Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in the sound. They tend to be tuned for audiophiles and come with features like active noise cancellation and control applications.

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 via USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones noise Cancelling by Sony are the latest model in their noise cancellation lineup. They feature a new design, enhanced ANC and a host of the same features as their predecessors, but with higher-end materials and a slightly higher-quality sound.

They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones, with 250g. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband has a friction-rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sonic signature that is designed to please casual music listeners as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, however it is not harsh or blazing. They have a large and spacious soundstage that has good instrument separation that allows you to hear the specifics in your music. The earcups feature touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe up or down to change the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song and backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at the same time and, thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can also activate ambient mode by resting your palm on the right ear cup that lets you hear what's going on around you without taking off the headphones.

They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as well as high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made from high-end fabric as well as a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is superb. In our test of the standard battery we had 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for calls is superb and there's no distorted or static-y 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 provides a significant improvement over ear headphones its predecessor. It features a range of new features and improved performance. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 comes with premium performance and features like 24-bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled to fit in each earcup, give you a more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control calls and music from any device compatible with it.

The headphones have a elegant and Headphones noise cancelling refined design as the original PX7. They feature accent rings around the earcups, as well as a silver-colored 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 delivers a soft clamping pressure that isn't hard on my own rotund skull.

At 10.8 grams (or 307g) They're 2 ounces lighter than the Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as slightly thinner. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and are comfortable to wear throughout long listening sessions. The headband is foldable by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and the aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-quality audio as well for a tight video sync. You can also play the headphones wired, too, with the included 3.5mm cable that connects to an USB-C port located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a helpful touch with a green flash to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.

The B&W app has the same controls as the hardware onboard buttons including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes, and more. When you play music on your iPhone, the app displays album covers and track titles. However, the most popular features like music presets or a soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction is optimized to give an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic spatial audio you can get from open-back headphones.

The headphone has a 300 ohm impedance, so a good headphone amplifier will be needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. It is recommended to use a balanced connection, which will double the output and improve the quality of sound.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They have a steel frame, and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't look extravagant, but the quality of the headphones and their construction are excellent. They come with a carry case, an additional audio cable, and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments in a natural way, even although they are a bit lighter on bass. The open-back design results in a wide, out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region also is linear which means you won't have issues with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of a drum snare.

Even with the absence of high-pitched bass, they still deliver impact and dynamism when it is needed. These headphones are still great for those who like rock music with punchy basses, but may not be as impressive as other models on this list.

In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are linear with an incline on the upper mids that won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also have the ability to reproduce precise time gradations of vocals which is a major plus.

The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit make them an excellent choice. They're expensive however you're buying headphones that will last for many years to be used and perform well in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones that will be a great choice for anyone looking to pass the time or just wants an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a simple pouch that will give them some protection when you throw them in a bag and their battery is capable of lasting many long-haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles when on an airplane, although their audio profile is warm and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are simple to navigate and well-marked. On the left ear cup you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones, as well as for turning on or off active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see controls for playback of media. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistant and turns on Anker BassUp (more about that later). You can also make use of the built-in microphone to make calls without hands your phone.

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

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

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