Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you into audio. They are usually designed for audiophiles and come with features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that comes with ANC as well as a mobile app to alter the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the latest model in their noise cancelling lineup. They have a fresh new design, upgraded ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors but with better materials and slightly more premium sound quality.
With only 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband has a friction-rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature that has been created to please casual music listeners as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, however it is not harsh or imposing. They have a large and spacious soundstage that has good instrument separation, which lets you hear subtleties in your music. The earcups come with touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe up or down to change the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track, backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can be connected to two devices at once and will automatically pause playback when you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also turn on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup, which allows you to hear what's going on around you, without taking off the headphones.
They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as well as high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of high-end fabric and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers running Windows and macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our standard test we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC switched on which is more than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.
The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on calls is superb and there's not any muffled or static-y sounding background. The noise cancellation performance is excellent and they're a great option for public transport as well as the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, providing top-quality performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a premium model with a variety of features, including 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 precisely positioned inside each earcup to provide an enhanced, more deep listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer outstanding clarity for calls, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control calls and music from any compatible device.
The headphones have a elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They have accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, yet don't feel tight. The redesigned form and shape took a long time to perfect, and provides an incredibly comfortable clamping force that isn't too hard, even on my own cranium that is rotund.
They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and remain in place during long listening sessions. A strong hinge on the back of the headband enables you to fold them up for easy transport in an enclosed case.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for both high-resolution audio and tight video sync. You can play the headphones wired, too, with the included 3.5mm cable that connects to a USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to signal rapid charging, and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W app has similar controls to the hardware onboard buttons including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes, and more. When you play music on your iPhone, the app displays album cover and track titles. Popular extras such as music presets and soundscapes mode aren't available, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones by Sennheiser, and it is designed to meet the highest expectations. The design and construction of the headphones is optimized to give a detail resolution that encompasses all of the frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever experience with an open-back pair of headphones.
The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, which means it requires a top-quality headphone amplifier to drive it at the right levels, without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended since this can double the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.
The headphones are designed for a professional use and have a sturdy metal frame with a mix of leather and plastic. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't resemble a fancy pair of headphones, however they feel premium in the palm and are built to last. They come with a carrying case, an extra audio cable and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.
The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments in a natural way, even although they are a bit lighter on bass. The open-back design creates a spacious, out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb, with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region is also extremely linear, which means you shouldn't have any issues hitting sibilants or the upper impact of the drum snare.
Even with the absence of booming bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when needed. They'll still be a great choice for those who like listening to rock music with powerful basslines, but they might not be like some of the other 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 incline in the upper mids, which won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations which is a benefit.
The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are perfect for professionals and audiophiles. shops that sell headphones and comfortable fitting make them a great option. They're costly, but you're paying for 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 great set of headphones for anyone who wants to relax or simply need an affordable pair of headphones that block out noise. They come with a basic pouch that will give them some protection when you throw them into a bag, and their battery is capable of lasting multiple long haul flights. Their ANC does a great job of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles on an airplane, although their audio profile is a little warm and bass-heavy.
The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, there are buttons to pair and power up the headphones as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup there are media playback controls that include a multi-function switch that allows you to activate your phone's voice assistant and enable Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in microphone can be used to make hands-free phone calls.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer an immersive and rich listening experience, due to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz, these headphones are able to provide exceptional clarity and clarity, while their active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a wide range of low and mid-frequency sounds.
One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means that you won't be able to take advantage of the superior codec's low latency when playing on your computer.
The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups also rotate to adjust to your unique head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.