Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears to immerse you in sound. They tend to be made for audiophiles, and feature features like active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless headphones price device that comes with ANC and a mobile application for tweaking the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's latest upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation line-up. The headphones have a new design and enhanced ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with higher-end sound quality and superior materials.

At only 250g, they are lightweight for over-ear ANC headsets. They're extremely comfortable to wear, no matter if you're listening to or reading an audiobook. The headband is soft, and has a friction rod design like the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

With a sound quality that is able to please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass, but it isn't overpowering or harsh. The earphones have a large and open soundstage, with excellent 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 go to the next track, reverse to hear the previous track as well as up and down to adjust the volume. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices simultaneously and due to an inbuilt sensor, they will automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can enable the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup. This lets you hear the sounds around you without having to take off the headphones.

Other useful features include the ability to pair 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 top quality fabric, as well as 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 longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is excellent. In our test of the standard battery, we got 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.

The WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic mic for voice calls. There is no muffled or static audio in the background. The noise cancellation performance is top-notch and they're a great option for public transport as well as the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, providing top-quality performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers premium performance and features like 24-bit wireless streaming and active noise cancellation optimized and Dr Dre beats wireless headphones clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are precisely positioned inside each earcup for an enhanced, more immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide outstanding clarity for calls even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control calls and music on any device that is compatible.

These headphones have a similar elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They feature accent rings around the earcups and a silver sheen for the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, but don't feel tight. The new design and shape took a long time to perfect, providing an easy clamping force that doesn't push too hard on my own cranium that is rotund.

At 10.8 grams (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, and just a little smaller. They're light enough to carry in your bag or backpack without any discomfort, and will stay comfortably in place for long listens. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them for easy transportation in an enclosed case.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for high-resolution audio as well as tight video sync. You can play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to an USB-C port located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a helpful feature, flashing green to indicate rapid charge and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is active.

The B&W App provides the same controls that the hardware onboard buttons offer such as bass and treble adjustments as well as action button assignments wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes, etc. When you play music on your iPhone the app displays album cover and track titles. However, popular extras like music presets or a soundscapes feature are missing.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones and is made to meet the highest expectations. The technical design was designed to provide a breath-taking detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever hear on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has a 300 ohm impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier will be needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended as this will double the power output and increase the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They have a metal frame and a mixture of leather and plastic padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't appear like a fancy pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the hands and are built well. They come with a carry case, an extra audio cable, and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are light in bass. This is because the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding, with only minor peaks and music dips. The treble region is extremely linear, which means you'll not have issues cutting sibilants, or the upper sound of the drum snare.

They can still deliver impact, dynamism and impact in the event of need, despite the absence of a booming low-end. They are still a great choice for those who enjoy rock music with a punchy bass however, they may not be as impressive as some of the other models on this list.

The Sennheiser headphones shop uk have a great midrange. They are extremely linear, with a slight scoop in the upper mids that will not be noticed by most listeners. They also reproduce precise time gradations of vocals, which is a big plus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit make them a top option. The headphones are costly, but they will last you for years and perform well in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great pair of headphones for those who wants to relax or just want a pair of affordable headphones that block out noise. The headphones come with a simple bag which protects them when you throw them in bags. Their battery can last for several long-haul flights. Their ANC does a great job of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles when on an airplane, although their audio profile is a bit heavy and warm.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left ear cup, you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones and to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup, you'll find controls for playback of media which include a multi-function button which lets you turn on the voice assistant of your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in mic can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer an immersive and deep listening experience, thanks to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. These headphones have a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling is designed to filter out a wide range of low- and mid-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is disappointing. This means you will not be able take advantage of the higher codes' lower latency when playing games on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam earcups are soft enough to be worn for long periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups are able to rotate and adjust to the unique shape of your head so you can have a comfortable fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.