Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you into audio. They are usually designed for audiophiles and come with features such as active noise cancelling 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 high-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancelling lineup. They feature a new design, enhanced ANC, and many of the same features that their predecessors had but with better materials and slightly higher quality sound.

At just 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear, even when you're reading or listening to the audiobook. The headband is soft and has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sonic signature that is created to please casual music lovers as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, yet it's not harsh or imposing. They have a large and wide soundstage, with good instrument separation that lets you hear details in your music. The earcups also feature control buttons that are easy to use. Swipe forward to play the next track, then back to hear the previous one, and up and down to control the volume. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously and will automatically stop playback whenever you take them off your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also turn on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right earcup, which allows you to 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 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 the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers running Windows and macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is impressive. In our test of the standard battery, we got 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic microphone that can be used for voice calls. There is no muffled or static audio in the background. Noise-canceling is also excellent, and these headphones are great for public transportation or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, providing 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 or tablet. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully angled inside each earcup for an even more focused and deep listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote allows you to control music and calls from any compatible device.

The headphones marshall 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 comfortably, but not too tightly on the cranium. The redesigned shape and form required a lot of time to perfect, and provides an incredibly comfortable clamping force that doesn't push too hard even on my own cranium that is rotund.

At 10.8 ounces (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and are just a little smaller. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and remain in place throughout long listening sessions. The headband is foldable by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for high-resolution audio and tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a useful gesture that flashes green to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.

The B&W App provides the same features that the hardware onboard buttons offer such as bass and treble adjustments as well as action button assignments wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes as well as other features. The app also displays an album cover and track title when you play music on your iPhone. The most popular extras like music presets and soundscapes mode are not available, however.

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 a detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic sound you'll hear in a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, which means it requires a top-quality headphone amplifier to operate at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which can increase the output and enhance the quality of sound.

The headphones are designed to be used by professionals and have a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with plastics and leather padding. The design is minimalistic and they're not fancy however the quality of the headphones and their build are excellent. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable, and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with naturality, although they are a bit lighter on bass. This is due to the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble quality is excellent, with minor drops and peaks. The Treble region also has a linear quality, so you will not be able to deal with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of the drum snare.

They still have the ability to deliver as well as dynamism and impact when needed despite the lack of a loud low-end. These headphones are still great for those who like rock music with a punchy bass, but may not sound as great as other models on this list.

These Sennheiser headphones have a great midrange. They're very straight, with a slight scoop in the upper mids, which will not be noticed by most listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations in vocals, which is a big plus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top pick because of their excellent sound quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive, however they will last for many years and perform in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good pair of headphones for those who wants to relax or simply want an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag that provides protection when you throw them into your bag, and their battery can last for several long haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles on an airplane, although their audio profile is warm and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are simple to navigate and well-marked. On the left ear cup there are buttons to power up and pair the headphones and Noise cancelling headphones for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup there are media playback controls which include a multi-function button which lets you turn on your phone's voice assistant and enable 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 offer an immersive and deep listening experience, due to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that offer certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones feature a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a broad range of mid- and low-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a pity. This means you won't able to take advantage of the superior codec's lower latency while gaming on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam ear cups are soft enough to wear for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups can also rotate to adjust to the shape of your head. You can also listen to music wired with an included 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is included to charge the battery.