Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear
headphones with noise cancellation totally encase your ears and allow you to fully immerse in sound. They tend to be tuned for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control applications.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that includes ANC, a mobile app to tweak 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 most recent upgrade in their noise cancellation line-up. They feature a new design, improved ANC and a lot of the same features that their predecessors had but with premium materials and slightly more premium sound quality.
They're light for over-ear ANC headphones at 250g. They're very comfortable to wear, even if you're reading or listening to a book. The headband is supple, and
Bluetooth has a friction rod design like the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 has a sonic signature that is designed to please casual music listeners as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, however it's not abrasive or overpowering. They have a wide and spacious soundstage that has good instrument separation that allows you to hear specifics in your music. The earcups also have touch controls that are easy and responsive to use. Swipe up or down to change the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song and backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously and
Bluetooth will automatically stop playback whenever you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can enable the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup. This allows you to hear the sounds around you without removing the headphones.
They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made from premium fabric and a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is impressive. In our most basic test we were able get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC activated which is much better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.
The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on calls is superb, and there's no muffled or static-y audio in the background. The noise cancellation is top-quality and they're a perfect fit for public transport or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, providing top-quality performance and features. This includes 24-bit wireless streaming enhanced active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled to fit in each earcup, provide a more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity even in noisy surroundings. An inline remote and microphone lets you manage your calls and music on any device compatible with it.
The headphones sport a similar elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They have accent rings that wrap around the earcups as well as a silver sheen for the headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium but never feel tight. The new design and shape was perfected over many months, and delivers a soft clamping pressure that isn't too hard on my rotund skull.
They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and stay in place comfortably throughout long listening sessions. The headband can be folded up by using a sturdy hinge on the back.
The headphones are powered by
Bluetooth 5.2 with the aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio as well as tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to show rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W app offers the same controls as the buttons on the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes, and more. When you listen to music on your iPhone the app displays album covers and track titles. The most popular extras like music presets and soundscapes mode are missing, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. The design and construction of the headphones is optimized to give the highest resolution in detail that covers all the spectrum of frequencies, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic audio you'll hear on headphones with open backs.
The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier will be needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which can double the output and improve the quality of sound.
The headphones are designed to be used by professionals and have a sturdy steel frame, with a mixture of plastics and leather padding. The design is simple and doesn't look extravagant however the quality of the headphones and their construction are superb. They come with a carry pouch and an additional audio cable as well as 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 linear quality, so you will not have any issues with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of the drum snare.
Despite the lack of a high-pitched bass, they still provide dynamism and impact when it is needed. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who like rock music with punchy basses, but may not sound as good as some of the other models on this list.
The Sennheiser headphones have a great midrange. They are a linear pair with a slight scoop on the upper mids that won't be noticed by most listeners. They also can reproduce precise time gradations, which is a nice bonus.
The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fit make them an excellent choice. They're expensive however, you're getting headphones that will last for years to be used and perform well in any setting.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good set of headphones for anyone looking to pass the time or just want an affordable pair of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic case that protects them when you put them into the bag. The battery will last multiple long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles. However, their audio profile is a bit warm and bass-heavy.
The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, there are buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones, as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find controls for playback of media, including a multi-function button that lets you activate the voice assistant of your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later).