Best over ear headphones noise cancelling over-ear headphones wireless beats overhead headphones
Over-ear headphones usually have longer battery longevity than earbuds. They also offer superior noise cancellation.
Sony's WH1000XM5s are the best over-ear headphones that feature wireless technology. They sound great with a bass-heavy, rich sound that allows instruments and vocals to shine. With active noise cancellation (ANC) on, they last over 40 hours on a single charge.
Focal Bathys Wireless
The Focal Bathys Wireless are an audiophile-grade entry into the booming travel-focused, premium Bluetooth headphone market, which has been dominated by Bose and Sony offerings. Focal's reputation for producing the highest quality high-fidelity speakers meant that it wasn't able to reduce its size to be competitive. It decided to design its own earbuds with built-in ANC using the same amplifiers, transducers, and other components as its flagship products.
The result is an earbud that offers top-notch performance but also feels sturdy and luxurious. Focal reduced the size and weight of its premium headphones to make them more compact and still use magnesium for the yokes. The design is sleek and stylish, with a the circular, "skeletonised", design similar to Focal's high-end Focal celestee headphones. LED backlit Focal logos are placed on the back of the headphones and actually glow.
The earcups fold flat for convenient storage, and the cable can be removed to be used with other devices that lack Bluetooth, such as many cell phones. The ear cups can be folded flat for Apple Headphones over The ear easy storage. The cable can also be detached to be used with devices that don't have Bluetooth like many cell phones.
The headphones can also be used in DAC-mode which disables internal processing to deliver a higher quality sound than Bluetooth headphones with built-in DACs. Focal declined to reveal the specific DAC they used, but when tested with a high-quality portable DAC/headphone amp, the Bathys delivered great results--including better-than-CD-quality resolution, tight bass, and an open, airy midrange.
The Focal Bathys are made to be utilized on planes as well as in other noisy environments however, the DAC mode makes them ideal for more critical listening. Most portable headphones are closed back and tuned for boosted bass but the Bathys provide a neutral, balanced sound that's perfect for rock and other popular genres without getting overly boomy. A pair of these would make a great gift for the audiophile on your list.
JBL Tune 760NC
The JBL Tune 760NC are a lightweight and comfortable pair of Apple Headphones Over The Ear with active noise cancellation. They have a deep bass profile that adds depth to your audio, and they have long battery life for listening sessions. They also have a durable build that is ideal for commutes and travel however, they may feel uncomfortable for long listening sessions due to their tight fitting.
The headphones come with a set control that you can use to control the music and your call settings. They have buttons for volume up down, power, and ANC on/off. The buttons are surrounded by a small section that is lit by an LED, and you can press it to switch the headphone's light display. The headphones are comfortable and are comfortable to wear, but they can be uncomfortable for people who wear glasses.
JBL's Active Noise Cancellation technology reduces ambient noise by analyzing and interpret the sounds coming from outside of the headphone. Then, it inverts the sound and cancels them out, creating a more peaceful listening environment. This allows you listen at lower volume and avoid ear fatigue. The headphones come with a built-in microphone, which lets you make phone calls without hands and activate voice assistants.
These headphones are compatible with the majority of Bluetooth devices including your laptop and many mobile phones. These headphones are compatible with the majority of PS4 and Xbox One Controllers for receiving audio however they are not able to communicate with teammates. The USB port lets you charge the devices and listen to audio from your computer.
The JBLs 760NCs feature an easy-to-fold, compact design that makes it easy to pack. They come with built-in batteries that can last up to 40 hours of continuous use and are equipped with noise cancellation technology that blocks out distracting sounds. They also have the ability to connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, meaning you can switch from watching videos on your tablet to making calls on your phone without missing a beat.
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 are a pair of in-ear Bluetooth headphones that offer what people expect from Bluetooth headphones. They're priced at a fair cost, come with an extremely long-lasting battery, an additional cable backup, and offer peace of mind thanks to Tile finding technology. It comes with simple controls on the earcup and is able to connect wired and wireless devices. The Riff Wireless headphones come with a companion app that lets you personalize your listening experience. It also lets users to minimize audio and video delays when paired with smart tvs or computers, and also set up a multi-device pairing.
They have a padded band that is very comfortable. They are made to be used to travel or commute and are able to fold up to make it easy to store in bags or backpacks. They have a plasticky quality, but are fairly durable and provide a solid click when you move or flex them. Noise cancelling may be a problem for some people, however they block some of the low rumbles that come from buses and the chatter of passengers.
