Best Over-Ear Headphones Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you in music. They are usually tuned for audiophiles and come with features like active noise cancellation and control apps. The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile application to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-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 lineup. They feature a new design, enhanced ANC and a host of the same features as their predecessors but with premium materials and slightly higher quality sound. At only 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. They are very comfortable to wear, even when you're reading or listening an audiobook. The headband is supple, and it has a friction rod design like the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold. The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature that has been designed to please casual music lovers as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, yet it is not harsh or imposing. The earphones feature a wide and wide soundstage, as well as good instrument separation. This allows you to be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups feature control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe forward to go to the next track, back to hear the previous track and then up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can be connected to two devices at once and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head due to the built-in sensor. headset shopping can activate the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup. This allows you to hear the sounds around you without having to take off the headphones. They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as well as 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 Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is excellent. In our most basic test we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC activated which is more than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours. The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on calls is exceptional, and there's no muffled or static-y audio in the background. The noise cancellation is top-quality, and they're a good option for public transport as well as the office. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and improved performance. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 comes with 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 in each earcup, offer more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. An inline remote and microphone lets you control your music and calls on any compatible device. Similar to the original PX7 The headphones sport elegant and refined with accent rings on each earcup, and an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, but never feel tight. The redesigned shape and form took a long time to perfect, delivering a comfortable clamping force that doesn't press too hard even on my own cranium that is rotund. At 10.8 grams (or 307g) They're 2 ounces lighter than the Sony WH-1000XM5, and a touch thinner. They're light enough to fit in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and will stay comfortable in your hand during long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband enables you to fold them to make it easy to transport them in the protective case. They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for high-resolution audio as well as tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a helpful feature, flashing green to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use. The B&W app has similar controls to the onboard buttons in the hardware including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes and much 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 missing. Sennheiser HD 800 S The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones from Sennheiser and is meant to meet the most demanding requirements. Its technical construction was designed to provide 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 to operate at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which will increase the output and boost the quality of sound. The headphones are designed for a professional use and have a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of leather and plastic. The design is simple and doesn't look like the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the palm and are built well. They come with a carrying pouch and an additional audio cable, as well as an 1/4 to 1/8 adapter. With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, although they are somewhat light on bass. The open-back design produces a wide, out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb with only minor dips and peaks. The treble area is extremely linear, which means you shouldn't have any issues hitting sibilants or the upper bite of the snare drum. Despite not having a loud bass, they can still deliver impact and dynamism when it is needed. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who like rock music with punchy basses however, they may not sound as good as other models on this list. The Sennheiser headphones have a great midrange. They are a linear pair with a slight incline in the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by most listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations of vocals which is a major benefit. The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fit make them a top choice. They're expensive however, you're getting a pair of headphones that will last for many years to be able to perform to their best in any environment. Anker Soundcore Life q20 The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones that will provide the perfect solution for anyone who wants to kill some time or just wants an affordable pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a simple bag that protects the headphones when you place them into bags. The battery will last multiple long-haul flights. Their ANC does a great job of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles when on an airplane, although their audio profile is a little heavy and warm. The Life Q20's controls are easy to use and are well-marked. On the left ear cup you'll find buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones and for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, there are media playback controls. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistant and also turns on Anker BassUp (more about it later). The built-in microphone can be used to make hands-free phone calls. Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer an immersive and rich listening experience, due to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. These headphones have a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling is specifically designed to block out a variety of low- and mid-frequency sound. One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support aptX, which is disappointing. This means that you won't not be able take advantage of the superior codes' lower latency when gaming on your computer. The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are comfortable enough to be worn for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups are also able to rotate so that they can adjust to the unique shape of your head so that you can have a comfortable fit. You can also listen to your music with a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is included for charging the battery.
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