Which Over the Ear Headphones Are the Best?
Whether you're on the train or in the office Noise-cancelling headphones are the perfect solution for anyone who likes to listen. Which are the best?
With a brand new design that is a step up in sound quality, and a wealth of features, Sony's latest flagship headphones offer great value. From the raucous chorus to Sinead's trembling bridge, these headphones provide incredible clarity and realism.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony is the master of noise cancellation, and its WH1000XM5 headphones are the top model in this series. A few well-thought-out improvements over the XM4s make this model an all-round excellent pair of headphones, specifically for those who commute or travel. They're comfortable, have multipoint technology to connect two devices simultaneously, and have the best ANC Sony has ever created. They're also lightweight and offer approximately 27 hours of playback with no charging, which is enough for a week's worth of traveling or one long-haul flight.
The WH-1000XM5s have an elegant minimalist design. They are made from recycled and recyclable plastic referred to as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The branding is minimal, although you'll see the "Sony" logo on the hinge of each earcup. The earcups and the headband are cushioned by a plush, soft material that's comfortable on all heads. The earcups can be adjusted so that they fit you perfectly.
Unlike previous models that focused on reducing low-frequency noise the XM5s amplify high-frequency sound waves to cancel out ambient noise. This improves overall sound quality, and helps to reduce cabin and engine noise on flights. The XM5s have an additional processor that can increase noise cancellation further on airplanes, and the audio app will also automatically adjust the listening environment to data on air pressure.
The WH-1000XM5s comes with an integrated voice assistant that is easy to use, and it works with Alexa as well as Google Assistant, Siri, and more. You can also pair the XM5s to other Sony audio products to enable multi-room music playback as well as stereo separation. They're compatible with Bluetooth high-bitrate audio streaming via Sony's LDAC codec but they're not compatible with the aptX codec or aptX HD.
2. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Sennheiser has been making headphones for more than 50 years. You can expect a high-quality sound, as well as a comfortable fit. They've delivered on both counts with their latest pair of over-ears called the Momentum 4 Wireless. They have reworked their design to eliminate a few trademark elements that gave their earlier models the look of an aviator. They also enhanced active noise cancellation by using their advanced Adaptive Noise Cancellation Technology. They've rated the headphones to last 60 hours of listening with ANC enabled, which doubles the battery life of their major other competitors.
They're also much more mobile than the previous model as they fold down and are smaller overall. The earpads and headband are made of artificial PU leather that feels comfortable on my head even when I wear it for the entire day. There isn't a lot of clamping force to keep them in place either, so they should remain comfortable on flights and during workouts that last longer.
The sound is clean and bose Over ear Noise cancelling headphones well-balanced There are a few peaks in the low-mid and high-mid, which can cause slight muddying in the mixes. The bass is too loud, adding extra energy and thump in genres such as EDM or hip hop. It's not an issue but it might annoy some listeners. The high-mid also isn't balanced in bringing instruments and vocals forward in the mix but at the expense of bringing out a few vocals.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless is equipped with all the standard features like bluetooth wireless connectivity, a transparency mode which blends outside sounds into your music to increase awareness and mobile apps that support custom and preset EQ options. They can also be used with a 3.5mm cable when connecting your phone to it via wire. They can connect to your phone via SBC, AAC HD, and aptX Adaptive codes and can reduce latency by as much as one quarter second.
3. B&W PX7 S2
The original PX7s were a top pick on a variety of lists of the best Bluetooth headsets, thanks to their outstanding ANC and sound quality. But like most wireless headphones, they've become older and required an update, hence the PX7 S2. B&W hasn't just redesigned the design of the new version, but it's made significant improvements to ANC and added more voice-call features, too.
The first thing you will notice when you open the box and get the PX7 S2 is how light they are. This makes them very comfortable for long listening sessions. A lot of the design is carried over from the previous model, like the sleek oval aluminum earcup top-plate as well as the hook-like design on the headband that glids instead of clicking as you expand it, and the actual buttons. The earcups are smaller and the headband is less substantial.
The software from B&W lets you adjust EQ settings for treble and bass however, you don't have as much control over the mix of the two components as you would on higher-priced headphones. A Quick Action button on the left earcup toggles modes for the environment and can be configured in the Bowers & Wilkins Music app to call your device's voice assistant.
The PX7 S2 is a great option for a variety of music styles. It offers a wide soundstage and good separation of the different sound elements. It shines particularly on pieces that feature acoustic instruments like Rachmaninoff's Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op. 19 by pianist Yuja Wang and cellist Gautier Capucon, with woody instrumental tones and a sense of air. It's also able to handle heavier fare and has the bass power and mid-range clarity on Entombed's garage/death-n'roll crossover curiosity To Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth providing an impressive sound wall while allowing to be able hear the vocals, such as Lars-Goran Petrov's sharp growl.
4. Bose QuietComfort 35
bose quietcomfort 35 ii over ear noise cancelling bluetooth headphones was among the first companies to introduce active beats noise cancelling over ear headphones cancelling headphones into the mainstream. They had a stranglehold for years, but they now must compete with more modern headsets which offer more features and superior audio quality. But, the QuietComfort 35 is still a excellent option for anyone looking to hear their music or podcasts without being interrupted by constant buzzing and rumbles.