These headphones have a decent sound quality, especially given their low cost. They don't have lush midranges like the more expensive models however they have good overall detail at most volume levels. The bass is very powerful and punchy, and the highs are a little soft, but not a lot. They are perfect for pop and rock, but not for genres that need a deep, full bass.
The Riff Wireless 2 headphones come with more features than the older version. They have an unison sound profile, which could appeal to certain users. They also have a more efficient microphone and can work with multiple devices. They also support higher volume and have a longer battery life.
These headphones are good however they don't provide the same level comfort as other Skullcandy products such as the Hesh 3 Wireless. They're still a solid option for most people, but they aren't the best choice for active use and may fall off during high-intensity exercise.
Razer Opus
The Opus is Razer's first attempt at a lifestyle headphone set, and it's an impressive one. Its intended audience is likely a lot wider than gamers and offers quality that rivals the top models from Sony and Bose at a price that is affordable.
The design is somewhat sluggish, even by Razer's standards. There's no RGB lighting and no trademark green accents. The Tri-Snake isn't evident. The headset is, in fact, similar to other Bluetooth headphones, sporting semicircle hinges that swivel and fold flat on top of the earcups to create a comfortable headband. They're also lighter and portable than the majority of gaming headsets, weighing just 265g when folded.
Onboard controls are located on the right earcup, with track and power buttons beside a recessed multi-function button that doubles as an active noise-cancellation cycle button. The controls were simple to use. They worked as they were advertised during my tests.
The Opus' bass is punchy and well-rounded, offering depth and clarity you won't find in a lot of budget headphones. The sound is not as full-bodied as Bose's Extra Bass, but it's far superior for a $200 price tag. Vocals and the lead instruments can be heard with a good clarity. The mids are solid. I did notice a little lack of clarity in the highs however, changing the EQ to the Vocal setting fixed the issue.
As an added bonus as a bonus, you'll find a 3.5mm analog cable and USB-C-to-A adapter inside the case, as well as an audio jack for airplanes that is standard for those that haven't yet switched to all-cable audio. It's a minor but welcome feature that makes it easier to use the headphones while traveling.
As with other THX-certified products such as the Opus performed well in my tests. I was able to stroll through the city with ANC turned on without having to increase the volume to block out ambient noise, and I never felt the need increase the volume of my music to hear it. This is the type of sound quality that can help you to prevent hearing loss from excessive exposure to high frequency frequencies.
Over-ear headphones usually have longer battery longevity than earbuds. They also offer superior noise cancellation.
Sony's WH1000XM5s are the best over-ear headphones that feature wireless technology. They sound great with a bass-heavy, rich sound that allows instruments and vocals to shine. With active noise cancellation (ANC) on, they last over 40 hours on a single charge.
Focal Bathys Wireless
The Focal Bathys Wireless are an audiophile-grade entry into the booming travel-focused, premium Bluetooth headphone market, which has been dominated by Bose and Sony offerings. Focal's reputation for producing the highest quality high-fidelity speakers meant that it wasn't able to reduce its size to be competitive. It decided to design its own earbuds with built-in ANC using the same amplifiers, transducers, and other components as its flagship products.
The result is an earbud that offers top-notch performance but also feels sturdy and luxurious. Focal reduced the size and weight of its premium headphones to make them more compact and still use magnesium for the yokes. The design is sleek and stylish, with a the circular, "skeletonised", design similar to Focal's high-end Focal celestee headphones. LED backlit Focal logos are placed on the back of the headphones and actually glow.
The earcups fold flat for convenient storage, and the cable can be removed to be used with other devices that lack Bluetooth, such as many cell phones. The ear cups can be folded flat for Apple Headphones over The ear easy storage. The cable can also be detached to be used with devices that don't have Bluetooth like many cell phones.
The headphones can also be used in DAC-mode which disables internal processing to deliver a higher quality sound than Bluetooth headphones with built-in DACs. Focal declined to reveal the specific DAC they used, but when tested with a high-quality portable DAC/headphone amp, the Bathys delivered great results--including better-than-CD-quality resolution, tight bass, and an open, airy midrange.
The Focal Bathys are made to be utilized on planes as well as in other noisy environments however, the DAC mode makes them ideal for more critical listening. Most portable headphones are closed back and tuned for boosted bass but the Bathys provide a neutral, balanced sound that's perfect for rock and other popular genres without getting overly boomy. A pair of these would make a great gift for the audiophile on your list.
JBL Tune 760NC
The JBL Tune 760NC are a lightweight and comfortable pair of Apple Headphones Over The Ear with active noise cancellation. They have a deep bass profile that adds depth to your audio, and they have long battery life for listening sessions. They also have a durable build that is ideal for commutes and travel however, they may feel uncomfortable for long listening sessions due to their tight fitting.
