Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears, allowing you to be immersed in the sound. They are usually made for audiophiles and come with features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that includes ANC and a mobile application to alter the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio through USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade in their noise cancelling lineup. They feature a new design, improved ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors but with higher-end materials and a slightly more premium sound quality.

With only 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. 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 is soft and it features a friction rod design like the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

With an audio quality that can satisfy people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass, but it isn't too loud or harsh. They have a wide and wide soundstage, with good instrument separation, which allows you to hear the specifics in your music. The earcups also feature touch controls that are easy to use. Swipe forward to play the next track, back to hear the previous one as well as up and down to adjust the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also activate the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup and allowing you to hear what's going on around you, without taking off the headphones.

They can also be linked with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as well as high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made of premium fabric and a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is excellent. In our most basic test we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC switched on which is much better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for calls is exceptional and there's not any muffled or static-y sound in the background. Noise cancellation is also great and these headphones are ideal for public transportation or in the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and performance. This includes 24-bit wireless streaming, optimized active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice call quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled in each earcup, give you a more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide outstanding clarity for calls, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control calls and music on any device compatible with it.

The headphones sport a similar elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups and a silver sheen for the headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tight on the cranium. The new shape and form was refined over a period of time and offers a soft clamping pressure that doesn't press hard on my own skull, which is a rotund one.

They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. The Solitude Headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a backpack or bag and are comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. The headband can be folded up by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for high-resolution audio and precise video sync. You can also play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to signal rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app provides the same controls as the hardware onboard buttons including bass and treble adjustment and assigning action buttons wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes and more. When you play music on your iPhone the app will display album cover and track titles. However, popular headphone brands extras like music presets or a soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and is made to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction has been optimized to provide an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic spatial audio you'll hear on headphones with open backs.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier to drive it to the levels you want 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 feature a metal frame and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't look like the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel premium in the hands and are built well. They come with a carrying pouch and an extra audio cable as well as an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with a natural sound, even though they are a little light on bass. This is because the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head soundstage. The treble is excellent with minor peaks and drops. The region of the treble has a linearity, so you will not have issues with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of a drum snare.

They can still provide impact as well as dynamism and impact in the event of need, despite the absence of a booming low-end. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who love rock music that has punchy bass, but may not be as impressive as the other models on this list.

The Sennheiser headphones have a great midrange. They are linear with a slight incline in the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by most listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations which is a bonus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fitting make them a great choice. The headphones are costly, but they'll last for a long time and will perform in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good pair of headphones for those who wants to relax or just want an affordable pair of headphones that block out noise. They come with a basic pouch which will provide protection when you throw them into a 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 navigate and well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll see buttons for pairing and dre beats powering up the headphones as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup there are controls for playback of media, including a multi-function button that lets you activate the voice assistant on your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in microphone can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide an immersive and rich listening experience, due to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. These headphones have a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a broad range of mid- and low-frequency sound.

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 capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's lower latency while playing on your computer.

In terms of comfort In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam earcups and headband are soft enough to wear for extended periods of time without creating discomfort. The earcups are able to rotate, allowing them to adapt to the unique shape of your head, so you can have a comfortable fit. You can also listen to your music wired with an included 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is included for charging the battery.