Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears to immerse you in the sound. They are typically tuned for audiophiles and come with features like active noise cancellation and control apps.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that comes with ANC, 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 headphones from Sony are the latest model in their noise cancellation lineup. They sport a new design, improved ANC and a lot of the same features that their predecessors had but with higher-end materials and a slightly more premium sound quality.
They're light for over-ear ANC headphones at 250g. They're very comfortable to wear, no matter if you're reading or listening to an audiobook. The headband is a friction-rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 has a sonic signature that is created to please people who listen to music for pleasure as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, yet it's not abrasive or blazing. The earphones feature a wide and spacious soundstage, with excellent instrument separation. This allows you to be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups also feature touch controls, which are easy to use. Swipe forward to go to the next track, reverse to hear the previous track as well as up and down to regulate the volume. 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 ambient mode by placing your palm 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 paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made from high-end fabric as well as an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers operating Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is excellent. In our standard battery test, we got 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.
The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on calls is exceptional and there's not any muffled or static-y audio in the background. The noise cancellation is top-notch and they're a great option for public transport as well as the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, providing high-end performance and features. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit, optimized active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are precisely positioned inside each earcup for an even more focused and deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure superior call clarity even in noisy environments. And an inline remote and microphone let you control your calls and music on any compatible device.
Like the original PX7 These headphones have sleek and elegant, with accent rings around each earcup and a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium but never feel tight. The redesigned shape and form required a lot of time to perfect, providing a comfortable clamping force that isn't too hard even on my own cranium that is rotund.
At 10.8 pounds (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and are a touch smaller. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and stay in place comfortably during long listening sessions. The headband can be folded up by using a sturdy hinge on the back.
The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio as well as tight 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 status indicator on the headphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W app has similar controls to the buttons on the hardware including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes and more. The app also displays an album cover and track title 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 by Sennheiser and is designed to meet highest expectations. Its engineering was designed to provide stunning detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever hear in a pair of open-back headphones.
The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms which means it requires a top-quality headphone amplifier to drive it at the right levels, without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended since this can double the output power and improve the overall sound quality.
These headphones are made for professional use. They feature a metal frame and a mixture of plastic and leather padding. The design is simple and doesn't look like the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the hand and are built well. They come with a carry case, an additional audio cable, and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.
With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are light in bass. The open-back design produces a wide, out-of-head soundstage. The treble is very good with minor drops and peaks. The treble region also has a linearity and you won't have any issues with piercingsibilants or 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 loud low-end. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who like rock music with a punchy bass, but may not be as impressive as the other models on this list.
In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are extremely linear, with a slight scoop in the upper mids which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations which is a bonus.
The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are ideal for professionals and audiophiles. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them a top option. They are expensive however, you're getting headphones that will last for many years to be able to perform at their best in any environment.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent pair of headphones for those looking to pass the time or simply want a pair of affordable headphones that cancel out noise. The headphones come with a simple bag that will protect the headphones when you place them into a bag. Their battery can last for several long-haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles on an airplane, although their audio profile is 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 and for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, there are controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function button that activates the phone's voice assistant and also turns on Anker BassUp (more about that later). The built-in mic can be used to make phone calls hands-free.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer an immersive and deep listening experience thanks to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz, these headphones are able to provide exceptional clarity and detail, while their active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out an extended range of low and mid-frequency sounds.
Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a pity. This means you will not be able to benefit of the better codes' lower latency while playing on your computer.
The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are soft enough to wear for long periods without discomfort. shop over ear headphones on sale are also able to rotate and adjust to the specific shape of your head so you can have a comfortable fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.