Which Over the Ear Headphones Are the Best?

If you're on the train or at work, noise-cancelling headphones are the perfect solution for anyone who loves to listen. Which ones are the best?

With a brand new design that is a step up in sound quality, and a plethora of features, Sony's newest flagship headphones are a great value. They can capture every detail, from Sinead O'Connor's trembling Bridge to the powerful chorus.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony is the master of noise cancellation, and its WH1000XM5 headphones represent the best version of this series. This model is an excellent pair of headphones, particularly for those who commute or travel. They're comfortable, have multipoint technology that allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously, and are the most powerful ANC Sony has made to date. They are lightweight and can run for up to 27 hours with no charging. This is enough for a week of commutes or a long-haul flight.

The WH1000XM5s are sleek and minimalist in appearance. They are made from ABS, an eco-friendly and recycled plastic. The branding is minimal, but there is the tiny "Sony" logo on each hinge of each earcup. The earcups and the headband are cushioned with a plush soft material that feels comfortable on all heads. The earcups are also adjustable so that you can find the perfect fit for you.

In contrast to previous models that concentrated on reducing low-frequency noise the XM5s amplify high-frequency sound waves, which cancels out ambient noise cancelling headphones microphone. This improves the overall quality of sound and helps reduce cabin and engine noises on flights, for example. The XM5s come with an additional processor that can dial up noise cancellation even further on airplanes and the audio app can also automatically adapt your listening environment based on the data from your air pressure.

The WH-1000XM5s also has a voice assistant that is simple to use, and it works with Alexa as well as Google Assistant, Siri, and many more. You can also pair the XM5s to other Sony audio products for multi-room music playback and stereo separation. They can support Bluetooth high-bitrate streaming audio via Sony's LDAC, but not aptX or HD.

2. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

If an organization has been producing headphones for many years, including Sennheiser you can expect top-of-the-line audio quality and a comfortable fit. They deliver on both fronts with their latest over-ears, called the Momentum 4 Wireless. They've reworked the design to eliminate some of the distinctive elements that gave the original models their aviator headset look and have also enhanced the active noise cancellation using their advanced Adaptive Noise Cancellation technology. These headphones are rated to last for 60 hours when ANC on, which is double the battery life of many competitors.

The new model is more portable, as it folds down and is a bit smaller. They're made from synthetic leather that can be used to make the replaceable ear pads and headband that are comfortable on my ear even when I wear them for the entire working. They're also not too tight, so you can wear them for tntech.kr long flights, or even during your workouts.

The sound is well-balanced and clear There are a few high-pitched peaks in the mid- and high-mid, which can cause slight muddying in the mixes. The bass is a little overemphasized, which adds a little punch and thump to genres like EDM or hip-hop. It's not a major issue however it could be a problem for some listeners. The high-mid has a bit of an uneven balance, pushing vocals and instruments to the forefront of mixes but at the expense of bringing out sibilants in certain songs.

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless comes with all the usual features including bluetooth wireless noise cancelling headphones connectivity, a translucent mode which blends outside sounds into your music to increase awareness and mobile app support for custom and preset EQ options. You can also use a 3.5mm cord to connect your phone. They can connect to your phone via SBC, AAC HD, and aptX Adaptive codes, and they can cut down the latency by as much as one quarter second.

3. B&W PX7 S2

Since their introduction, the original PX7s have been featured on numerous lists of the best Bluetooth headphones, and have been ranked high in many instances due to their outstanding ANC and high-quality sound. The PX7s, just like other wireless headphones, were becoming old and needed a new look. This is why the PX7S2. B&W didn't just change the design however, they also made improvements to ANC and added voice-calling features.

The first thing you notice when you open the box and pick up the PX7 S2 is just how light they are. This makes them comfortable for long listening sessions. A lot of the design is carried over from the previous model, including the elongated aluminium earcup top-plate and the hook-like accent on the headband that glides instead of clicking as you expand Headphonesshop.Uk it and the actual buttons. The earcups, however, are smaller and the headband isn't as substantial.

The software from B&W lets you adjust the EQ settings of the bass and treble. However you don't have as much control as you do with headphones that cost more. A Quick Action button on the left earcup switches between various modes of the environment. It can also be adjusted in the Bowers & Wilkins Music app to call your device's voice assistant.

The PX7 S2 is a great option for a variety of music styles. It has a large soundstage and good separation of different sound elements. It shines in particular on works that feature acoustic instruments like Rachmaninoff's Cello Sonata in G Minor Op. 19, composed by pianist Yuja Wang and cellist Gautier Capeucon, with acoustic instrumental tones that give the feeling of air. It can handle heavier fare as well. The bass sound and midrange clarity on Entombed’s garage/deathn'roll crossover curiosity, To Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth, give a wall of noise while allowing you to be able to hear vocal details such as Lars-Goran Petrov's gritty growl.

4. Bose QuietComfort 35

Bose was among the first companies to introduce active noise cancelling headphones into the mainstream. While they held a stranglehold on the market for years however, they are now competing against newer headsets that have more features and higher audio quality. However, the QuietComfort 35 is still a excellent choice for anyone who wants to listen to music or podcasts without being interrupted by constant buzzing and rumbles.

They're comfortable to wear and have an excellently balanced default sound profile. The ANC is excellent at eliminating background noise. However, it tends to emphasize lower frequencies more than other headphones such as the Sony WH1000XM5.

The QC35s are a fantastic pair of headphones to listen to audiobooks and podcasts. They feature a passive noise cancellation mode that blocks out ambient sounds while still keeping you isolated from your surroundings. The QC35s let you connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and "audio-share" which means you can listen to a song on one set of headphones while taking an incoming call with the other.

The Bose Connect App is decent, but it doesn't have the extensive EQ features of other headphone apps. The QC35s are also available in wired mode, however the sound quality is drastically diminished and battery life isn't as great as wireless models.

The QC35s are an Bose product, and it might not be a favorite for everyone. Other manufacturers offer sleeker designs. You can add some personalization to your headphones by purchasing a decal-covered cover from companies like SlickWraps or Skin Sticker. Later this year, you'll be able customize the color of the earcups and headband, just like with the QC25 model from earlier.

5. Sony WH-1000XM3

Sony's WH-1000XM3 are the best wireless headphones that have active noise cancellation you can buy right now. They're more expensive than Anker Soundcore Q20 Wireless but they isolate more ambient noise. They also have a premium companion app that gives you tons of sound customization features.

The XM3s have a great sound quality, and ever since their release, they've been enhanced to deliver even better performance. They provide a bit more detail across the frequency spectrum The noise cancelling function works better at all volume levels and they've added improved controls for things like Quick Attention mode, voice control and Speak-to-Chat. They also have a brand new feature called Adaptive Sound Control that automatically adjusts the amount of external sound let in based on where you're at and what you're doing.

They're not without their own issues, though. The midrange can sound a bit too recessed, and the treble could sometimes be too loud. They have a tendency to boost bass too much in some tracks, which makes them sound too full and heavy. But this is something you can address through the headphone settings or via EQ adjustment in the Sony app.

The XM3s are an excellent pair of headphones, especially for frequent travelers and commuters. They are more comfortable, feel and look premium, and last longer in comparison to the JBL Live 650 BTNC wireless. They also have a larger battery, and one of the most effective noise cancellation features available. They're also more versatile and more suitable for use on the go than Audio-Technica's M50X wireless, although their noise isolation is less impressive. They're not waterproof, which can be a major issue for some people.