Best Over-Ear Headphones

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

The Focal Bathys is a Wireless Bt Headphones device that comes with ANC and a mobile application to tweak 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 upgrade in their noise cancellation lineup. The headphones are updated with a new design and have improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with a superior sound quality and higher-end materials.

At just 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband features a friction rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sound signature designed to satisfy both casual music listeners as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, yet it is not harsh or imposing. The earphones feature a wide and open soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This lets you listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups also feature touch controls that are easy to use. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song or backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically pause playback when you take them off your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also switch on the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup, which allows you to be aware of what's happening around you without taking off 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 from premium fabric and an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers operating Windows and macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is excellent. In our most basic test, we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC turned on which is much better than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.

The WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic microphone for making calls. There is no static or muffled audio in the background. The noise-canceling performance is also excellent and they're a perfect option for public transport as well as the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and improved performance. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 is a premium model with a variety of features like 24-bit wireless streaming with active noise cancellation that is optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are precisely positioned inside each earcup for an even more focused and visit the website immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide outstanding clarity for calls even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control music and calls from any device compatible with it.

The headphones have a elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They feature accent rings around the earcups, and a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tightly on the cranium. The new shape and form was refined over a period of time, and delivers an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force into my rotund skull.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a backpack or bag and are comfortable to wear throughout long listening sessions. The headband can be folded up by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for high-resolution audio and fast video sync. You can play them wirelessly too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to an USB-C port located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a helpful gesture that flashes green to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is active.

The B&W App has the same control options that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer such as bass and treble adjustments actions button assignments wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and more. The app also displays an album cover and track's name when you play music from your iPhone. Popular extras such as music presets and a soundscapes mode aren't available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones by Sennheiser and is designed to meet highest demands. 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's the most realistic sound you can get from open-back headphones.

The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier is needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, since this can double the output power and improve the overall sound quality.

These headphones are made for Tozo T10 professional use. They have a metal frame and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't resemble a fancy pair of headphones, however they feel premium in the palm and are built well. They come with a carrying case, an extra 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, however they are lighter on bass. This is because the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent, with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region is also extremely linear, which means you won't have issues with hitting sibilants or the upper bite of a snare drum.

Even with the absence of loud bass, they can still deliver impact and dynamism when needed. These headphones are still great for those who like 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 fantastic mid-range. They are linear with an incline on the upper mids, which won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations which is a bonus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fit make them a top choice. The headphones are costly, but they'll last for many years and perform in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of jlb headphones that can provide the perfect solution for anyone who wants to kill some time or simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag that will protect them when you put them into a bag. Their battery can last for a long time on 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 controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons to pair and power up the headphones, as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup there are controls for playback of media, including a multi-function button which lets you turn on your phone's voice assistant and enable Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in microphone can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provides a full, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz, these headphones offer exceptional clarity and clarity, while their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.

Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is a pity. This means you won't able to take advantage of the superior codec's lower latency while playing games on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam earcups are comfortable enough to be worn for long periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups are also capable of turning, allowing them to adapt to the particular shape of your head, so you can have a comfortable fit. You can also enjoy your music with a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.