best over ear headphones Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones generally have a longer battery life than earbuds. They also have superior noise cancellation.

Sony's WH1000XM5s have the best over-ear headphones with wireless technology. They sound great thanks to their rich, bass-heavy sound profile that still allows vocals and instruments to shine. They last for more than 40 hours on a single charge with active noise cancellation (ANC) activated.

Focal Bathys Wireless

The Focal Bathys wireless are a high-end audiophile entry into the booming premium Bluetooth headphone market which has been dominated for a long time by Bose. However, with a track record of crafting the best high-fidelity loudspeakers, Focal couldn't simply scale down to compete in this competitive space. So it opted to build its own set of earbuds that incorporate ANC, using the same transducers and amplifiers found in its flagship products.

The result is a pair that not only offers top-notch performance but also feels luxurious and sturdy. Focal has reduced the size and weight from its premium headphones to make these lightweight headphones more suitable for travel, but still uses magnesium for the yokes to keep them lightweight. The design is stylish and sleek, with the circular "skeletonised" design that is similar to the company's premium, full-sized Focal Celestee, Wireless Over The Head Headphones as well as LED backlit Focal "flame" logos on the sides of each earphone, which actually glow (you can switch this feature in the app that comes with it).

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

The headphones can also be used in DAC-mode which bypasses internal processing to deliver a better sound quality than Bluetooth headphones with built-in DACs. 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 developed for use on planes, in noisy environments, and many other places. However they're also great for listening in noisy environments. DAC mode makes them suitable for listening to music with a greater focus. Most portable headphones are closed back and tuned for increased bass however, the Bathys provide a neutral, balanced sound that is well-suited to rock and other genres that are popular without getting overly boomy. A pair of these would be a wonderful present for the audiophile on your list.

JBL Tune 760NC

The JBL Tune 760NC are a lightweight and comfortable pair of headphones that feature active noise cancellation. They have a bass-focused profile that gives your sound depth and a long battery life. The headphones are made to last, which makes them ideal for travel and commutes. However their snug fit could make them uncomfortable for long listening sessions.

The headphones come with a decent set of controls on the earcups which allow you to control your music as well as call settings. They have buttons for volume up down, power and ANC on/off. The buttons are surrounded by a small section that is lit by an LED and you can tap on it to change the headphone's lighting display. The headphones are comfortable to fit and are well-padded but they clamp quite tightly on your head and could be uncomfortable for people who wear glasses.

JBL's Active Noise Cancellation Technology reduces ambient sound by analyzing and understanding the sounds coming from outside the headphone. It then inverts those sounds and cancels them out, creating a more tranquil listening experience. This allows you to listen at lower volumes and avoid ear fatigue. The headphones also feature a microphone that lets you make calls hands-free and also activate voice assistants.

These headphones are compatible with a wide range of Bluetooth devices, including your laptop and many mobile phones. These headphones are compatible with the majority of PS4 and Xbox One Controllers for receiving audio, but not for communicating with teammates. The USB port allows you to charge the devices and listen to audio on your computer.

The JBL 760NCs are designed to be portable and compact, with a design that folds down, making them easy to pack and take on the move. They're equipped with an internal battery that can last for up to 40 hours of continuous usage and come with noise cancellation technology to block out distractions. They can be connected to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, so you don't have to wait for a second when switching from watching a film on your tablet to making a call.

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 are a pair on-ear Bluetooth headphones that provide the features people expect from Bluetooth headphones. They come with a low price, all-day battery life as well as a backup aux cable and peace of mind due to Tile finding technology. It comes with simple controls on the earcups, and is able to connect wired and wireless devices. The Riff wireless over the head Headphones headphones come with a fantastic companion application that lets you modify your listening experience as well as reduce audio and video delay when connected to computers or a smart TV and create multi-device pairing.

These headphones are very comfortable and have a cushioned headband. These headphones are designed for travel and commute. They fold up to fit comfortably in bags or backpacks. They have a plasticky build quality, but they are quite sturdy and provide a solid click when you move or flex them. They don't have noise cancelling which could be a problem for some users, but they block out some of the rumble of buses and passenger chatter.

The sound quality of these headphones is decent, especially for their price. The midranges are not as luscious as some of the more expensive models, but they do have decent detail at most volume levels. The bass is strong and punchy, whereas the highs are a bit soft, but not strident. They are great for pop and rock but not for genres that need a deep full bass.

Comparing to the previous version of these headphones, the Riff Wireless 2 have more features. They have a neutral sound profile, which might appeal to some users. They also have a superior microphone and can be used with various devices. They also have a much longer battery life, and they can support a higher volume.

They're a great pair of headphones, but do not offer the same level of comfort as other Skullcandy models, like the Hesh 3 Wireless. They're an option for most users, but they're not the best over ear anc headphones choice for those who exercise. They may fall off when doing high-intensity exercise.

Razer Opus

The Opus is Razer's first go at a lifestyle headphone set, and it's an impressive one. Its intended audience is likely to be a lot larger than the average consumer and has a quality that is comparable to top-of-the-line models from Sony and Bose at a price that is affordable.

The design is a bit restrained even by Razer's standards. There is no RGB lighting, and there are no signature green accents. Additionally, the Tri-Snake is not evident. Instead, the headset appears like other Bluetooth headphones, with semicircle hinges which swivel and fold flat on the top of the earcups to create a comfortable headband. The headsets are lightweight and more portable than the majority of gaming headphones, weighing just 265g when folded.

On the right earcup is the onboard controls. Power and track control buttons are located next to a multi-function button recessed into it that also doubles as a noise-cancellation switch. The controls are easy to press and Wireless Over The Head Headphones responsive and they functioned as advertised in my tests.

The Opus' bass is punchy and well-rounded, with depth and clarity you won't find in many budget headphones. The sound isn't as rich as Bose's Extra Bass, but it's still above expectations for a price of $200. The mids are a solid sound and vocals and lead instruments can stand out with decent clarity. I did notice a little veiledness in the highs however switching the EQ to Vocal solved the issue.

As a bonus as a bonus, you'll find an 3.5mm analog cable and USB-C-to-A adapter in the carrying case, along with an audio jack for airplanes that is standard for those who haven't switched to all-cable audio. It's a small, but welcome addition to make it easier to use headphones while traveling.

The Opus performed flawlessly and was just like other THX certified products. I was able walk around town without having raise the volume in order to block background noise and I never felt that I needed to turn the volume of my music up to hear it. That's the kind of quality that can help you prevent hearing loss over time from excessive exposure to high-frequency frequencies.