Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you in sound. They are usually tuned for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancelling 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 upgrade in their noise cancellation line-up. The headphones feature a brand new design and improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with a superior sound quality and higher-end materials.
At just 250g, they are lightweight for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband features a friction rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.
With an audio quality that will please those who enjoy music casually and audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to have a slight focus on bass, but not excessively loud or harsh. They have a large and open soundstage with good instrument separation, which allows you to hear the specifics in your music. The earcups have touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song and reverse to hear the previous track. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at once and thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically stop the playback when removed from your head. You can also switch on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup and allowing 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, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of premium fabric, and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones and computers that run Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is superb. In our test we were able achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC turned on which is much better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.
The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for calls is exceptional and there's no distorted or static-y audio in the background. Noise-canceling is also excellent and these headphones are ideal for public transportation and the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and performance. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit, optimized active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice call quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled in each earcup, provide a more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure superior call clarity even in noisy environments. And an inline remote and microphone lets you control your calls and music on any compatible device.
The headphones sport a similar sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They feature accent rings around the earcups, as well as a silver sheen on the headband. headset shopping are cushioned using memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium but never feel tight. The new shape and form was refined over a period of time and offers an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that isn't hard on my own 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 stay in place comfortably for long listening sessions. The headband is foldable by using a sturdy hinge on the back.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for high-resolution audio as well as precise video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is an excellent gesture with a green flash to indicate rapid charge and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.
The B&W App has the same controls that the buttons on the hardware provide including bass and treble adjustment actions button assignments wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes and more. The app also displays an album cover and track's title when you play music from your iPhone. However, the most popular features like music presets or soundscapes feature aren't available.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. The design and construction of the headphones is optimized to give a detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic sound you'll hear on headphones with open backs.
The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier that can drive it at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which will double the output and improve the quality of sound.
These headphones are made for professional use. They have a steel frame and a mixture of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalistic and they don't look fancy however the quality of the headphones and their construction are excellent. They come with a carrying case, an extra audio cable, and a 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. This is due to the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head passive soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region is extremely smooth, meaning you'll not have issues hitting sibilants or the upper bite of the snare drum.
They still have the ability to deliver as well as dynamism and impact when required, despite the absence of a booming low-end. These headphones are still great for those who love rock music with punchy basses, but may not sound as great as some of the other models on this list.
These Sennheiser headphones have a great midrange. They are straight and have an incline on the upper mids that won't be noticed by most listeners. They also reproduce precise time gradations in vocals which is a huge plus.
The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They're a top choice due to their exceptional sound quality and a comfortable fit. The headphones are expensive but they'll last for years and perform well in any environment.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great set of headphones for anyone looking to kill time or simply need an affordable set of headphones that block out noise. They come with a basic bag which will provide protection when you throw them into your bag, and their battery can last several long haul flights. Their ANC does a great job of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles on a plane, though their audio profile is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.
The Life Q20's controls can be easy 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 earcup you'll find media playback controls that include a multi-function switch that allows you to activate the voice assistant on your phone 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. These headphones have a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancellation is designed to filter out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sound.
One thing to keep in mind about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means you will not be able to take advantage of the better codes' lower latency while 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 ear cups are capable of rotating so that they can adjust to the specific shape of your head, so you can get a snug fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.