Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears to immerse you in sound. They tend to be made for audiophiles, and feature features like active noise cancellation and control applications.
The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile application to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-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 range. They feature a new design, enhanced ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors, but with better materials and slightly higher-quality sound.
They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones, with 250g. They're very comfortable to wear, even if you're reading or listening an audiobook. The headband is a friction-rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 has a sonic signature that is created to please people who listen to music for pleasure as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, however it's not abrasive or blazing. The earphones feature a wide and spacious soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This allows you to be able to hear the finer details of 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 can be used for connecting to two devices at once and thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can also switch on the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup and allowing you to listen to what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones.
They can also be connected with your voice assistant. bluetooth headphones jbl low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of high-end fabric and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is excellent. In our most basic test we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC turned on, which is better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.
The WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic microphone for making calls. There is no muffled or static sound in the background. The noise cancellation performance is top-quality and they're a perfect option for public transport as well as the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and improved performance. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 comes with premium performance and features, including 24bit 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 and angled to fit in each earcup, offer more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote allows you to control calls and music on any device that is compatible.
Like the PX7's original design The headphones review sport sleek and elegant with accent rings around each earcup as well as an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium, yet never feel tight. The redesigned form and shape took a long time to perfect, providing an incredibly comfortable clamping force that doesn't press too hard, even on my own rotund cranium.
They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to fit in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and will stay comfortably in place during long listens. A strong hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them up to make it easy to transport them in an enclosed case.
They're powered by bluetooth headphones jbl 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for high-resolution audio and tight video sync. You can also play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to signal rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate bluetooth headphones pairing.
The B&W App provides the same controls that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignments wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes, etc. The app also shows an album cover and track's title when you play music on your iPhone. The most popular extras like music presets, soundscapes and music mode are not available, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones by Sennheiser, and it is meant to meet the highest demands. Its technical construction was designed to give an incredible detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It's the most realistic audio you can get from open-back headphones jvc.
The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier is needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, since this can double the power output and increase the overall sound quality.
These headphones for Sleeping are made for a professional use and have a sturdy steel frame with a mix of leather and plastic. The design is simple and doesn't appear like a fancy pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the palm and are built well. They come with a carry pouch as well as an additional audio cable and an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.
With a neutral sound profile the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, headphones For sleeping although they are a bit light on bass. This is because the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb, with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region also has a linearity and you won't be able to deal with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of the drum snare.
They can still provide impact as well as dynamism and impact when required, despite the absence of a powerful low-end. These headphones are still great for those who love rock music that has punchy bass, but may not be as impressive as some of the other models on this list.
The Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful mid-range. They are extremely linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids, which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations, which is an added benefit.
The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are perfect for professionals and audiophiles. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fitting make them a great option. They are expensive, but they will last you for years and perform well in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that will do the trick for anyone looking to relax or just wants an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag that provides protection when you toss them into a bag, and their battery is capable of lasting multiple long haul flights. Their ANC does a great job of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles from an airplane, although their audio profile is warm and bass-heavy.
The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left ear cup, you'll find buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones, as well as for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, there are media playback controls. This includes a multi-function button that activates your phone's voice assistance and turns on Anker BassUp (more about this later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make calls hands-free with your phone.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer an immersive and rich listening experience, due to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz, these headphones offer exceptional clarity and detail, as their active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a wide range of low and mid-frequency sounds.
Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is a pity. This means you won't be able to take advantage of the superior codec's lower latency when you're playing games on your PC.
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 causing any discomfort. The earcups can be rotated to accommodate the shape of your head. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.
Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears to immerse you in sound. They tend to be made for audiophiles, and feature features like active noise cancellation and control applications.
The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile application to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-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 range. They feature a new design, enhanced ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors, but with better materials and slightly higher-quality sound.
They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones, with 250g. They're very comfortable to wear, even if you're reading or listening an audiobook. The headband is a friction-rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 has a sonic signature that is created to please people who listen to music for pleasure as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, however it's not abrasive or blazing. The earphones feature a wide and spacious soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This allows you to be able to hear the finer details of 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 can be used for connecting to two devices at once and thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can also switch on the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup and allowing you to listen to what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones.
They can also be connected with your voice assistant. bluetooth headphones jbl low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of high-end fabric and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is excellent. In our most basic test we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC turned on, which is better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.
The WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic microphone for making calls. There is no muffled or static sound in the background. The noise cancellation performance is top-quality and they're a perfect option for public transport as well as the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and improved performance. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 comes with premium performance and features, including 24bit 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 and angled to fit in each earcup, offer more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote allows you to control calls and music on any device that is compatible.
Like the PX7's original design The headphones review sport sleek and elegant with accent rings around each earcup as well as an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium, yet never feel tight. The redesigned form and shape took a long time to perfect, providing an incredibly comfortable clamping force that doesn't press too hard, even on my own rotund cranium.
They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to fit in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and will stay comfortably in place during long listens. A strong hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them up to make it easy to transport them in an enclosed case.
They're powered by bluetooth headphones jbl 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for high-resolution audio and tight video sync. You can also play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to signal rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate bluetooth headphones pairing.
The B&W App provides the same controls that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignments wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes, etc. The app also shows an album cover and track's title when you play music on your iPhone. The most popular extras like music presets, soundscapes and music mode are not available, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones by Sennheiser, and it is meant to meet the highest demands. Its technical construction was designed to give an incredible detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It's the most realistic audio you can get from open-back headphones jvc.
The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier is needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, since this can double the power output and increase the overall sound quality.
These headphones for Sleeping are made for a professional use and have a sturdy steel frame with a mix of leather and plastic. The design is simple and doesn't appear like a fancy pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the palm and are built well. They come with a carry pouch as well as an additional audio cable and an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.
With a neutral sound profile the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, headphones For sleeping although they are a bit light on bass. This is because the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb, with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region also has a linearity and you won't be able to deal with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of the drum snare.
They can still provide impact as well as dynamism and impact when required, despite the absence of a powerful low-end. These headphones are still great for those who love rock music that has punchy bass, but may not be as impressive as some of the other models on this list.
The Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful mid-range. They are extremely linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids, which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations, which is an added benefit.
The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are perfect for professionals and audiophiles. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fitting make them a great option. They are expensive, but they will last you for years and perform well in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that will do the trick for anyone looking to relax or just wants an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag that provides protection when you toss them into a bag, and their battery is capable of lasting multiple long haul flights. Their ANC does a great job of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles from an airplane, although their audio profile is warm and bass-heavy.
The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left ear cup, you'll find buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones, as well as for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, there are media playback controls. This includes a multi-function button that activates your phone's voice assistance and turns on Anker BassUp (more about this later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make calls hands-free with your phone.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer an immersive and rich listening experience, due to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz, these headphones offer exceptional clarity and detail, as their active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a wide range of low and mid-frequency sounds.
Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is a pity. This means you won't be able to take advantage of the superior codec's lower latency when you're playing games on your PC.
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 causing any discomfort. The earcups can be rotated to accommodate the shape of your head. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.