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Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in the music. They are usually designed for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that comes with ANC as well as a mobile app to adjust 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 lineup. The headphones feature a brand new design and enhanced ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with higher-end sound quality and superior materials.

At just 250g, they are lightweight for over-ear ANC headsets. They are very comfortable to wear, even if you're reading or listening an audiobook. The headband is soft, and it features an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

With an audio quality that will please casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to have a slight focus on bass but is not overpowering or harsh. The earphones boast a huge and spacious soundstage, with good instrument separation. This allows you to hear the details in your music. The earcups have touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe forward to go to the next track, reverse to listen to the previous one and then up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at the same time and due to an inbuilt sensor, they automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can also turn on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right earcup that lets you listen to 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 hi-res audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of top quality fabric and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones and computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is excellent. In our battery test we had 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was more than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH1000XM5 is a great microphone for making 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 the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and performance. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a premium model with a variety of 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 for the device are precisely positioned inside each earcup for an enhanced, more immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure superior call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control music and calls from any device that is compatible.

Like the PX7's original design The headphones sport a sleekly refined look, with accent rings around each earcup as well as a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit comfortably but not too tightly on the cranium. The new shape and form was refined over a period of time, and delivers a soft clamping pressure that doesn't press into my skull.

At 10.8 pounds (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, and just a little thinner. They're light enough to fit in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place for long listens. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband enables you to fold them for easy transport in the protective case.


The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and the aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-quality audio as well for a tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app provides the same controls as the onboard buttons in the hardware - bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and more. The app also shows an album cover and track title when you play music using your iPhone. However, some popular features such as music presets or soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones by Sennheiser and is designed to meet highest expectations. The design and construction of the headphones is optimized to give an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It's the most realistic audio you can get from open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier to operate at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which will double the output and improve the sound quality.

The headphones are designed for a professional use and have a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of plastics and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't look like a fancy pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the palm and are built to last. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with naturality, although they are a bit lighter on bass. The open-back design creates a spacious, out-of-head soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent, with only minor peaks and dips. The treble area is very linear, so you'll not have issues hitting sibilants or the upper sound of a snare drum.

Even with the absence of loud bass, they can still provide dynamism and impact when needed. They'll still be enjoyable for those who love listening to rock music with punchy basslines, but they might not be as fun as some of the models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are very linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations, which is a benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them an excellent option. They are expensive however you're buying headphones that will last for many years to be used and perform to their best in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones that will do the trick for anyone looking to kill some time or simply needs a cheap pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They come with a basic pouch which will provide protection when you put them in a bag and their battery can last multiple long haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles from a plane, though their audio profile is heavy and warm.

The Life Q20's controls can be easy to use and clearly 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 earcup you'll find controls for playback of media, including a multi-function button that allows you to activate the voice assistant on your phone and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). The built-in mic can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

headphone sale 's Soundcore Q20 headphone provides a full immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. These headphones have a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancellation is designed to filter out a broad range of low- and mid-frequency sound.

One thing to keep in mind about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support aptX, which is disappointing. This means you won't in a position to benefit from the superior codec's low latency when gaming on your PC.

In terms of comfort In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headband are soft enough to wear for long periods of time without causing any discomfort. The earcups are able to rotate so that they can adjust to the unique shape of your head so that you can get a snug fit. You can also listen to your music via a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is included to charge the battery.

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