Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears to immerse you in the sound. They are generally designed for audiophiles and have features like active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless pair that comes with ANC as well as 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 by Sony are the latest model in their noise cancellation line-up. The headphones are updated with a new design and have improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with higher-end sound quality and better materials.

They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones, with 250 grams. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or reading a book. The headband features a friction rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.

With a sound quality that will please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to have a slight focus on bass but is not overpowering or harsh. The earphones headphones boast a huge and wide soundstage, as well as excellent instrument separation. This lets you be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups come with control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe up or down to change the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track, backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also turn on the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup that lets you be aware of what's happening around you without taking off the headphones.

Other useful features 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 from premium fabric and a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones are compatible with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers running Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is exceptional. In our test of the standard battery we had 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30 hour battery life.

The WH1000XM5 is a great mic for voice calls. There's no muffled or static audio in the background. The noise cancellation performance is top-quality, and they're a good choice for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering high-end performance and features. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 is a premium model with a variety of features like 24-bit wireless streaming with active noise cancellation that is optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are carefully angled inside each earcup to provide a more focused, deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide superior call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control calls and music from any compatible device.

The headphones have a sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups, and a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly, but not too tightly on the cranium. The redesigned shape and form required a lot of time to perfect, providing a comfortable clamping force that doesn't press too hard on my own rotund cranium.

They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to carry in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and will stay comfortable in your hand during long listening sessions. The headband can be folded using a sturdy hinge at the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio aswell as a fast video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to show rapid charging and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App has the same control options that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer - bass and treble adjustments as well as action button assignments, wear detection, cycling through ANC modes as well as other features. The app also shows an album cover and track's name when you play music from your iPhone. However, the most popular features like music presets or a soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones, and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. The design and construction of the headphones is optimized to give an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic spatial sound you'll hear with an open-back pair of headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier to drive it to the levels you want without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which will increase the output and enhance the sound quality.

These headphones are made for professional use and have a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with plastics and leather padding. The design is minimalistic and doesn't look extravagant, but the quality of the headphones and their construction are superb. They come with a carry pouch and an extra audio cable as well as an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are light in bass. The open-back design creates a spacious, out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb, with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region is extremely linear, which means you shouldn't have any issues cutting sibilants, or the upper bite of a snare drum.

Despite not having a booming bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when needed. They will still be enjoyable for those who love listening to rock music that has powerful basslines, but they might not be as enjoyable as some of the other models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids in the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are very linear and have a slight scoop in the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They also can reproduce precise time gradations, which is an added bonus.

The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top pick because of their excellent audio quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive however, you're getting headphones gaming (www.koreafish.co.kr) that will last for years to come and perform at their best in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great set of headphones for anyone looking to pass the time or simply need an affordable pair of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag that will give them some protection when you toss them into a bag, and their battery can last for several long haul flights. Their ANC does a great job of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles when on a plane, though their audio profile is a bit heavy and warm.

The Life Q20's controls can be easy to navigate and well-marked. On the left earcup, there are buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones, as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function control that activates your phone's voice assistant and turns on Anker BassUp (more about that later). You can also make use of the built-in microphone to make hands-free calls with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone offers a deep and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones feature a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancellation is designed to block out a broad range of mid- and low-frequency sound.

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 that you won't not be able to take advantage of the higher codes' lower latency while gaming on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are comfortable enough to wear for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups also rotate to adjust to your unique head shape. You can also enjoy your music with a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is included for charging the battery.