Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you in the audio. They are typically made for audiophiles and come with features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones by Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancellation line-up. They have a fresh new design, enhanced ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors but with higher-end materials and a slightly higher-quality sound.

At just 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or a book. The headband is supple, and it features an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sound signature designed to please casual music lovers as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, yet it's not harsh or blazing. They have a large and open soundstage with good instrument separation, www.3222914.Xyz which allows you to hear the specifics in your music. The earcups also feature touch controls that are easy to use. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track or backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically stop playback when you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also activate the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup, which allows you to hear what's going on around you, without taking off the headphones.

They can also be linked with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made from high-end fabric as well as a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our standard battery test we had 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.

The WH1000XM5 has a great mic for voice calls. There's no muffled or static sound in the background. The noise cancellation is top-notch 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, and crystal clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are precisely positioned inside each earcup for an enhanced, more deep listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control 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 sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tightly on the cranium. The new design and shape was developed over the course of several months and provides a soft clamping pressure that doesn't force too hard on my rotund skull.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to fit in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place during long listens. A strong hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them for easy transportation in the protective case.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for both high-resolution audio and tight video sync. You can play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice touch. It flashes green to signal rapid charging, and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App provides the same controls that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignments, 3222914 wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and more. The app also shows an album cover and track title when you play music using your iPhone. Some popular features like music presets, soundscapes and music mode aren't available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones, and is designed to meet the highest expectations. The technical design was optimized to achieve stunning detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, 3222914.xyz dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic spatial audio you'll hear on headphones with open backs.

The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, so a good headphone amplifier is needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, because it will increase the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.

These headphones 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 like a fancy pair of headphones, but they feel premium in the hand and are built to last. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With an unison sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and 3222914 instruments, although they are somewhat light on bass. This is because the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region is also extremely linear, which means you shouldn't have any issues cutting sibilants, or the upper bite of the drum snare.

They can still deliver impact and dynamism when needed despite the lack of a loud low-end. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who love rock music with punchy basses however they might 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, which will not be noticed by most listeners. They also can reproduce precise time gradations, which is an added bonus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are perfect for professionals and audiophiles. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fitting make them a great option. They are expensive, however they will last for a long time and will perform in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that can do the trick for anyone looking to relax or just wants an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag which protects the headphones when you place them into bags. The battery will last multiple 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 are easy to use and clearly marked. On the left earcup, you'll find 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 playback of media. This includes a multi-function button that activates your phone's voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about that later). The built-in mic can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone offers a deep immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz they are able to provide exceptional clarity and detail, as their active noise cancellation technology is designed to filter out an extended range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

One thing to keep in mind about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support aptX, which is disappointing. This means that you won't be capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's low latency when gaming on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam earcups are comfortable enough to be worn for long periods of time without discomfort. The earcups can rotate to adapt to your unique head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.