The headphones come with a set control that you can use to control the music and your call settings. They have buttons for volume up down, power, and ANC on/off. The buttons are surrounded by a small section that is lit by an LED, and you can press it to switch the headphone's light display. The headphones are comfortable and are comfortable to wear, but they can be uncomfortable for people who wear glasses.
JBL's Active Noise Cancellation technology reduces ambient noise by analyzing and interpret the sounds coming from outside of the headphone. Then, it inverts the sound and cancels them out, creating a more peaceful listening environment. This allows you listen at lower volume and avoid ear fatigue. The headphones come with a built-in microphone, which lets you make phone calls without hands and activate voice assistants.
These headphones are compatible with the majority of Bluetooth devices including your laptop and many mobile phones. These headphones are compatible with the majority of PS4 and Xbox One Controllers for receiving audio however they are not able to communicate with teammates. The USB port lets you charge the devices and listen to audio from your computer.
The JBLs 760NCs feature an easy-to-fold, compact design that makes it easy to pack. They come with built-in batteries that can last up to 40 hours of continuous use and are equipped with noise cancellation technology that blocks out distracting sounds. They also have the ability to connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, meaning you can switch from watching videos on your tablet to making calls on your phone without missing a beat.
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 are a pair of in-ear Bluetooth headphones that offer what people expect from Bluetooth headphones. They're priced at a fair cost, come with an extremely long-lasting battery, an additional cable backup, and offer peace of mind thanks to Tile finding technology. It comes with simple controls on the earcup and is able to connect wired and wireless devices. The Riff Wireless headphones come with a companion app that lets you personalize your listening experience. It also lets users to minimize audio and video delays when paired with smart tvs or computers, and also set up a multi-device pairing.
They have a padded band that is very comfortable. They are made to be used to travel or commute and are able to fold up to make it easy to store in bags or backpacks. They have a plasticky quality, but are fairly durable and provide a solid click when you move or flex them. Noise cancelling may be a problem for some people, however they block some of the low rumbles that come from buses and the chatter of passengers.
These headphones have a decent sound quality, especially given their low cost. They don't have lush midranges like the more expensive models however they have good overall detail at most volume levels. The bass is very powerful and punchy, and the highs are a little soft, but not a lot. They are perfect for pop and rock, but not for genres that need a deep, full bass.
The Riff Wireless 2 headphones come with more features than the older version. They have an unison sound profile, which could appeal to certain users. They also have a more efficient microphone and can work with multiple devices. They also support higher volume and have a longer battery life.
These headphones are good however they don't provide the same level comfort as other Skullcandy products such as the Hesh 3 Wireless. They're still a solid option for most people, but they aren't the best choice for active use and may fall off during high-intensity exercise.
Razer Opus
The Opus is Razer's first attempt at a lifestyle headphone set, and it's an impressive one. Its intended audience is likely a lot wider than gamers and offers quality that rivals the top models from Sony and Bose at a price that is affordable.
The design is somewhat sluggish, even by Razer's standards. There's no RGB lighting and no trademark green accents. The Tri-Snake isn't evident. The headset is, in fact, similar to other Bluetooth headphones, sporting semicircle hinges that swivel and fold flat on top of the earcups to create a comfortable headband. They're also lighter and portable than the majority of gaming headsets, weighing just 265g when folded.Onboard controls are located on the right earcup, with track and power buttons beside a recessed multi-function button that doubles as an active noise-cancellation cycle button. The controls were simple to use. They worked as they were advertised during my tests.
The Opus' bass is punchy and well-rounded, offering depth and clarity you won't find in a lot of budget headphones. The sound is not as full-bodied as Bose's Extra Bass, but it's far superior for a $200 price tag. Vocals and the lead instruments can be heard with a good clarity. The mids are solid. I did notice a little lack of clarity in the highs however, changing the EQ to the Vocal setting fixed the issue.
As an added bonus as a bonus, you'll find a 3.5mm analog cable and USB-C-to-A adapter inside the case, as well as an audio jack for airplanes that is standard for those that haven't yet switched to all-cable audio. It's a minor but welcome feature that makes it easier to use the headphones while traveling.
As with other THX-certified products such as the Opus performed well in my tests. I was able to stroll through the city with ANC turned on without having to increase the volume to block out ambient noise, and I never felt the need increase the volume of my music to hear it. This is the type of sound quality that can help you to prevent hearing loss from excessive exposure to high frequency frequencies.