Best Over-Ear Headphones

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

The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that includes ANC as well as a mobile app to alter 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 model in their noise cancelling lineup. The headphones feature a brand new design and enhanced ANC. They also have many of the same features, but they have superior sound quality and higher-end materials.

With only 250g, they are lightweight for over-ear ANC headsets. They are very comfortable to wear, even when you're listening to or reading an audiobook. The headband features a friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.

With a sound quality that is able to please casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass but is not overpowering or harsh. They have a wide and open soundstage with good instrument separation, which allows you to hear specifics in your music. The earcups have touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe forward to go to the next track, then back to listen to the previous one as well as up and down to control the volume. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at once and due to an inbuilt sensor, they automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can also switch on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup, which allows you to hear what's going on around you, without taking off the headphones.

They can also be connected 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 an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers running Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery capacity is superb. In our test we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC switched on which is much better than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.

The WH1000XM5 is a great mic for voice calls. There is no muffled or static sound in the background. Noise cancellation is also great and these headphones are perfect for public transportation and the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and performance. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 comes with premium performance and features, including 24bit 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 in each earcup, audiophiles provide a more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. An inline remote and microphone lets you control your music and calls on any compatible device.

The headphones have a elegant and sleek design where to buy earphones 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 fit comfortably on the cranium but don't feel tight. The new design and shape took a long time to perfect, providing a comfortable clamping force that doesn't press too hard even on my own cranium that is rotund.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and remain in place during long listening sessions. The headband can be folded up using a sturdy hinge at the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2, with the aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-quality audio as well as tight video sync. You can play the headphones wired, too, with the included 3.5mm cable that connects to an USB-C port located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to show rapid charging and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App offers the same features that the buttons on the hardware provide - bass and treble adjustments, action button assignments wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes as well as other features. When you listen to music on your iPhone the app will display album cover and track titles. Popular extras such as music presets, soundscapes and music mode are missing, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones made by Sennheiser and is designed to meet the highest expectations. The design and construction of the headphones has been optimized to provide the highest resolution in detail that covers all of the frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic audio you can get from open-back headphones.

The headphone shop online has a 300 ohm impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier is needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, as this will double the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.

The headphones are designed for a professional use and feature a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of plastics and leather padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't look like a fancy pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the palm and are well-built. They come with a carrying pouch and an additional audio cable as well as a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with a natural sound, even though they are a little lighter on bass. The open-back design results in an expansive out-of-head soundstage. The treble is very good with minor peaks and drops. The treble region is also extremely smooth, meaning you won't have issues with hitting sibilants or the upper sound of a snare drum.

They can still deliver impact and dynamism in the event of need, despite the absence of a booming low-end. They will still be enjoyable for those who love listening to rock music with powerful basslines, but they might not be as enjoyable as some of the models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are very linear and have a slight scoop in the upper mids which will not be noticed by most listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations which is a nice bonus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are ideal for professionals and audiophiles. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fitting make them a great choice. They're costly however you're buying a pair of headphones that will last for many years to be able to perform to their best in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent set of headphones for anyone looking to kill time or simply need a pair of affordable headphones that cancel out noise. They come with a basic bag that will give them some protection when you toss them into your bag, and their battery is capable of lasting several long haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles. However, their audio quality is a bit 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 pairing and powering up the headphones, as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function control that activates the phone's voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about this later). The built-in microphone can be used to make phone calls hands-free.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide an immersive and deep listening experience, due to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. These headphones have the treble range to go up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancellation is specifically designed to block out a variety of mid- and low-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means you won't be in a position to benefit from the superior codec's low latency when playing on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without discomfort. The earcups can rotate to adjust to your individual head shape. You can also listen to music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is included to charge the battery.