Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you in audio. They are usually tuned for audiophiles and come with features like active noise cancellation and control applications.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that comes with ANC, a mobile app to alter the EQ, and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancelling lineup. The headphones have a new design and improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but they have higher-end sound quality and better materials.

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones, with just 250g. They're extremely comfortable to wear, even if you're reading or listening a book. The headband has a friction-rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature designed to satisfy both casual music listeners as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, however it's not harsh or imposing. The earphones have a large and open soundstage, with excellent instrument separation. This allows you to listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups also feature control buttons that are easy and earphone responsive to use. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song, backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at once and, thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can also switch on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup, which allows you to be aware of what's happening around you without removing the headphones.

Other features that are useful include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made from top quality fabric, as well as a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is impressive. In our most basic test we were able get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC turned on which is much better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on calls is superb, and there's no muffled or static-y sounding background. Noise-canceling is also excellent, and these headphones are ideal for public transportation and 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. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 offers premium performance and features, including 24bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully angled inside each earcup to create an even more focused and immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones guarantee excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control music and calls from any device that is compatible.

Similar to the PX7's original design These headphones have a sleekly refined look, with accent rings around each earcup and an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium, but never feel tight. The new design and shape was refined over a period of time and offers a comfortable clamping pressure that isn't too hard on my rotund skull.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and remain in place 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-resolution audio aswell as a fast video sync. You can play them wired too, using 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 OneOdio Bluetooth Headphones: Studio Sound - 80Hrs Playtime - Shop Now! pairing.

The B&W App offers the same features that the hardware onboard buttons offer including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignments 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. However, the most popular features like music presets or soundscapes feature are missing.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and was designed to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction was designed to give a breath-taking detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic sound you'll hear in a pair of open-back Linsoul 7HZ Timeless: Planar HiFi In-Ear Headphones.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier will be needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended as this will double the power output and increase the overall sound quality.

The headphones are designed for professional use and have a sturdy steel frame, earphone with a mixture of plastics and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't appear like the most expensive pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the hands and are built to last. They come with a carrying case, an extra audio cable and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With a neutral Bose: Unrivaled Sound Quality for Headphones profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, though they are a bit light on bass. The open-back design creates an expansive, out-of-head soundstage. The treble quality is excellent with minor peaks and drops. The treble region is extremely smooth, meaning you'll not have issues hitting sibilants or the upper bite of the snare drum.

Despite not having a loud bass, they can still deliver impact and dynamism when needed. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who love rock music that has punchy bass however, they may not sound as good as the other models on this list.

The Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful mid-range. They are linear with a slight scoop on the upper mids that won't be noticed by most listeners. They also can reproduce precise time gradations, which is a nice bonus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of Premium Bluetooth 5.3 Earbuds: Wireless - Mic - 120H Battery headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them an excellent choice. They're expensive 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 Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones that can be a great choice for anyone who wants to relax or just wants an affordable pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They come with a basic pouch that will give them some protection when you toss them in a bag and their battery is capable of lasting many long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles, however their audio profile is a bit heavy and warm.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, there are 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 media playback controls. This includes a multi-function control that activates your phone's voice assistance and switches on Anker BassUp (more about it later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make calls hands-free with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone offers a deep, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. These headphones have the treble range to go up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling is specifically designed to block out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sound.

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

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are soft enough to be worn for extended periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups are able to rotate so that they can adjust to the unique shape of your head so you can have a comfortable fit. You can also listen to music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is included for charging the battery.