Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you into music. They are usually designed for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that includes ANC as well as a mobile app to alter the EQ, and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the latest model in their noise cancellation lineup. They feature a new design, upgraded ANC and a host of the same features as their predecessors but with premium materials and slightly more premium sound quality.

At only 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or a book. The headband is supple, and it features a friction rod design like the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sound signature that has been designed to satisfy both casual music listeners as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, but it's not abrasive or imposing. The earphones have a large and open soundstage, with excellent instrument separation. This lets you listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups come with touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe forward to play the next track, reverse to hear the previous one as well as up and down to adjust the volume. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head due to the built-in sensor. You can enable ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup. This allows you to listen to the sounds around you without removing the headphones.

They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made from top quality fabric, as well as a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers operating Windows and macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is excellent. In our test we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC activated which is more than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.

The WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic mic for voice calls. There's no muffled or static sound in the background. The noise-canceling performance is also top-quality, and they're a good choice shop for headphones Online public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and improved performance. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits, optimized active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled inside each earcup, give you a more immersive and focused listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer excellent call clarity even in noisy surroundings. And an inline remote and microphone let you control your calls and music on any device compatible with it.

The headphones sport a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups, and a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit comfortably but not too tight on the cranium. The redesigned shape and form took a long time to perfect, delivering an easy clamping force that isn't too hard on my own cranium that is rotund.

At 10.8 pounds (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter than the Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as just a little smaller. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and are comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. The headband can be folded up by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

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

The B&W App provides the same features that the buttons on the hardware provide - bass and treble adjustments as well as action button assignments wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes as well as other features. When you play music on your iPhone the app will display album covers and track titles. The most popular extras like music presets and soundscapes mode are not available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones, and is designed to meet the highest expectations. Its engineering was designed to give stunning detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic spatial audio you'll experience on open-back headphones.

The headphone has a 300 ohm impedance, so a good headphone amplifier will be needed to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which can increase the output and enhance the sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use and feature a sturdy metal frame with a mix of plastics and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't look like an expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the hands and are built to last. They come with a carry case, an additional audio cable and 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 less bass-y. The open-back design produces a spacious, out-of-head soundstage. The treble is excellent with minor peaks and drops. The treble region also is linear which means you won't have issues with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of a drum snare.

They still have the ability to deliver and dynamism when required, despite the absence of a powerful low-end. They will still be enjoyable for those who love listening to rock music that has punchy basslines, but they may not sound as fun as some of the models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

The Sennheiser headphones have a fantastic midrange. They're very straight and have a slight slop in the upper mids which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce precise time gradations, which is an added bonus.

The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and shop for headphones online comfortable fit make them a top choice. The headphones are expensive however they will last for a long time and will perform in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that can provide the perfect solution for anyone looking to relax or simply wants a low-cost pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic case that protects them when you throw them in the bag. Their battery can last multiple long-haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles when on the plane, but their audio profile is a bit heavy and warm.

The Life Q20's controls can be easy to navigate and well-marked. On the left earcup you'll find buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones prices, as well as to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find media playback controls. This includes a multi-function button that activates your phone's voice assistance and also turns on Anker BassUp (more about it later). The built-in microphone can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer a rich and immersive listening experience due to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz, these headphones are able to provide exceptional clarity and clarity, while their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out an extended range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is a pity. This means that you won't be in a position to benefit from the superior codec's low latency when gaming on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam earcups are soft enough to be worn for long periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups are capable of rotating and adjust to the unique shape of your head so you can have a comfortable fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.