Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in the audio. They are usually designed for audiophiles and feature features like active noise cancellation and control apps.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that includes ANC and a mobile application to tweak the EQ, and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation lineup. They sport a new design, enhanced ANC, and many of the same features as their predecessors but with premium materials and slightly higher-quality sound.
At just 250g, they are lightweight for over-ear ANC headsets. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or a book. The headband is soft, and it has the same design of a friction rod as the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sound signature that has been designed to please people who listen to music for pleasure as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, yet it's not harsh or blazing. The earphones have a large and wide soundstage, as well as good instrument separation. This lets you listen to the subtleties 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, and up and down to adjust the volume. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously and will automatically pause playback when you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also switch on the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup that lets you hear what's going on around you, without taking off 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 durable carrying case made of premium fabric and a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers running Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is exceptional. In our test, we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC switched on which is more than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.
The WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic mic for voice calls. There is no static or muffled audio in the background. The noise-canceling performance is also top-notch, and they're a good fit for public transport or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and improved performance. This includes 24-bit wireless streaming enhanced active noise cancellation, and clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. headphones buy , which are designed specifically and angled in each earcup, provide a more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control music and calls from any device that is compatible.
As with the PX7's original design The headphones sport sleek and elegant with accent rings around each earcup as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium but don't feel tight. The redesigned shape and form required a lot of time to perfect, delivering a comfortable clamping force that doesn't push too hard on my own cranium that is rotund.
At 10.8 ounces (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as slightly smaller. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and remain in place for long listening sessions. The headband can be folded using a sturdy hinge at the back.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for high-resolution audio as well as precise video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located 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 indicate Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W app offers similar controls to the hardware onboard buttons such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes and more. The app also shows an album cover and track title when you play music using your iPhone. Popular extras such as music presets, soundscapes and music mode are missing, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones by Sennheiser and is designed to meet the highest demands. The design and construction of the headphones is optimized to give a detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic sound you'll ever experience in a pair of open-back headphones.
The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, so it requires a high-quality headphone amplifier to operate to the levels you want without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended as this will double the power output and increase the overall sound quality.
The headphones are designed for a professional use and feature a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of leather and plastic. The design is simple and they're not fancy, but the quality of the headphones and their construction are excellent. They come with a carrying pouch as well as an additional audio cable as well as an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.
With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, though they are a bit light on bass. The open-back design creates an expansive, out-of-head soundstage. The treble is excellent, with minor peaks and drops. The treble region also has a linearity and you won't be able to deal with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of a drum snare.
They can still provide impact and dynamism in the event of need, despite the absence of a powerful low-end. These headphones are still great for those who like rock music with a punchy bass however, they may not sound as good as other models on this list.
In the mids they are 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 most listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations of vocals, which is a big plus.
The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are perfect for professionals and audiophiles. They are a top choice because of their outstanding sound quality and comfortable fit. They're costly however, you're getting headphones that will last for many years to be used and perform to their best in any environment.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great set of headphones for anyone looking to pass the time or just want a pair of affordable headphones that cancel out noise. They come with a basic bag which will provide protection when you throw them into a bag, and their battery can last many long-haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles when on the plane, but their audio profile is a little heavy and warm.
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 or off the active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup there are controls for playback of media, including a multi-function button that lets you activate the voice assistant on your phone and switch on 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 Q20 headphone offers a deep and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz they offer exceptional clarity and clarity, while their active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wider range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.
One thing to keep in mind about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they don't support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means you will not be able to benefit of the higher codes' lower latency when playing games on your computer.
The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam ear cups are soft enough to wear for long periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups also rotate to adjust to your individual head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.