Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in the audio. They are usually made for audiophiles and have features like active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless pair with ANC and a mobile app for tweaking the EQ and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. They feature a new design, improved ANC, and many of the same features as their predecessors, but with higher-end materials and a slightly higher quality sound.

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones, with 250 grams. They're very 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 has a friction rod design like the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 has a sound signature designed to satisfy both people who listen to music for pleasure as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, yet it is not harsh or overpowering. The earphones boast a huge and spacious soundstage, with good instrument separation. This lets you listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups feature control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe forward to play the next track, then back to hear the previous track as well as up and down to control the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices at once and Headphones buy will automatically stop playback whenever you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also activate ambient mode by resting your palm on the right ear cup and allowing you to be aware of what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones.

Other features that are useful include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of premium fabric, and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is exceptional. In our standard test we were able get 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC activated which is much better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for calls is superb and there's no distorted or static-y audio in the background. The noise-canceling performance is also excellent and they're a great option for public transport as well as the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and performance. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits and optimized active noise cancellation, and clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled in each earcup, offer more immersive and focused listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone let you control your calls and music using any compatible device.

As with the original PX7 The headphones sport a sleekly refined look, with accent rings around each earcup as well as an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tightly on the cranium. The redesigned shape and form took a long time to perfect, providing an easy clamping force that isn't too hard, even on my own cranium that is rotund.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and remain in place for long listening sessions. A strong hinge on the back of the headband enables you to fold them to make it easy to transport them in a protective case.

The headphones buy are powered by Bluetooth 5.2, with aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio as well as tight video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a helpful touch with a green flash to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.

The B&W App provides the same control options that the buttons on the hardware provide - bass and treble adjustments as well as action button assignments, wear detection, cycling through ANC modes and more. The app also displays an album cover and track title when you play music from your iPhone. However, the most popular features like music presets or a soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones by Sennheiser, and it is meant to meet the most demanding requirements. The technical design was designed to provide an incredible detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It's the most realistic sound you'll experience on open-back headphones.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, so a good headphone amplifier is needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, since this can double the output power and improve the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They have a steel frame, and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't look like a fancy pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carry pouch and an additional audio cable as well as a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

With an unison sound profile, Headphones Buy the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are light in bass. This is due to the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb, with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region also has a linearity which means you won't have issues with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of a drum snare.

They can still deliver impact and dynamism when required, despite the absence of a loud low-end. They will still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to rock music that has powerful basslines, but they might not be as enjoyable as some of the competing models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids in the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They're very straight and have a slight scoop in the upper mids that should not be noticeable to the majority of 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 professionals and audiophiles. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit make them a top choice. The headphones are costly, but they will last you for years and perform well in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that can provide the perfect solution for anyone looking to kill some time or just wants an affordable pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They come with a basic pouch which will provide protection when you put them in a bag and their battery can last for multiple long haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles when on an airplane, although their audio profile is a little heavy and warm.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones and for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup you'll find media playback controls which include 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). You can also utilize the built-in microphone in order to make calls without hands your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones delivers a rich immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz they can provide outstanding clarity and detail, while their active noise cancellation technology is designed to filter out a wider range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.

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 won't be in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency when you're playing games on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are comfortable enough to wear for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups are able to rotate, allowing them to adapt to the specific shape of your head so that you can get a snug fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.