Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you into audio. They are typically made for audiophiles, and come with features like active noise cancellation and control applications.
The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile application to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the latest upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation line-up. They have a fresh new design, improved ANC, and many of the same features as their predecessors, but with better materials and slightly higher quality sound.
At only 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. They are very comfortable to wear, even if you're reading or listening to an audiobook. The headband has a friction-rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which prevents your ears getting too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 has a sonic signature that is designed to satisfy both people who listen to music for pleasure as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, but it's not abrasive or overpowering. The earphones boast a huge and open soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This lets you listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups also have touch controls, which are easy and responsive to use. Swipe forward to go to the next track, back to hear the previous one as well as up and down to control the volume. headphone store can be used for connecting to two devices at once and thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can activate the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup. This lets you listen to the sounds around you without removing the headphones.
They can also be connected 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 of high-end fabric as well as a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones are compatible with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers running Windows and macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our most basic test we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC turned on which is much better than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.
The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on voice calls is excellent and there's not any muffled or static-y sounding background. Noise cancellation is also great and these headphones are great for public transportation or in the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, offering premium performance and features. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit and optimized active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone 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 provide excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control music and calls from any device that is compatible.
Like the PX7's original design These headphones have sleek and elegant, 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 but don't feel tight. The new design and shape was refined over a period of time and provides a soft clamping pressure that isn't hard on my own rotund skull.
They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and stay in place comfortably for long listening sessions. A strong hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them for easy transportation in an enclosed case.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for both high-resolution audio and fast video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a useful gesture that flashes green to indicate rapid charge and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.
The B&W app provides the same features as the onboard buttons in the hardware including bass and treble adjustment and assigning action buttons wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes, and more. The app also displays an album cover and track's name when you play music using your iPhone. Popular extras such as music presets, soundscapes and music mode aren't available, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones made by Sennheiser and is designed to meet the highest demands. The design and construction of the headphones has been optimized to achieve the highest resolution in detail that covers 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, which means it requires a top-quality headphone amplifier to operate at the right levels, without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, as this will double the output power and improve the overall sound quality.
These headphones are made for professional use. They have a steel frame and a mixture of leather and plastic padding. The design is simple and they're not fancy however the quality of the headphones and their construction are top-quality. They come with a carry pouch and an extra audio cable as well as a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.
The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with a natural sound, even although they are a bit light on bass. This is because the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head, passive soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor peaks and dips. The treble area is extremely linear, which means you'll not have issues piercing sibilants and the upper bite of a snare drum.
They can still provide impact and dynamism in the event of need, despite the absence of a loud low-end. They'll still be enjoyable for those who love listening to rock music with powerful basslines, but they may not be as enjoyable as some of the competing models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.
In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are extremely linear, with a slight scoop in the upper mids which shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They also reproduce fine time gradations in vocals which is a huge plus.
The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are perfect for professionals and audiophiles. They're a top choice because of their excellent audio quality and comfortable fit. They're expensive, but you're paying for a pair of headphones that will last for years to be used and perform well in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that can be a great choice for anyone who needs to relax or just wants an affordable pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag that protects them when you put them into bags. Their battery can last multiple long-haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, but their audio profile is a little warmer and bass-heavy.
The Life Q20's controls are easy to use and clearly marked. On the left earcup, there are buttons to pair and power up the headphones, as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, there are controls for playback of media. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistant and also turns on Anker BassUp (more about this later). The built-in mic can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.
Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone provides a full, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones feature the treble range to go up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a broad range of low- and mid-frequency sound.
One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means you won't able to take advantage of the superior codec's lower latency while playing on your computer.
In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam ear cups and headband are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without creating discomfort. The ear cups are capable of turning, allowing them to adapt to the particular shape of your head, so you can have a comfortable fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.