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Best Over-Ear Headphones Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you in the sound. They are usually tuned for audiophiles, and come with features such as active noise cancellation and control apps. The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that includes ANC and a mobile application to adjust the EQ, and presets. They also support high-res audio through USB-C for wired listening. Sony WH-1000XM5 The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancellation line-up. The headphones have a new design and improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with superior sound quality and higher-end materials. They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones, with 250 grams. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband is soft, and has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold. The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature that has been created to please casual music lovers as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, yet it is not harsh or blazing. They feature a wide and open soundstage with good instrument separation, which allows you to hear the details in your music. The earcups come with touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song or backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at the same time and due to an inbuilt sensor, they will automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can also activate the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup and allowing you to listen to what's happening around you without removing the headphones. They can also be connected with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of high-end fabric and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with most Android and iOS smartphones and computers running Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is superb. In our test of the standard battery, we got 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30 hour battery life. The WH1000XM5 has a great mic for voice calls. There is no static or muffled audio in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent and these headphones are perfect for public transportation or in the office. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, providing high-end performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers premium performance and features, including 24bit wireless streaming and active noise cancellation optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully angled inside each earcup to provide a more focused, deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide outstanding clarity for calls even in noisy surroundings. A remote inline and microphone lets you control your calls and music using any compatible device. These headphones have a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They feature accent rings around the earcups, and a silver sheen for the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, but never feel tight. The new form and shape was developed over the course of several months and provides a soft clamping pressure that isn't into my rotund skull. They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and remain in place throughout long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them for easy transport in an enclosed case. They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for high-resolution audio as well as fast video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a useful gesture, flashing green to indicate rapid charge and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress. The B&W app has the same controls as the buttons on the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments and assigning action buttons wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes, and more. When you play music on your iPhone the app displays album covers and track titles. However, the most popular features like music presets or a soundscapes feature are missing. Sennheiser HD 800 S The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones by Sennheiser, and it is meant to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction has been optimized to provide a detail resolution that encompasses all of the frequency spectrum dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It's the most realistic sound you'll hear on headphones with open backs. The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, so it requires a high-quality headphone amplifier to operate to the levels you want without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, as this will double the power output and enhance the overall sound quality. These headphones are designed for professional use. They feature a metal frame and a mixture of plastic and leather padding. The design is simple and doesn't resemble the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the palm and are well-built. They come with a carrying pouch as well as an additional audio cable as well as a ¼” to 1/8” adapter. With an unison sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, although they are a bit light on bass. The open-back design results in a wide out-of-head soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region also is linear, so you will not be able to deal with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of the drum snare. They can still deliver impact as well as dynamism and impact when needed despite the lack of a powerful low-end. They will still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to rock music with powerful basslines, but they might not be like some of the other models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya. In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are a linear pair with a slight scoop on the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by most listeners. They can also reproduce precise time gradations, which is an added benefit. The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fitting make them a great option. They're expensive however, you're getting a pair of headphones that will last for years to be used and perform to their best in any environment. Anker Soundcore Life Q20 The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that can be a great choice for anyone looking to relax or just wants an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag that will give them some protection when you toss them into a bag, and their battery can last several long haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles on an airplane, although their audio profile is heavy and warm. The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup you'll find buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones, as well as for turning on or off active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup you'll find controls for playing back media which include a multi-function button that allows you to activate the voice assistant on your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). The built-in mic can be used to make hands-free phone calls. Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver an immersive and rich listening experience due to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that offer certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz they can provide outstanding clarity and detail, while their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sounds. webpage Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means you won't be in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency while playing on your computer. The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam ear cups are soft enough to wear for extended periods of time without discomfort. The earcups are capable of turning and adjust to the specific shape of your head, so you can achieve a perfect fit. You can also enjoy your music wired with an included 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is included to charge the battery.