Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in the sound. They are generally tuned for audiophiles, and come with features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancellation lineup. They sport a new design, enhanced ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors, but with premium materials and slightly higher-quality sound.

At only 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband is soft, and it features an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

With an audio quality that will please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass, but it isn't excessively loud or harsh. The earphones boast a huge and spacious soundstage, with good instrument separation. This lets you hear the details in your music. The earcups are also equipped with control buttons that are responsive and intuitive to use. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track or reverse to hear the previous track. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously and will automatically pause 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-ear cup. This allows you to hear the sounds around you without having to take off the headphones.

They can also be linked with your voice assistant. bluetooth headphones low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made of premium fabric and a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is impressive. In our most basic test we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC turned on which is more than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on calls is exceptional and there's no distorted or static-y audio in the background. The noise cancellation is top-notch, and they're a good choice for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, offering premium performance and features. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits enhanced active noise cancellation, and clear voice call quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are precisely positioned inside each earcup to create an enhanced, more immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity even in noisy surroundings. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control calls and music from any device compatible with it.

Similar to the PX7's original design These headphones iphone have a sleekly refined look, with accent rings around each earcup as well as a silver-colored headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium but they never feel tight. The new design and shape took many months to perfect, and provides a comfortable clamping force that doesn't push too hard even on my own rotund cranium.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough for carrying in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and they'll stay comfortable in your hand 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 an enclosed case.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for high-resolution audio as well as fast video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App offers the same control options that the hardware onboard buttons offer - bass and treble adjustments, action button assignments wear detection, cycling through ANC modes as well as other features. The app also shows an album cover and track's name when you play music using your iPhone. The most popular extras like music presets, soundscapes and music mode are not available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones, and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. Its technical construction has been optimized to achieve an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic spatial sound you'll hear in a pair of open-back headphones.

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

These headphones are designed for professional use and feature a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of leather and plastic. The design is minimalist and doesn't resemble the most expensive pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the palm and are well-built. They come with a carrying pouch and an extra audio cable and an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals in a natural way, even although they are a bit less bass-y. This is because the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head, passive soundstage. The treble is excellent with minor drops and peaks. The Treble region also has a linearity which means you won't have any issues with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of a drum snare.

They can still provide impact as well as dynamism and impact when required, despite the absence of a booming low-end. They'll still be a great choice for those who like listening to rock music with punchy basslines, but they may not be as enjoyable as some of the other models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

The Sennheiser headphones have a fantastic midrange. They are linear with an incline on the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by most listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations of vocals, which is a big plus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fitting make them a great choice. They're costly however you're buying a pair of headphones that will last for years to be able to perform well in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that can be a great choice for anyone who wants to relax or headphones cheap simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag that protects them when you put them in the bag. Their battery can last for a long time on long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out noisy 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, 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 see controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistance and turns on Anker BassUp (more about that later). The built-in microphone can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

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 cheap have an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a broad range of mid- and low-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a pity. This means you will not be able to benefit of the superior codes' lower latency when playing on your computer.

In terms of comfort In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headband are soft enough to wear for long periods of time without causing any discomfort. The earcups are capable of turning and adjust to the particular 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.