Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears to immerse you in the sound. They are usually designed for audiophiles and have features like active noise cancelling and control apps.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that includes ANC as well as a mobile app to alter the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio through USB-C for wired listening.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation range. They feature a new design, upgraded ANC and a host of the same features as their predecessors, but with better materials and slightly higher-quality sound.
They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing just 250g. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or reading a book. The headband is soft and it has a friction rod design like the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.
With an audio quality that can satisfy casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to have a slight focus on bass, but it isn't too loud or harsh. The earphones have a large and open soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This allows you to hear the details in your music. The earcups come with touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track or backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices simultaneously and due to an inbuilt sensor, they automatically stop the playback when removed from your head. You can enable the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup. This lets you hear the sounds around you without having to remove the headphones.
They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made from top quality fabric, as well as a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery capacity is superb. In our most basic test, we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC activated which is much better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.
The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for voice calls is excellent, and there's no muffled or static-y audio in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent and these headphones are ideal for public transportation or in the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and improved performance. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits enhanced active noise cancellation, and clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled in each earcup, offer more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones guarantee excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote allows you to control calls and music from any compatible device.
Like the PX7's original design These headphones have a sleekly refined look with accent rings around each earcup as well as a silver-colored headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium, yet they never feel tight. The new shape and form was refined over a period of time and provides a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't press hard on my own rotund skull.
At 10.8 grams (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter than the Sony WH-1000XM5, and are a touch thinner. They're light enough to carry in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and will remain comfortable in your hand during long listens. A strong hinge on the back of the headband enables you to fold them for easy transport in a protective case.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for high-resolution audio and precise video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a useful feature that flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is active.
The B&W App has the same features that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer - bass and treble adjustments, action button assignments, wear detection, cycling through ANC modes, etc. When you play music on your iPhone the app will display album cover and track titles. However, some popular features such as music presets or soundscapes feature are not available.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. The technical design was designed to provide an incredible detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic sound you'll ever hear in a pair of open-back 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, because it will increase the output power and improve the overall sound quality.
These headphones are made for professional use. They feature a metal frame and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalistic and doesn't look extravagant, but the quality of the headphones and their build are excellent. They come with a carrying pouch and an additional audio cable, as well as a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.
online shopping headphone has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with naturality, although they are a bit light on bass. This is due to the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding with only minor dips and peaks. The treble area is extremely smooth, meaning you won't have issues with cutting sibilants, or the upper sound of the drum snare.
They can still deliver impact and dynamism when required, despite the absence of a booming low-end. They'll still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to music with powerful basslines, but they might not be as enjoyable as some of the models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.
In the mids in the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They're very straight and have a slight scoop in the upper mids which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They are also able to reproduce fine time gradations in vocals which is a huge plus.
The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are perfect for professionals and audiophiles. They're a top choice due to their exceptional audio quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive, but they will last you for years and perform well in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good set of headphones for anyone who wants to relax or simply need an affordable set of headphones that block out noise. The headphones come with a basic bag that protects them when you put them in a bag. Their battery can last for a long time on long-haul flights. Their ANC does a great job of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles when 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, you'll find buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones, as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup there are media playback controls that include a multi-function switch that allows you to activate the voice assistant of your phone and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). The built-in microphone can be used to make hands-free phone calls.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone offers a deep, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones have an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancellation is designed to filter out a broad range of low- and mid-frequency sound.
Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a pity. This means you won't in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency while gaming on your PC.
The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are soft enough to be worn for extended periods of time without discomfort. The earcups can rotate to adjust to the shape of your head. You can also listen to your music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.