Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in the audio. They are typically tuned for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control applications.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that includes ANC as well as a mobile app to tweak the EQ, and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation lineup. The headphones have a new design and enhanced ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with a superior sound quality and higher-end materials.
With only 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear, even when you're reading or listening to a book. The headband is supple, and has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.
With a sound quality that will please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass, but it isn't overpowering or harsh. The earphones have a large and open soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This lets you listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups also feature touch controls, which are easy to use. Swipe forward to go to the next track, then back to listen to the previous one and then up and down to control the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head due 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 connected with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as well as high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of high-end fabric and an USB-C charging cable. shop for headphones online are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is impressive. 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 has a great microphone that can be used for voice calls. There is no muffled or static audio in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent and these headphones are perfect for public transportation or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and performance. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit, optimized active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are carefully angled inside each earcup to provide an enhanced, more immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. An inline remote and microphone lets you manage your calls and music on any device compatible with it.
As with the PX7's original design, these headphones are a sleekly refined look, with accent rings around each earcup as well as an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium but they never feel tight. The redesigned shape and form required a lot of time to perfect, and provides an easy clamping force that doesn't press 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 for carrying in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place during long listens. The headband can be folded up using a sturdy hinge at the back.
The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2, with aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-quality audio as well for a tight video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to show rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W App provides the same control options that the buttons on the hardware provide - bass and treble adjustments, action button assignments wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes, etc. The app also displays an album cover and track title when you play music on your iPhone. The most popular extras like music presets and a soundscapes mode are not available, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones, and is made to meet the highest expectations. The technical design was optimized to achieve stunning detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever experience with an open-back pair of headphones.
The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier will be needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which will double the output and improve the sound quality.
These headphones are made to be used by professionals and have a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of leather and plastic. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't resemble an expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the hand and are built well. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.
The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with a natural sound, even although they are a bit less bass-y. The open-back design produces an expansive, out-of-head soundstage. The treble is excellent with minor drops and peaks. The treble area is very linear, so you won't have issues with piercing sibilants and the upper impact of a snare drum.
They can still provide impact, dynamism and impact in the event of need, despite the absence of a powerful low-end. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who like rock music with a punchy bass however, they may not sound as good as some of the other models on this list.
These Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful mid-range. They are very linear and have a slight scoop in the upper mids, which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They also reproduce fine time gradations in vocals which is a major benefit.
The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice due to their exceptional audio quality and comfortable fit. They're costly however you're buying a pair of headphones that will last for years to come and perform well in any setting.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that will do the trick for anyone looking to kill some time or simply needs a cheap set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag that will give them some protection when you toss them in a bag and their battery is capable of lasting several long haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out noisy passengers and engine rumbles, however their audio quality is a bit heavy and warm.
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 to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find media playback controls. This includes a multi-function button that activates your phone's voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about it later). The built-in mic can be used to make phone calls hands-free.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide an immersive and rich listening experience thanks to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz the headphones are able to provide exceptional clarity and clarity, while their active noise cancellation technology is designed to block out a wider range of low and mid-frequency sounds.
One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support aptX, which is disappointing. This means you will not be able take advantage of the superior codes' lower latency while gaming on your computer.
In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without causing any discomfort. The ear cups also rotate to adapt to your unique head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.