Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you in music. They are typically made for audiophiles, and feature features like active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that comes with ANC as well as a mobile app to alter 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. The headphones sony feature a brand new design and improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with higher-end sound quality and better materials.

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

With an audio quality that can satisfy people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass, but not overpowering or harsh. The earphones feature a wide and spacious soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This lets you listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups also feature control buttons that are easy to use. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song or backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can turn on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup. This lets you listen to the sounds around you without having to take off the headphones.

Other useful features include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made from premium fabric and a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones beats work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is superb. In our standard test we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC activated, which is better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.

The WH1000XM5 has a great microphone for making calls. There is no muffled or static sound in the background. The noise-canceling performance is also top-notch, and they're a good fit for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and performance. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit enhanced active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice call 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 an enhanced, more immersive listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer exceptional call clarity even in noisy surroundings. And an inline remote and microphone lets you control your music and calls on any device compatible with it.

Like the PX7's original design, these headphones are a sleekly refined look, with accent rings around each earcup and a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly but not too tight on the cranium. The new design and shape took a long time to perfect, delivering an easy clamping force that doesn't push too hard on my own rotund cranium.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to carry in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and will stay comfortably in place for long listens. The headband can be folded up by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio aswell as tight video sync. You can play them wired too, using 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 signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app provides similar controls to the hardware onboard buttons - bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes, and more. When you listen to music on your iPhone the app will display album covers and track titles. However, some popular features such as music presets or soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones by Sennheiser and is designed to meet highest demands. The technical design was designed to provide an incredible detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic sound you'll ever experience on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, so a good headphone amplifier is needed to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended as this will double the power output and increase the overall sound quality.

These headphones are made to be used by professionals and have a sturdy steel frame with a mix of leather and plastic. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't look like an expensive pair of headphones, however they feel premium in the palm and are well-built. 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, however they are less bass-y. The open-back design creates a wide, out-of-head soundstage. The treble is excellent with minor peaks and drops. The treble area is very linear, so you shouldn't have any issues hitting sibilants or the upper impact of a drum snare.

They still have the ability to deliver as well as dynamism and impact in the event of need, despite the absence of a loud low-end. They'll still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to music with punchy basslines, but they might not be as fun as some of the models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are very linear, with a slight scoop in the upper mids that should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations, which is a benefit.

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

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good set of headphones for anyone who wants to relax or simply want an affordable pair of headphones that block out noise. The headphones sale come with a basic bag that protects the headphones when you place them into bags. Their battery can last for a long time on long-haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles when on a plane, though their audio profile is a bit warm 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 headphones and headphones Sale for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see media playback controls. This includes a multi-function button that activates the phone's voice assistant and also turns on Anker BassUp (more about that later). The built-in mic can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.

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

Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is disappointing. This means you won't in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency when you're playing games on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are comfortable enough to be worn for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups also be rotated to accommodate your unique head shape. You can also listen to music via a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.