Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you into music. They are generally tuned for audiophiles, and have features like active noise cancelling and control apps.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that includes ANC as well as a mobile app to alter the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's latest upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation line-up. The headphones are updated with a new design and improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with higher-end sound quality and superior materials.
At only 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. They are very comfortable to wear, even when you're reading or listening a book. The headband is a friction-rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which prevents your ears getting too cold.
With a sound quality that will please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass, but it isn't excessively loud or harsh. The earphones feature a wide and open soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This allows you to listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups are also equipped with touch controls that are responsive and intuitive to use. Swipe forward to play the next track, back to hear the previous one as well as up and down to control the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices at once and will automatically pause playback when you take them off your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup. This allows you to hear the sounds around you without having to take off the headphones.
They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as well as high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made of premium fabric and an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our standard 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 WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic microphone for making calls. There's no muffled or static sound in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent and these headphones are great for public transportation or in 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. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits and optimized active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice call quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully placed inside each earcup to create an enhanced, more immersive listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control music and calls from any compatible device.
The headphones have a elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They feature accent rings around the earcups as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium, but don't feel tight. The new design and shape was developed over the course of several months and offers a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't press too hard on my rotund skull.
They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to carry in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and will remain 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 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio aswell as a fast video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is an excellent touch, flashing green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.
The B&W App offers the same features that the hardware onboard buttons offer such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignments, wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes as well as other features. When you listen to music on your iPhone, the app displays album covers and track titles. However, the most popular features like music presets or soundscapes feature are not available.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones by Sennheiser, and it is designed to meet most demanding requirements. Its technical construction is optimized to give a detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic spatial audio you'll experience on open-back headphones.
The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier to operate to the levels you want without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended because it will increase the power output and increase the overall sound quality.
These headphones are made for a professional use and feature a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with leather and plastic. The design is minimalistic and doesn't look extravagant, but the quality of the headphones and their construction are excellent. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.
The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with naturality, however they are light on bass. headphones shopping is because the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head soundstage. The treble is very good, with minor peaks and drops. The treble region also is linear and you won't have issues with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of the drum snare.
They still have the ability to deliver and dynamism when needed despite the lack of a loud low-end. They'll still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to rock music that has strong basslines, however they might not be as fun as some of the other models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.
In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are straight and have a slight scoop on the upper mids, which won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations, which is an added bonus.
The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them a top choice. They're costly, but you're paying for a pair of headphones that will last for many years to be able to perform to their best in any setting.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that can do the trick for anyone who wants to kill some time or just wants an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag that provides protection when you toss them in a bag and their battery can last for several long haul flights. The ANC works well to block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles, however their audio quality is a bit heavy and warm.
The Life Q20's controls can be easy to use and clearly marked. On the left earcup, there are buttons to pair and power up the headphones, as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, there are media playback controls. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistant and turns on Anker BassUp (more about it later). You can also make use of the built-in microphone to make hands-free calls with your phone.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer an immersive and deep listening experience, thanks to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones feature a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling is designed to block out a wide range of low- and mid-frequency sound.
One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means you will not be able to benefit of the higher codes' lower latency when playing on your computer.
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 earcups can rotate to adapt to your individual head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.