Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears to immerse you in the sound. They tend to be made for audiophiles, and feature features like active noise cancellation and control applications.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that includes ANC and a mobile application to alter the EQ, and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening through 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 have improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with superior sound quality and higher-end materials.
They're light for over-ear ANC headphones, with just 250g. 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, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 has a sonic signature that is designed to please people who listen to music for pleasure as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, however it's not abrasive or overpowering. They have a wide and open soundstage with excellent instrument separation that lets you hear specifics in your music. The earcups have touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe up or down to change the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song or backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones sennheiser can connect to two devices at once and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head due to the built-in sensor. You can enable ambient mode by placing your hand on the right earcup. This lets you listen to the sounds around you without removing the headphones beats, Read the Full Report,.
They can also be connected with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of premium fabric, and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers operating Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is superb. In our standard test we were able achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC activated which is much better than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.
The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on calls is superb, and there's no muffled or static-y sounding background. Noise-canceling is also excellent, and these headphones are ideal for public transportation or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and performance. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 comes with 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, that are custom-designed and angled to fit in each earcup, offer more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control calls and music from any device that is compatible.
The headphones have a sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They feature accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit comfortably, but not too tightly on the cranium. The redesigned shape and form required a lot of time to perfect, delivering a comfortable clamping force that isn't too hard, even on my own cranium that is rotund.
They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to fit in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and will stay comfortably in place during long listens. The headband can be folded up by using a sturdy hinge on the back.
The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio as well as tight video sync. You can also play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to an USB-C port located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to show rapid charging and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W app offers the same features as the hardware onboard buttons including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes and more. When you listen to music on your iPhone the app displays album covers and track titles. Some popular features like music presets, soundscapes and music mode are missing, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones, and is made to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction has been optimized to achieve the highest resolution in detail that covers all of the frequency spectrum dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It's the most realistic spatial audio you'll experience on open-back headphones on sale.
The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, so a good headphone amplifier will be needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, as this will double 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 headphones beats leather padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't appear like the most expensive pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the palm and are built well. They come with a carry case, an extra 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 drops and peaks. The region of the treble has a linear quality and you won't be able to deal with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of a drum snare.
Despite the lack of a booming bass, they can still deliver impact and dynamism when it is needed. They'll still be a great choice for those who like listening to music with strong basslines, however they might not be as enjoyable as some of the other models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.
These Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful midrange. They are very linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations which is a bonus.
The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice because of their outstanding audio quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive, but they will last you for many years and perform in any environment.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent set of headphones for anyone looking to pass the time or simply need an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a simple pouch that provides protection when you throw them in a bag and their battery is capable of lasting many long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles, but their audio quality is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.
The Life Q20's controls can be easy to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll see buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones, as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup there are media playback controls which include a multi-function button that allows you to activate the voice assistant on your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). The built-in microphone can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver a rich and immersive listening experience, thanks to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz the headphones offer exceptional clarity and clarity, while their active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.
Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is disappointing. This means that you will not be able to take advantage of the better codes' lower latency while gaming on your computer.
The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are soft enough to wear for long periods without discomfort. The earcups can be rotated to accommodate your unique head shape. You can also listen to music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is included to charge the battery.
Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears to immerse you in the sound. They tend to be made for audiophiles, and feature features like active noise cancellation and control applications.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that includes ANC and a mobile application to alter the EQ, and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening through 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 have improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with superior sound quality and higher-end materials.
They're light for over-ear ANC headphones, with just 250g. 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, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 has a sonic signature that is designed to please people who listen to music for pleasure as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, however it's not abrasive or overpowering. They have a wide and open soundstage with excellent instrument separation that lets you hear specifics in your music. The earcups have touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe up or down to change the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song or backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones sennheiser can connect to two devices at once and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head due to the built-in sensor. You can enable ambient mode by placing your hand on the right earcup. This lets you listen to the sounds around you without removing the headphones beats, Read the Full Report,.
They can also be connected with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of premium fabric, and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers operating Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is superb. In our standard test we were able achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC activated which is much better than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.
The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on calls is superb, and there's no muffled or static-y sounding background. Noise-canceling is also excellent, and these headphones are ideal for public transportation or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and performance. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 comes with 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, that are custom-designed and angled to fit in each earcup, offer more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control calls and music from any device that is compatible.
The headphones have a sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They feature accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit comfortably, but not too tightly on the cranium. The redesigned shape and form required a lot of time to perfect, delivering a comfortable clamping force that isn't too hard, even on my own cranium that is rotund.
They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to fit in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and will stay comfortably in place during long listens. The headband can be folded up by using a sturdy hinge on the back.
The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio as well as tight video sync. You can also play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to an USB-C port located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to show rapid charging and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W app offers the same features as the hardware onboard buttons including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes and more. When you listen to music on your iPhone the app displays album covers and track titles. Some popular features like music presets, soundscapes and music mode are missing, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones, and is made to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction has been optimized to achieve the highest resolution in detail that covers all of the frequency spectrum dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It's the most realistic spatial audio you'll experience on open-back headphones on sale.
The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, so a good headphone amplifier will be needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, as this will double 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 headphones beats leather padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't appear like the most expensive pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the palm and are built well. They come with a carry case, an extra 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 drops and peaks. The region of the treble has a linear quality and you won't be able to deal with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of a drum snare.
Despite the lack of a booming bass, they can still deliver impact and dynamism when it is needed. They'll still be a great choice for those who like listening to music with strong basslines, however they might not be as enjoyable as some of the other models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.
These Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful midrange. They are very linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations which is a bonus.
The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice because of their outstanding audio quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive, but they will last you for many years and perform in any environment.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent set of headphones for anyone looking to pass the time or simply need an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a simple pouch that provides protection when you throw them in a bag and their battery is capable of lasting many long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles, but their audio quality is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.
The Life Q20's controls can be easy to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll see buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones, as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup there are media playback controls which include a multi-function button that allows you to activate the voice assistant on your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). The built-in microphone can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver a rich and immersive listening experience, thanks to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz the headphones offer exceptional clarity and clarity, while their active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.
Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is disappointing. This means that you will not be able to take advantage of the better codes' lower latency while gaming on your computer.
The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are soft enough to wear for long periods without discomfort. The earcups can be rotated to accommodate your unique head shape. You can also listen to music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is included to charge the battery.