Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears to immerse you in the sound. They are usually tuned for audiophiles, and have features like active noise cancelling and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that includes ANC and a mobile application to adjust 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 cancellation line-up. They feature a new design, improved ANC and a host of the same features that their predecessors had but with premium materials and slightly higher quality sound.

With only 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. They are very comfortable to wear, even if you're listening to or reading the audiobook. The headband has a friction-rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sonic signature that is designed to satisfy both casual music lovers as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, but it's not harsh or blazing. They have a wide and spacious soundstage that has excellent instrument separation that allows you to hear the details in your music. The earcups come with touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe forward to play the next track, then back to hear the previous one and then up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices at once and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also switch on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup, which allows you to hear what's going on 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 sturdy carrying case made of premium fabric and an USB-C cable for charging. The Headphones Running work with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is exceptional. In our test of the standard battery, we got 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on which was more than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on calls is superb and there's not any muffled or static-y audio in the background. The noise cancellation performance is excellent, and they're a good option for public transport as well as 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. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers premium performance and features, including 24bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled to fit in each earcup, offer more immersive and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones guarantee excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone lets you control your calls and music using any compatible device.

The headphones sport a similar elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They feature accent rings around the earcups, as well as a silver sheen for headphones running the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium but they never feel tight. The redesigned form and shape required a lot of time to perfect, providing a comfortable clamping force that isn't too hard on my own cranium that is rotund.

At 10.8 grams (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as just a little thinner. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a bag or backpack and stay in place comfortably for 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 great for high-resolution audio and tight video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located 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 has the same features as the buttons on the hardware - bass and treble adjustment and assigning action buttons, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes, and more. When you listen to music on your iPhone, the app displays album covers and track titles. Popular extras such as music presets, soundscapes and music mode aren't available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones made by Sennheiser, and it is designed to meet highest expectations. The technical design was designed to give an incredible detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic sound you'll hear with an open-back pair of headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier to drive it to the levels you want without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended because it will increase the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.

These headphones are made 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 a fancy pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the hands and are built to last. They come with a carry pouch and an extra audio cable as well as a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, though they are a bit light on bass. The open-back design produces a spacious, out-of-head soundstage. The treble is very good with minor drops and peaks. The treble region also has a linearity and you won't be able to deal with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of the drum snare.

They still have the ability to deliver and dynamism when needed despite the lack of a powerful low-end. These headphones are still great for those who enjoy rock music that has punchy bass, but may not be as impressive as other models on this list.

In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are extremely linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids which will not be noticed by most listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations, which is an added benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them an excellent option. They are expensive, but you're paying for a pair of headphones that will last for many years to be used and perform to their best in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones best that can provide the perfect solution for anyone looking to relax or simply needs a cheap set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag which protects them when you throw them into the bag. Their battery can last for several long-haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, but their audio quality is a bit warm and bass-heavy.

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

Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone offers a deep, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz they can provide outstanding clarity and detail, while their active noise cancellation technology is designed to filter out a wider range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means that you won't not be able to benefit of the higher codes' lower latency while playing on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are comfortable enough to wear for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups also rotate to adjust to your unique head shape. You can also listen to your music via a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is included to charge the battery.