Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones usually have longer battery longevity than earbuds. They also provide superior sound cancellation.

Sony's WH-1000XM5s lead the pack for wireless headphones over-ear. They sound fantastic with a bass-heavy, rich sound that allows vocals and other instruments to shine. With active noise cancellation (ANC) turned on they last for over 40 hours on a single charge.

Focal Bathys Wireless

The Focal Bathys wireless are an audiophile-grade entry into the popular premium Bluetooth headphone segment which has been dominated for a long time by Bose. Focal's reputation as a maker of the best high-fidelity speakers meant that it couldn't just scale down in order to compete. It decided to develop its own earbuds with built-in ANC made of the same amplifiers, transducers and other components as its flagship products.

The result is a pair of headphones that not only provide high-quality performance, but feel luxurious and sturdy. Focal reduced the weight and size of its premium headphones to make these lightweight headphones more comfortable for travel however, they still use magnesium for the yokes to keep them lightweight. The design is sleek and stylish, with a a circular, "skeletonised", design like Focal's high-end Focal celestee headphones. LED backlit Focal logos are placed on the side of the headphone and actually glow.

The ear cups fold flat to make storage, and the cable can be detached to be used with other devices that do not have Bluetooth, such as many cell phones. The earcups fold flat to make storage and the cord is detachable for use on other devices that do not have Bluetooth like many cell phones.

The headphones can also be used in DAC-mode, which disables internal processing to provide superior sound quality than Bluetooth headphones with DACs built-in. Focal declined to reveal the specific DAC they used, but when tested with a high-quality portable DAC/headphone amp, the Bathys delivered great results--including better-than-CD-quality resolution, tight bass, and an open, airy midrange.

The Focal Bathys were designed to be used on planes, in noisy environments, and other places. However they're also great for listening in noisy environments. DAC mode makes them suitable for listening with greater attention. The Bathys are a great alternative to the closed-back headphones, which are tuned to bass. These headphones would make a great present for any audiophile on your list.

JBL Tune 760NC

The JBL Tune 760NC is a lightweight, comfortable pair of headphones that feature active noise cancellation. They have a deep bass profile which adds depth to your audio, and they provide a long battery lifespan for listening sessions. They also have a durable design that is perfect for travel and commutes however they can be uncomfortable for long listening sessions because of their tight fit.

The headphones come with a set control that you can use to control the music as well as your call settings. The headphones have buttons that adjust the volume up and down, power, ANC, and the like. The buttons are surrounded by tiny LEDs and you can press it to change the light display. The headphones are cushioned and are comfortable to wear however they may be uncomfortable for people who wear glasses.

JBL's Active Noise Cancellation technology reduces ambient noise by analyzing and understanding the sounds coming from outside the headphone. It then reverses those sounds and blocks them out, creating a quieter listening experience. This allows you to listen at lower volumes and avoid the aches and fatigue of your ears. The headphones also have an audio jack that lets you make calls hands-free and activate voice assistants.

These headphones work with the majority of Bluetooth devices such as your computer and a majority of mobile phones. They're also compatible with many PS4 and Xbox One controllers to receive audio however, you won't be able to use them to communicate with your teammates. They also come with a USB port for charging and listening to audio on your PC.

The JBLs 760NCs feature a foldable, compact design that makes it easy to pack. They have a built-in battery that can last up to 40 hours of continuous usage and come with noise cancellation technology that blocks out distractions. They also have the ability to connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, meaning you can switch between watching videos on your tablet to making an incoming call on your phone without a hitch.

Skullcandy Riff Orange Crest MKII Wireless Headphones with Mic

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 are a pair on-ear Bluetooth beats Overhead headphones that provide the features users expect from Bluetooth headphones. They provide a reasonable price point, all-day battery life and a backup aux cable and peace of mind thanks to Tile technology for finding. It comes with an easy control on the earcup, and is able to connect wired and wireless devices. The Riff Wireless headphones come with an excellent companion app that allows you to alter the sound quality to reduce the delay of video and audio when connected to computers or a smart TV and set up multi-device pairing.

These headphones have a padded band and are very comfortable. They are made to be used for commute and travel and can fold up to make it easy to store in bags or backpacks. They have a plasticky build quality, but are fairly durable and have a solid click when you move or flex them. They don't have noise cancelling which can be a challenge for some users, but they block out some of the noise of buses and passengers chatter.

These headphones have decent sound quality, particularly considering their price. They don't have lush midranges as some of the more expensive headphones but they have good overall clarity at all volumes. The bass is strong and punchy and the highs can be a bit dispersed, but not overly so. They're great for rock and pop, but might not be the best choice for genres that feature deep, full bass.

The Riff Wireless 2 headphones have more features than the earlier version. They have a neutral sound profile, which might appeal to some users. They also have a superior microphone and can be used with multiple devices. They also support a higher level of volume and have a longer battery life.

They're good headphones however they don't provide the same level comfort like other Skullcandy products like the Hesh 3 Wireless. They're an option for most users but they're not the best choice for those who exercise. They could be prone to falling off during intense exercise.

Razer Opus

The Opus is the first effort by Razer at making a high-quality, lifestyle headphone. It's a fantastic product. Its target market is likely to be much broader than gamers, and it offers quality that rivals the top models from Sony and Bose at a price that is affordable.

The design is somewhat restrained, even by Razer's standards. There's no RGB lighting, and there are no signature green accents. The Tri-Snake isn't apparent. The headset is more like any other Bluetooth headset, with semicircle swivel hinges that fold flat Bang And Olufsen H95 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones pivot over the earcups, creating an adjustable and comfortable headband. The headsets are also lighter and more portable than other gaming headphones, and weigh just 265g when folded.

Onboard controls are located on the right earcup, with track and power buttons beside a recessed multi-function button which doubles as an active noise-cancellation cycle button. The controls were simple to use. They worked as advertised during my tests.

The Opus' bass has an energizing, well-rounded sound that has clarity and Beats Overhead Headphones depth that you won't get from many budget headphones. The sound isn't as rich as Bose's Extra Bass, but it's far superior for a price of $200. Vocals and the lead instruments can be heard with great clarity. The mids are also solid. I did notice a slight lack of clarity in the highs however, changing the EQ to the Vocal preset resolved the issue.

In the case that you carry, you'll also include a 3.5mm audio cable and USB C-to-A converter, as well as a standard airplane audio plug for those who haven't made the switch yet. It's a tiny, but appreciated addition that makes it easier to use headphones when traveling.

The Opus was a success, just like other THX certified products. I was able to stroll around town without having raise the volume in order to block the background noise and I never felt that I needed to turn the volume of my music up just to hear it. This is the kind of quality that can help you prevent hearing loss as a result of excessive exposure to high-frequency frequencies.