Best Over-Ear Headphones

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

The Focal Bathys are a wireless speaker with ANC and a mobile application for tweaking the EQ and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 is Sony's most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation lineup. They feature a new design, upgraded ANC, and many of the same features as their predecessors, but with higher-end materials and a slightly more premium sound quality.

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

With an audio quality that will please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass, but it isn't excessively loud or harsh. The earphones have a large and wide soundstage, as well as excellent instrument separation. This allows you to hear the details in your music. The earcups come with control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. You can swipe forward to access the next track, back to listen to the previous one, and up and down to adjust the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically stop playback when you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can activate the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right earcup. This lets you hear the sounds around you without removing the headphones.

They can also be connected with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made of high-end fabric as well as a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is awe-inspiring. In our standard battery test we recorded 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was more than Sony's advertised 30 hour battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for calls is superb, and there's no muffled or static-y audio in the background. The noise cancellation performance is excellent, and they're a good choice for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, delivering premium performance and features. This includes 24-bit wireless streaming and 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 for a more focused, immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure excellent 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 sport a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They have accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver sheen for the headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, yet don't feel tight. The new shape and form was refined over a period of time, and delivers a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force into my skull.

At 10.8 pounds (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, and are a touch smaller. They're light enough to carry in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and will stay comfortably in place during long listens. The headband is foldable using a sturdy hinge at the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2, with the aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio as well as tight video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to show rapid charging and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app has similar controls to the buttons on the hardware - bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes and much more. When you play music on your iPhone the app displays album cover and track titles. Popular extras such as music presets and soundscapes mode aren't available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones and was made to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction has been optimized to achieve an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic sound you'll hear on a pair of open-back headphones.

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

These headphones are designed for professional use. They feature a metal frame and a mixture of plastic and leather padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't look extravagant, but the quality of the headphones and their build are superb. They come with a carry pouch and an additional audio cable and an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with naturality, although they are a bit less bass-y. The open-back design creates a wide out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb with only minor dips and Headphones With Bluetooth peaks. The treble area is extremely linear, which means you'll not have issues hitting sibilants or the upper sound of the drum snare.

They can still provide impact as well as dynamism and impact 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 punchy basslines, but they might not be as enjoyable as some of the models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

The Sennheiser headphones have a great mid-range. They are extremely linear, with a slight scoop in the upper mids that will not be noticed by most listeners. They also have the ability to reproduce precise time gradations in vocals which is a major benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones with bluetooth, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice because of their excellent audio quality and comfortable fit. They're costly however you're buying headphones that will last for years to come and perform to their best in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that can do the trick for anyone who wants to pass the time or simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag which will provide protection when you throw them in a bag and their battery can last for several long haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles when on a plane, though their audio profile is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are simple to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup, there are buttons to pair and power up the headphones, as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find media playback controls. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistance and turns on Anker BassUp (more about that later). You can also utilize the built-in microphone in order to make calls hands-free with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide an immersive and rich listening experience thanks to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that offer certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones feature the treble range to go up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is specifically designed to block out a variety of mid- and low-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means you won't capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's low latency when gaming on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam earcups are soft enough to be worn for long periods of time without discomfort. The earcups are able to rotate and adjust to the specific shape of your head so you can get a snug fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.