Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones totally encase your ears, allowing you to be immersed in the sound. They are usually designed for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancellation lineup. The headphones have a new design and enhanced ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with higher-end sound quality and better materials.

They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing 250g. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband is supple, and it features an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

With an audio quality that can satisfy those who enjoy music casually and audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to have a slight focus on bass but is not excessively loud or harsh. The earphones boast a huge and open soundstage, with good instrument separation. This lets you listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups have touch controls that are simple and responsive. You can swipe forward to access the next track, reverse to hear the previous one as well as up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head due to the built-in sensor. You can activate ambient mode by placing your hand on the right earcup. This lets you hear the sounds around you without having to remove the headphones.

They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made from premium fabric and an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is awe-inspiring. In our test we were able get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC switched on, which is better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on calls is exceptional, and there's no muffled or static-y audio in the background. Noise cancellation is also great and these headphones are ideal for public transportation or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major waterproof upgrade from its predecessor, delivering premium performance and features. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit and optimized active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled to fit in each earcup, give you a more immersive and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. And an inline remote and microphone lets you control your calls and music on any device compatible with it.

These headphones have a similar sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They feature accent rings around the earcups, as well as a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit comfortably but not too tight on the cranium. The redesigned shape and form took many months to perfect, providing an incredibly comfortable clamping force that isn't too hard even on my own cranium that is rotund.

At 10.8 pounds (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter than the Sony WH-1000XM5, and slightly smaller. They're light enough for carrying in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place for long listens. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them up for easy transportation in an enclosed case.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio as well for a tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to signal rapid charging, and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App provides the same features that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer including bass and treble adjustment actions button assignments, wear detection, cycling through ANC modes as well as other features. When you play music on your iPhone the app displays album cover and track titles. The most popular extras like music presets and soundscapes mode are missing, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones, and is designed to meet the highest expectations. Its engineering was optimized to achieve an incredible detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic sound you'll hear with an open-back pair of headphones.

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

These headphones are made for professional use. They feature a metal frame, and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't look like a fancy pair of headphones, however they feel premium in the hands and are well-built. They come with a carrying pouch and an extra audio cable as well as a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments in a natural way, even although they are a bit less bass-y. This is due to the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head, passive soundstage. The treble is very good, with minor peaks and drops. The treble region is extremely linear, which means you'll not have issues cutting sibilants, or the upper impact of the drum snare.

Despite not having a loud bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when needed. They'll still be enjoyable for those who love listening to music with strong basslines, however they may not be as fun as some of the competing models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They're very straight and have a slight slop in the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They also reproduce fine time gradations in vocals, which is a big benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice due to their exceptional sound quality and a comfortable fit. They're costly however, you're getting a pair of headphones with bluetooth that will last for many years to be used and perform well in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good pair of headphones for those who wants to relax or just want an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a simple bag that protects them when you throw them in bags. Their battery can last for a long time on long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, but their audio profile is a little warm and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are easy to use and clearly marked. On the left ear cup, you'll find buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones, as well as for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, there are controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistance and turns on Anker BassUp (more about it later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make calls without hands your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver a rich and immersive listening experience, thanks to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that stretches 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 mid- and waterproof low-frequency sounds.

One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means you won't be capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's lower latency when you're gaming on your PC.

In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without creating discomfort. The earcups can be rotated to accommodate the shape of your head. You can also listen to music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is included to charge the battery.