Which Over the Ear Headphones Are the Best?

Noise-cancelling headphones can be a godsend to those who love to listen, whether you're in the office or commuting on the train. Which are the most effective?

With a new design, superior sound quality and a wealth of features, Sony's newest flagship headphones are a great value. These headphones are able to capture every detail, from Sinead O'Connor's trembling Bridge to the powerful chorus.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony is a master at noise cancellation, and its WH1000XM5 headphones are the most advanced version of the series. A few well-thought-out enhancements over ear noise cancelling headphones the XM4s makes this model an all-around excellent pair of headphones, specifically for commuters and travelers. They're comfortable, have multipoint tech to connect to two devices simultaneously, and have the best ANC Sony's ever produced. They are lightweight and can play for up to 27 hours without charging. This is enough time for a week of daily commutes or long-haul flights.

The WH1000XM5s are sleek and minimal in design. They are made from ABS which is a recyclable and recycled plastic. The branding is minimalist. You'll find the tiny Sony logo on Ear noise cancelling headphones each hinge of the earcup. The earcups and the headband are cushioned with plush soft material that feels comfortable on all heads. The earcups are also adjustable so you can find the ideal fit for your needs.

In contrast to previous models, which focused on reducing low-frequency noise, the XM5s amplify sound waves with high frequencies to block out ambient noise. This improves the overall quality of sound and helps to block out engine and cabin noise on flights, for example. The XM5s have a second processor to enhance noise cancellation further on airplanes, and the audio app will also automatically adjust your listening environment using the data from your air pressure.

The WH-1000XM5s also features an assistant for voice that is easy to use, and it works with Alexa as well as Google Assistant, Siri, and many more. The XM5s can be paired with other Sony audio devices for stereo separation and multi-room music. They're compatible with Bluetooth high-bitrate audio streaming via Sony's LDAC codec, but don't support the aptX codec or aptX HD.

2. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

If an organization has been producing headphones for longer than Sennheiser is a top brand, you can expect superior sound quality and a comfortable fit. They deliver on both fronts with their latest over-ears, named the Momentum 4 Wireless. They've revamped their design to eliminate some distinctive elements that gave their previous models their aviator-style headset look. They also upgraded active noise cancellation by using their latest Adaptive Noise Cancellation Technology. They are designed to last 60 hours with ANC on which is twice the battery life of a lot of rivals.

They're also much more mobile than the previous model as they fold down and are much smaller overall. They're made from synthetic PU leather for the re-usable ear pads and headband that feel comfortable on my ear even if I wear them all working. They're also not extremely tight, which means you can wear them on long flights or during workouts.

The sound is smooth and clear, however there are some peaks that can cause a little confusion to the mixes. The bass is too loud which adds extra energy and thump in genres such as EDM or hip hop. It's not a major issue but it might annoy 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 like bluetooth wireless connectivity, a translucent mode that blends outside sounds into your music to improve awareness, and mobile app support for custom and preset EQ options. They can also be connected with a 3.5mm cable if you're connecting your phone to it via wire. They are able to connect to your device by using SBC, AAC HD, and aptX Adaptive codes, and they can reduce latency by up to a quarter second.

3. B&W PX7 S2

Since their launch, the original PX7s have been on numerous lists of the top Bluetooth headphones, and have been ranked high in many cases thanks to their impressive ANC and high-quality sound. The PX7s, like most wireless headphones, were getting old and needed a refresh. Hence the PX7S2. B&W hasn't merely tweaked the design of the new version, but has made significant improvements to ANC and added more voice-call features, too.

The first thing you notice when you open the box and get the PX7 S2 is how light they are. This makes them extremely comfortable for long listening sessions. The overall design is reminiscent of the previous model, including the sleek oval aluminium earcup top-plate as well as the hook-like design on the headband that glides rather than clicks as you expand it, and finally the actual buttons. The earcups are a bit smaller, but the headband feels a little less substantial overall.

The software from B&W lets you adjust the EQ settings of bass and treble. However, you do not have as much control as you do with headphones that cost more. The Quick Action button on left earcup toggles the modes of the environment. It can also be set to activate the voice assistant on your device via the Bowers & Wilkins Music App.

The PX7 S2 is a great choice for all musical styles. It offers a wide soundstage, and good separation of the different sound elements. It's particularly impressive on selections that feature acoustic instrumentation, 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 able to handle heavier music, 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 providing a wall of sound while allowing to be able hear vocal details such as Lars-Goran Petrov's sharp growl.

4. Bose QuietComfort 35

Bose is one of the first companies that brought active noise cancelling headphones into the mainstream. They held a stranglehold for on ear noise cancelling headphones a long time, but now they have to compete against newer headsets which offer more features and better audio quality. QuietComfort 35 remains a great option for anyone who wants to listen to their podcasts or music without noise or rumbles.

The default sound profile is balanced and they're comfortable to wear. The ANC does a fantastic job of removing background noise, though it tends to emphasize lower frequencies more than the latest headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5.

The QC35s are a fantastic pair of headphones that can be used to listen to audiobooks and podcasts. They feature a passive noise cancellation mode that blocks out ambient sounds while still keeping you isolated from your surroundings. The QC35s can also connect two Bluetooth devices at once and "audio-share" so you can listen to something with one pair of headphones and then answer an incoming call from the other.

The Bose Connect app is decent but doesn't offer the extensive EQ options offered by other headphone apps. The QC35s are also used in wired mode with an audio cable, however the quality of sound takes a huge hit and they don't have the same level of battery life as wireless models.

The QC35s have an established Bose look that might not appeal to some as the sleeker designs of other brands. However you can add a bit of personalization by purchasing a decal-covered cover-up from companies such as SlickWraps and Skin Sticker. In the coming year you'll be able to alter the color of the earcups as well as the headband, similar to the earlier QC25.

5. Sony WH-1000XM3

Sony's WH1000XM3 are the most effective wireless headphones that have active noise cancelling you can get right now. They're more expensive than Anker Soundcore Q20 Wireless but they isolate more ambient noise. The app is also better and has a wide range of sound customization options.

The XM3s have a great sound quality, and ever since their release, they've been enhanced to give an even better experience. They provide a bit more detail across the spectrum of frequencies, their noise cancelling works better at all levels of volume, and they have improved controls for things like Quick Attention mode, voice control, and Speak-to-Chat. The new feature, Adaptive sound control, automatically adjusts the amount of external sound allowed in, based on where you are and what you're doing.

However, they aren't without flaws. The mid-range can sound recessed and the treble can sometimes be too loud. And they still tend to boost bass too much in some tracks, making them sound too full and heavy. But that's something you can fix through the headphone settings or through EQ adjustments in the Sony app.

The XM3s are a fantastic pair of headphones, specifically for those who commute and frequent travel. They are more comfortable, appear and feel premium, and last longer than the JBL Live 650 BTNC wireless. They also have a better battery and one of the top noise cancelling features available. They're also more flexible and more suitable for use on mobile devices than the Audio-Technica ATH M50X Wireless, despite having less impressive noise cancellation. They're not waterproof, and that could be a major issue for some.