Which Over the Ear Headphones Are the Best?

If you're on the train or at work Noise-cancelling headphones are the perfect solution for anyone who likes to listen. Which are the most effective?

Sony's flagship headphones are a great value. They come with a fresh design and a superior sound quality, and also enticing features. From the powerful chorus to Sinead's unstable bridge, these headphones deliver superb detail and real-world realism.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony is the master of noise cancellation and its WH1000XM5 headphones are the most advanced version of this line. This model is an excellent pair of headphones, particularly for those who commute or are traveling. They're comfortable, feature multipoint technology that allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously, and are the best ANC Sony has produced yet. They're lightweight and can play for up to 27 hours with no charging. That's enough time for a week of commutes or an extended flight.

The WH-1000XM5s have an elegant minimalist design and are made from a recycled and recyclable plastic, known as acrylonitrile butadiene (ABS). The branding is minimal. There's a tiny Sony logo on every hinge of the earcup. The earcups and the headband are cushioned by a plush soft material that is comfortable on all heads. The earcups can be adjusted to ensure that you get the ideal fit for your needs.

Unlike previous models that focused on reducing low-frequency noise, the XM5s amplify high-frequency sound waves in order to block out background noise. This improves the overall sound quality and helps drown out engine and cabin noise on flights, for example. The XM5s comes with another processing unit to improve noise cancelling over ear headphones cancellation on planes. The audio app is also able to automatically alter the listening environment based on the data on air pressure.

The WH-1000XM5s also has a voice assistant that is easy to use, and it works with Alexa as well as Google Assistant, Siri, and many more. The XM5s are compatible with other Sony audio devices for stereo separation and multi-room music. They are compatible with Bluetooth high-bitrate streaming audio using Sony's LDAC however they do not support HD or aptX.

2. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

If a company has been making headphones for longer than Sennheiser, you expect class-leading audio quality and a comfortable fit. They've delivered on both counts with their latest headphones, dubbed the Momentum 4 Immersive Wireless Audio: JBL Live 460NC Headphones. They've revamped their design to eliminate some distinctive elements that gave their previous models the look of an aviator. They also improved active noise cancellation by using their advanced Adaptive Noisy Cancellation Technology. They are designed to last for 60 hours when ANC on which is twice the battery life of many rivals.

The new model is more portable, as it folds down and is a bit smaller. The earpads and headband are made of artificial PU leather, which feels comfortable on my head when I wear it all day. They're also not extremely tight, so you can wear them for long flights or during workouts.

The sound is well-balanced and clear However, there are a few high-pitched peaks in the mid- and high-mid which cause slightly muddy sound in mixes. The bass can be a bit overemphasized, which adds a little punch and thump to genres such as EDM or hip-hop. It's not a major issue, but it may bother some listeners. The high-mid is a little uneven balance too that pushes instruments and vocals to the forefront of mixes however at the expense of bringing out sibilants within certain songs.

The Sennheiser momentum 4 wireless comes with all the standard features such as Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a clear mode that blends outside noises into your music for better awareness, and mobile app support for Immersive Wireless Audio: JBL Live 460NC Headphones custom and pre-set EQ options. You can also connect a 3.5mm cord to connect your phone. They are able to connect to your device by using SBC, AAC HD, and aptX Adaptive codes and are able to reduce the latency by up to one quarter second.

3. B&W PX7 S2

Since their introduction in the year 2000, the original PX7s have been featured on numerous lists of the top Bluetooth headphones, and have been ranked high in many instances due to their exceptional ANC and strong sound quality. But, like all wireless headphones, they've been getting older and in need of to be refreshed and hence the PX7 S2. B&W hasn't merely tweaked the design of the new version, but it's made substantial improvements to ANC and also added voice-call features, too.

The first thing you notice when you open the box and get the PX7 S2 is how lightweight they are, which makes them comfortable for long listening sessions. A lot of the look is the same as the previous model, such as the sleek oval aluminium earcup top-plate and the hook-like accent on the headband that glides rather than clicks as you expand it and the actual physical buttons. The earcups are smaller and the headband isn't as substantial.

The software from B&W lets you tweak EQ settings for treble and bass but you don't get as much control over the ear noise cancelling headphones the mix between those two elements as you do with higher-end headphones. The Quick Action button on left earcup toggles the modes of the environment. It can also be programmed to summon the voice assistant of your device via the Bowers & Wilkins Music App.

The PX7 S2 sounds great for the majority of musical styles, with a the soundstage offering plenty of width and good separation between the various sound elements. It shines in particular on works that showcase acoustic instruments, like Rachmaninoff's Cello Sonata in G Minor Op. 19 by pianist Yuja Wang and cellist Gautier Capucon, with woody instrumental tones and a sense of air. It can handle heavier fare too. The bass sound and midrange clarity on Entombed’s garage/deathn'roll crossover curiosity To Ride, Shoot Straight, and Speak the Truth The album is a wall of noise while keeping things clear to hear vocal details like Lars-Goran Petrov's grittier growl.

4. Bose QuietComfort 35

Bose was one of the first companies to introduce active noise cancelling headphones to the mainstream. They had a stranglehold for years, but they now must compete with more modern headsets which offer more features and a better audio quality. QuietComfort 35 remains a great choice for those who want to listen to their music or podcasts without hums or rumbles.

They're comfortable to wear and feature a an incredibly balanced default sound profile. The ANC does an excellent job of removing background noise, but it tends to emphasize low frequencies more than modern headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5.

If you're looking for a pair that can be used to listen to audiobooks or podcasts The QC35s feature an impressive passive noise cancellation mode that reduces ambient noises while keeping you isolated from the hum of the environment around you. The QC35s can also connect two Bluetooth devices at once and "audio-share" so you can listen to music on one pair of headphones and then answer an incoming call from the other pair.

The Bose Connect app is decent but doesn't offer the extensive EQ options offered by other headphone apps. The QC35s can also be used in wired mode, however the sound quality is significantly reduced and battery life is not as good as wireless models.

The QC35s come with a well-known Bose style that may not be as appealing to some as the more sleek designs of other brands. You can add some personalization to your headphones by purchasing a decal cover from companies such as SlickWraps or Skin Sticker. Later this year, you'll be able customize the color of the earcups and headband, similar to the older QC25.

5. Sony WH-1000XM3

Sony's WH-1000XM3 are the best wireless headphones with active noise cancellation you can get right now. They're a bit more expensive than the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless, but they block out a lot more ambient noise and feel better-built. They also come with a superior companion app that offers numerous sound-related features that can be customized.

The XM3s have a great sound quality, and ever since their launch, they've been upgraded to provide the best performance. They're a bit more detail in the frequency spectrum. The noise cancellation is better at all levels of volume. They also have improved controls, such as Quick Attention mode and Speak-to-Chat. They also have a brand new feature called Adaptive Sound Control that automatically adjusts how much external sound is allowed in, based on the location you are and what you're doing.

However, they are not without their shortcomings. The treble can sound sometimes a bit loud and the midrange is slightly more recessed. And they still have a tendency to increase bass too much in some tracks, making them sound overly full and heavy. But that's something you can correct through the headphone settings or by using EQ adjustments in the Sony app.

The XM3s are an excellent pair of headphones, particularly for frequent travelers and commuters. They're more comfortable, stylish and premium and durable than the JBL Live 650 BTNC Wireless, and they have a far more powerful battery, and one of the best noise cancelling features available on the market. They're also more versatile and more mobile-friendly than the Audio-Technica's ATH-M50X Wireless, even though they have less impressive noise isolation. They're not waterproof, and that could be a major issue for some.