Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in the music. They are typically tuned for audiophiles and include features such as 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 through USB-C for wired listening.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade in their noise cancelling lineup. They feature a new design, enhanced ANC and a host of the same features as their predecessors, but with premium materials and slightly higher quality sound.
At only 250g, they are lightweight for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear, even when you're reading or listening to an audiobook. The headband is a friction-rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.
With an audio quality that is able to please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass, but it isn't overpowering or harsh. They have a wide and spacious soundstage that has good instrument separation, which allows you to hear subtleties in your music. The earcups come with control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe forward to play the next track, then back to hear the previous one, and up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can be connected to two devices at once and will automatically stop playback when you take them off your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can enable the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right ear cup. This lets you listen to the sounds around you without removing the headphones.
online headphone store include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made of high-end fabric as well as a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers that run Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is awe-inspiring. In our battery test we recorded 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.
The WH1000XM5 has a great mic for voice calls. There is no static or muffled audio in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent and these headphones are great for public transportation and the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and performance. This includes 24-bit wireless streaming and optimized active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are precisely positioned inside each earcup to create an even more focused and immersive listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer outstanding clarity for calls even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control music and calls from any compatible device.
These headphones have a similar elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups, as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly but not too tightly on the cranium. The new form and shape was perfected over many months and offers a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force into my rotund skull.
They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a bag or backpack and stay in place comfortably for long listening sessions. The headband can be folded up using a sturdy hinge at the back.
The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with the aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio aswell as tight video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port located 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 has the same control options that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer - bass and treble adjustments, action button assignments, wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes as well as other features. The app also shows an album cover and track title when you play music on your iPhone. However, popular extras like music presets or soundscapes feature are not available.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. Its engineering was designed to provide a breath-taking detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever hear on a pair of open-back headphones.
The headphone has a 300 ohm impedance, so a good headphone amplifier will be needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended since this can double the output power and improve the overall sound quality.
These headphones are designed for professional use. They feature a metal frame, and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is simple and they don't look fancy however the quality of the headphones and their construction are top-quality. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.
With an unison sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, although they are light in bass. The open-back design produces a spacious out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region also has a linearity and you won't be able to deal with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of a drum snare.
Despite not having a high-pitched bass, they still produce a punch and dynamism when it is needed. They will still be enjoyable for those who love listening to rock music that has strong basslines, however they may not be like some of the models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.
In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are a linear pair with a slight scoop on the upper mids, which won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also reproduce precise time gradations of vocals which is a major plus.
The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are perfect for professionals and audiophiles. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fit make them an excellent option. They are expensive however, you're getting a pair of headphones that will last for years to come and perform to their best in any setting.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones that can do the trick for anyone who wants to kill some time or simply needs a cheap set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag that protects the headphones when you place them into the bag. The battery will last for a long time on long-haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles when on a plane, though their audio profile is heavy and warm.
The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left ear cup you'll find buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones, as well as for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, there are controls for playback of media. This includes a multi-function control that activates your phone's voice assistant 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 headphones offer an immersive and rich listening experience thanks to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones feature a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancellation is specifically designed to block out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sound.
One thing to keep in mind about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means that you will not be able to take advantage of the better codes' lower latency while playing on your computer.
The Life Q20's headband and memory foam earcups are comfortable enough to be worn for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups can also rotate to adjust to your individual head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.