Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you in music. They are usually tuned for audiophiles and come with features like active noise cancellation and control applications.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that includes ANC, a mobile app to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancellation line-up. They sport a new design, enhanced ANC, and many of the same features that their predecessors had but with better materials and slightly higher-quality sound.

At just 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. They're extremely comfortable to wear, even when you're reading or listening an audiobook. The headband is supple, and has the same design of a friction rod as the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature designed to please casual music listeners as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, however it's not abrasive or overpowering. They have a wide and spacious soundstage that has good instrument separation, which lets you hear subtleties in your music. The earcups are also equipped with touch controls that are responsive and intuitive to use. You can swipe forward to access the next track, reverse to hear the previous one and headphone then up and down to adjust the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically pause playback when you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right-ear cup. This allows you to hear the sounds around you without removing the headphones.

They can also be linked with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of high-end fabric and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers operating Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 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 hour battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on calls is superb and headphone 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 significant upgrade from its predecessor, delivering top-quality performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 comes with premium performance and features like 24-bit wireless streaming with active noise cancellation that is optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are carefully placed inside each earcup to provide an enhanced, more deep listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer excellent call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control music and calls from any device compatible with it.

Similar to the original PX7 The headphones sport elegant and refined with accent rings on each earcup and an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium, yet never feel tight. The new form and shape was perfected over many months and offers a comfortable clamping pressure that isn't too hard on my skull.

At 10.8 grams (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter than the Sony WH-1000XM5, and a touch thinner. They're light enough for carrying in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and will remain comfortably in place during long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband enables you to fold them to make it easy to transport them in an enclosed case.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio aswell as a fast video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is an excellent gesture, flashing green to indicate rapid charge and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is active.

The B&W app provides the same controls as the buttons on the hardware including bass and treble adjustment and assigning action buttons, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes, and more. The app also displays an album cover and track's title when you play music using your iPhone. The most popular extras like music presets and a soundscapes mode aren't available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction was designed to provide an incredible detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It's the most realistic spatial audio you'll hear on headphones with open backs.

The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, so a good headphone shop uk amplifier is required to drive it at desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended because it will increase the power output and increase the overall sound quality.

The headphones are designed for a professional use and have a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with plastics and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't look like an expensive pair of headphones, however they feel premium in the hand and are built to last. They come with a carry pouch and an additional audio cable as well as an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, although they are a bit light on bass. The open-back design results in a wide out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding, with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region is also extremely linear, which means you won't have issues with hitting sibilants or the upper bite of a snare drum.

Despite not having a booming bass, they can still deliver impact and dynamism when required. They will still be enjoyable for those who like listening to music with punchy basslines, but they may not be as enjoyable as some of the models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

These Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful 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 can also reproduce fine time gradations which is an added benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice due to their exceptional sound quality and a comfortable fit. They are expensive, however they will last for a long time and will perform in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good pair of headphones for those looking to pass the time or just want an affordable pair of headphones that cancel out noise. They come with a basic bag that will give them some protection when you toss them into your bag, and their battery is capable of lasting multiple long haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles, however their audio profile is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are simple to use and clearly marked. On the left ear cup, you'll find buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones, as well as to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup there are controls for playing back media which include a multi-function button that lets you activate the voice assistant on your phone and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make hands-free calls with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offers a deep, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. These headphones have the treble range to go up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a variety of mid- and low-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means you won't capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's lower latency while playing games on your PC.

In terms of comfort In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam ear cups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without creating discomfort. The ear cups can also rotate to adapt to your unique head shape. You can also listen to your music wired with an included 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is included for charging the battery.