Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears and allow you to fully immerse in sound. They are generally designed for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.
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 via USB-C for wired listening.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation lineup. They have a fresh new design, enhanced ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors, but with premium materials and slightly higher quality sound.
At just 250g, they are lightweight for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear, no matter if you're reading or listening a book. The headband is soft and it has a friction rod design like the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sound signature created to please casual music listeners as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, but it's not abrasive or imposing. They have a large and open soundstage with excellent instrument separation that allows you to hear the subtleties in your music. The earcups also have touch controls that are easy and responsive to use. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track and backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices simultaneously and thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right-ear cup. This allows you to listen to the sounds around you without having to take off the jbl headphones.
Other features that are useful include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of premium fabric, and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is awe-inspiring. In our battery test, we got 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 performance on calls is superb and there's not any muffled or static-y sound in the background. The noise cancellation performance is excellent and they're a perfect fit for public transport or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, providing premium performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 comes with premium performance and features, including 24bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully angled inside each earcup for an even more focused and immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide outstanding clarity for calls even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote allows you to control calls and music from any compatible device.
The headphones sport a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They feature accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver-colored headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, but don't feel tight. The new shape and form was developed over the course of several months and offers an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that isn't into my skull, which is a rotund one.
They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to carry in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place during long listens. A strong hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them to make it easy to transport them in the protective case.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for high-resolution audio as well as precise 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 touch that flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.
The B&W app offers similar controls to the hardware onboard buttons - bass and treble adjustment, 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. Popular extras such as music presets and a soundscapes mode aren't available, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones, and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. Its technical construction has been optimized to provide a detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It's the most realistic sound you can get from open-back headphones bluetooth.
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. A balanced connection is recommended as this will double the output power and improve the overall sound quality.
These headphones noise cancelling are designed for professional use. They have a metal frame and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is simple and doesn't look like an expensive pair of headphones, headphones Bluetooth however they feel premium in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carrying pouch as well as 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 in a natural way, even however they are light on bass. This is because the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb, with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region is also extremely linear, which means you'll not have issues piercing sibilants and the upper bite of the snare drum.
Despite not having a booming bass, they can still deliver impact and dynamism when needed. They'll still be a great choice for those who like listening to rock music that has punchy basslines, but they might not be as fun as some of the models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.
In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are very linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids that shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations which is a benefit.
The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones for ipad, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They're a top choice due to their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit. The headphones are costly, but they'll last for many years and perform in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good pair of headphones for those looking to pass the time or simply want an affordable pair of noise cancelling headphones iphone. The headphones wireless come with a basic case which protects them when you throw them into the bag. Their battery can last for a long time on long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, but their audio profile is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.
The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left ear cup there are buttons to power up and pair the headphones and to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistant and turns on Anker BassUp (more about it later). The built-in mic can be used to make hands-free phone calls.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone delivers a rich immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz they can provide outstanding clarity and detail, as their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out an extended range of low and mid-frequency sounds.
One thing to keep in mind about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they don't support aptX, which is disappointing. This means you won't be capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's lower latency while playing games on your PC.
The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are soft enough to wear for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups are capable of turning so that they can adjust to the unique shape of your head so that you can achieve a perfect fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.
Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears and allow you to fully immerse in sound. They are generally designed for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.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 via USB-C for wired listening.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation lineup. They have a fresh new design, enhanced ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors, but with premium materials and slightly higher quality sound.
At just 250g, they are lightweight for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear, no matter if you're reading or listening a book. The headband is soft and it has a friction rod design like the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sound signature created to please casual music listeners as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, but it's not abrasive or imposing. They have a large and open soundstage with excellent instrument separation that allows you to hear the subtleties in your music. The earcups also have touch controls that are easy and responsive to use. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track and backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices simultaneously and thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right-ear cup. This allows you to listen to the sounds around you without having to take off the jbl headphones.
Other features that are useful include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of premium fabric, and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is awe-inspiring. In our battery test, we got 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 performance on calls is superb and there's not any muffled or static-y sound in the background. The noise cancellation performance is excellent and they're a perfect fit for public transport or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, providing premium performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 comes with premium performance and features, including 24bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully angled inside each earcup for an even more focused and immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide outstanding clarity for calls even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote allows you to control calls and music from any compatible device.
The headphones sport a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They feature accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver-colored headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, but don't feel tight. The new shape and form was developed over the course of several months and offers an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that isn't into my skull, which is a rotund one.
They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to carry in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place during long listens. A strong hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them to make it easy to transport them in the protective case.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for high-resolution audio as well as precise 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 touch that flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.
The B&W app offers similar controls to the hardware onboard buttons - bass and treble adjustment, 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. Popular extras such as music presets and a soundscapes mode aren't available, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones, and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. Its technical construction has been optimized to provide a detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It's the most realistic sound you can get from open-back headphones bluetooth.
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. A balanced connection is recommended as this will double the output power and improve the overall sound quality.
These headphones noise cancelling are designed for professional use. They have a metal frame and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is simple and doesn't look like an expensive pair of headphones, headphones Bluetooth however they feel premium in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carrying pouch as well as 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 in a natural way, even however they are light on bass. This is because the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb, with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region is also extremely linear, which means you'll not have issues piercing sibilants and the upper bite of the snare drum.
Despite not having a booming bass, they can still deliver impact and dynamism when needed. They'll still be a great choice for those who like listening to rock music that has punchy basslines, but they might not be as fun as some of the models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.
In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are very linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids that shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations which is a benefit.
The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones for ipad, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They're a top choice due to their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit. The headphones are costly, but they'll last for many years and perform in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good pair of headphones for those looking to pass the time or simply want an affordable pair of noise cancelling headphones iphone. The headphones wireless come with a basic case which protects them when you throw them into the bag. Their battery can last for a long time on long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, but their audio profile is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.
The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left ear cup there are buttons to power up and pair the headphones and to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistant and turns on Anker BassUp (more about it later). The built-in mic can be used to make hands-free phone calls.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone delivers a rich immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz they can provide outstanding clarity and detail, as their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out an extended range of low and mid-frequency sounds.
One thing to keep in mind about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they don't support aptX, which is disappointing. This means you won't be capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's lower latency while playing games on your PC.
The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are soft enough to wear for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups are capable of turning so that they can adjust to the unique shape of your head so that you can achieve a perfect fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.