Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears, allowing you to be immersed in sound. They are usually tuned for audiophiles, and have features like active noise cancellation and control apps.
The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile application for tweaking the EQ and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 is Sony’s latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. The headphones feature a brand new design and improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with a superior sound quality and higher-end materials.
They’re extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones at 250 grams. They’re extremely comfortable to wear, no matter if you’re reading or listening an audiobook. The headband is soft and has the same design of a friction rod as the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 has a sound signature created to please casual music lovers as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, however it’s not abrasive or imposing. The earphones have a large and wide soundstage, as well as excellent instrument separation. This lets you hear the details in your music. The earcups have touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track, backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically pause playback when you take them off your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also switch on the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup that lets you hear what’s going on around you without removing the headphones.
Other useful 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 top quality fabric and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers running Windows or headphones Shop uk macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is exceptional. In our standard battery test, we got 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on, which was better than Sony’s advertised 30-hour battery life.
The WH-1000XM5’s mic performance on calls is exceptional and there’s no distorted or static-y sound in the background. The noise cancellation is top-quality and they’re a perfect fit for public transport or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The 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 and optimized active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled in each earcup, give you a more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones guarantee exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control music and calls from any device that is compatible.
These headphones have a similar elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They feature accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly but not too tight on the cranium. The new design and shape was developed over the course of several months and offers a soft clamping pressure that isn’t hard on my own rotund skull.
At 10.8 ounces (or 307g), they’re 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as just a little smaller. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a bag or backpack and stay in place comfortably during long listening sessions. The headband can be folded up using a sturdy hinge at the back.
They’re powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is ideal for high-resolution audio and tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port located on the right earcup. The headphone shop online‘s status indicator is a helpful touch that flashes green to indicate rapid charge and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.
The B&W app offers the same features as the onboard buttons in the hardware – bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes and more. When you play music on your iPhone, the app displays album covers and track titles. However, popular extras like music presets or a soundscapes feature aren’t available.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones by Sennheiser and is designed to meet highest demands. Its technical construction has been optimized to provide an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It’s the most realistic sound you’ll hear on headphones with open backs.
The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms so it requires a high-quality headphone shops uk amplifier to drive it to the levels you want without distortion. It is recommended to use a balanced connection, which can double the output and improve the sound quality.
These headphones are made for a professional use and have a sturdy metal frame with a mix of leather and plastic. The design is minimalistic and they’re not fancy, but the quality of the headphones and their build are excellent. They come with a carrying pouch and an extra audio cable as well as an 1/4″ to 1/8″ adapter.
With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are a bit light on bass. The open-back design creates a wide out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region is also very linear, so you won’t have issues with piercing sibilants and the upper sound of the drum snare.
They still have the ability to deliver and dynamism when required, despite the absence of a loud low-end. They’ll still be enjoyable for those who like listening to rock music that has powerful basslines, but they may not be as fun as 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 that won’t be noticed by most listeners. They can also reproduce precise time gradations, which is a bonus.
The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit make them a top choice. They are expensive, but you’re paying for headphones that will last for years to come and perform at their best in any environment.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great pair of headphones for those who wants to relax or simply need an affordable set of headphones that cancel out noise. The headphones come with a basic bag which protects them when you throw them in bags. Their battery can last for a long time on long-haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles on an airplane, although their audio profile 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 to power up and pair the headphones and for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you’ll find controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function button that activates the phone’s voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about that later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make calls without hands your phone.
Anker’s Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide an immersive and rich listening experience, thanks to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones Shop uk feature the treble range to go up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is specifically designed to block out a broad range of low- and mid-frequency sound.
One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they don’t support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means that you won’t not be able to take advantage of the better codes’ lower latency while gaming on your computer.
In terms of comfort In terms of comfort, the Life Q20’s memory foam ear cups and headband are soft enough to wear for extended periods of time without causing discomfort. The earcups are capable of turning and adjust to the unique shape of your head so you can have a comfortable fit. You can also listen to your music via a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is included online shopping sites for headphones charging the battery.