Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears, allowing you to be immersed in the sound. They are typically made for audiophiles and come with features such as active noise cancelling and listen control apps.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile app to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancellation line-up. They sport a new design, enhanced ANC and a host of the same features that their predecessors had but with better materials and slightly higher quality sound.

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones, with 250 grams. They're very comfortable to wear, even when you're listening to or reading the 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 can satisfy people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass, but it isn't too loud or harsh. The earphones have a large and spacious soundstage, with good 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, reverse to listen to the previous one, and 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 will automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can turn on the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right ear cup. This lets you hear the sounds around you without removing the headphones.

Other helpful features include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made of high-end fabric as well as an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones stores work with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is exceptional. In our test of the standard battery we had 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on calls is exceptional and there's no distorted or static-y sound in the background. Noise cancellation is also great, and these headphones for sale uk are perfect for public transportation and the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and performance. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 comes with premium performance and features like 24-bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled inside each earcup, give you a more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote allows you to control calls and music on any device compatible with it.

Like the PX7's original design, these headphones are a sleekly refined look, with accent rings around each earcup and an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly but not too tightly on the cranium. The new form and shape was perfected over many months and provides a soft clamping pressure that doesn't press too hard on my rotund skull.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough for carrying in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and will stay comfortably in place for long listening sessions. The headband can be folded up by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2, with the aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio as well as a fast video sync. You can play them wirelessly too, using the included 3.5mm cable shops that sell headphones connects to an USB-C port located 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 indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App offers the same controls 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 name when you play music from your iPhone. However, the most popular features like music presets or a soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones, and is made to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction is optimized to give an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all of the frequency spectrum as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic sound you'll ever experience with an open-back pair of headphones.

The headphone shops has an impedance of 300 Ohms, which means it requires a top-quality headphone store amplifier that can drive it to the levels you want without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, because it will increase the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed to be used by professionals and feature a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with leather and plastic. The design is minimalistic and doesn't look extravagant however the quality of the headphones and their construction are superb. They come with a carry pouch and an extra audio cable and a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with a natural sound, even however they are less bass-y. The open-back design produces a spacious out-of-head soundstage. The treble is very good with minor drops and peaks. The treble region is very linear, so you'll not have issues cutting sibilants, or the upper sound of a drum snare.

They still have the ability to deliver, dynamism and impact when needed despite the lack of a loud low-end. They'll still be enjoyable for those who like listening to rock music that has punchy basslines, but they may not sound like some of the competing models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are straight and have a slight incline in the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also have the ability to reproduce precise time gradations of vocals which is a major benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice due to their exceptional audio quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive however you're buying a pair of headphones that will last for years to be used and perform at their best in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that will be a great choice for anyone who needs to relax or simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag that protects the headphones when you place them into bags. Their battery can last for a long time on long-haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles on a plane, though their audio profile is a little warm and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls can be easy to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup, there are buttons to pair and power up the headphones as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup you'll find controls for playback of media that include a multi-function switch that allows you to activate the voice assistant on your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). The built-in mic can be used to make phone calls hands-free.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver an immersive and rich listening experience, due to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones have a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancellation is designed to block out a variety of low- and mid-frequency sound.

One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means that you won't be capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's lower latency when you're playing games on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are comfortable enough to be worn for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups also be rotated to accommodate your individual head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.