Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears, allowing you to be immersed in sound. They are generally designed for audiophiles and have features like active noise cancellation and control apps.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. They feature a new design, improved ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors, but with better materials and slightly higher-quality sound.

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones, with 250 grams. They are very comfortable to wear, even if you're reading or listening to a book. The headband is soft and it has the same design of a friction rod as the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 has a sound signature that has been designed to satisfy both casual music lovers as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, but it's not abrasive or blazing. The earphones headphones boast a huge and spacious soundstage, with good instrument separation. This lets you be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups have touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe forward to go to the next track, then back to hear the previous track, and up and down to control the volume. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices simultaneously and thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can also switch on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right ear cup that lets you be aware of what's happening around you without taking off the headphones.

Other helpful features include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, bluetooth headphones jbl low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of top quality fabric and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with most Android and over ear bluetooth Headphones iOS smartphones and computers operating Windows and macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is excellent. In our standard battery test, we got 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on which was more than Sony's advertised 30 hour battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for voice calls is excellent and there's no distorted or static-y audio in the background. Noise-canceling is also excellent, and these headphones are ideal for public transportation and the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement Over ear bluetooth Headphones its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and performance. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit enhanced active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled in each earcup, provide a more immersive and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide superior call clarity even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone let you control your calls and music on any device compatible with it.

These headphones have a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They feature accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver sheen for the headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium, yet they never feel tight. The new form and shape was refined over a period of time and provides a comfortable clamping pressure that isn't hard on my own skull.

At 10.8 grams (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as slightly smaller. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and stay in place comfortably for long listening sessions. A strong hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them for easy transportation in a protective case.

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 status indicator on the earphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to signal rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app has the same features as the buttons on the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments as well as action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes and more. The app also shows an album cover and track's name when you play music using your iPhone. However, some popular features such as music presets or a soundscapes feature aren't available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones from Sennheiser, and it is designed to meet the highest expectations. Its construction technology has been optimized to provide an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic audio you can get from open-back 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, because it will increase the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.

These headphones are made for professional use. They have a metal frame and a mixture of plastic and leather padding. The design is simple and doesn't appear like a fancy pair of headphones, however they feel premium in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with naturality, however they are less bass-y. The open-back design produces an expansive, out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region is also extremely smooth, meaning you won't have issues with piercing sibilants and the upper bite of a snare drum.

They still have the ability to deliver as well as dynamism and impact in the event of need, despite the absence of a powerful low-end. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who enjoy rock music with punchy basses, but may not sound as good as some of the other models on this list.

In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are very linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids that should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce precise time gradations, which is an added benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones skullcandy that are ideal for professionals and audiophiles. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them an excellent option. They're costly however you're buying a pair of headphones that will last for many years to be used and perform to their best in any environment.

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 relax or just wants an affordable pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a simple bag which protects them when you throw them into a bag. The battery will last multiple long-haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, but their audio profile is a little warm and bass-heavy.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left ear cup there are buttons to power up and pair the headphones, as well as for turning on or off active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find controls for playback of media. This includes a multi-function control that activates the phone's voice assistant and also turns on Anker BassUp (more about it later). The built-in mic can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

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

One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means that you will not be able take advantage of the higher codes' lower latency while playing games on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups also rotate to adjust to the shape of your head. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.