Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you into music. They are usually made for audiophiles and have features like active noise cancelling and control apps.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless pair that includes ANC, a mobile app to adjust 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 sport a new design, enhanced ANC, and many of the same features as their predecessors but with higher-end materials and a slightly higher-quality sound.
They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones, with 250g. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when you're listening to a podcast or a book. The headband has a friction-rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.
With a sound quality that can satisfy people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to have a slight focus on bass, but not too loud or harsh. They have a large and spacious soundstage that has good instrument separation that allows you to hear the details in your music. The earcups feature touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe forward to play the next track, reverse to listen to the previous one and then up and down to control the volume. The headphones can connect 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 activate ambient mode by resting your palm on the right earcup that lets you be aware of what's happening around you without taking off the headphones.
They can also be linked 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 a USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is impressive. In our standard test we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC switched on which is much better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.
The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on calls is exceptional and there's not any muffled or static-y sounding background. The noise-canceling performance is also top-quality and they're a perfect option for public transport as well as the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering top-quality performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 comes with premium performance and features, including 24bit wireless streaming with active noise cancellation that is optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are precisely positioned inside each earcup to provide a more focused, immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure superior call clarity even in noisy environments. And an inline remote and microphone lets you manage your calls and music using any compatible device.
The headphones sport a similar sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups as well as a silver sheen for the headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, but don't feel tight. The redesigned shape and form took a long time to perfect, delivering an easy clamping force that isn't too hard, even on my own rotund cranium.
They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and remain in place throughout long listening sessions. The headband can be folded up using a sturdy hinge at the back.
The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio as well as tight video sync. The included 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 feature. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W App has the same control options that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer such as bass and treble adjustments actions button assignments, wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes as well as other features. The app also shows an album cover and track's name when you play music using your iPhone. Some popular features like music presets, soundscapes and music mode aren't available, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones from Sennheiser and is designed to meet the highest expectations. The technical design was designed to provide stunning detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever experience in a pair of open-back headphones.
The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier is required to operate 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 and have a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of leather and plastic. The design is simple and doesn't look like the most expensive pair of headphones, however they feel premium in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carry pouch and 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 however they are lighter on bass. The open-back design creates an expansive out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding, with only minor dips and peaks. The treble area is extremely linear, which means you shouldn't have any issues piercing sibilants and the upper impact of the snare drum.
Despite not having a high-pitched bass, they still produce a punch and dynamism when it is needed. They'll still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to music with strong basslines, however they may not sound like some of the other models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.
The Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful midrange. They are straight and have a slight scoop on the upper mids, which won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also have the ability to reproduce precise time gradations of vocals, which is a big benefit.
The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top pick due to their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive, but you're paying for a pair of headphones that will last for many years to come and perform well in any setting.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent pair of headphones for those who wants to relax or just want an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag which protects them when you throw them in the 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 the plane, but their audio profile is a little warmer and bass-heavy.
The Life Q20's controls are easy to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones and for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup there are media playback controls that include a multi-function switch that allows you to activate your phone's voice assistant and enable Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). You can also utilize the built-in microphone in order to make calls hands-free with your phone.
earphones shop deliver an immersive and deep 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 the headphones can provide outstanding clarity and detail, as their active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wider range of low and mid-frequency sounds.
Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means you won't be capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's lower latency when you're gaming on your PC.
The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are soft enough to wear for long periods without discomfort. The earcups are capable of turning so that they can adjust to the specific shape of your head so that you can get a snug fit. You can also listen to music via a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is included to charge the battery.
