Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you in the music. They tend to be designed for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless pair with ANC and a mobile app to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancellation lineup. They feature a new design, enhanced ANC and a host of the same features as their predecessors, but with better materials and slightly more premium sound quality.

They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones at 250 grams. They are very comfortable to wear, no matter if you're reading or Headphonesshop listening to the audiobook. The headband is soft and has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sonic signature that is designed to satisfy both casual music lovers as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, however it's not abrasive or imposing. The earphones with noise cancellation boast a huge and spacious soundstage, with excellent instrument separation. This lets you hear the details in your music. The earcups are also equipped with touch controls, which are responsive and intuitive to use. You can swipe forward to access the next track, back to listen to the previous one and then up and down to adjust the volume. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices simultaneously and due to an inbuilt sensor, they will automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can also turn on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup that lets you be aware of what's happening around you without removing the headphones.

Other useful features include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made of top quality fabric, as well as a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers operating Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is excellent. In our test of the standard battery we recorded 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for calls is exceptional and there's no distorted or static-y sounding background. The noise-canceling performance is also excellent, and they're a good choice for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, offering top-quality performance and features. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit enhanced active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice call quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are carefully angled inside each earcup to create an even more focused and immersive listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer excellent call clarity even in noisy surroundings. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control calls and music on any compatible device.

Like the PX7's original design These headphones have sleek and elegant with accent rings around each earcup and HeadphonesShop an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit well, but not too tightly on the cranium. The redesigned shape and form took a long time to perfect, and provides an easy clamping force that doesn't press too hard, even on my own cranium that is rotund.

They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to carry in your bag or backpack without any discomfort, and they'll stay comfortable in your hand during long listening sessions. A strong hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them for easy transportation in a protective case.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and the aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-quality audio as well for a tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a useful feature that flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.

The B&W app has the same controls as the onboard buttons in the hardware including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes and much more. The app also displays an album cover and track's name when you play music from your iPhone. Popular extras such as music presets and a soundscapes mode are missing, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones made by Sennheiser and is meant to meet the highest demands. Its technical construction has been optimized to provide the highest resolution in detail that covers all the spectrum of frequencies, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It's the most realistic audio you'll hear on headphones with open backs.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier is required to drive it at desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to use a balanced connection, which will double the output and improve the quality of sound.

These headphones are made for professional use. They have a steel frame, and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is minimalistic and they're not fancy, but the quality of the headphones and their build are excellent. They come with a carry pouch and an additional 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, although they are a bit light on bass. The open-back design produces an expansive, out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb with only minor dips and peaks. The Treble region also is linear which means you won't have any issues with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of a drum snare.

Even with the absence of booming bass, they can still deliver impact and dynamism when required. They'll still be a great choice for those who enjoy listening to rock music with powerful basslines, but they may not be like some of the models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are linear with a slight scoop on the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also have the ability to reproduce precise time gradations in vocals, which is a big benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fit make them an excellent option. The headphones are costly, but they'll last for many years and perform in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones that can be a great choice for anyone who wants to pass the time or just wants an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag that protects them when you put them in the bag. Their battery can last multiple long-haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles on a plane, though their audio profile is heavy and warm.

The Life Q20's controls are easy to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons to pair and power up the headphones, as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup, you'll find media playback controls that include a multi-function switch which lets you turn on the voice assistant of your phone and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). You can also make use of the built-in microphone to make calls hands-free with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver an immersive and deep listening experience due to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz the headphones can provide outstanding clarity and detail, while their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wider 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 aptX, which is a disappointment. This means that you won't not be able take advantage of the superior codes' lower latency when gaming on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam earcups are soft enough to wear for extended periods of time without discomfort. The earcups are capable of turning so that they can adjust to the unique shape of your head so you can have a comfortable fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.