Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you in sound. They are typically made for audiophiles, and feature features like active noise cancellation and control applications.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

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

They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones, with 250 grams. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when you're listening to a podcast or a book. The headband features a friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.

With an audio quality that will please casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass but is not excessively loud or harsh. They have a wide and spacious soundstage that has excellent instrument separation that allows you to hear the specifics in your music. The earcups also feature 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 track or backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also turn on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup that lets you listen to what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones.

Other useful features include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of premium fabric, and The Headphone Shop a USB-C charging cable. The buy good headphones online are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is superb. In our standard test, we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC activated which is more than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on calls is exceptional and there's no distorted or static-y audio in the background. The noise-canceling performance is also top-quality and they're a great option for public transport as well as the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, offering top-quality performance and features. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit, optimized active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are precisely positioned inside each earcup for an enhanced, more deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure superior call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control music and calls from any device compatible with it.

The headphones sport a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They feature accent rings around the earcups as well as a silver-colored headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and fit snugly on The Headphone Shop cranium, yet never feel tight. The redesigned form and shape took a long time to perfect, delivering 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're 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as slightly smaller. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a backpack or bag and remain in place throughout long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them for easy transport in an enclosed case.

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

The B&W App provides the same control options that the hardware onboard buttons offer including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignments, wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes, etc. The app also displays an album cover and track's name when you play music using your iPhone. The most popular extras like music presets and a soundscapes mode are not available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones by Sennheiser, and it is meant to meet the most demanding requirements. The design and construction of the headphones has been optimized to provide a detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic sound you'll hear on headphones with open backs.

The headphone online has a 300 ohm impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier will be needed to drive it at desired levels 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 plastic and leather padding. The design is minimalist and they're not fancy however the quality of the headphones and their construction are top-quality. They come with a carrying case, an extra audio cable and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are a bit light on bass. The open-back design produces a spacious out-of-head soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor dips and peaks. The treble area is extremely smooth, meaning you'll not have issues cutting sibilants, or the upper impact of a snare drum.

Even with the absence of loud bass, they can still provide dynamism and impact when it is needed. They'll still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to rock music with strong basslines, however they might not be as enjoyable 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 very linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations in vocals which is a major benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top pick because of their outstanding audio quality and comfortable fit. They're costly, but you're paying for headphones that will last for years to be able to perform to their best in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that can be a great choice for anyone looking to relax or just wants an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag which will provide protection when you throw them into a bag, and their battery can last for many long-haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles when on the plane, but their audio profile is heavy and warm.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup there are media playback controls, including a multi-function button that lets you activate the voice assistant of your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). The built-in microphone can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.

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

One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means you won't in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency while gaming on your PC.

In terms of comfort In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam earcups and headband the Headphone Shop are soft enough to wear for long periods of time without causing any discomfort. The ear cups can also rotate to adapt to your unique head shape. You can also listen to music wired with an included 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is included to charge the battery.