Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears and allow you to fully immerse in sound. They are usually designed for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless pair with ANC and 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 WH-1000XM5 is Sony's latest upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation lineup. They feature a new design, improved ANC, and many of the same features that their predecessors had but with premium materials and slightly more premium sound quality.

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing 250 grams. They're very comfortable to wear, no matter if you're reading or listening to an 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 put a little emphasis on bass, but it isn't excessively loud 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 also feature touch controls that are responsive and intuitive to use. Swipe up or down to change the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song, backwards to hear the previous track. The Headphones Shop are capable of connecting to two devices at once and, thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can activate ambient mode by placing your hand on the right-ear cup. This lets you hear the sounds around you without having to remove the headphones.

Other features that are useful include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy 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 and computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is impressive. In our standard battery test, we got 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on which was more than Sony's advertised 30 hour battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on calls is superb and there's no distorted or static-y sounding background. The noise-canceling performance is also excellent and they're a perfect fit for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, Headphones Shop delivering top-quality performance and features. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits, optimized active noise cancellation, and clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled to fit in each earcup, offer more immersive and focused listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer excellent call clarity even in noisy surroundings. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control calls and music on any compatible device.

As with the original PX7, these headphones are sleek and elegant with accent rings on each earcup as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tight on the cranium. The new shape and form was developed over the course of several months, and delivers a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't press 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 are comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. The headband is foldable by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio aswell as tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone on sale is a nice addition. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App provides the same features that the hardware onboard buttons offer such as bass and treble adjustments as well as action button assignments, wear detection, cycling through ANC modes and more. When you play music on your iPhone, the app displays album covers and track titles. However, some popular features such as music presets or soundscapes feature are missing.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the highest expectations. Its engineering was optimized to achieve a breath-taking detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic audio you can get from open-back headphones.

The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, so a good headphone amplifier is needed to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which will increase the output and boost the sound quality.

These headphones are made to be used by professionals and have a sturdy steel frame with a mix of plastics and leather padding. The design is minimalistic and doesn't look extravagant, but the quality of the headphones and their build are top-quality. They come with a carrying case, an extra audio cable and 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. The open-back design produces a wide out-of-head soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region also is linear and you won't be able to deal with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of a drum snare.

They still have the ability to deliver as well as dynamism and impact when needed despite the lack of a booming low-end. These headphones are still great for those who love rock music that has punchy bass however, they may not sound as good as the other models on this list.

In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are straight and have a slight scoop on the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations, which is an added bonus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are perfect for professionals and audiophiles. They are a top choice due to their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive however you're buying a pair of headphones that will last for years to be used and perform to their best in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good pair of headphones for those who wants to relax or simply need an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag that will give them some protection when you throw them into your bag, and their battery can last several long haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles on the plane, but their audio profile is heavy and warm.

The Life Q20's controls are easy to use and are well-marked. On the left ear cup, you'll find 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 playback of media 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 calls without hands your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide a rich and immersive listening experience thanks to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz the headphones offer exceptional clarity and clarity, while their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a wider range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is disappointing. This means you won't able to take advantage of the superior codec's low latency when playing games on your PC.

In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headband are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without creating discomfort. The ear cups can also rotate to adjust to your unique head shape. You can also listen to your music wired with an included 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector Headphones Shop is included for charging the battery.