Best Over-Ear Headphones

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

The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile application to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones by Sony are the latest model in their noise cancellation lineup. The headphones feature a brand new design and improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with a superior sound quality and higher-end materials.

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones, with just 250g. They are very comfortable to wear, even if you're listening to or reading the audiobook. The headband features a friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 has a sound signature designed to satisfy both casual music listeners as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, yet it is not harsh or overpowering. The earphones feature a wide and spacious soundstage, with good instrument separation. This allows you to be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups come with touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track and reverse to hear the previous track. The buy Headphones uk can be used for connecting to two devices simultaneously and thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can activate ambient mode by placing your hand on the right earcup. This lets you listen to the sounds around you without having to remove the headphones.

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

The WH1000XM5 has a great mic for voice calls. There's no static or muffled audio in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent, and these headphones are perfect for public transportation and the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, offering premium performance and features. This includes 24-bit wireless streaming enhanced active noise cancellation, and clear voice call quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully placed inside each earcup to provide a more focused, deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones guarantee exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control calls and music on any device compatible with it.

Similar to the PX7's original design, these headphones are a sleekly refined look with accent rings on each earcup as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, yet they never feel tight. The new form and shape was refined over a period of time and provides an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force into my skull, which is a rotund one.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them to make it easy to transport them in a protective case.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for high-resolution audio and precise video sync. You can 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 touch. It flashes green to signal rapid charging and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app offers the same controls as the buttons on the hardware including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and more. When you play music on your iPhone the app displays album covers and track titles. However, popular extras like music presets and soundscapes feature are missing.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones and was made to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction was designed to give a breath-taking detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic sound you'll ever hear on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, so it requires a high-quality headphone amplifier that can drive it at the desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended because it will increase the output power and improve the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They have a steel frame and a mixture of leather and plastic padding. The design is simple and they don't look fancy, but the quality of the headphones and their build are excellent. They come with a carry case, an extra audio cable and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are light in bass. The open-back design results in a spacious, out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding, with only minor peaks and dips. The treble area is very linear, so you won't have issues with hitting sibilants or the upper impact of the drum snare.

Even with the absence of loud bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when needed. They'll still be a great choice for those who like listening to music with strong basslines, however they may not sound as enjoyable as some of the other models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

These Sennheiser headphones have a great midrange. They are a linear pair with a slight scoop on the upper mids that won't be noticed by most listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations of vocals, which is a big plus.

The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice because of their outstanding sound quality and a comfortable fit. The headphones are expensive but they'll last for Buy Headphones Uk many years and perform in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones that can provide the perfect solution for anyone who wants to pass the time or simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag that will give them some protection when you throw them into your bag, and their battery can last several long haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles on an airplane, although their audio profile is a little warm and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are easy to navigate and well-marked. On the left earcup, there are buttons to pair and power up the headphones as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup there are controls for playing back media, including a multi-function button that lets you activate the voice assistant of your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). The built-in mic can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver a rich and immersive listening experience thanks to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones have an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancelling is designed to filter out a variety of low- and mid-frequency sound.

One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means you will not be able to take advantage of the higher codes' 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 comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without creating discomfort. The ear cups also rotate to adapt to your individual head shape. You can also listen to your music via a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.