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Best Over-Ear Headphones

imageOver-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you into music. They tend to be designed for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

imageThe Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that comes with ANC as well as a mobile app to alter the EQ, and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones wireless apple are Sony's most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. They feature a new design, enhanced ANC and a host of the same features as their predecessors, but with better materials and slightly higher quality sound.

They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing 250 grams. They're extremely comfortable to wear, even when you're listening to or reading a book. The headband is supple, and it features the same design of a friction rod as 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 satisfy both casual music lovers as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, yet it's not harsh or imposing. The earphones have a large and open soundstage, with excellent instrument separation. This lets you be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups are also equipped with touch controls, which are easy and responsive to use. Swipe forward to play the next track, back to hear the previous one, and up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at once and thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can also switch on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right earcup and allowing you to listen to what's happening around you without taking off 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). They come with a sturdy carrying case made of premium fabric and an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers operating Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery capacity is exceptional. In our most basic test, we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC activated which is much better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.

The WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic mic for voice calls. There's no muffled or static audio in the background. Noise-canceling is also excellent and these headphones are great for public transportation and the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major headphones over Ear improvement over its predecessor, offering high-end performance and features. 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 that are custom-designed for the device are carefully placed inside each earcup to create a more focused, deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones guarantee superior call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control music and calls from any compatible device.

These headphones have a similar elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They feature accent rings around the earcups and a silver sheen for the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium, but they never feel tight. The redesigned form and shape required a lot of time to perfect, delivering an easy clamping force that isn't too hard even on my own cranium that is rotund.

At 10.8 grams (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and are slightly smaller. They're light enough to carry in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and they'll stay comfortable in your hand during long listening sessions. The headband is foldable by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for both high-resolution audio and precise video sync. You can also play them wirelessly too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to a USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is an excellent gesture, flashing green to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.

The B&W App provides the same features that the buttons on the hardware provide such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignments, wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes as well as other features. When you play music on your iPhone, the app displays album covers and track titles. Popular extras such as music presets and a soundscapes mode are missing, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones, and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. The design and construction of the headphones has been optimized to achieve an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all of the frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic sound you'll hear with an open-back pair of headphones.

The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier is needed to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to use a balanced connection, which will double the output and improve the 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 simple and they're not fancy, but the quality of the Headphones Over Ear and their construction are excellent. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with a natural sound, even although they are a bit less bass-y. The open-back design produces a spacious, out-of-head soundstage. The treble is very good with minor peaks and drops. The treble region is extremely linear, which means you shouldn't have any issues piercing sibilants and the upper impact of the drum snare.

They can still provide impact, dynamism and impact when needed despite the lack of a loud low-end. They'll still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to rock music that has strong basslines, however they might not be like some of the competing models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

The Sennheiser headphones have a fantastic midrange. They are very linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids that will not be noticed by most listeners. They also reproduce fine time gradations in vocals which is a huge benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fitting make them a great choice. They are expensive, but they will last you for a long time and will perform in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great set of headphones for anyone looking to pass the time or just want a pair of affordable headphones for tv that block out noise. They come with a basic pouch that will give them some protection when you throw them in a bag and their battery can last for multiple long haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles when on a plane, though their audio profile is warmer and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are easy to use and clearly marked. On the left ear cup, you'll find buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones, as well as for turning on or off active noise cancellation.

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