Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you in audio. 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 for tweaking 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 lineup. The headphones feature a brand new design and enhanced ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with higher-end sound quality and superior materials.
They're light for over-ear ANC headphones, with 250g. They're very comfortable to wear, even if you're reading or listening a book. The headband is a friction-rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sound signature that has been designed to please casual music lovers as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, however it's not abrasive or overpowering. The earphones boast a huge and spacious soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This allows you to be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups have touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe forward to go to the next track, then back to listen to the previous one as well as up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices simultaneously and, thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can enable ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup. This lets you hear the sounds around you without having to remove the headphones.
Other useful features include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of high-end fabric and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is superb. In our test we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC activated which is more than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.
The WH1000XM5 is a great microphone that can be used for voice calls. There is no muffled or static sound in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent, and these headphones are perfect for public transportation or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, providing high-end performance and features. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit enhanced active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled inside each earcup, provide a more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide outstanding clarity for calls, even in noisy environments. And an inline remote and microphone lets you manage your calls and music using any compatible device.
These headphones have a similar sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They have accent rings that wrap around the earcups as well as a silver sheen for the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, yet they never feel tight. The redesigned form and shape took many months to perfect, providing an incredibly comfortable clamping force that doesn't push too hard, even on my own cranium that is rotund.
At 10.8 ounces (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and are just a little smaller. relevant internet page enough for carrying in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and will remain comfortable in your hand during long listens. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them for easy transport in a protective case.
The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and the aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio aswell as tight video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a helpful feature with a green flash to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.
The B&W app offers similar controls to the hardware onboard buttons including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes and more. The app also shows an album cover and track's title when you play music on your iPhone. The most popular extras like music presets and a soundscapes mode are not available, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones and was designed to meet the most demanding expectations. The design and construction of the headphones has been optimized to achieve a detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever hear with an open-back pair of headphones.
The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier to drive it 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 metal frame, and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't resemble an expensive pair of headphones, however they feel premium in the palm and are built well. They come with a carrying case, an extra audio cable and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.
The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with a natural sound, even though they are a little lighter on bass. This is because the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble is excellent with minor drops and peaks. The treble region is extremely linear, which means you won't have issues with cutting sibilants, or the upper sound of a snare drum.
Despite the lack of a loud bass, they can still provide dynamism and impact when it is needed. They'll still be enjoyable for those who love listening to rock music with strong basslines, however they might not be like some of the models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.
In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are very linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids that shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They also can reproduce precise time gradations, which is a benefit.
The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top pick because of their excellent audio quality and comfortable fit. The headphones are costly, but they will last you for a long time and will perform in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent pair of headphones for those who wants to relax or simply want an affordable set of headphones that block out noise. The headphones come with a simple bag that will protect them when you put them in a bag. Their battery can last for several long-haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles when on a plane, though their audio profile is a little warm and bass-heavy.
The Life Q20's controls are easy to navigate and well-marked. On the left earcup, there are buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find controls for playing back media, including a multi-function button that lets you activate your phone's voice assistant and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). The built-in mic can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone offers a deep, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones feature a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancelling is designed to block out a variety of low- and mid-frequency sound.
Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is disappointing. This means you won't be capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's lower latency while playing games on your PC.
The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are soft enough to wear for extended periods of time without discomfort. The earcups can rotate to adjust to the shape of your head. You can also enjoy your music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.