Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in the music. They tend to be designed for audiophiles and feature features like active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless pair with ANC and a mobile application to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

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

They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing 250 grams. They are very comfortable to wear, even when you're reading or listening the audiobook. The headband features a friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which prevents your ears getting too cold.

With an audio quality that can satisfy people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass, but not overpowering or harsh. They feature a wide and wide soundstage, with good instrument separation, which allows you to hear the subtleties in your music. The earcups also feature touch controls, which are responsive and intuitive to use. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song and backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices simultaneously and due to an inbuilt sensor, they will automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. 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 remove 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 durable carrying case made from top quality fabric, as well as an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is exceptional. In our most basic test we were able get 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC turned on which is more than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on voice calls is excellent and there's no distorted or static-y sound in the background. The noise cancellation performance is excellent, and they're a good fit for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, offering high-end performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers premium performance and features like 24-bit wireless streaming with active noise cancellation that is optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully angled inside each earcup for a more focused, deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity even in noisy surroundings. A built-in microphone and 3222914 remote allows you to control music and calls from any device that is compatible.

Similar to the PX7's original design The headphones sport a sleekly refined look with accent rings around each earcup, and an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium, yet never feel tight. The new design and shape took a long time to perfect, 3222914.xyz providing an incredibly comfortable clamping force that doesn't press too hard, even on my own cranium that is rotund.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and stay in place comfortably during long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband enables you to fold them for easy transportation in the protective case.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for both high-resolution audio and tight video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app offers similar controls to the onboard buttons in the hardware - bass and treble adjustment, action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes and much more. When you listen to music on your iPhone, 3222914 the app displays album covers and track titles. Popular extras such as music presets and a soundscapes mode are missing, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones by Sennheiser and is designed to meet the highest expectations. The technical design was optimized to achieve a breath-taking detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic audio you'll experience on 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. A balanced connection is recommended, because it will increase the output power and improve the overall sound quality.

These headphones are made for professional use. They have a steel frame and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalist and they don't look fancy, but the quality of the headphones and their construction are superb. They come with a carrying pouch and an extra audio cable as well as an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with a natural sound, even however they are light on bass. This is due to the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head, passive soundstage. The treble quality is excellent with minor peaks and drops. The treble region is also very linear, so you shouldn't have any issues piercing sibilants and the upper bite of a drum snare.

Even with the absence of booming bass, they can still deliver impact and dynamism when required. They are still a great choice for those who love rock music with punchy basses, but may not sound as great as other models on this list.

These Sennheiser headphones have a great mid-range. They are extremely linear and have a slight scoop in the upper mids which shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations in vocals which is a huge plus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice due to their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit. The headphones are costly, but they'll last for many years and perform in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that will be a great choice for anyone looking to pass the time or simply needs a cheap pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag that provides protection when you toss them in a bag and Www.3222914.Xyz their battery can last multiple long haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, but their audio quality is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls can be easy to use and clearly marked. On the left earcup you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones, as well as for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup there are media playback controls that include a multi-function switch which lets you turn on the voice assistant on your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make hands-free calls with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provides a full and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz they offer exceptional clarity and detail, as their active noise cancellation technology is designed to block out a wider range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means you won't in a position to benefit from the superior codec's low latency when playing games on your PC.

In terms of comfort In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam ear cups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing discomfort. The earcups can be rotated to accommodate your unique head shape. You can also enjoy your music via a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is included to charge the battery.