Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you in the sound. They tend to be made for audiophiles, and feature features like active noise cancellation and control applications.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that comes with ANC as well as a mobile app to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 is Sony's latest upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation range. They feature a new design, improved ANC and a lot of the same features that their predecessors had but with better materials and slightly higher quality sound.
They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing 250 grams. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when you're listening to a podcast or a book. The headband is soft, and has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 has a sound signature designed to please casual music listeners as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, however it's not harsh or blazing. The earphones feature a wide and open soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This allows you to be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups have control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. You can swipe forward to access the next track, reverse to hear the previous track as well as up and down to control the volume. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at the same time and thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically stop the playback when removed from your head. You can also turn on the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup that lets you hear what's going on around you without removing the headphones.
Other helpful features include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made of top quality fabric, as well as a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with most Android and iOS smartphones and computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is excellent. In our standard test, we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC activated, which is better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.
The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for voice calls is excellent, and there's no muffled or static-y sound in the background. The noise cancellation performance 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 significant upgrade from its predecessor, providing premium performance and features. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits and optimized active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice call quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully angled inside each earcup to provide an even more focused and immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control calls and music from any device that is compatible.
Like the original PX7 The headphones sport a sleekly refined look with accent rings around each earcup as well as a silver-colored headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium but don't feel tight. The new shape and form was refined over a period of time, and delivers a comfortable clamping pressure that isn't too hard on my skull, which is a rotund one.
They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and remain in place for long listening sessions. The headband is foldable using a sturdy hinge at the back.
The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2, with aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio aswell as a fast video sync. You can also play them wirelessly too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to a USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a useful feature that flashes green to indicate rapid charge and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.
The B&W app has the same controls as the buttons on the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments and assigning action buttons wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes and much more. The app also displays an album cover and track's name when you play music from your iPhone. However, the most popular features like music presets and soundscapes feature are not available.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones from Sennheiser, and it is designed to meet most demanding requirements. Its technical construction was designed to give an incredible detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic sound you'll ever experience in a pair of open-back headphones.
The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier to drive it to the levels you want without distortion. It is recommended to use a balanced connection, which will double the output and improve the sound quality.
These headphones are designed to be used by professionals and have a sturdy steel frame that is adorned with plastics and leather padding. The design is minimalist and they're not fancy, but the quality of the headphones and their construction are top-quality. They come with a carry case, an extra audio cable and a 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 lighter on bass. The open-back design creates a wide, out-of-head soundstage. The treble is very good, with minor peaks and drops. The treble area is extremely smooth, meaning you'll not have issues cutting sibilants, or the upper impact of the drum snare.
Even with the absence of loud bass, they can still provide dynamism and impact when needed. They'll still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to music with punchy basslines, but they may not sound as fun as some of the models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.
In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are straight and have a slight scoop on the upper mids, which won't be noticed by most listeners. shop headphones can reproduce precise time gradations, which is a benefit.
The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice because of their outstanding audio quality and comfortable fit. The headphones are expensive but they'll last for many years and perform in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent 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 protects the headphones when you place them in the bag. The battery will last for a long time on long-haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out noisy passengers and engine rumbles, but their audio profile is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.
The Life Q20's controls are easy to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup, there are buttons to pair and power up the headphones as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, there are controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function button that activates your phone's voice assistance and switches on Anker BassUp (more about this later). The built-in mic can be used to make phone calls hands-free.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone provides a full and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. These headphones have a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a broad range of low- and mid-frequency sound.
Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is disappointing. This means that you will not be able to take advantage of the higher codes' lower latency when playing games on your computer.
The Life Q20's headband and memory foam earcups are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups are also capable of rotating and adjust to the unique shape of your head so that you can have a comfortable fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.