The default sound profile is balanced, and they're comfortable to wear. The ANC does a fantastic job of eliminating background noise, but it tends to focus on low frequencies more than the latest headphones, such as the Sony WH-1000XM5.
The QC35s are a fantastic pair of headphones that can be used to listen to podcasts and audiobooks. They feature an active noise cancellation feature that blocks out ambient sounds but still allowing you to be completely isolated from the world around ear noise cancelling headphones you. The QC35s let you connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and also "audio-share" to ensure that you can listen to something on one set of headphones while taking an incoming call on the other pair.
The Bose Connect App is decent, but it doesn't have the vast EQ features of other headphone apps. The QC35s can also be used in wired mode, but the quality of sound is reduced and battery life isn't as great as wireless models.
The QC35s come with a well-known bose over ear noise cancelling headphones style that may not appeal to some people as the more sleek designs of other manufacturers. However, you can add a touch of personalization by buying an ear cover-up with decals from companies such as SlickWraps and Skin Sticker. In the near future you'll be able to customize the color of the earcups as well as the headband, similar to the QC25 model from earlier.
5. Sony WH-1000XM3
Sony's WH1000XM3 are the most effective beats wireless noise cancelling headphones headphones that have active noise cancelling you can get today. They're more expensive than Anker Soundcore Q20 Wireless but they isolate more ambient noise. They also have a premium companion app that gives you numerous sound-related features that can be customized.
The XM3s have an excellent audio quality, and since their release they've been improved to give an even better experience. They're a bit more clarity in the frequency spectrum. The noise cancellation is superior at all levels of volume. They also have better features like Quick Attention mode and Speak-to Chat. They also have a new feature called Adaptive Sound Control that automatically adjusts how much external sound is allowed in, based on the location you are and what you're doing.
They're not without some issues, however. The treble may be sometimes a bit loud and the midrange can sound a bit receding. They are still prone to increase the bass too much on some tracks, which makes them sound heavy and full. However, this is something you can address in the headphone settings or via EQ adjustment in the Sony app.
The XM3s are a great pair of headphones, especially for commuters and frequent travelers. They are more comfortable, appear and [Redirect-Java] feel premium, and last longer than the JBL Live 650 BTNC wireless. They also have a more powerful battery and one of the most effective noise cancellation features available. They're also more versatile and more suited for use on the go than Audio-Technica's ATH-M50X wireless, though their noise cancellation isn't as impressive. And they're not waterproof, which is a problem for some.
Whether you're on the train or in the office Noise-cancelling headphones are the perfect solution for anyone who likes to listen. Which are the best?
With a brand new design that is a step up in sound quality, and a wealth of features, Sony's latest flagship headphones offer great value. From the raucous chorus to Sinead's trembling bridge, these headphones provide incredible clarity and realism.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony is the master of noise cancellation, and its WH1000XM5 headphones are the top model in this series. A few well-thought-out improvements over the XM4s make this model an all-round excellent pair of headphones, specifically for those who commute or travel. They're comfortable, have multipoint technology to connect two devices simultaneously, and have the best ANC Sony has ever created. They're also lightweight and offer approximately 27 hours of playback with no charging, which is enough for a week's worth of traveling or one long-haul flight.
The WH-1000XM5s have an elegant minimalist design. They are made from recycled and recyclable plastic referred to as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The branding is minimal, although you'll see the "Sony" logo on the hinge of each earcup. The earcups and the headband are cushioned by a plush, soft material that's comfortable on all heads. The earcups can be adjusted so that they fit you perfectly.
Unlike previous models that focused on reducing low-frequency noise the XM5s amplify high-frequency sound waves to cancel out ambient noise. This improves overall sound quality, and helps to reduce cabin and engine noise on flights. The XM5s have an additional processor that can increase noise cancellation further on airplanes, and the audio app will also automatically adjust the listening environment to data on air pressure.
The WH-1000XM5s comes with an integrated voice assistant that is easy to use, and it works with Alexa as well as Google Assistant, Siri, and more. You can also pair the XM5s to other Sony audio products to enable multi-room music playback as well as stereo separation. They're compatible with Bluetooth high-bitrate audio streaming via Sony's LDAC codec but they're not compatible with the aptX codec or aptX HD.
2. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Sennheiser has been making headphones for more than 50 years. You can expect a high-quality sound, as well as a comfortable fit. They've delivered on both counts with their latest pair of over-ears called the Momentum 4 Wireless. They have reworked their design to eliminate a few trademark elements that gave their earlier models the look of an aviator. They also enhanced active noise cancellation by using their advanced Adaptive Noise Cancellation Technology. They've rated the headphones to last 60 hours of listening with ANC enabled, which doubles the battery life of their major other competitors.
They're also much more mobile than the previous model as they fold down and are smaller overall. The earpads and headband are made of artificial PU leather that feels comfortable on my head even when I wear it for the entire day. There isn't a lot of clamping force to keep them in place either, so they should remain comfortable on flights and during workouts that last longer.
