Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in the sound. They tend to be tuned for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control applications.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that includes ANC, a mobile app to tweak the EQ and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation range. They sport a new design, improved ANC and a lot of the same features that their predecessors had but with premium materials and slightly more premium sound quality.

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

The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature that has been designed to satisfy both casual music listeners as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, yet it is not harsh or imposing. They have a large and wide soundstage, with good instrument separation, which lets you hear details in your music. The earcups feature touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track and backwards to hear the previous track. 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 activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup, which allows you to listen to what's happening around you without removing the headphones.

Other useful features 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 sturdy carrying case made from premium fabric and a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers running Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery capacity is exceptional. In our battery test we had 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30 hour battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for voice calls is excellent and there's not any muffled or static-y sounding background. Noise-canceling is also excellent and these Headphones cheap are great for public transportation or in the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, providing top-quality performance and features. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits and optimized active noise cancellation, and clear voice call quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled inside each earcup, give you a more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity even in noisy environments. An inline remote and microphone lets you control your music and calls on any device compatible with it.

The headphones have a elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They have accent rings that wrap around the earcups as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium, but never feel tight. The new form and shape was refined over a period of time and offers an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force into my skull, which is a rotund one.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to carry in your bag or headphones Cheap backpack without any discomfort, and will stay comfortable in your hand headphones cheap during long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them to make it easy to transport them in the protective case.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for high-resolution audio as well as precise video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app has similar controls to the buttons on the hardware - bass and treble adjustment, action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and more. When you listen to music on your iPhone, the app displays album cover and track titles. However, some popular features such as music presets or a soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones and was designed to meet the most demanding expectations. The design and construction of the headphones has been optimized to achieve a detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic sound you'll experience on open-back headphones.

The headphone has a 300 ohm impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier will be needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which will increase the output and enhance the sound quality.

These headphones are designed to be used by professionals and feature a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with plastics and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't look like a fancy pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the palm and are built to last. They come with a carry case, an extra 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, however they are less bass-y. The open-back design creates an expansive out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb, with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region is also very linear, so you won't have issues with piercing sibilants and the upper impact of the drum snare.

They can still deliver impact, dynamism and impact in the event of need, despite the absence of a loud low-end. They'll still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to rock music with powerful basslines, but they might not be as fun as some of the competing models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids in the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are a linear pair with an incline on the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by most listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations which is a nice benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them a top option. They're costly, but you're paying for headphones sennheiser that will last for years to be used and perform to their best in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great set of headphones for anyone looking to kill time or simply need an affordable pair of headphones that cancel out noise. They come with a simple pouch which will provide protection when you throw them in a bag and their battery can last for many long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles. However, their audio profile is a little heavy and warm.

The Life Q20's controls are easy to navigate and well-marked. On the left ear cup you'll find buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones and for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup there are controls for playback of media, including a multi-function button that lets you activate your phone's voice assistant and switch on 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 Q20 headphone provides a full and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz, these headphones are able to provide exceptional clarity and clarity, while their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a wider range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a pity. This means you will not be able to take advantage of the better codes' lower latency when gaming on your computer.

In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam ear cups and headband are soft enough to wear for long periods of time without causing discomfort. The earcups are capable of rotating, allowing them to adapt to the unique shape of your head, so you can achieve a perfect fit. You can also listen to your music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is included to charge the battery.