Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones totally encase your ears and allow you to fully immerse in the sound. They are usually tuned for audiophiles and feature features like active noise cancellation and control apps.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's latest upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation range. They feature a new design, enhanced ANC, and many of the same features as their predecessors, but with premium materials and slightly more premium sound quality.

At just 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when you're listening to a podcast or a book. The headband has a friction-rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which prevents your ears getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature that has been designed to please casual music lovers as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, however it's not abrasive or overpowering. They have a large and wide soundstage, with good instrument separation, which allows you to hear the specifics in your music. The earcups also have control buttons that are easy and responsive to use. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track, reverse to hear the previous track. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically stop playback when you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can enable the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right-ear cup. This allows you to hear the sounds around you without removing the headphones review.

Other useful 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 carry case made of high-end fabric and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery capacity is exceptional. In our most basic test we were able achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC activated, which is better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.

The WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic microphone that can be used for voice calls. There's no muffled or static audio in the background. Noise-canceling is also excellent, and these headphones are ideal for public transportation or in the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering high-end performance and features. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 is a premium model with a variety of features like 24-bit wireless streaming with active noise cancellation that is optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled inside each earcup, offer more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide superior call clarity even in noisy environments. An inline remote and microphone lets you control your calls and music on any device compatible with it.

The headphones have a sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups, as well as a silver-colored headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium but they never feel tight. The redesigned shape and form took a long time to perfect, providing an incredibly comfortable clamping force that doesn't press too hard on my own rotund cranium.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones beats are lightweight enough to fit in a backpack or bag and stay in place comfortably throughout long listening sessions. The headband is foldable using a sturdy hinge at the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio aswell for a tight video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to signal rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App has the same controls that the buttons on the hardware provide including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignments, wear detection, cycling through ANC modes, etc. When you listen to music on your iPhone the app displays album covers and track titles. However, the most popular features like music presets and soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones and was designed to meet the most demanding expectations. The design and construction of the headphones has been optimized to provide the highest resolution in detail that covers all the spectrum of frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic spatial sound you'll hear on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, so it requires a high-quality headphone amplifier that can drive it at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which can increase the output and enhance the sound quality.

The headphones are designed for a professional use and headphones wireless apple feature a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with leather and plastic. The design is minimalistic and doesn't look extravagant, but the quality of the headphones and their construction are excellent. They come with a carrying pouch and an extra audio cable and a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are a bit light on bass. The open-back design creates a spacious out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region is also very linear, so you won't have issues with hitting sibilants or the upper sound of the snare drum.

They can still provide impact as well as dynamism and impact when required, despite the absence of a powerful low-end. They are still a great choice for those who enjoy rock music with a punchy bass, but may not sound as good as other models on this list.

The Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful mid-range. They are extremely linear and have a slight scoop in the upper mids, which will not be noticed by most listeners. They can also reproduce precise time gradations, which is an added benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones for tv that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fitting make them a great choice. They are expensive, but you're paying for a pair of headphones that will last for many years to be able to perform at their best in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of Headphones Wireless Apple that can provide the perfect solution for anyone who wants to relax or just wants an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones beats come with a basic bag that will protect the headphones when you place them in bags. Their battery can last for a long time on long-haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles when on the plane, but their audio profile is a little warmer and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are simple to navigate and well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones and for turning on or off active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup there are controls for playing back media, including a multi-function button that lets you activate your phone's voice assistant and enable Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in mic can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver a rich and immersive listening experience due to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that offer certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones have an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancellation is designed to filter out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is disappointing. This means that you won't not be able take advantage of the better codes' lower latency when playing on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups are also capable of turning, allowing them to adapt to the specific shape of your head so you can have a comfortable fit. You can also listen to music wired with an included 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is included for charging the battery.