Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in sound. They are usually tuned for audiophiles, and have features like active noise cancellation and control apps.
headset shop are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile app for tweaking 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 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.
They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones, with 250 grams. They're very comfortable to wear, even when you're reading or listening an audiobook. The headband has a friction-rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which prevents your ears getting too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature that has been created to please casual music listeners as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, yet it's not abrasive or overpowering. They feature a wide and wide soundstage, with excellent instrument separation that lets you hear subtleties in your music. The earcups have touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe forward to go to the next track, reverse to hear the previous one, and up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically stop playback whenever you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup, which allows you to be aware of what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones.
Other helpful features include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made from high-end fabric as well as a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery capacity is awe-inspiring. In our test of the standard battery we had 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 microphone for making calls. There is no muffled or static sound in the background. The noise cancellation performance is excellent and they're a great option for public transport as well as the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and performance. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit enhanced active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully angled inside each earcup for a more focused, deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. And an inline remote and microphone lets you control your music and calls using any compatible device.
Like the PX7's original design, these headphones are a sleekly refined look with accent rings around each earcup and a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit comfortably but not too tightly on the cranium. The redesigned form and shape took a long time to perfect, providing an easy clamping force that doesn't press too hard on my own rotund cranium.
At 10.8 pounds (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter than the Sony WH-1000XM5, and are just a little thinner. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and stay in place comfortably during long listening sessions. The headband can be folded by using a sturdy hinge on the back.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is ideal for high-resolution audio and fast video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice touch. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W app offers similar controls to the onboard buttons in the hardware including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and much more. The app also shows an album cover and track title when you play music on your iPhone. However, some popular features such as music presets or a soundscapes feature are not available.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones by Sennheiser and is designed to meet most demanding requirements. Its engineering was designed to provide stunning detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It's the most realistic audio you can get from open-back headphones.
The headphone has a 300 ohm impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier is needed to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which can increase the output and enhance the quality of sound.
The headphones are designed to be used by professionals and feature a sturdy metal frame with a mix of leather and plastic. The design is minimalistic and they're not fancy, but the quality of the headphones and their build are superb. 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 vocals and instruments with a natural sound, even though they are a little light on bass. This is because the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding, with only minor peaks and dips. The Treble region also has a linearity and you won't have any issues with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of a drum snare.
Despite not having a high-pitched bass, they still produce a punch and dynamism when needed. They will still be enjoyable for those who like listening to rock music that has powerful basslines, but they may not be as fun as some of the competing models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.
These Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful mid-range. They are straight and have a slight incline in the upper mids that won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also have the ability to reproduce precise time gradations in vocals which is a huge benefit.
The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are ideal for professionals and audiophiles. They are a top pick due to their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive, however they will last for many years and perform in any setting.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that will provide the perfect solution for anyone who needs to pass the time or just wants an affordable pair 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 many long-haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles on a plane, though their audio profile is a little warm and bass-heavy.
The Life Q20's controls can be easy to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons to pair and power up the headphones, as well as turning on or off the 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 on your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). The built-in microphone can be used to make phone calls hands-free.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone delivers a rich immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz, these headphones are able to provide exceptional clarity and detail, as their active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wide range of low and mid-frequency sounds.
One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means you won't be capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's lower latency when you're playing on your computer.
The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are soft enough to wear for long periods without discomfort. The earcups are capable of turning so that they can adjust to the unique shape of your head so you can achieve a perfect fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.