Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones totally encase your ears, allowing you to be immersed in the sound. They tend to be tuned for audiophiles and come with features like active noise cancellation and control apps.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that comes with ANC and a mobile application to alter the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio via 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 bose (
telegra.Ph) are updated with a new design and improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but they have higher-end sound quality and better materials.
At just 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband has a friction-rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.
With an audio quality that will please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass, but not excessively loud or harsh. They have a large and spacious soundstage that has good instrument separation that lets you hear details in your music. The earcups are also equipped with control buttons that are easy and responsive to use. You can swipe forward to access the next track, reverse to hear the previous track as well as up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices at once and will automatically pause playback when you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also turn on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right earcup that lets you be aware of what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones.
Other helpful features include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for 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 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 recorded 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.
The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on calls is superb and there's not any muffled or static-y sound in the background. The noise cancellation performance is top-quality, and they're a good fit for public transport or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and performance. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers premium performance and features, including 24-bit wireless streaming and active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled inside each earcup, provide a more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure superior call clarity even in noisy environments. An inline remote and microphone let you control your calls and music on any device compatible with it.
As with the PX7's original design These headphones have sleek and elegant, with accent rings around each earcup, and a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tight on the cranium. The new design and shape was developed over the course of several months and provides a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force into my rotund skull.
They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and remain in place throughout 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 as well as precise 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 a useful gesture with a green flash to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.
The B&W App has the same control options that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer such as bass and treble adjustments actions button assignments, wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes, etc. The app also shows an album cover and track's name when you play music from 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 iconic Sennheiser headphones and is made to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction has been optimized to provide the highest resolution in detail that covers all of the frequency spectrum as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic sound you'll hear with an open-back pair of headphones.
The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, so a good headphone amplifier is needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, because it will increase the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.
These headphones are made for a professional use and have a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of plastics and leather padding. The design is minimalistic and they're not fancy, but the quality of the
headphones for iphone and their build are excellent. They come with a carry pouch as well as an additional audio cable and a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.
With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and
headphones Bose vocals, even though they are somewhat light on bass. This is due to the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head, passive soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb, with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region is very linear, so you'll not have issues hitting sibilants or the upper sound of a drum snare.
They can still provide impact and dynamism when needed despite the lack of a loud low-end. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who enjoy rock music with punchy basses however, they may not be as impressive as the other models on this list.
In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are a linear pair with an incline on the upper mids that won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce precise time gradations, which is a bonus.
The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are ideal for professionals and audiophiles. They are a top choice because of their outstanding audio quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive, but you're paying for headphones that will last for years to come and perform to their best in any setting.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that can be a great choice for anyone looking to kill some time or simply needs a cheap pair 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 for several long haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles on a plane, though their audio profile is a little warm and bass-heavy.
The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons to pair and power up the headphones as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see controls for playing back media.