Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you in music. They are generally tuned for audiophiles, and have features like active noise cancelling and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that comes with ANC as well as a mobile app to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the latest addition 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 superior sound quality and higher-end materials.

At just 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or Earphones online shopping a book. The headband has a friction-rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which prevents your ears getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sonic signature that is designed to satisfy both casual music lovers as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, however it's not harsh or imposing. They feature a wide and open soundstage with good instrument separation that allows you to hear the specifics in your music. The earcups come with control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song, reverse to hear the previous track. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices simultaneously and due to an inbuilt sensor, they will automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can also turn on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right ear cup, which allows you where to buy earphones be aware of what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones.

Other features that are useful include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made from high-end fabric as well as a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with Android and earphones online Shopping iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is excellent. In our test of the standard battery we had 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for calls is exceptional and there's not any muffled or static-y sounding background. Noise cancelling is also excellent 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 from its predecessor, delivering top-quality performance and features. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 is a premium model with a variety of features like 24-bit wireless streaming and active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or earphones online Shopping tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled to fit in each earcup, give you a more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide outstanding clarity for calls even in noisy surroundings. A built-in microphone and remote allows you to control calls and music from any device that is compatible.

Like the original PX7, these headphones are sleek and elegant, with accent rings around each earcup as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tightly on the cranium. The new design and shape was developed over the course of several months, and delivers a soft clamping pressure that isn't too hard on my rotund skull.

They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to fit in your bag or backpack without any discomfort, and will stay comfortable in your hand during long listens. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them up for easy transport in a protective case.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-quality audio as well as tight video sync. You can play them wirelessly too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to an USB-C port located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app has similar controls to the buttons on the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments as well as action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and much more. When you play music on your iPhone, the app displays album cover and track titles. However, some popular features such as music presets and soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

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

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, which means it requires a top-quality headphone amplifier to drive it at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which can double the output and improve the quality of sound.

These headphones are designed for professional use and feature a sturdy metal frame with a mix of plastics and leather padding. The design is simple and doesn't look extravagant, but the quality of the headphones and their construction are top-quality. They come with a carrying pouch and an additional audio cable, as well as an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are a bit light on bass. This is because the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble is very good with minor peaks and drops. The treble region is extremely smooth, meaning you won't have issues with cutting sibilants, or the upper sound of the drum snare.

Despite the lack of a high-pitched bass, they still produce a punch and dynamism when required. They'll still be a great choice for those who love listening to rock music with strong basslines, however they may not sound like some of the other models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

The Sennheiser headphones have a great midrange. They're very straight and have a slight slop in the upper mids which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce precise time gradations, which is a nice bonus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They're a top choice due to their exceptional audio quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive, but they'll last for years and perform well in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great set of headphones for anyone who wants to relax or just want a pair of affordable headphones that cancel out noise. The headphones come with a simple bag that protects the headphones when you place them in a bag. Their battery can last multiple long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles. However, their audio quality is a bit heavy and warm.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup there are buttons to power up and pair the headphones, as well as for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup, you'll find 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 this later). The built-in mic can be used to make phone calls hands-free.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver an immersive and deep listening experience due to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz they offer exceptional clarity and detail, while their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out an extended range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means that you will not be able to benefit of the better codes' lower latency while gaming on your computer.

In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory foam earcups and headband are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing discomfort. The earcups can be rotated to accommodate your individual head shape. You can also listen to your music wired with an included 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is included for charging the battery.