Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you in audio. They are generally designed for audiophiles and come with features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.
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 headphones from Sony are the latest upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation lineup. The headphones have a new design and enhanced ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with superior sound quality and higher-end materials.
At only 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband is soft and has a friction rod design like the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.
With a sound quality that will please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass but is not overpowering or harsh. They have a large and open soundstage with good instrument separation that lets you hear details in your music. The earcups feature touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe forward to go to the next track, then back to hear the previous track as well as up and down to adjust the volume. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices simultaneously and due to an inbuilt sensor, they will automatically stop the playback when removed from your head. You can also switch on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right earcup that lets you listen to what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones.
They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as well as high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of premium fabric, and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our test we were able get 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC turned on, which is better than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.
The WH1000XM5 has a great mic for voice calls. There is no static or muffled audio in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent, and these headphones are perfect for public transportation 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. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 offers premium performance and features, including 24-bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled in each earcup, offer more immersive and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity, even in noisy environments. An inline remote and microphone lets you control your calls and music on any compatible device.
The headphones have a elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They feature accent rings that wrap around the earcups as well as a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit comfortably but not too tightly on the cranium. The redesigned form and shape took many months to perfect, delivering an easy clamping force that doesn't push too hard even on my own cranium that is rotund.
They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a backpack or bag and are comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them for easy transportation in a protective case.
The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio as well as tight 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 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 the same controls as the onboard buttons in the hardware including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and more. The app also displays an album cover and track title when you play music using your iPhone. The most popular extras like music presets and a soundscapes mode are missing, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones from Sennheiser and is designed to meet highest expectations. Its technical construction is optimized to give a detail resolution that encompasses all of the frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It's the most realistic sound you'll experience on open-back headphones.
headphones shopping has a 300 ohm impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier is required 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 boost the quality of sound.
The headphones are designed for a professional use and have a sturdy metal frame with a mix of plastics and leather padding. The design is simple and doesn't look extravagant however the quality of the headphones and their construction are top-quality. They come with a carry case, an additional audio cable, and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.
With a neutral sound profile the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, though they are somewhat light on bass. This is because the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble is very good with minor peaks and drops. The treble region also has a linear quality which means you won't be able to deal with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of a drum snare.
They can still deliver impact and dynamism when required, despite the absence of a loud low-end. They will still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to rock music that has punchy basslines, but they may not be as enjoyable as some of the competing models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.
The Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful mid-range. They are a linear pair with an incline on the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce precise time gradations, which is a bonus.
The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit make them a top option. They're costly however, you're getting a pair of headphones that will last for years to be used and perform well in any environment.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great set of headphones for anyone who wants to relax or simply need an affordable pair of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag which protects them when you throw them in a bag. The battery will last for a long time on long-haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles on a plane, though their audio profile is warmer and bass-heavy.
The Life Q20's controls are simple to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup, there are buttons to pair and power up the headphones as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup, you'll find media playback controls which include a multi-function button that lets you activate your phone's voice assistant and enable Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make hands-free calls with your phone.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide an immersive and deep listening experience due to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. These headphones have an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling is designed to filter out a variety of mid- and low-frequency sound.
Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is disappointing. This means that you won't be in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency while gaming on your PC.
In terms of comfort 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 creating discomfort. The ear cups are also capable of turning and adjust to the specific shape of your head so that you can have a comfortable fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.