Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears, allowing you to be immersed in sound. They are typically designed for audiophiles and feature features like active noise cancellation and control applications.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 is Sony's most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation lineup. They feature a new design, upgraded ANC and a host of the same features as their predecessors, but with better materials and slightly higher quality sound.

They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones, with just 250g. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or reading 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 satisfy both people who listen to music for pleasure as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, yet it is not harsh or blazing. The earphones boast a huge and open soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This allows you to be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups feature control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. You can swipe forward to access the next track, back to hear the previous one, and up and down to adjust the volume. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at the same time and thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically stop the playback when removed from your head. You can also switch on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup that lets you hear what's going on around you, without taking off the headphones.

Other helpful features include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of high-end fabric and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with most Android and iOS smartphones and computers running Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is awe-inspiring. In our test of the standard battery we had 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30 hour battery life.

The WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic mic for www.3222914.xyz (Continue) voice calls. There is no static or muffled audio in the background. The noise cancellation performance is excellent and they're a perfect option for public transport as well as the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and performance. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits enhanced active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are carefully angled inside each earcup to create a more focused, deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones guarantee superior call clarity even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone lets you manage your calls and music on any device compatible with it.

The headphones sport a similar elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups, as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium but they never feel tight. The new design and shape required a lot of time to perfect, delivering a comfortable clamping force that isn't too hard on my own cranium that is rotund.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a backpack or bag and remain in place during long listening sessions. A strong hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them for easy transport in the protective case.

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

The B&W app offers similar controls to the buttons on the hardware - bass and treble adjustment, 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. Popular extras such as music presets, soundscapes and music mode are not available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones and was designed to meet the highest expectations. Its engineering was designed to give a breath-taking detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever hear on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier is required to ensure it is operating at the desired 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 made for professional use. They feature a metal frame, and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't look like the most expensive pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable, and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, though they are a bit light on bass. This is because the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head, passive soundstage. The treble quality is excellent, with minor drops and peaks. The Treble region also has a linearity and you won't have any issues with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of the drum snare.

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

These Sennheiser headphones have a great mid-range. They're very straight and have a slight scoop in the upper mids that will not be noticed by most listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations, which is a benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They're a top choice because of their outstanding audio quality and comfortable fit. They're costly, but you're paying for headphones that will last for many years to be used and perform at 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 want an affordable set of headphones that cancel out noise. The headphones come with a basic bag which protects them when you throw them into the bag. The battery will last for a long time on long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles, however their audio profile is a bit warm and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are simple to navigate and well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones and for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find media playback controls, including a multi-function button that allows you to activate the voice assistant of your phone and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make calls hands-free with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone offers a deep immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones have a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancellation is specifically designed to block out a wide range of low- and mid-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a pity. This means that you won't be in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency when you're playing on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are soft enough to wear for long periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups can also be rotated to accommodate the shape of your head. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.