Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you into audio. They are generally made for audiophiles and come with features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

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

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones at just 250g. They're very comfortable to wear, no matter if you're reading or listening to a book. The headband is soft, and has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature that has been created to please people who listen to music for pleasure as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, yet it is not harsh or blazing. They have a large and spacious soundstage that has good instrument separation, which allows you to hear the subtleties in your music. The earcups also have control buttons that are easy to use. Swipe forward to go to the next track, back to hear the previous track, and up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones wireless sony can be used for connecting to two devices at the same time and thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can also turn on the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup and allowing you to be aware of what's happening around you without removing the headphones.

Other helpful features include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made of premium fabric and an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers operating Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our standard battery test we had 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on voice calls is excellent and there's no distorted or static-y sound in the background. The noise cancellation performance is top-notch, and they're a good fit for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, providing top-quality performance and features. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit, optimized active noise cancellation, and clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled in each earcup, provide a more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity even in noisy surroundings. A remote inline and microphone let you control your calls and music on any device compatible with it.

Similar to the original PX7 The headphones sport elegant and refined with accent rings on each earcup as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using 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, and provides an easy clamping force that isn't too hard on my own rotund cranium.

At 10.8 grams (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as slightly thinner. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a bag or backpack and remain in place during long listening sessions. The headband is foldable using a sturdy hinge at the back.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is ideal for both high-resolution audio and precise video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a helpful touch that flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.

The B&W app provides the same controls as the buttons on the hardware - bass and treble adjustment, action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes, and more. The app also displays an album cover and track's title when you play music on your iPhone. Some popular features like music presets and a soundscapes mode are missing, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones made by Sennheiser, and it is meant to meet the highest expectations. Its construction technology is optimized to give an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all of the frequency spectrum as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic spatial audio you'll experience on open-back headphones.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier is needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, because it will increase the output power and improve the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They have a steel frame and a mixture of leather and plastic padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't appear like the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel premium in the palm and are built to last. They come with a carrying pouch and an additional audio cable, as well as an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with naturality, though they are a little light on bass. The open-back design produces a spacious, out-of-head soundstage. The treble is excellent with minor peaks and drops. The Treble region also has a linearity and you won't have any issues with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of a drum snare.

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

These Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful mid-range. They are linear with an incline on the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by most listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations in vocals which is a major plus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fitting make them a great choice. The headphones are costly, but they'll last for a long time and will perform in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that can provide the perfect solution for anyone who wants to kill some time or simply wants a low-cost pair of noise-cancelling headphones For running. The headphones come with a simple bag that protects them when you put them in a bag. The battery will last for several long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, however their audio profile is a little warmer and bass-heavy.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup you'll find buttons for powering up and pairing the jbl headphones and to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function control that activates your phone's voice assistance and switches 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 offers a deep, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz the headphones are able to provide exceptional clarity and detail, while their active noise cancellation technology is designed to block out a wider range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means that you won't be able to take advantage of the superior codec's lower latency when you're playing on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam earcups are soft enough to be worn for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups are able to rotate so that they can adjust to the unique shape of your head so that you can achieve a perfect fit. You can also listen to music wired with an included 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.