Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you into sound. They are typically designed for audiophiles and come with features like active noise cancellation and control applications.
The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile app for tweaking the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancellation lineup. They have a fresh new design, enhanced ANC and a lot of the same features that their predecessors had but with better materials and slightly higher quality sound.
With only 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. They are very comfortable to wear, even if you're reading or listening to an audiobook. The headband is a friction-rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.
With an audio quality that can satisfy those who enjoy music casually and audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to have a slight focus on bass, but not overpowering or harsh. The earphones feature a wide and spacious soundstage, with good instrument separation. This allows you to hear the details in your music. The earcups also feature touch controls that are responsive and intuitive to use. Swipe forward to play the next track, back to hear the previous one and then up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices at once and will automatically stop playback whenever you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can enable ambient mode by placing your hand on the right ear cup. This allows you to listen to the sounds around you without having to take off the headphones.
They can also be linked with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as well as high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of high-end fabric and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is excellent. In our standard test we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with 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 exceptional, and there's no muffled or static-y sound in the background. The
noise cancelling headphones 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 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, providing premium performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a premium model with a variety of features, including 24bit wireless streaming with active noise cancellation that is optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled to fit in each earcup, offer more complete and focused listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer outstanding clarity for calls, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control calls and music from any compatible device.
As with the original PX7, these headphones are sleek and elegant with accent rings around each earcup and an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium, but never feel tight. The new design and shape was refined over a period of time and provides a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force too hard on my skull.
They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a bag or backpack and stay in place comfortably for 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 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 status indicator on the headphone is a nice touch. It flashes green to signal rapid charging,
Headphones For swimming and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W App provides the same features that the hardware onboard buttons offer - bass and treble adjustments actions button assignments wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes as well as other features. When you play music on your iPhone the app will display album covers and track titles. However, some popular features such as music presets or soundscapes feature aren't available.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones made by Sennheiser and is designed to meet highest expectations. Its construction technology has been optimized to provide an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic audio you'll hear on
headphones wireless for swimming (
Read Alot more) with open backs.
The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier is required to drive it at desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended because it will increase the power output and increase the overall sound quality.
These headphones are made for a professional use and have a sturdy metal frame with a mix of plastics and leather padding. The design is simple and doesn't appear like an expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the hand and are built to last. They come with a carry case, an extra audio cable, and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.
With a neutral sound profile the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, though they are light in bass. This is because the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head passive soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region is very linear, so you shouldn't have any issues piercing sibilants and the upper sound of a drum snare.
Despite the lack of a booming bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when required. These headphones are still great for those who enjoy rock music with a punchy bass however they might not sound as good as other models on this list.
These Sennheiser headphones have a fantastic mid-range. They're very straight and have a slight slop in the upper mids which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce precise time gradations, which is an added bonus.
The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are ideal for professionals and audiophiles. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fitting make them a great option. They are expensive,
headphones for swimming but you're paying for headphones that will last for years to come and perform to their best in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent set of headphones for anyone who wants to relax or simply need an affordable set of headphones that cancel out noise. They come with a basic bag that will give them some protection when you put them into your bag, and their battery can last for multiple long haul flights. The ANC works well to 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 earcup, you'll see buttons to pair and power up the headphones as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup there are controls for playback of media, including a multi-function button that lets you activate the voice assistant of your phone and enable Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later).