Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you into audio. They are usually made for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancellation and control applications.
The Focal Bathys are a wireless pair with ANC and a mobile application to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 is Sony's most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation range. They have a fresh new design, upgraded ANC, and many of the same features as their predecessors, but with better materials and slightly higher-quality sound.
They're light for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing 250g. They're very comfortable to wear, even when you're reading or listening to the audiobook. The headband has a friction-rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.
With a sound quality that will please casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass but is not too loud or harsh. They have a large and open soundstage with good instrument separation that allows you to hear the specifics in your music. The earcups come with control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe up or down to adjust headphones shopping . You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track, backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at once and due to an inbuilt sensor, they will automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can turn on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup. This allows you to hear the sounds around you without removing the headphones.
They can also be connected with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as well as high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of high-end fabric and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is superb. In our standard battery test we had 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30 hour battery life.
The WH1000XM5 has a great mic for voice calls. There's no muffled or static sound in the background. Noise cancellation is also great and these headphones are ideal for public transportation and the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, providing top-quality performance and features. This includes 24-bit wireless streaming enhanced active noise cancellation, and clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are carefully placed inside each earcup to provide an even more focused and immersive listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer outstanding clarity for calls, even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote allows you to control calls and music on any device that is compatible.
Like the original PX7 The headphones sport elegant and refined, with accent rings around each earcup, and an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, but don't feel tight. The new shape and form was perfected over many months and offers an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force hard on my own rotund skull.
At 10.8 pounds (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as a touch thinner. They're light enough for carrying in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and will remain comfortable in your hand during long listens. The headband can be folded up by using a sturdy hinge on the back.
The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio as well as a fast video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a useful gesture that flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.
The B&W app provides similar controls to the buttons on the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments as well as action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes and more. When you listen to music on your iPhone the app displays album cover and track titles. The most popular extras like music presets, soundscapes and music mode aren't available, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and is made to meet the highest expectations. The design and construction of the headphones has been optimized to provide the highest resolution in detail that covers all frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It's the most realistic sound you'll hear on headphones with open backs.
The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier is needed to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which can increase the output and enhance the sound quality.
These headphones are designed to be used by professionals and have a sturdy metal frame with a mix of plastics and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't look like the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the hand and are built well. They come with a carrying pouch and an extra audio cable and a 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 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 is very linear, so you'll not have issues piercing sibilants and the upper bite of a snare drum.
Despite not having a high-pitched bass, they still provide dynamism and impact when it is needed. These headphones are still great for those who like rock music with a punchy bass however, they may not sound as great as some of the other models on this list.
In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are a linear pair with an incline on the upper mids, which won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce precise time gradations, which is a nice bonus.
The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. 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 able to perform well in any setting.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that can provide the perfect solution for anyone who needs to relax or simply wants a low-cost pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic case that protects the headphones when you place them into a bag. The battery will last multiple long-haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles when on an airplane, although their audio profile is a little warmer and bass-heavy.
The Life Q20's controls can be easy to use and clearly 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, there are controls for playback of media. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistant and turns on Anker BassUp (more about this later). The built-in mic can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone delivers a rich immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. These headphones have the treble range to go up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancellation is specifically designed to block out a variety of mid- and low-frequency sound.
Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is disappointing. This means that you won't be capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's lower latency while 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 long periods of time without causing any discomfort. The earcups are able to rotate and adjust to the unique shape of your head so that you can have a comfortable fit. You can also listen to your music via a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is provided for charging the battery.