Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears to immerse you in sound. They are usually 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 app to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 is Sony's most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. The headphones have a new design and improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with higher-end sound quality and superior materials.

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones at just 250g. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or reading a book. The headband is soft, and it features a friction rod design like the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sonic signature that is designed to satisfy both people who listen to music for pleasure as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, however it is not harsh or overpowering. They have a large and spacious soundstage that has good instrument separation, which lets you hear subtleties in your music. The earcups also have control buttons that are responsive and intuitive to use. You can swipe forward to access the next track, back to hear the previous one, and up and down to adjust the volume. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at the same time and due to an inbuilt sensor, they automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can also switch on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup and allowing you to be aware of what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones.

They can also be linked 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 of high-end fabric as well as an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers operating Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is exceptional. In our standard battery test we had 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on calls is exceptional and there's not any muffled or static-y audio in the background. The noise cancellation is excellent, headphones For sleeping and headphones For sleeping they're a good choice for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering high-end performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 offers premium performance and features, including 24bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled to fit in each earcup, offer more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones guarantee superior call clarity even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone let you control your music and calls using any compatible device.

The headphones sport a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They feature accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver sheen for the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, but never feel tight. The new design and shape was refined over a period of time and provides an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force too hard on my rotund skull.

At 10.8 ounces (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and a touch thinner. They're light enough to fit in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and will remain comfortable in your hand during long listens. The headband is foldable using a sturdy hinge at the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2, with aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio as well as a fast video sync. You can also play the headphones wired, too, with 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 addition. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App has the same features that the hardware onboard buttons offer including bass and treble adjustment actions button assignments wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes as well as other features. When you listen to music on your iPhone, the app displays album cover and track titles. However, some popular features such as music presets or soundscapes feature are missing.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction is optimized to give a detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic spatial audio you'll hear on headphones with open backs.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, so a good headphone amplifier is needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. It is recommended to use a balanced connection, which will increase the output and boost the sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They have a metal frame, and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is minimalistic and they're not fancy, but the quality of the headphones and their construction are superb. They come with a carry case, an extra audio cable, and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with naturality, however they are less bass-y. The open-back design produces a wide, out-of-head soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor dips and peaks. The Treble region also has a linear quality, so you will not have any issues with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of the drum snare.

Even with the absence of booming bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when needed. They'll still be enjoyable for those who like listening to rock music that has powerful basslines, but they may not sound as enjoyable as some of the competing models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

The Sennheiser headphones have a fantastic mid-range. They are very linear, with a slight scoop in the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations, which is a bonus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are perfect for professionals and audiophiles. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fit make them an excellent option. The headphones are expensive but they'll last for a long time and will perform in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent pair of headphones for those looking to kill time or simply need a pair of affordable noise cancelling headphones wireless sony. They come with a basic bag which will provide protection when you throw them into a bag, and their battery can last for many long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, but their audio profile is a bit heavy and warm.

The Life Q20's controls can be easy to navigate and well-marked. On the left ear cup there are buttons to power up and pair the headphones and to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function button that activates your phone's voice assistant and turns on Anker BassUp (more about it later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make hands-free calls with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 Headphones for sleeping offer an immersive and rich listening experience due to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones samsung feature an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a broad range of low- and mid-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means that you won't be in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency when you're playing games on your PC.

In terms of comfort In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam earcups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing discomfort. The ear cups also rotate to adapt to your unique head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.