Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears, allowing you to be immersed in the sound. They are typically made for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.
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 for wired listening through USB-C.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 headphones by Sony are the latest model in their noise cancelling lineup. They feature a new design, improved ANC and a host of the same features as their predecessors but with better materials and slightly higher quality sound.
They're light for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing just 250g. They're extremely 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.
The WH-1000XM5 has a sonic signature that is created to please casual music lovers as well as 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 good instrument separation. This lets you listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups have touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track or backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones can be connected to two devices at once and will automatically stop playback whenever you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also switch on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup, which allows you to listen to what's happening around you without removing 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 premium fabric, and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is impressive. In our standard test we were able get 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC activated, which is better than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.
The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on voice calls is excellent and there's no distorted or static-y sounding background. The noise cancellation is top-quality, and they're a good option for public transport as well as the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, offering high-end performance and features. This includes 24-bit wireless streaming, optimized active noise cancellation, and clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled to fit in each earcup, provide a more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control calls and music on any device that is compatible.
Similar to the original PX7 These headphones have elegant and refined with accent rings on each earcup and a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit comfortably but not too tight on the cranium. The new design and shape was developed over the course of several months, and delivers a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force into my skull, which is a rotund one.
They are 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 are comfortable to wear throughout long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband enables you to fold them up to make it easy to transport them in a protective case.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is ideal for high-resolution audio and tight video sync. You can play the headphones wired, too, with the included 3.5mm cable that connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to signal rapid charging and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W App has the same control options that the buttons on the hardware provide including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignments wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes and more. The app also shows an album cover and track's title when you play music using your iPhone. However, some popular features such as music presets and soundscapes feature aren't available.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones from Sennheiser, and it is meant to meet the most demanding requirements. The technical design was designed to provide stunning detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever hear with an open-back pair of headphones.
The headphone has a 300 ohm impedance, so a good headphone amplifier will be needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which can double the output and improve the sound quality.
These headphones are made for professional use. They feature a metal frame and a mixture of leather and plastic padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't resemble the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the palm and are well-built. 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 instruments and vocals in a natural way, even however they are lighter on bass. This is because the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head soundstage. The treble is very good, with minor drops and peaks. The treble region is extremely smooth, meaning you won't have issues with hitting sibilants or the upper impact of a drum snare.
Despite the lack of a loud bass, they can still provide dynamism and impact when it is needed. They are still a great choice for those who enjoy rock music that has punchy bass however they might not sound as good as other models on this list.
The Sennheiser headphones have a great mid-range. They are straight and have an incline on the upper mids, which won't be noticed by most listeners. They also reproduce precise time gradations of vocals which is a huge benefit.
The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They're a top choice because of their excellent audio quality and comfortable fit. They're costly however, you're getting a pair of headphones that will last for years to be used and perform at their best in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent pair of headphones for those looking to kill time or simply need an affordable pair of headphones that cancel out noise. headphones shop uk come with a basic pouch that provides protection when you toss them into your bag, and their battery can last several long haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles on a plane, though their audio profile is warmer and bass-heavy.
The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, there are buttons to pair and power up the headphones, as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, there are controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function button that activates your phone's voice assistance and turns on Anker BassUp (more about this later). The built-in mic can be used to make hands-free phone calls.
Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone provides a full, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. These headphones have the treble range to go up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is specifically designed to block out a variety of low- and mid-frequency sound.
One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means you will not be able to take advantage of the better codes' lower latency while gaming on your computer.
In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory foam ear cups and headband are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing discomfort. The ear cups also rotate to adapt to your individual head shape. You can also listen to your music with a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is included for charging the battery.