Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in music. They are usually made for 3222914 audiophiles, and feature features like active noise cancellation 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 for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest model in their noise cancellation line-up. The headphones feature a brand 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 very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or reading a book. The headband is a friction-rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 has a sound signature designed to satisfy both casual music lovers as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, but it's not abrasive or overpowering. They have a wide and open soundstage with good instrument separation that lets you hear subtleties in your music. The earcups are also equipped with touch controls that are responsive and intuitive to use. Swipe forward to play the next track, back to hear the previous track and then up and down to adjust the volume. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at the same time and thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can also turn on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right ear cup, which allows you to listen to what's happening around you without taking off the headphones.

They can also be linked with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, www.3222914.xyz as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made from premium fabric and a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones are compatible with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers running Windows and macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our test we were able get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC turned on which is more than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.

The WH1000XM5 is a great mic for voice calls. There's no muffled or static audio in the background. The noise cancellation performance is top-quality and they're a perfect choice for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, providing top-quality performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 offers premium performance and features, including 24bit wireless streaming with active noise cancellation that is optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully angled inside each earcup to provide a more focused, immersive listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer outstanding clarity for calls even in noisy surroundings. And an inline remote and microphone lets you control your music and calls on any compatible device.

Similar to the original PX7 The headphones sport elegant and 3222914 refined with accent rings on each earcup and a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly but not too tightly on the cranium. The new form and shape was perfected over many months and offers a soft clamping pressure that doesn't press too hard on my rotund skull.

They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and remain in place during long listening sessions. A strong hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them for easy transportation in an enclosed case.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is ideal for 3222914 high-resolution audio as well as precise video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is an excellent touch, flashing green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is active.

The B&W App offers the same features that the buttons on the hardware provide such as bass and treble adjustments actions button assignments, wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes, etc. When you play music on your iPhone the app displays album cover and track titles. However, popular extras like music presets or soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones by Sennheiser and is meant to meet the highest expectations. Its construction technology is optimized to give an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever experience on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, which means it requires a top-quality headphone amplifier to operate at the desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended because it will increase the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use and have a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with plastics and leather padding. The design is simple and doesn't resemble an expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the hand and are built well. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable, and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with naturality, however they are less bass-y. This is due to the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head soundstage. The treble is excellent with minor peaks and drops. The Treble region also is linear which means you won't have issues with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of the drum snare.

Despite not having a booming bass, they can still provide dynamism and impact when required. They are still a great choice for those who love rock music that has punchy bass however, they 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 scoop in the upper mids which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They also have the ability to reproduce fine time gradations in vocals which is a huge benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They're a top choice because of their outstanding sound quality and comfortable fit. The headphones are expensive but they will last you for a long time and will perform in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that will do the trick for anyone who wants to pass the time or simply needs a cheap pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic case which protects them when you put them in the bag. Their battery can last multiple long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, however their audio profile is a little warmer and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls can be easy to use and clearly marked. On the left earcup, you'll see 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 controls for playback of media, including a multi-function button which lets you turn on your phone's voice assistant and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in microphone can be used to make phone calls hands-free.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer an immersive and rich listening experience due to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones have an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancellation is designed to filter out a broad range of low- and mid-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is disappointing. This means that you will not be able to take advantage of the better codes' lower latency when playing on your computer.

In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headband are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without creating discomfort. The ear cups are able to rotate and adjust to the specific shape of your head, so you can achieve a perfect fit. You can also enjoy your music via a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.