Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears and allow you to fully immerse in the sound. They are typically made for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancellation and control applications.
The Focal Bathys are a wireless pair with ANC and a mobile application to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 headphones by Sony are the latest model in their noise cancelling lineup. The headphones feature a brand new design and improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but they have higher-end sound quality and superior materials.
They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing just 250g. They're extremely comfortable to wear, even when you're reading or listening an audiobook. The headband is supple, and has a friction rod design like the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sound signature designed to please casual music listeners as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, but it is not harsh or imposing. They have a large and wide soundstage, with good instrument separation that lets you hear details in your music. The earcups have touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe forward to go to the next track, then back to listen to the previous one and then up and down to control the volume. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head due to the built-in sensor. You can activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup. This allows you to listen to the sounds around you without removing the headphones.
Other features that are useful include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of premium fabric, and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers running Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is exceptional. In our standard test we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC activated which is much better than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.
The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for calls is exceptional and there's not any muffled or static-y sound in the background. The noise-canceling performance is also excellent, and they're a good choice for public transport 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. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers premium performance and features, including 24-bit wireless streaming and active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled to fit in each earcup, offer more deep and focused listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. An inline remote and microphone lets you control your calls and music using any compatible device.
Like the original PX7, these headphones are sleek and elegant with accent rings on each earcup, and a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tight on the cranium. The new design and shape was developed over the course of several months and provides an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that isn't into my skull.
They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough for carrying in your bag or backpack without any discomfort, and will remain comfortably in place during long listens. A strong hinge on the back of the headband lets 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 great for high-quality audio as well as a fast video sync. You can also play them wirelessly too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to an USB-C port located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice touch. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging, and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W app offers similar controls to the buttons on the hardware - bass and treble adjustment, action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes and more. When you listen to music on your iPhone, the app displays album cover and track titles. However, some popular features such as music presets and soundscapes feature are not available.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the highest expectations. Its engineering was designed to give an incredible detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic sound you'll ever hear in a pair of open-back headphones.
The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier that can drive it to the levels you want without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which will increase the output and enhance the sound quality.
These headphones are made to be used by professionals and feature a sturdy metal frame with a mix of plastics and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't appear like the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the palm and are built to last. 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 a natural sound, even though they are a little less bass-y. This is because the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble quality is excellent with minor peaks and drops. The treble region also has a linearity, so you will not have issues with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of the drum snare.
Despite the lack of a loud bass, they can still deliver impact and dynamism when it is needed. They'll still be a great choice for those who enjoy listening to rock music with powerful basslines, but they might not be as enjoyable as some of the other models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.
In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are very linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids that should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations, which is a bonus.
The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fit make them an excellent option. The headphones are expensive but they'll last for a long time and will perform in any environment.
headphones shop uk are a decent pair of headphones that can do the trick for anyone looking to kill some time or simply wants a low-cost pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic case that will protect them when you throw them in a bag. The battery will last for a long time on long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles. However, their audio profile is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.
The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, there are buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistance and switches on Anker BassUp (more about it later). The built-in microphone can be used to make phone calls hands-free.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offers a deep and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones feature a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling is specifically designed to block out a broad range of mid- and low-frequency sound.
One thing to keep in mind about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they don't support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means you will not be able take advantage of the higher codes' lower latency when playing on your computer.
In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam earcups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without creating discomfort. The earcups are capable of turning and adjust to the particular shape of your head so you can get a snug fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.