Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears, allowing you to be immersed in sound. They are usually made for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancellation and control applications.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile app for tweaking the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 is Sony's latest upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation line-up. They sport a new design, enhanced ANC and a host of the same features that their predecessors had but with higher-end materials and a slightly higher quality sound.

They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones, with 250 grams. They are very comfortable to wear, even if you're reading or listening to the audiobook. The headband has a friction-rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 has a sonic signature that is created to please casual music lovers as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, yet it's not harsh or overpowering. They have a wide and open soundstage with good instrument separation that allows you to hear the details in your music. The earcups feature control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe forward to play the next track, back to hear the previous one and then up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at once and, thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can enable the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right-ear cup. 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 available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of top quality fabric and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our battery test we recorded 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH1000XM5 is a great microphone for making calls. There is no static or muffled audio in the background. The noise cancellation performance is top-quality and they're a great option for public transport as well as the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering premium performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers premium performance and features like 24-bit wireless streaming with active noise cancellation that is optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully angled inside each earcup to create a more focused, deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. And an inline remote and microphone let you control your calls and music using any compatible device.

Like the original PX7 These headphones have a sleekly refined look, with accent rings around each earcup as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit comfortably, but not too tightly on the cranium. The redesigned shape and form required a lot of time to perfect, providing a comfortable clamping force that doesn't push too hard, even on my own cranium that is rotund.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a bag or buy earphones backpack and stay in place comfortably throughout long listening sessions. The headband can be folded by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2, with aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-quality audio as well as a fast video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is an excellent gesture with a green flash to indicate rapid charge and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.

The B&W app offers the same controls as the hardware onboard buttons - bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes and more. When you listen to music on your iPhone, the app displays album cover and track titles. Some popular features like music presets, soundscapes and music mode aren't available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones from Sennheiser and is designed to meet most demanding requirements. Its technical construction was optimized to achieve a breath-taking detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic spatial sound you'll hear with an open-back pair of headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, which means it requires a top-quality headphone amplifier that can drive it at the right levels, without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended since this can double the power output and increase the overall sound quality.

These headphones are made for professional use. They feature a metal frame and a mixture of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't resemble the most expensive pair of headphones, buy earphones (This Resource site) but they feel luxurious in the hands and are well-built. They come with a carrying case, an extra audio cable and a 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 lighter on bass. This is due to the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble is very good, with minor drops and peaks. The region of the treble has a linearity and you won't have any issues with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of the drum snare.

Despite not having a loud bass, they can still provide dynamism and impact when it is needed. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who enjoy rock music with punchy basses, but may not sound as good as some of the other models on this list.

The Sennheiser headphones have a great midrange. They are a linear pair with a slight scoop on the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations which is an added benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fit make them a top option. The headphones are expensive however they will last for a long time and will perform in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones shop that will do the trick for anyone who needs to relax or simply needs a cheap set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a simple pouch that will give them some protection when you put them into your bag, and their battery can last for several long haul flights. The ANC works well to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles. However, their audio profile is a bit warm and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls can be easy to use and clearly marked. On the left earcup, you'll see buttons to pair and power up the headphones as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see controls for playback of media. This includes a multi-function control that activates your phone's voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about that later). The built-in microphone can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer an immersive and rich listening experience, thanks to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that offer certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones feature a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancellation is designed to block out a variety of mid- and low-frequency sound.

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

In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam earcups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing discomfort. The ear cups are also capable of rotating so that they can adjust to the specific shape of your head so that you can have a comfortable fit. You can also enjoy your music via a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.