Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cheap completely surround your ears and allow you to fully immerse in the sound. They tend to be made for audiophiles, and feature features like active noise cancellation and control apps.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation lineup. The headphones have a new design and have improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but they have higher-end sound quality and superior materials.

At just 250g, they are lightweight for over-ear ANC headsets. They are very comfortable to wear, even when you're reading or headphones wireless Apple listening a book. The headband is soft and has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

With a sound quality that can satisfy casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass but is not overpowering or harsh. They feature a wide and open soundstage with good instrument separation that allows you to hear the specifics in your music. The earcups have touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe forward to play the next track, back to hear the previous one and then up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at the same time and due to an inbuilt sensor, they automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can activate the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right-ear cup. This lets you listen to the sounds around you without having to remove the headphones on sale.

They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made from premium fabric and an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers running Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is awe-inspiring. In our most basic test we were able achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC activated, which is better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.

The WH1000XM5 is a great microphone that can be used for voice calls. There is no muffled or static sound in the background. Noise-canceling is also excellent and these headphones are great for public transportation or in the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, providing high-end performance and features. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit, optimized active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice call quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are precisely positioned inside each earcup to create an enhanced, more immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide outstanding clarity for calls, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control music and calls from any compatible device.

These headphones have a similar sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They feature accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium but never feel tight. The new design and shape required a lot of time to perfect, and provides a comfortable clamping force that doesn't press too hard, even on my own cranium that is rotund.

At 10.8 ounces (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, and are a touch thinner. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a bag or backpack and remain in place during long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband enables you to fold them to make it easy to transport them in the protective case.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for high-resolution audio as well as tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is an excellent gesture that flashes green to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.

The B&W app provides the same features as the buttons on the hardware - 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 cover 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 the successor to the legendary headphones from Sennheiser and is designed to meet highest demands. The design and construction of the headphones has been optimized to achieve the highest resolution in detail that covers all the spectrum of frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever hear with an open-back pair of headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier that can drive it to the levels you want without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended as this will double the output power and Headphones Wireless Apple improve the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They have a metal 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 superb. They come with a carry case, 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 somewhat light on bass. The open-back design produces a spacious out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding, with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region is also extremely linear, which means you shouldn't have any issues hitting sibilants or the upper impact of a snare drum.

Despite not having a high-pitched bass, they still provide dynamism and impact when needed. These headphones are still great for those who love rock music with a punchy bass however, they may not sound as good as the other models on this list.

The Sennheiser headphones for running have a great mid-range. They are a linear pair with an incline on the upper mids that won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce precise time gradations, which is a benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They're a top choice because of their excellent sound quality and comfortable fit. They're costly however you're buying headphones that will last for years to come and perform well in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that will be a great choice for anyone who needs to pass the time or simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a simple bag that will protect them when you throw them in bags. The battery will last for several long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles. However, their audio quality is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are simple to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones and for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup you'll find controls for playback of media that include a multi-function switch that allows you to activate the voice assistant on your phone and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in mic can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide a rich and immersive listening experience thanks to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. These Headphones Wireless Apple have an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sound.

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

In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing discomfort. The ear cups are able to rotate, allowing them to adapt to the particular shape of your head so that you can get a snug fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.