listen to music for pleasure 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 wide soundstage, with good instrument separation that lets you hear specifics in your music. The earcups also feature touch controls that are responsive and intuitive to use. Swipe forward to play the next track, back to hear the previous track as well as up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically pause playback when you take them off your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup, which allows you to listen to what's happening around you without taking off 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 of top quality fabric, as well as a USB-C cable for charging. 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 impressive. In our battery test we had 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30 hour battery life.

The WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic microphone for making calls. There's no muffled or static sound in the background. The noise cancellation is top-notch and they're a great fit for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and improved performance. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 comes with premium performance and features like 24-bit wireless streaming with active noise cancellation that is optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for Headphones best the device are carefully placed inside each earcup to create a more focused, deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide superior call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control calls and music from any device that is compatible.

Like the original PX7, these headphones are elegant and refined, with accent rings around each earcup as well as a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tight on the cranium. The new shape and form was perfected over many months and offers a soft clamping pressure that isn't too hard on my rotund skull.

They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough for carrying in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place for long listening sessions. A strong hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them to make it easy to transport them in an enclosed case.

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

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

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones, and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. Its technical construction was designed to provide an incredible detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic sound you'll ever experience in a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier is required to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to use a balanced connection, which will double the output and improve the sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They have a steel frame and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't appear like the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel premium in the hands and are built to last. They come with a carry pouch as well as an additional audio cable, as well as an 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 lighter on bass. The open-back design creates an expansive, out-of-head soundstage. The treble is excellent, with minor peaks and drops. The treble region is extremely linear, which means you'll not have issues cutting sibilants, or the upper sound of a snare drum.

They can still deliver impact as well as dynamism and impact when needed despite the lack of a powerful low-end. They will still be enjoyable for those who like listening to rock music with punchy basslines, but they may not sound as fun as some of the other models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are extremely linear, with a slight scoop in the upper mids which shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They also reproduce precise time gradations of vocals, which is a big plus.

The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones over ear, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fitting make them a great choice. The headphones are expensive but they'll last for many years and perform in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great pair of headphones for those looking to pass the time or simply need an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a simple pouch that provides protection when you toss them in a bag and their battery is capable of lasting multiple long haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles when on a plane, though their audio profile is a bit warm and bass-heavy.

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

Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone provides a full and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz, these headphones offer exceptional clarity and clarity, while their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wider range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is disappointing. This means you won't in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency while gaming on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam ear cups are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups are able to rotate and adjust to the particular shape of your head so that you can get a snug fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.