Which Over the Ear Headphones Are the Best?

On the train or at work the noise-cancelling headphones can be a godsend for those who love to listen. Which are the best, though?

With a fresh design with superior sound quality and a wealth of features, Sony's latest flagship headphones offer exceptional value. They can capture every detail, from Sinead O'Connor's trembling Bridge to the powerful chorus.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony is the leader in noise cancellation and its WH1000XM5 headphones are among the top model in this line. A few well-thought-out upgrades over the XM4s makes this model an all-around excellent pair of headphones, particularly for commuters and travelers. They're comfortable, feature multipoint technology that allows you to connect to two devices at once and feature the most powerful ANC Sony has ever created. They're light and can run for up to 27 hours without charging. This is enough for a week of commutes or an extended flight.

The WH-1000XM5s sport an elegant minimalist design. They are made from a recycled and recyclable plastic referred to as acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). The branding is minimalist. You'll see a tiny Sony logo on every hinge of the earcup. The earcups and headbands are made of soft, plush material that is comfortable for all heads with the exception of the largest. The earcups are also adjustable so you can find the best fit for you.

Contrary to previous models that focused on reducing low-frequency noise, the XM5s amplify sound waves at high frequencies to block out background noise. This improves overall sound quality, and helps to reduce engine and cabin noises during flights. The XM5s come with a second processor to dial up noise cancellation even more on planes, and the audio app will also automatically adjust the listening environment to data on air pressure.

Other features of the WH1000XM5s include an enhanced voice assistant that's easy to use and integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri and many more. The XM5s can be connected with other Sony audio devices to provide 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

When a company has been manufacturing headphones for as long as Sennheiser, you expect class-leading audio quality and a comfortable fit. They've got both with their latest pair of over-ears dubbed the Momentum 4 Wireless. They have reworked their design to eliminate some characteristic elements that gave their previous models the look of an aviator. They also improved active noise cancellation using their latest Adaptive Noisy Cancellation Technology. These headphones are rated to last for 60 hours with ANC on this, which is more than double the battery life of a lot of rivals.

They're also much more portable than the previous model since they fold up and are much smaller overall. They're made with artificial PU leather for the re-usable headband and ear pads which feel comfortable on my head even when I wear them all working. They're also not too tight, which means you can wear them for long flights or even during workouts.

The sound is clear and well-balanced There are a few high-pitched peaks in the mid- and high-mid that cause a slightly muddy sound in mixes. The bass can be a bit overemphasised, adding some extra impact and thump to genres such as EDM or hip-hop. It's not a major issue however it could be a problem for some listeners. The high-mid also isn't balanced, bringing vocals and instruments forward in the mix but at the cost of bringing out some vocal sibilants.

The Sennheiser momentum 4 wireless comes with all the standard features, including Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a translucent mode that blends outside noises into your music for improved awareness, as well as mobile application support for 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 using SBC, AAC HD, and aptX Adaptive codes and are able to reduce the delay by as much as one quarter second.

3. B&W PX7 S2

The original PX7s were a top pick on a variety of lists of the top Bluetooth headsets, thanks to their superior ANC and sound quality. The PX7s, like most wireless headphones, were becoming old and needed a new look. Hence the PX7S2. B&W hasn't just redesigned the design for Noise reduction headphones the new model, but they've made considerable improvements to ANC and also added features for voice calls, too.

The PX7 S2 headphones are very light, making them comfortable for long listening sessions. A lot of the design is carried over from the previous model, including the elongated aluminum earcup top, the hook-like accent on the headband that glids instead of clicking as you expand it and the actual buttons. The earcups, however, are smaller and the headband isn't as substantial.

B&W's software allows you to modify EQ settings for treble and bass but you don't get as much control over the mix between these two elements like you do on more expensive 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 most musical styles, with the soundstage offering plenty of width and good separation between the various sound elements. It's especially impressive for pieces that have acoustic instruments, such as Rachmaninoff’s Cello Sonata, Op. The 19 by Yuja Wang and Gautier Capucon, which has woody tones and a sense of air. It's also capable of handling heavier songs, too, with the bass power and mid-range clarity on Entombed's crossover of death-n'-rock and garage to Ride the Straight, Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth giving an impressive sound wall while keeping things clear enough to hear the vocals of Lars-Goran Petrov's sharp growl.

4. Bose QuietComfort 35

Bose was among the first companies to bring active noise cancelling headphones into the mainstream. They held a stranglehold for a long time, but now they must compete with more modern headsets that offer more features and better audio quality. But the QuietComfort 35 is still a great choice for anyone who wants to hear their music or podcasts without being disturbed by constant buzzing and rumbles.

They're also comfortable to wear and feature a an excellently balanced default sound profile. The ANC does a fantastic job of removing background noise, though it tends to emphasize lower frequencies more than newer headphones, such as the Sony WH-1000XM5.

If you're seeking a pair that can be used to listen to audiobooks or podcasts The QC35s feature an impressive noise reduction headphones (view www.headphonesshop.uk) cancellation mode which reduces ambient noise while keeping you adrift from the sound of the world around you. The QC35s permit you to connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and "audio-share" which means you can listen to something with one set of headphones while answering an incoming call on the other set of headphones.

The Bose Connect app is decent but doesn't provide the full EQ options offered by other headphone apps. The QC35s are also available in wired mode, however the quality of sound is reduced and the battery life isn't as great as with wireless models.

The QC35s are a Bose product, which may not be a favorite for all. Other brands offer more sleek designs. You can personalize your headphones by purchasing a decal-covered cover from companies like SlickWraps or Skin Sticker. In the near future, you'll be able customize the color of the earcups and headbands, just like the older QC25.

5. Sony WH-1000XM3

Sony's WH-1000XM3 are the best wireless headphones that have active noise cancelling you can purchase today. They're more expensive than Anker Soundcore Q20 Wireless but they isolate more ambient noise. The app is also superior and offers tons of options for sound customization.

The XM3's excellent sound quality is one of their main draws and they've been improved since their release to provide an even better Experience Superior Sound with VOCLO A9 Headphones. They provide a bit more clarity across the frequency spectrum The noise cancelling function works better at all volumes, and they have improved controls for things like Quick Attention mode, voice control, and Speak-to-Chat. They also have a new feature called Adaptive Sound Control that adjusts automatically the amount of external sound allowed in based on where you're at and what you're doing.

They're not without some issues, though. The mid-range can sound too recessed, and the treble could sometimes be too loud. They are still prone to boost the bass too much on certain tracks, making them sound heavy and full. This can be corrected in the Sony app or in the headphone settings.

The XM3s make a great pair headphones, especially for commuters or frequent travelers. They are more comfortable, look and feels premium, and are more durable in comparison to the JBL Live 650 BTNC wireless. They also have a more powerful battery, and one of the best noise cancelling features available. They're also more adaptable and more mobile-friendly than the Audio-Technica's ATH-M50X Wireless, despite having less impressive noise isolation. They're not waterproof, which could be a major issue for some.