Best Over-Ear Headphones

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

The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile application for tweaking 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 most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation lineup. They feature a new design, upgraded ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors but with better materials and Headphones Sale slightly higher quality sound.

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing 250 grams. They're extremely comfortable to wear, even if you're reading or listening to a book. The headband is soft and it has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sonic signature that is designed to please people who listen to music for pleasure as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, but it is not harsh or overpowering. The earphones feature a wide and open soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This allows you to be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups also feature touch controls that are easy and responsive to use. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track or backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at once and due to an inbuilt sensor, they will automatically stop the playback when removed from your head. You can also switch on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right ear cup that lets you listen to what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones.

Other useful features include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of high-end fabric and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is impressive. In our battery test we recorded 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was more than Sony's advertised 30 hour battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for calls is exceptional and there's not any muffled or static-y sound in the background. The noise cancellation performance is top-notch, and they're a good option for public transport as well as the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, providing high-end performance and features. This includes 24-bit wireless streaming and optimized active noise cancellation, and clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully placed inside each earcup for an enhanced, more deep listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone lets you control your music and calls using any compatible device.

The headphones sport a similar sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups, as well as a silver sheen for the headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly but not too tightly on the cranium. The new design and shape took a long time to perfect, and provides an easy clamping force that doesn't push too hard, even on my own cranium that is rotund.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough for carrying in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place during long listening sessions. The headband can be folded using a sturdy hinge at the back.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is ideal for high-resolution audio as well as precise video sync. You can play the headphones wired, too, with the included 3.5mm cable that connects to a 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 offers the same features that the buttons on the hardware provide 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 covers and track titles. However, some popular features such as music presets and soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones by Sennheiser, and it is designed to meet the most demanding requirements. Its construction technology has been optimized to provide the highest resolution in detail that covers all the spectrum of frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic spatial sound you'll hear on a pair of open-back headphones noise cancelling.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, so it requires a high-quality headphone amplifier that can drive it at the right levels, without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which can increase the output and enhance the quality of sound.

These headphones marshall are made for professional use. They have a metal frame and a mixture of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't look extravagant however the quality of the headphones and their construction are excellent. They come with a carrying pouch and an additional audio cable and an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals in a natural way, even however they are less bass-y. This is due to the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head, passive soundstage. The treble is excellent with minor peaks and drops. The treble region also is linear and you won't have any issues with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of a drum snare.

They still have the ability to deliver, dynamism and impact in the event of need, despite the absence of a booming low-end. They are still a great choice for those who like rock music that has punchy bass, but may not sound as good as other models on this list.

These Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful midrange. They are very linear, with a slight scoop in the upper mids that should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations which is an added bonus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are ideal for professionals and audiophiles. They are a top pick because of their outstanding sound quality and comfortable fit. The headphones sale are expensive but they will last you for many years and perform in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great set of headphones for anyone who wants to relax or simply need an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a simple pouch which will provide protection when you toss them into your bag, and their battery is capable of lasting many long-haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out noisy passengers and engine rumbles, however their audio profile is a bit heavy and warm.

The Life Q20's controls can be easy to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll see buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find controls for playing back media which include a multi-function button that lets you activate the voice assistant on your phone and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). You can also utilize the built-in microphone in order to make calls without hands your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver an immersive and deep listening experience, due to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz, these headphones can provide outstanding clarity and clarity, while their active noise cancellation technology is designed to block out a wide range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means that you won't not be able to benefit of the superior codes' lower latency while playing on your computer.

In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam ear cups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing discomfort. The ear cups are also able to rotate and adjust to the unique shape of your head so you can achieve a perfect fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.