Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones typically provide better battery longevity than earbuds. They also have superior noise cancellation.

Sony's WH1000XM5s are among the top over-ear headphones with wireless technology. They sound great with a rich, bass-heavy audio profile that allows vocals as well as instruments to shine. They can last for over 40 hours on a single charge with active noise cancellation (ANC) switched on.

Focal Bathys Wireless

The Focal Bathys wireless are a high-end audiophile entry into the booming Silver Apple AirPods Max: Premium Wireless Headphones Bluetooth headphone category which has been for a long time dominated by Bose. Focal's reputation as a maker of the highest quality high-fidelity speakers meant that it wasn't able to scale down in order to compete. Therefore, it decided to design its own earbuds with built-in ANC, using the same transducers and amplifiers that are found in its flagship products.

The result is an earbud that is top-of-the-line in performance but also feels luxurious and sturdy. Focal reduced the size and weight of its beyerdynamic Dt 990 Pro: Premium Open-Back Headphones headphones to make them more portable and still use magnesium for the yokes. The look is sleek and stylish with a circular "skeletonised" design similar to the company's premium, full-sized Focal Celestee and LED backlit Focal "flame" logos on the side of each headphone that actually glow (you can toggle this feature on the app that comes with it).

When connected to your device, they operate with the latest Bluetooth v5.1 technology, which includes support for SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive and a built-in DAC that supports up to 24 bit/192kHz playback. The ear cups can be folded flat for simple storage. The cable can also be dismantled to be used with devices that don't have Bluetooth like a lot of cell phones.

For true audio nerds, the headphones can be used in DAC mode, which eliminates internal processing and provides superior sound quality than the majority of Bluetooth headphones with a built-in DAC. Focal declined to reveal the specific DAC they used, but when tested with a high-quality portable DAC/headphone amp, the Bathys delivered great results--including better-than-CD-quality resolution, tight bass, and an open, airy midrange.

The Focal Bathys are designed to be utilized on planes as well as in other noisy environments However, the DAC mode also makes them suitable for more attentive listening. The majority of portable headphones are closed-back and tuned for boosted bass, but the Bathys deliver a neutral, balanced sound that's perfect for rock and other genres that are popular without becoming overly loud. They'd make a great gift for anyone who is an audiophile on your list.

JBL Tune 760NC

The JBL Tune-760NC is lightweight, comfortable pair of headphones that have active noise cancellation. They offer a deep bass profile which adds depth to your music. They also have long battery life for listening sessions. The headphones are also built to last, making them ideal for commutes and travel. However, their tight fit can make them uncomfortable for long listening sessions.

The headphones come with a set control that you can use to control the music and your call settings. They have buttons for volume up down, power, and ANC on/off. The buttons are surrounded by a tiny section that is lit by an LED that you can tap it to switch the headphone's lighting display. The headphones offer a comfortable fit and are padded, however, they are quite tight on your head, and may be uncomfortable for those who wear glasses.

JBL's Active Noise Cancellation Technology reduces ambient noise by analyzing and understanding the sounds that come from outside the headphone. Then, it inverts these sounds and blocks them out, creating a more peaceful listening experience. This lets you listen at lower volumes and avoid ear fatigue. The headphones come with a built-in microphone, which lets you make phone calls without hands and activate voice assistants.

These headphones work with the majority of Bluetooth devices, including your computer and mobile phones. These headphones work with the majority of PS4 and Xbox One Controllers for receiving audio however they are not able to communicate with other players. The USB port lets you charge them and listen to audio through your computer.

The JBL 760NCs were designed to be compact, with a compact design that folds down, making them easy to carry on the move. The JBL 760NCs come with built-in batteries that can last up to 40 hours of continuous use and come with noise cancellation technology to block out any distracting sounds. They can be connected to two Bluetooth devices at the same time, so you don't have to wait for a second when switching from watching a film on your tablet to making a phone call.

Skullcandy Riff Wireless

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 is a pair of on-ear headphones that deliver what people want from on-ear Bluetooth headphones. They're priced at a fair cost, Good Over Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones come with an extremely long-lasting battery, an accessory cable backup, and offer peace of mind thanks to Tile-finding technology. It also comes with an easy set of controls for the earcup and is able to connect to both wired and wireless devices. The Riff Wireless headphones include an app that lets you customize your listening experience. It also lets users to minimize the delay of video and audio when paired with smart tvs or computers, and to set up a multi-device pair.

The headphones come with a cushioned band that is very comfortable. They are designed for travel and commute. They can fold up for easy storage in bags or backpacks. They are made of plastic and have a pliable quality, but are fairly durable and have a strong click when you move or flex them. They don't have noise cancellation which can be a challenge for some users, but they block out some of the low rumble of buses and passenger chatter.

The headphones are of decent sound quality, especially given their low cost. The midranges are not as luscious as some of the more expensive headphones but they still have good detail at most volume levels. The bass is strong and punchy, whereas the highs are a little dispersed but aren't too loud. They're great for rock and pop but they may not be the best option for genres that feature full, deep bass.

Comparing to the previous version of these headphones, the Riff Wireless 2 come with more features. They feature a neutral sound that might be appealing to some people, a better mic performance and allow multi-device pairing. They also have a higher level of volume and have a longer battery life.

These headphones are good but they don't provide the same level of comfort as other Skullcandy products like the Hesh 3 Wireless. They're still a solid option for most users, but they aren't the best choice for those who are in active use, and they can fall off during high-intensity workouts.

Razer Opus

The Opus is Razer’s first attempt at creating a lifestyle headphone. It's a fantastic product. The market it is targeting is likely to be much larger than gamers and it comes with a premium sound that is comparable to the top models from Sony and Bose at a price that is affordable.

The design is a bit more restrained than Razer standards: no RGB lighting or trademark green accents as well as the Tri-Snake logo is nowhere to be visible. The headset is similar to any other Bluetooth headset, with semicircle hinges that fold flat and swivel over the earcups, creating an adjustable and comfortable headband. The headsets are lightweight and more portable than most gaming headphones, and weigh just 265g when folded.

On the right earcup are onboard controls. Controls for track and power buttons are located close to a multi-function button recessed into it that also doubles as a noise cancelling button. The controls were responsive and easy to use. They worked as advertised during my tests.

The Opus bass is powerful and well-rounded, with depth and clarity that you won't get in a lot of budget headphones. The sound is not as rich as Bose's Extra Bass, but it's far superior for a $200 price tag. Vocals and the lead instruments can be heard with good over ear noise cancelling headphones clarity. The mids are solid. I did notice a slight lack of clarity in the highs however changing the EQ to the Vocal preset resolved the issue.

In the carrying case you'll also find a 3.5mm audio cable and USB C-to-A converter, as well as an ordinary airplane audio plug for those who haven't switched yet. It's a small but welcome feature that makes it easier to use headphones while traveling.

Like other THX-certified devices such as the Opus performed admirably in my tests. I was able walk around town without having raise the volume in order to block background noise, and I never felt like I had to turn my music up to hear it. This is the kind of sound quality that can help you to keep your hearing intact from excessive exposure to high frequency frequencies.