Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones usually have more battery life than earbuds. They also provide superior noise cancellation.

Sony's WH-1000XM5s lead the pack for over-ear wireless headphones. They sound fantastic with a bass-heavy, rich sound that allows vocals and other instruments to shine. They last for over 40 hours on a single charge, with active noise cancellation (ANC) activated.

Focal Bathys Wireless

The Focal Bathys wireless are a premium audiophile entry into the highly sought-after premium Bluetooth headphone market that has been dominated for a long time by Bose. However, with a track record of creating the highest quality, high-fidelity speakers, Focal couldn't simply scale down to compete in this competitive space. It decided to create its own earbuds that had built-in ANC using the same transducers, amplifiers and other components as its flagship products.

The result is a pair of headphones that not only offer top-notch performance, but also feel sturdy and luxurious. Focal trimmed the size and weight of its premium headphones to make these portable headphones more comfortable for travel, but still uses magnesium for the yokes, which keeps them light. The look is sleek and elegant, with the circular "skeletonised" design that is similar to the company's high-end, full-sized Focal Celestee and LED backlit Focal "flame" logos on the sides of each earphone, which actually glow (you can turn off this feature on the app that comes with it).

When paired with your device, they operate with the latest Bluetooth v5.1 technology, which includes support for SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX Adaptive and an inbuilt DAC that can support up to 24 bits/192kHz playback. The ear cups fold flat to make storage, and the cable is detachable for use on other devices that don't have Bluetooth as well as many cell phones.

For those who are serious about audio, the headphones can be used in DAC mode, which disables the internal processing and delivers superior sound quality than the majority of Bluetooth headphones that have a built-in DAC. Focal declined to reveal the specific DAC they used, but when tested with a high-quality portable DAC/headphone amp, the Bathys delivered great results--including better-than-CD-quality resolution, tight bass, and an open, airy midrange.

The Focal Bathys are specifically designed to be used in planes and other noisy environments however, the DAC mode allows for attentive listening. The Bathys are a great alternative to the closed-back headphones, which are tuned for bass. A pair of these would be a wonderful present for the audiophile on your list.

JBL Tune 760NC

The JBL Tune 760NC is a lightweight, comfortable pair of headphones that feature active noise cancellation. They have a deep bass profile that enhances your music, and they provide a long battery lifespan for listening sessions. They also have a durable build that is ideal for travel and commutes however, over-ear wireless headphones they may feel uncomfortable for long listening sessions due to their tight fitting.

The headphones have a decent set of controls on the earcups which allow you to manage your music and call settings. They include buttons for volume levels up down, power and ANC off and on. The buttons are surrounded with an LED-like area and you can tap it to change the display of light. The headphones are well-padded and fit well, but they can be uncomfortable for people who wear glasses.

JBL's Active Noise Cancellation technology reduces ambient noise by analysing and interpret the sounds emanating from outside the headphone. It then reverses those sounds and blocks out the background noise, leading to an experience that is more peaceful. This lets you listen at a lower volume and avoid ear fatigue. The headphones also have a microphone that allows you to make hands-free calls and activate voice assistants.

These headphones work with a wide range of Bluetooth devices, including your computer and most mobile phones. They're also compatible with many PS4 and Xbox One controllers to receive audio, but you won't be able to make use of them to talk with teammates. The USB port allows you to charge them and listen to audio through your computer.

The JBLs 760NCs feature a compact, foldable design that makes them easy to carry around. They come with built-in batteries that can last up to 40 hours of continuous use and are equipped with noise cancellation technology to block out distractions. They can also connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, meaning you can switch from watching videos on your tablet to making an incoming call on your phone without a hitch.

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 is a pair of headphones on-ear that offer the features people would expect from on-ear Bluetooth headphones. They're priced at a fair price, have an extremely long-lasting battery, an aux cable backup, and provide peace of mind due to Tile finding technology. It has simple controls on the earcup, and can connect both wired and wireless devices. The Riff Wireless headphones come with a great companion app that allows you to tweak your listening experience to reduce the delay of video and audio when paired with computers or a smart TV and create multi-device pairing.

The headphones come with a cushioned band and are very comfortable. They are made to be used for travel and commute. They can be folded for easy storage in backpacks or bags. They have a plasticky quality but are fairly sturdy and have a solid click when you move or flex them. They don't feature noise cancellation which can be a challenge for some users, but they block out some of the low rumble of buses and passenger chatter.

The headphones are of decent sound quality, particularly given their low cost. They don't have the luscious midrange like the more expensive models however they do have decent overall clarity at all volumes. The bass is very powerful and punchy and the highs are slightly dispersed, but not overly so. They're great for pop and rock but they may not be the ideal choice for genres that have full, deep bass.

The Riff Wireless 2 headphones feature more features than the earlier version. They have a neutral sound profile which might appeal to some users. They also have more efficient microphone and can work with several devices. They also have a much longer battery life and support the use of a higher volume.

The headphones are great however they don't provide the same level of comfort as other Skullcandy products such as the Hesh 3 Wireless. They're an option for most users, but they're not the best for active use. They can fall off when doing high-intensity exercises.

Razer Opus

The Opus is Razer's first attempt at a lifestyle headphone set and it's a stunning one. Its intended audience is likely to be a lot larger than gamers, and it offers a premium sound that is comparable to top-of-the-line models from Sony and Bose at a reasonable price.

The design is a bit restrained even by Razer's standards. There is no RGB lighting or trademark green accents. Additionally, the Tri-Snake isn't evident. The headset is more like any other Bluetooth headset, with semicircle hinges that fold flat and swivel over the earcups to create an adjustable and comfortable headband. The headsets are lightweight and more portable than other gaming headphones, and weigh just 265g when folded.

Onboard controls can be found on the right earcup with track and power buttons, as well as a recessed multi-function button that doubles as an active noise-cancellation button. The controls were responsive and simple to use. They worked as they were advertised during my testing.

The Opus bass is a roaring and well-rounded, with depth and clarity you won't find in many budget headphones. The sound is not as rich as Bose's Extra Bass, but it's nonetheless above expectations for a price of $200. Vocals and the lead instruments can be heard with great clarity. The mids are also solid. I did notice a small veiledness in the highs but switching the EQ to Vocal fixed the problem.

As an added bonus there's an 3.5mm analog cable as well as a USB-C to-A adapter inside the carrying case, along with an audio jack for airplanes that is standard for those who haven't made the switch to all-cable audio. It's a small but a welcome addition to make it easier to use apple headphones over the ear when traveling.

The Opus performed admirably and was just like other THX certified products. I was able to stroll around town without having to raise the volume to block out ambient sound and I never felt like I had to turn my music up to hear it. This is the kind of quality that will help you avoid hearing loss due to excessive exposure to high-frequency frequencies.