The sound is clean and bose Over ear Noise cancelling headphones well-balanced There are a few peaks in the low-mid and high-mid, which can cause slight muddying in the mixes. The bass is too loud, adding extra energy and thump in genres such as EDM or hip hop. It's not an issue but it might annoy some listeners. The high-mid also isn't balanced in bringing instruments and vocals forward in the mix but at the expense of bringing out a few vocals.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless is equipped with all the standard features like bluetooth wireless connectivity, a transparency mode which blends outside sounds into your music to increase awareness and mobile apps that support custom and preset EQ options. They can also be used with a 3.5mm cable when connecting your phone to it via wire. They can connect to your phone via SBC, AAC HD, and aptX Adaptive codes and can reduce latency by as much as one quarter second.
3. B&W PX7 S2
The original PX7s were a top pick on a variety of lists of the best Bluetooth headsets, thanks to their outstanding ANC and sound quality. But like most wireless headphones, they've become older and required an update, hence the PX7 S2. B&W hasn't just redesigned the design of the new version, but it's made significant improvements to ANC and added more voice-call features, too.
The first thing you will notice when you open the box and get the PX7 S2 is how light they are. This makes them very comfortable for long listening sessions. A lot of the design is carried over from the previous model, like the sleek oval aluminum earcup top-plate as well as the hook-like design on the headband that glids instead of clicking as you expand it, and the actual buttons. The earcups are smaller and the headband is less substantial.
The software from B&W lets you adjust EQ settings for treble and bass however, you don't have as much control over the mix of the two components as you would on higher-priced headphones. A Quick Action button on the left earcup toggles modes for the environment and can be configured in the Bowers & Wilkins Music app to call your device's voice assistant.
The PX7 S2 is a great option for a variety of music styles. It offers a wide soundstage and good separation of the different sound elements. It shines particularly on pieces that feature acoustic instruments like Rachmaninoff's Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op. 19 by pianist Yuja Wang and cellist Gautier Capucon, with woody instrumental tones and a sense of air. It's also able to handle heavier fare and has the bass power and mid-range clarity on Entombed's garage/death-n'roll crossover curiosity To Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth providing an impressive sound wall while allowing to be able hear the vocals, such as Lars-Goran Petrov's sharp growl.
4. Bose QuietComfort 35
bose quietcomfort 35 ii over ear noise cancelling bluetooth headphones was among the first companies to introduce active beats noise cancelling over ear headphones cancelling headphones into the mainstream. They had a stranglehold for years, but they now must compete with more modern headsets which offer more features and superior audio quality. But, the QuietComfort 35 is still a excellent option for anyone looking to hear their music or podcasts without being interrupted by constant buzzing and rumbles.
The default sound profile is balanced, and they're comfortable to wear. The ANC does a fantastic job of eliminating background noise, but it tends to focus on low frequencies more than the latest headphones, such as the Sony WH-1000XM5.
The QC35s are a fantastic pair of headphones that can be used to listen to podcasts and audiobooks. They feature an active noise cancellation feature that blocks out ambient sounds but still allowing you to be completely isolated from the world around ear noise cancelling headphones you. The QC35s let you connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and also "audio-share" to ensure that you can listen to something on one set of headphones while taking an incoming call on the other pair.
The Bose Connect App is decent, but it doesn't have the vast EQ features of other headphone apps. The QC35s can also be used in wired mode, but the quality of sound is reduced and battery life isn't as great as wireless models.
The QC35s come with a well-known bose over ear noise cancelling headphones style that may not appeal to some people as the more sleek designs of other manufacturers. However, you can add a touch of personalization by buying an ear cover-up with decals from companies such as SlickWraps and Skin Sticker. In the near future you'll be able to customize the color of the earcups as well as the headband, similar to the QC25 model from earlier.
5. Sony WH-1000XM3
Sony's WH1000XM3 are the most effective beats wireless noise cancelling headphones headphones that have active noise cancelling you can get today. They're more expensive than Anker Soundcore Q20 Wireless but they isolate more ambient noise. They also have a premium companion app that gives you numerous sound-related features that can be customized.
The XM3s have an excellent audio quality, and since their release they've been improved to give an even better experience. They're a bit more clarity in the frequency spectrum. The noise cancellation is superior at all levels of volume. They also have better features like Quick Attention mode and Speak-to Chat. They also have a new feature called Adaptive Sound Control that automatically adjusts how much external sound is allowed in, based on the location you are and what you're doing.
They're not without some issues, however. The treble may be sometimes a bit loud and the midrange can sound a bit receding. They are still prone to increase the bass too much on some tracks, which makes them sound heavy and full. However, this is something you can address in the headphone settings or via EQ adjustment in the Sony app.
The XM3s are a great pair of headphones, especially for commuters and frequent travelers. They are more comfortable, appear and [Redirect-Java] feel premium, and last longer than the JBL Live 650 BTNC wireless. They also have a more powerful battery and one of the most effective noise cancellation features available. They're also more versatile and more suited for use on the go than Audio-Technica's ATH-M50X wireless, though their noise cancellation isn't as impressive. And they're not waterproof, which is a problem for some.