Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you into audio. They are typically tuned for audiophiles, and come with features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that includes ANC as well as a mobile app to adjust the EQ, and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 is Sony's most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation lineup. The headphones are updated with a new design and improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but they have superior sound quality and higher-end materials.
They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones at 250g. They're extremely comfortable to wear, even when you're listening to or reading an audiobook. The headband is a friction-rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature created to please people who listen to music for pleasure as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, however it's not harsh or blazing. They have a wide and open soundstage with excellent instrument separation that lets you hear details in your music. uk headphones have touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe forward to play the next track, reverse to listen to the previous one as well as up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at the same time and thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can also turn on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right earcup and allowing you to hear what's going on around you without taking off the headphones.
Other features that are useful include the ability to pair 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 high-end fabric as well as a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers that run Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery capacity is superb. In our test we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC turned on which is much better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.
The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on calls is superb and there's not any muffled or static-y sounding background. The noise cancellation is excellent and they're a perfect fit for public transport or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and performance. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 offers premium performance and features like 24-bit wireless streaming with active noise cancellation that is optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled in each earcup, provide a more immersive and focused listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer outstanding clarity for calls, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control calls and music from any compatible device.
These headphones have a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups, as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly, but not too tightly on the cranium. The new form and shape was perfected over many months and offers a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force into my skull.
They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. The headband is foldable using a sturdy hinge at the back.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is ideal for both high-resolution audio and precise video sync. You can also play the headphones wired, too, with the included 3.5mm cable that connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to signal rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W app has similar controls to the onboard buttons in the hardware - bass and treble adjustment and assigning action buttons, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes, and more. The app also shows an album cover and track's title when you play music using your iPhone. However, some popular features such as music presets or a soundscapes feature are missing.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones made by Sennheiser and is meant to meet the most demanding requirements. Its construction technology has been optimized to achieve the highest resolution in detail that covers all frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic audio you'll experience on open-back headphones.
The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, so a good headphone amplifier will be needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended because it will increase the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.
These headphones are designed for professional use. They have a metal frame, and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't resemble an expensive pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable, and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.
The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with a natural sound, even although they are a bit less bass-y. This is due to the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble is very good, with minor peaks and drops. The treble region is also very linear, so you won't have issues with hitting sibilants or the upper impact of the drum snare.
Despite the lack of a booming bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when it is needed. They'll still be enjoyable for those who love listening to music with strong basslines, however they may not sound as fun as some of the other models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.
In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are a linear pair with a slight scoop on the upper mids, which won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They are also able to reproduce fine time gradations in vocals, which is a big plus.
The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fit make them an excellent option. They're expensive however, you're getting headphones that will last for years to be able to perform at their best in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones that will be a great choice for anyone looking to pass the time or simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic case that will protect them when you put them in bags. Their battery can last for a long time on long-haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out noisy passengers and engine rumbles, but their audio profile is a bit heavy and warm.
The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, you'll see buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see controls for playback of media. This includes a multi-function control that activates your phone's voice assistance and turns on Anker BassUp (more about it later). The built-in mic can be used to make hands-free phone calls.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide an immersive and rich listening experience, due to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz they are able to provide exceptional clarity and detail, as their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out an extended range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.
One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means that 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 ear cups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing discomfort. The ear cups also rotate to adjust to your individual head shape. You can also listen to music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is included to charge the battery.