Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you into music. They are usually tuned for audiophiles and feature features like active noise cancellation and control apps.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that includes ANC and a mobile application to alter the EQ, and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 headphones for swimming from Sony are the latest model in their noise cancellation lineup. The headphones feature a brand new design and have improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but they have superior sound quality and higher-end materials.
They’re light for over-ear ANC Headphones Skullcandy at just 250g. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you’re listening to a podcast or book. 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 a sound quality that can satisfy people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5’s sound signature is tuned to have a slight focus on bass but is not excessively loud or harsh. They have a large and wide soundstage, with good instrument separation that lets you hear details in your music. The earcups feature 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 and reverse to hear the previous track. 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 activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup. This allows you to listen to the sounds around you without removing 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). They come with a sturdy carrying case made from high-end fabric as well as a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones are compatible with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is impressive. In our most basic test, we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC switched on which is more than Sony’s advertised battery life of 30 hours.
The WH-1000XM5’s microphone quality for calls is superb, and there’s no muffled or static-y sound in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent and these headphones are perfect for public transportation or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and improved performance. 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 inside each earcup, give you a more complete and focused listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer outstanding clarity for calls even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control calls and music on any compatible device.
The headphones sport a similar elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They feature accent rings around the earcups as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit comfortably but not too tight on the cranium. The redesigned shape and form took many months to perfect, delivering a comfortable clamping force that doesn’t push too hard even on my own cranium that is rotund.
They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They’re light enough to fit in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and will stay comfortably in place during long listens. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them up for easy transport in an enclosed case.
The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio as well for a tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice touch. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W app has the same features as the hardware onboard buttons including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and much more. The app also displays an album cover and track’s name when you play music from your iPhone. However, some popular features such as music presets or soundscapes feature aren’t available.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the highest expectations. The technical design was optimized to achieve an incredible detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic audio you’ll experience on open-back headphones gym.
The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier is required to drive it at desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended as this will double the power output and increase the overall sound quality.
These headphones are made for professional use. They have a metal frame and a mixture of leather and plastic padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn’t appear like the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel premium in the hand and are built to last. They come with a carrying pouch and an additional audio cable as well as an 1/4″ to 1/8″ adapter.
With an unison sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, though they are light in bass. The open-back design creates an expansive, out-of-head soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor peaks and dips. The treble area is extremely smooth, meaning you shouldn’t have any issues piercing sibilants and the upper impact of a snare drum.
Despite the lack of a high-pitched bass, they still provide dynamism and impact when required. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who enjoy rock music that has punchy bass however, they may not be as impressive as the other models on this list.
The Sennheiser headphones have a great midrange. They’re very straight and have a slight scoop in the upper mids that shouldn’t be noticeable to most listeners. They are also able to reproduce fine time gradations in vocals, which is a big plus.
The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones for tv that are ideal for professionals and audiophiles. They’re a top choice because of their outstanding audio quality and comfortable fit. 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 decent pair of headphones for those looking to pass the time or simply want an affordable set of headphones noise cancelling that cancel out noise. They come with a basic bag that provides protection when you throw them into your bag, and their battery can last for several long haul flights. The ANC works well to block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles, however their audio quality is a bit warm and bass-heavy.
The Life Q20’s controls are easy to navigate and well-marked. On the left earcup, you’ll find buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, Headphones skullcandy there are controls for playback of media. This includes a multi-function control that activates your phone’s voice assistance and also turns on Anker BassUp (more about it later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make calls without hands your phone.
Anker’s Soundcore Life Q20 headphone offers a deep, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones have the treble range to go up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sound.
Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means that you won’t be in a position to benefit from the superior codec’s low latency when playing games on your PC.
In terms of comfort In terms of comfort, the Life Q20’s memory foam earcups and headband are soft enough to wear for extended periods of time without causing any discomfort. The ear cups also rotate to adapt to your individual head shape. You can also listen to your music wired with an included 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is provided for charging the battery.