Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones typically provide better battery life than earbuds. They also offer superior noise cancellation.

Sony's WH1000XM5s are among the top over-ear headphones equipped with wireless technology. They sound great with a deep bass that allows vocals and other instruments to shine. They last for more than 40 hours on a single charge, with active noise cancellation (ANC) activated.

Focal Bathys Wireless

The Focal Bathys wireless are a high-end audiophile entry into the booming premium Bluetooth headphone market that has been for a long time dominated by Bose. However, Headphones Best Over Ear with a history of making the highest quality high-fidelity loudspeakers, Focal couldn't simply scale down to compete in this crowded space. So it opted to build its own set of earbuds, which have built-in ANC, using the same transducers and amplifiers that are found in its flagship products.

The result is an earbud that offers top-notch performance but also feels luxurious and sturdy. Focal reduced the size and weight of its higher-end headphones to make them lighter and more portable but still utilizing magnesium for the yokes. The design is sleek and elegant with a a circular, "skeletonised", design similar to Focal's premium Focal celestee headphones. LED backlit Focal logos are located on the side of the headphone and actually glow.

The ear cups fold flat to make storage, and the cable is able to be separated to use with other devices that lack Bluetooth like many cell phones. The ear cups fold flat for easy storage, and the cable can be detachable to use with other devices that do not have Bluetooth as well as many cell phones.

The headphones can also be used in DAC mode, which disables internal processing to provide better sound quality than Bluetooth headphones that have built-in DACs. Focal declined to reveal the specific DAC they used, but when tested with a high-quality portable DAC/headphone amp, the Bathys delivered great results--including better-than-CD-quality resolution, tight bass, and an open, airy midrange.

The Focal Bathys are specifically designed to be used in planes and other noisy environments however, the DAC mode also makes them ideal for more critical listening. Most portable headphones are closed back and tuned to boost bass, but the Bathys offer a neutral, balanced sound that is well-suited to rock and other genres that are popular without becoming overly loud. A pair of these would be a perfect gift for the audiophile on your list.

JBL Tune 760NC

The JBL Tune 760NC are a lightweight and comfortable pair of headphones that feature active noise cancellation. They feature a bass profile that gives your sound depth, and an extended battery life. They are made to last, which makes them ideal for use on commutes and trips. However their snug fit could make them uncomfortable for long listening sessions.

The headphones come with a good set of controls on the ear cups that allow you to control your music and call settings. The headphones come with buttons to adjust the volume up and down, power, ANC, and the like. The buttons are surrounded with a small section of LED and you can tap them to alter the light display. The headphones are cushioned and have a good fit however they may be uncomfortable for those who wear glasses.

JBL's Active Noise Cancellation Technology reduces ambient sound by analyzing and understanding the sounds that come from outside the headphone. It then reverses the sound and cancels them out, creating a more peaceful listening experience. This allows you to listen at lower volumes and reduce ear fatigue. The headphones also feature a microphone that lets you make calls hands-free and also activate voice assistants.

These headphones are compatible with a majority of Bluetooth devices including your computer and mobile phones. They're also compatible with most PS4 and Xbox One controllers to receive audio, but you can't make use of them to talk with your teammates. The USB port allows you to charge them and listen to audio from your computer.

The JBL 760NCs are made to be compact, with a compact design that folds down, making them easy to pack and take to wherever you move. They come with a built-in battery that can last for up to 40 hours of continuous usage and are equipped with noise cancellation technology that blocks out any distractions. They can be connected to two Bluetooth devices at the same time, so you don't have to wait for a second when switching from watching a movie on your tablet to making a call.

Skullcandy Riff Wireless

Skullcandy Riff Edifier W600BT Wireless Over-Ear Headphones in Black 2 are a pair on-ear Bluetooth headphones that offer what people expect from Bluetooth headphones best over Ear. They are priced at a reasonable price, feature a long-lasting battery, aux cable backup, and provide peace of mind thanks to Tile finding technology. It comes with a simple control set on the earcup and it can be connected to wired and wireless devices. The Riff Wireless headphones come with an excellent companion app that lets you alter the sound quality to decrease the delay in video and audio when paired with a smart television or computer and set up multi-device pairing.

These headphones have a padded band that is very comfortable. They are designed to be used for travel and commute. They are able to fold up to be easily stored in backpacks or bags. The plasticky material is sturdy and they click when you bend or move them. They don't have noise cancellation which can be a challenge for some users, but they do block out some of the low rumble of buses and passenger chatter.

The sound quality of these headphones is pretty good, especially considering their low cost. The midranges aren't as luscious as some of the more expensive headphones, but they do have decent detail at all volume levels. Their bass is powerful and has plenty of punch and the highs are a little rolled off but not strident. They're perfect for pop and rock but not for genres that require deep full bass.

The Riff Wireless 2 headphones have more features than the earlier version. They feature a neutral sound that might be appealing to some people as well as a more efficient microphone and support multi-device pairing. They also allow an increased volume and have longer battery life.

They're an excellent pair of headphones, but they don't have the same degree of comfort as other Skullcandy models, like the Hesh 3 Wireless. They're still a good choice for most users, but they aren't the best choice for active use and may fall off during high-intensity training.

Razer Opus

The Opus is Razer's first attempt at a headphone set that is designed for a lifestyle, and it's an impressive one. The target market is likely a lot wider than gamers, and it offers a premium sound that rivals top-of-the-line models from Sony and Bose at a reasonable price.

The design is a bit restricted by Razer standards: there's no RGB lighting or signature green accents as well as the Tri-Snake logo is nowhere to be visible. Rather, the headset looks like other Bluetooth headphones, with semicircle hinges which swivel and fold flat on the top of the earcups, creating an incredibly comfortable headband. The headsets are lightweight and more portable than other gaming headphones, with a weight of only 265g when folded.

Onboard controls are found on the right earcup with power and track control buttons as well as a recessed, multi-function button that doubles as a noise-cancellation button. The controls were easy to use. They worked as they were advertised during my testing.

The Opus bass is a roaring and well-rounded, offering depth and clarity that you won't find in a lot of budget headphones. The sound is not as full-bodied as Bose's Extra Bass, but it's far superior for a $200 price tag. Vocals and lead instruments can be heard with a good clarity. The mids sound solid. I did notice a little veiledness in the highs but switching the EQ to Vocal resolved the issue.

In the carrying case you'll also include a 3.5mm audio cable and USB C-to-A converter and a standard airplane audio plug for those who haven't yet made the switch yet. It's a minor but welcome addition that makes it much easier to use the headphones while traveling.

The Opus was a success, just like other THX certified products. I could walk through the city with ANC turned on without having to increase the volume to overcome ambient noise, and I never felt the need play my music at a higher volume to hear it. This is the type of quality which will help you keep your hearing intact from excessive exposure to high-frequency frequency.