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Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you into sound. They are usually designed for audiophiles and come with features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.
The Focal Bathys are a wireless pair with ANC and a mobile app to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the latest upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation range. They feature a new design, upgraded ANC, and many of the same features that their predecessors had but with higher-end materials and a slightly more premium sound quality.
They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones at 250 grams. They are very comfortable to wear, no matter if you're reading or listening to the audiobook. The headband is soft, and it has a friction rod design like the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature that has been designed to please casual music lovers as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, however it's not abrasive or blazing. The earphones have a large and spacious soundstage, with excellent instrument separation. This allows you to listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups have touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe forward to play the next track, then back to hear the previous track and then up and down to control the volume. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices simultaneously and due to an inbuilt sensor, they will automatically stop 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 be aware of what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones.
Other features that are useful 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 carry case made of top quality fabric and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our standard test we were able get 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC activated which is much better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.
The WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic microphone that can be used for voice calls. There's no muffled or static sound in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent, and these headphones are ideal 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 improved performance. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 is a premium model with a variety of features, including 24-bit wireless streaming with active noise cancellation that is optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled to fit in each earcup, offer more immersive and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide superior call clarity even in noisy environments. And an inline remote and microphone lets you control your calls and music using any compatible device.
As with the original PX7 The headphones sport a sleekly refined look with accent rings on each earcup as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tight on the cranium. The new shape and form was developed over the course of several months and provides an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that isn't hard on my own rotund skull.
At 10.8 grams (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and slightly smaller. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and remain in place during long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them up to make it easy to transport them in an enclosed case.
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 that is located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a helpful feature that flashes green to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.
The B&W app offers the same controls as the onboard buttons in the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes and much more. When you play music on your iPhone, the app displays album covers and track titles. However, popular extras like music presets or soundscapes feature aren't available.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones, and is designed to meet the highest expectations. Its construction technology has been optimized to achieve the highest resolution in detail that covers all of the frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic sound you'll hear on headphones with open backs.
The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, which means it requires a top-quality headphone amplifier to operate at the right levels, without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, because it will increase the power output and increase the overall sound quality.
These headphones are designed for professional use and have a sturdy steel frame, with a mixture of plastics and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't appear like an expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the palm and are well-built. They come with a carry pouch as well as an additional audio cable, as well as an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.
The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with naturality, however they are less bass-y. This is because the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb, with only minor dips and peaks. 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.
Even with the absence of loud bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when needed. They are still a great choice for those who like rock music with punchy basses however, they may not sound as great as the other models on this list.
In the mids in the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are extremely linear and have a slight scoop in the upper mids that should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce precise time gradations, which is a nice bonus.
The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them a top option. The headphones are expensive however they will last for a long time and will perform in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good pair of headphones for those looking to pass the time or simply want an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. head phones come with a basic pouch which will provide protection when you throw them into your bag, and their battery is capable of lasting many long-haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, but their audio profile is a bit warm and bass-heavy.
The Life Q20's controls can be easy to use and are well-marked. On the left ear cup, you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones, as well as to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup you'll find controls for playback of media that include a multi-function switch that lets you activate the voice assistant on your phone and enable Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). The built-in microphone can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver a rich and immersive listening experience thanks to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that offer certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz they can provide outstanding clarity and clarity, while their active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wider range of low and mid-frequency sounds.
Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is a pity. This means that you will not be able to take advantage of the higher codes' lower latency when playing on your computer.
In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory foam earcups and headband are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without causing discomfort. The ear cups are also capable of turning and adjust to the particular shape of your head, so you can have a comfortable fit. You can also listen to music wired with an included 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.