Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you in audio. They are generally tuned for audiophiles, and come with features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that comes with ANC, a mobile app to tweak 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 upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation line-up. They sport a new design, upgraded ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors, but with higher-end materials and a slightly higher-quality sound.

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones at 250g. This makes them very comfortable to wear for noise cancelling headphones long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or a book. The headband is supple, and it features an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

With an audio quality that can satisfy casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass but is not excessively loud or harsh. They have a wide and open soundstage with good instrument separation, which allows you to hear specifics in your music. The earcups also feature touch controls that are easy to use. Swipe up or down to change the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song, backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at once and due to an inbuilt sensor, they automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can also activate the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup and allowing you to listen to what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones.

Other useful features 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 carrying case made of top quality fabric and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones for ipad are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones and computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is excellent. In our standard battery test we had 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30 hour battery life.

The WH1000XM5 has a great mic for voice calls. There is no muffled or static audio in the background. Noise cancellation is also great and these headphones are great for public transportation and the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, delivering top-quality performance and features. This includes 24-bit wireless streaming, optimized active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice call quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled inside each earcup, offer more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones guarantee excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control calls and music from any device compatible with it.

Like the PX7's original design The headphones sport elegant and refined, with accent rings around each earcup as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly but not too tight on the cranium. The redesigned shape and form required a lot of time to perfect, and provides an easy clamping force that doesn't push too hard on my own cranium that is rotund.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to fit in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and will stay comfortable in your hand during long listens. The headband can be folded by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

The headphones are powered by bluetooth headphones 5.2, with aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio as well as tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to show rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app offers the same controls as the hardware onboard buttons - bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes, and more. The app also shows an album cover and track's name when you play music on your iPhone. However, popular extras like music presets or soundscapes feature are missing.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and was made to meet the highest expectations. The technical design was designed to provide stunning detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic sound you'll ever hear in a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, which means it requires a top-quality headphone amplifier that can drive it at the right levels, without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which will double the output and improve the sound quality.

The headphones are designed to be used by professionals and have a sturdy steel frame that is adorned with leather and plastic. The design is simple and doesn't look like an expensive pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the hands and are built well. They come with a carry case, an additional 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 a bit light on bass. This is due to the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head passive soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region is also extremely smooth, meaning you won't have issues with piercing sibilants and the upper sound of the drum snare.

Despite the lack of a booming bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when required. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who enjoy rock music with a punchy bass however, they may not sound as great as the other models on this list.

In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are a linear pair with a slight scoop on the upper mids, which won't be noticed by most listeners. They are also able to reproduce fine time gradations in vocals which is a major benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are ideal for professionals and audiophiles. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them an excellent choice. They're expensive however you're buying headphones that will last for years to be used and perform to their best in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great set of headphones for anyone looking to kill time or just want a pair of affordable noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a simple bag which protects them when you put them in a bag. Their battery can last for several long-haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles from the plane, but their audio profile is a bit warm and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls can be easy to use and are well-marked. On the left ear cup you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones, as well as to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup, you'll find controls for playing back media that include a multi-function switch which lets you turn on the voice assistant of your phone and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in mic can be used to make phone calls hands-free.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones delivers a rich and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz the headphones can provide outstanding clarity and detail, while their active noise cancellation technology is designed to filter out an extended range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.

One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means you won't in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency when you're playing games on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam ear cups are comfortable enough to be worn for long periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups also rotate to adapt to your individual head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.