Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones skullcandy totally encase your ears, allowing you to be immersed in sound. They are generally tuned for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that includes ANC, a mobile app to adjust the EQ, and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest model in their noise cancelling lineup. The headphones are updated with a new design and have improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with higher-end sound quality and better materials.
They’re extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing 250 grams. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you’re listening to a podcast or a book. The headband is soft and it features the same design of a friction rod as the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 has a sonic signature that is designed to satisfy both casual music lovers as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, but it’s not abrasive or blazing. The earphones have a large and spacious soundstage, with excellent instrument separation. This lets you hear the details in your music. The earcups come with 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 song or backwards to hear the prior track. The Headphones For Iphone – Te.Legra.Ph, can connect to two devices at once and will automatically pause playback when you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also switch on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup that lets you hear what’s going on around you without taking 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). They come with a sturdy carrying case made of top quality fabric, as well as a USB-C cable to charge. 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 WH-1000XM5 is impressive. In our test of the standard battery we had 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on, which was better than Sony’s advertised 30 hour battery life.
The WH-1000XM5’s microphone performance on calls is exceptional and there’s no distorted or static-y sound in the background. The noise cancellation performance is top-notch, and they’re a good fit for public transport or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and improved performance. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit enhanced active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully placed inside each earcup for a more focused, deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide outstanding clarity for calls, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control music and calls from any device that is compatible.
As with the PX7’s original design The headphones sport sleek and elegant with accent rings on each earcup and a silver-colored headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium, yet they never feel tight. The redesigned shape and form took many months to perfect, and provides an easy 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 carry in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and will stay comfortably in place during long listening sessions. The headband is foldable by using a sturdy hinge on the back.
The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with the aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio as well for a tight video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone’s status indicator is a useful feature with a green flash to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.
The B&W app offers the same features as the buttons on the hardware including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes and more. When you play music on your iPhone the app will display album covers and track titles. However, the most popular features like music presets and soundscapes feature aren’t available.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones from Sennheiser, and it is meant to meet the most demanding requirements. Its technical construction is optimized to give an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic audio you’ll hear on headphones with open backs.
The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier that can drive it at the right levels, without distortion. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which can double the output and improve the sound quality.
These headphones are designed for professional use and feature a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of leather and plastic. The design is rather minimalist and doesn’t resemble the most expensive pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable, and an adapter from 1/4″ to 1-/8″ adapter.
With a neutral sound profile the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, although they are light in bass. The open-back design results in a wide out-of-head soundstage. The treble is very good with minor drops and peaks. The treble region is very linear, headphones for iphone so you’ll not have issues cutting sibilants, or the upper impact of the drum snare.
Despite not having a high-pitched bass, they still provide dynamism and impact when it is needed. They will still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to rock music with powerful basslines, but they may not be like some of the competing models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.
The Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful mid-range. They are a linear pair with a slight scoop on the upper mids, which won’t be noticed by the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce precise time gradations, which is a nice benefit.
The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They’re a top choice because of their outstanding sound quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive however you’re buying headphones that will last for years to come and perform to their best in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that can be a great choice for anyone who wants to kill some time or simply wants a low-cost pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic case which protects the headphones when you place them into a bag. The battery will last for a long time on long-haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles on the plane, but their audio profile is a bit warm and bass-heavy.
The Life Q20’s controls are easy to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup you’ll find buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones, as well as for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, there are controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function key that activates the phone’s voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about this later). The built-in mic can be used to make hands-free phone calls.
Anker’s Soundcore Q20 headphone provides a full immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz, these headphones offer exceptional clarity and detail, while their active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.
Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn’t support aptX. This is a pity. This means you will not be able take advantage of the higher codes’ lower latency while playing on your computer.
In terms of comfort, the Life Q20’s memory foam earcups and headband are soft enough to wear for extended periods of time without creating discomfort. The ear cups can also rotate to adjust to your unique head shape. You can also listen to music via a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is included to charge the battery.