Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears and allow you to fully immerse in sound. They are usually designed for audiophiles and come with features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.
The Focal Bathys are a wireless speaker with ANC and a mobile application to adjust 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 model in their noise cancellation lineup. The headphones feature a brand new design and have improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but they have superior sound quality and higher-end materials.
At only 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. They are very comfortable to wear, even if you're listening to or reading the audiobook. The headband has a friction-rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature designed to please people who listen to music for pleasure as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, but it is not harsh or blazing. They have a wide and open soundstage with excellent instrument separation that lets you hear subtleties in your music. The earcups have touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe forward to go to the next track, reverse to listen to the previous one as well as up and down to control the volume. The headphones can be used for 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 turn on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup and allowing you to hear what's going on around you without taking off the headphones.
They can also be linked with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of top quality fabric and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is excellent. In our most basic test we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC switched on, which is better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.
The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on calls is superb and there's no distorted or static-y 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 major upgrade over its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and performance. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 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 precisely positioned inside each earcup to provide an even more focused and immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control calls and music on any device compatible with it.
Similar to the PX7's original design These headphones have elegant and refined with accent rings around each earcup as well as a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly, but not too tightly on the cranium. The new form and shape was refined over a period of time and provides a soft clamping pressure that doesn't press hard on my own skull, which is a rotund one.
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 bag or backpack and are comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. The headband can be folded using a sturdy hinge at the back.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is ideal for high-resolution audio as well as tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is an excellent touch that flashes green to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is active.
The B&W App provides the same features that the buttons on the hardware provide including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignments wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes and more. The app also shows an album cover and track title when you play music on your iPhone. However, popular extras like music presets or a soundscapes feature aren't available.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and was designed to meet the most demanding expectations. Its technical construction was designed to give an incredible detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic spatial audio you'll hear on headphones with open backs.
The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, so it requires a high-quality headphone amplifier that can drive it to the levels you want without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which can double the output and improve the sound quality.
These headphones are made to be used by professionals and feature a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with leather and plastic. The design is simple and doesn't look extravagant, but the quality of the headphones and their build are superb. They come with a carrying 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 in a natural way, even though they are a little lighter on bass. The open-back design results in a spacious out-of-head soundstage. The treble is very good, with minor drops and peaks. The treble region is also extremely smooth, meaning you shouldn't have any issues piercing sibilants and the upper impact of the drum snare.
Even with the absence of high-pitched bass, they still deliver impact and dynamism when required. They'll still be a great choice for those who love listening to rock music that has punchy basslines, but they might not be as enjoyable as some of the models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.
These Sennheiser headphones have a fantastic midrange. They are a linear pair with an incline on the upper mids that won't be noticed by most listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations which is a benefit.
merchandise headphones are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They're a top choice because of their outstanding sound quality and comfortable fit. The headphones are costly, but they'll last for many years and perform in any environment.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good set of headphones for anyone looking to kill time or simply need a pair of affordable noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a simple bag that will protect them when you put them into a bag. The battery will last for a long time on long-haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles when on the plane, but their audio profile is heavy and warm.
The Life Q20's controls are simple to navigate and well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones and for turning on or off active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup, you'll find media playback controls which include a multi-function button that lets you activate your phone's voice assistant and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). You can also make use of the built-in microphone to make hands-free calls with your phone.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer an immersive and deep listening experience due to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz, these headphones offer exceptional clarity and detail, as their active noise cancellation technology is designed to filter out a wide range of low and mid-frequency sounds.
One thing to keep in mind about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means that you will not be able take advantage of the higher codes' lower latency when gaming on your computer.
The Life Q20's headband and memory foam earcups are soft enough to be worn for long periods without discomfort. The earcups are capable of turning and adjust to the specific shape of your head, so you can achieve a perfect fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.