Best Over-Ear HeadphonesOver-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears and allow you to fully immerse in sound. They are typically tuned for audiophiles and include features such as 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 hi-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.Sony WH-1000XM5The WH-1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. They sport a new design, improved ANC, and many of the same features as their predecessors, but with better materials and slightly more premium sound quality.They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones at 250 grams. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband is soft and it has a friction rod design like the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.The WH-1000XM5 has a sonic signature that is designed to satisfy both casual music lovers as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, but it's not harsh or overpowering. They have a large and spacious soundstage that has good instrument separation that lets you hear details in your music. The earcups have touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe forward to go to the next track, reverse to listen to the previous one as well as up and down to adjust the volume. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices simultaneously and due to an inbuilt sensor, they automatically stop the playback when removed from your head. You can turn on 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.Other useful 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 high-end fabric and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is awe-inspiring. In our test we were able get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC activated which is much better than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.The WH1000XM5 has a great microphone for making calls. There is no static or muffled audio in the background. Noise cancellation is also great, and these headphones are great for public transportation or the office.Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, providing high-end performance and features. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits and optimized active noise cancellation, and clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are carefully angled inside each earcup for a more focused, deep listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer outstanding clarity for calls, even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone lets you manage your calls and music on any device compatible with it.Like the PX7's original design These headphones have a sleekly refined look with accent rings on each earcup and a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly, but not too tightly on the cranium. The redesigned form and shape took many months to perfect, delivering a comfortable clamping force that doesn't push too hard, even on my own cranium that is rotund.At 10.8 grams (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and are slightly smaller. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a bag or backpack and remain in place during long listening sessions. A strong hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them for easy transportation in an enclosed case.They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for high-resolution audio and precise video sync. You can also play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to a USB-C port on the right earcup. shops that sell headphones is a useful gesture with a green flash to indicate rapid charge and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.The B&W App provides the same features that the hardware onboard buttons offer including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignments wear detection, cycling through ANC modes, etc. When you play music on your iPhone, the app displays album cover and track titles. However, the most popular features like music presets or a soundscapes feature are missing.Sennheiser HD 800 SThe HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones and was made to meet the highest expectations. Its engineering was designed to give a breath-taking detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic spatial audio you'll experience on open-back headphones.The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms so it requires a high-quality headphone amplifier that can drive it at the right levels, without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, since this can double the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.These headphones are designed for professional use. They feature a metal frame, and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalistic and they're not fancy, but the quality of the headphones and their construction are excellent. They come with a carrying pouch and an additional audio cable as well as a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with naturality, though they are a little light on bass. The open-back design results in an expansive, out-of-head soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor peaks and dips. The treble area is very linear, so you won't have issues with piercing sibilants and the upper impact of a snare drum.They can still provide impact, dynamism and impact in the event of need, despite the absence of a loud low-end. They will still be enjoyable for those who love listening to rock music with powerful basslines, but they might not be like some of the models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.These Sennheiser headphones have a fantastic midrange. They are extremely linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They also reproduce precise time gradations in vocals which is a huge benefit.The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top pick because of their outstanding sound quality and a comfortable fit. They are expensive, however they will last for years and perform well in any setting.Anker Soundcore Life Q20The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent set of headphones for anyone looking to kill time or simply want an affordable pair of headphones that block out noise. They come with a simple pouch which will provide protection when you toss them into a bag, and their battery is capable of lasting several long haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out noisy passengers and engine rumbles, but their audio profile is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.The Life Q20's controls are easy to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons for pairing and powering 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 lets you activate your phone's voice assistant and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make calls without hands your phone.Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver an immersive and deep listening experience thanks to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that offer certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones have an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancellation is designed to block out a broad range of low- and mid-frequency sound.Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means that you will not be able take advantage of the higher codes' lower latency while gaming on your computer.In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory foam earcups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without creating discomfort. The earcups can rotate to adapt to your unique head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.