Best Over-Ear HeadphonesOver-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in the sound. They are typically made for audiophiles, and come with features like active noise cancellation and control apps.The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile application to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.Sony WH-1000XM5The WH1000XM5 headphones by Sony are the most recent upgrade in their noise cancelling lineup. buy headphones online feature a brand new design and improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with superior sound quality and higher-end materials.At only 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or reading a book. The headband is supple, and it has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.With a sound quality that will please casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass but is not overpowering or harsh. They have a large and open soundstage with good instrument separation, which allows you to hear subtleties in your music. The earcups also feature touch controls that are responsive and intuitive to use. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song and reverse to hear the previous track. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices simultaneously and, thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can also activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup that lets you listen to what's happening around you without removing the headphones.Other helpful features include the ability to pair 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 high-end fabric and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our battery test we had 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.The WH1000XM5 has a great microphone that can be used for voice calls. There's no muffled or static sound in the background. The noise cancellation performance is top-notch and they're a great choice for public transport or the office.Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and improved performance. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits enhanced active noise cancellation, and clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled in each earcup, offer more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide superior call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control calls and music on any compatible device.The headphones have a elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They have accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver sheen for the headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly, but not too tightly on the cranium. The redesigned shape and form required a lot of time to perfect, providing an incredibly comfortable clamping force that doesn't press too hard on my own rotund cranium.At 10.8 pounds (or 307g) They're 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as just a little thinner. They're light enough for carrying in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and will remain comfortably in place for long listens. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them to make it easy to transport them in a protective case.They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for both high-resolution audio and fast video sync. You can play them wired too, using 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 addition. It flashes green to signal rapid charging and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.The B&W App offers the same controls that the buttons on the hardware provide - bass and treble adjustments actions button assignments wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes and more. The app also displays an album cover and track's name when you play music on your iPhone. Some popular features like music presets, soundscapes and music mode are not available, however.Sennheiser HD 800 SThe HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones, and is designed to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction was optimized to achieve a breath-taking detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic spatial sound you'll hear in a pair of open-back headphones.The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier to operate to the levels you want 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 have a steel frame, and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't appear like the most expensive pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the hands and are built well. 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 a natural sound, even however they are less bass-y. This is due to the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head, passive soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region also is linear and you won't have issues with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of a drum snare.They can still deliver impact as well as dynamism and impact in the event of need, despite the absence of a loud low-end. They'll still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to rock music with powerful basslines, but they may not be as fun as some of the models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are linear with a slight scoop on the upper mids, which won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce precise time gradations, which is a nice bonus.The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are perfect for professionals and audiophiles. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fitting make them a great option. They're costly however you're buying headphones that will last for many years to be used and perform at their best in any situation.Anker Soundcore Life q20The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that will be a great choice for anyone looking to kill some time or simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a simple bag that will protect them when you put them into bags. Their battery can last multiple long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, however their audio quality is a bit heavy and warm.The Life Q20's controls are 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 and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find media playback controls. This includes a multi-function button that activates your phone's voice assistance and switches on Anker BassUp (more about this later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make hands-free calls with your phone.Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones delivers a rich immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz, these headphones offer exceptional clarity and detail, while their active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wide range of low and mid-frequency sounds.One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means that you won't be capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's lower latency while gaming on your PC.The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are comfortable enough to be worn for long periods of time without discomfort. The earcups can be rotated to accommodate the shape of your head. You can also enjoy your music wired with an included 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.