Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears and allow you to fully immerse in the sound. They are typically made for audiophiles, and come with features like active noise cancellation and control apps.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that includes ANC and a mobile application to adjust the EQ, and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade in their noise cancellation line-up. They have a fresh new design, upgraded ANC and a host of the same features that their predecessors had but with better materials and slightly more premium sound quality.
At only 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear, even when you're listening to or reading the audiobook. The headband is a friction-rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which prevents your ears getting too cold.
With a sound quality that can satisfy people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass, but not too loud or harsh. They have a wide and open soundstage with good instrument separation that allows you to hear the details in your music. The earcups come with control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song or backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically stop playback whenever you take them off 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 listen to what's happening around you without taking off the headphones.
They can also be connected with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of top quality 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 battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is excellent. In our most basic test we were able get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC turned on which is much better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.
The WH1000XM5 is a great microphone for making calls. There is no muffled or static sound in the background. Noise-canceling is also excellent, and these headphones are ideal for public transportation or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. head phone shop features a range of new features and performance. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 comes with premium performance and features, including 24bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully angled inside each earcup to provide an enhanced, more deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control music and calls from any compatible device.
Like the PX7's original design These headphones have elegant and refined with accent rings on each earcup and an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit well, but not too tightly on the cranium. The new design and shape was developed over the course of several months and offers an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force into my skull.
At 10.8 ounces (or 307g) They're 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as slightly smaller. They're light enough to carry in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and will stay comfortably in place during long listening sessions. The headband is foldable by using a sturdy hinge on the back.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for both high-resolution audio and precise video sync. You can play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to a USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is an excellent touch with a green flash to indicate rapid charge and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.
The B&W app offers the same controls as the hardware onboard buttons including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes and much more. The app also displays an album cover and track's name when you play music on your iPhone. Some popular features like music presets and soundscapes mode are not available, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction was designed to give a breath-taking detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic audio you'll hear on headphones with open backs.
The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier to operate at the desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, as this will double the output power and improve the overall sound quality.
These headphones are designed for professional use. They have a steel frame, and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't appear like an expensive pair of headphones, but they feel premium in the palm and are built to last. They come with a carrying pouch and an extra audio cable as well as a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.
The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with naturality, though they are a little light on bass. The open-back design results in an expansive, out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region is also extremely smooth, meaning you'll not have issues piercing sibilants and the upper bite of the drum snare.
They can still deliver impact as well as dynamism and impact in the event of need, despite the absence of a booming low-end. They'll still be a great choice for those who love listening to rock music with punchy basslines, but they may not sound as fun as some of the competing models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.
In the mids in the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are extremely linear and have a slight scoop in the upper mids that shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations, which is an added benefit.
The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them an excellent option. The headphones are costly, but they will last you for years and perform well in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that can do the trick for anyone who wants to pass the time or simply needs a cheap set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag that protects the headphones when you place them into the bag. Their battery can last for a long time on long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out noisy passengers and engine rumbles. However, their audio profile is a bit heavy and warm.
The Life Q20's controls can be easy to use and clearly marked. On the left earcup, you'll see buttons to pair and power up the headphones, as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, there are media playback controls. This includes a multi-function button that activates your phone's voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about that later). The built-in mic can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer a rich and immersive listening experience, thanks to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that offer certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz they are able to provide exceptional clarity and detail, as their active noise cancellation technology is designed to block out an extended range of low and mid-frequency sounds.
One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means you will not be able to benefit of the superior codes' lower latency while playing games on your computer.
In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory foam earcups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing any discomfort. The earcups are able to rotate so that they can adjust to the specific shape of your head so that you can achieve a perfect fit. You can also listen to your music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is provided for charging the battery.