Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears to immerse you in sound. They tend to be designed for audiophiles and come with features like active noise isolation earphones cancellation and control applications.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. The headphones feature a brand new design and anker p3i hybrid active noise cancelling earbuds improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but they have higher-end sound quality and superior materials.

They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones at just 250g. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or a book. The headband is a friction-rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which prevents your ears getting too cold.

With a sound quality that can satisfy casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass, but it isn't overpowering or harsh. The earphones boast a huge and wide soundstage, as well as good separation of instruments. This allows you to be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups also have touch controls that are easy and responsive to use. Swipe up or down to change the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song and backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at the same time and thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup. This allows you to hear 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 premium fabric, and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is excellent. In our battery test, Jvc Earphone we got 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was more than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH1000XM5 is a great mic for voice calls. There is no muffled or static audio in the background. Noise cancellation is also great and these headphones are perfect for public transportation and the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, providing high-end performance and features. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit enhanced active noise cancellation, and clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and earbuds angled to fit in each earcup, provide a more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity even in noisy surroundings. A remote inline and microphone lets you control your calls and music using any compatible device.

Similar to the PX7's original design, these headphones are a sleekly refined look, with accent rings around each earcup as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, yet never feel tight. The redesigned shape and form took a long time to perfect, and provides an incredibly comfortable clamping force that doesn't push too hard, even on my own cranium that is rotund.

At 10.8 grams (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and are just a little smaller. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and are comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband enables you to fold them up for easy transport in an enclosed case.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is ideal for high-resolution audio as well as precise video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located 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 signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app provides similar controls to the buttons on the hardware including bass and treble adjustment and assigning action buttons wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes, and more. The app also displays an album cover and track's name when you play music from your iPhone. Some popular features like music presets and soundscapes 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 most demanding requirements. Its technical construction was optimized to achieve a breath-taking detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic sound you'll ever experience in a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, so it requires a high-quality headphone amplifier to operate at the desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, because it will increase the power output and increase the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed to be used by professionals and have a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of leather and plastic. The design is minimalist and doesn't look extravagant however the quality of the headphones and their build are superb. They come with a carry case, an extra audio cable, and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With an unison sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, though they are a bit light on bass. The open-back design produces an expansive, out-of-head soundstage. The treble is excellent, with minor peaks and drops. The treble area is extremely linear, which means you shouldn't have any issues hitting sibilants or the upper sound of the drum snare.

They still have the ability to deliver and dynamism when needed despite the lack of a loud low-end. They'll still be a great choice for those who love listening to rock music with strong basslines, however they may not be as fun as some of the competing models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

These Sennheiser headphones have a great 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 fine time gradations, which is a nice bonus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They're a top choice due to their exceptional audio quality and comfortable fit. The headphones are expensive but they will last you for a long time and will perform in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great set of headphones for anyone who wants to relax or simply want a pair of affordable noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic pouch which will provide protection when you put them in a 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 warmer and bass-heavy.

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

Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone offers a deep immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz they offer exceptional clarity and detail, while their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out an extended range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is disappointing. This means that you won't not be able to take advantage of the better codes' lower latency when gaming on your computer.

In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam earcups and headband are soft enough to wear for long periods of time without causing any discomfort. The ear cups can also be rotated to accommodate your unique head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.