best reference headphones Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you in the audio. They are generally made for audiophiles and come with features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile app for tweaking the EQ and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation lineup. The headphones feature a brand new design and improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with a superior sound quality and higher-end materials.

At just 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. They are very comfortable to wear, no matter if you're reading or listening an audiobook. The headband features a friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 has a sound signature created to please casual music listeners as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, but it is not harsh or overpowering. They have a wide and spacious soundstage that has good instrument separation that allows you to hear subtleties in your music. The earcups feature control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe up or down to change the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song or backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at once and thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can activate ambient mode by placing your hand on the right-ear cup. This allows you to hear the sounds around you without having to remove the headphones.

Other useful features 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 top quality fabric and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is exceptional. In our test of the standard battery, we got 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for calls is superb and there's no distorted or static-y sound in the background. Noise-canceling is also excellent and these headphones are ideal for public transportation or in the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and improved performance. This includes 24-bit wireless streaming, optimized active noise cancellation, and clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully placed inside each earcup to provide an even more focused and immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones guarantee excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote allows you to control calls and earphone music from any compatible device.

As with the PX7's original design These headphones have a sleekly refined look, earphone with accent rings around each earcup and a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit well, but not too tightly on the cranium. The redesigned shape and form required a lot of time to perfect, providing an easy clamping force that doesn't push too hard 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 for carrying in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place during long listens. The headband is foldable using a sturdy hinge at the back.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for both high-resolution audio and tight video sync. You can play them wirelessly too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to a USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice touch. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App has the same control options that the buttons on the hardware provide - bass and treble adjustments, action button assignments, wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes as well as other features. When you play music on your iPhone the app will display album covers and track titles. The most popular extras like music presets and soundscapes mode are missing, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. Its construction technology has been optimized to provide an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic sound you'll ever experience on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has a 300 ohm impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier will be needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, since this can double the power output and increase the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They have a metal frame and a mixture of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalist and they're not fancy however the quality of the headphones and their construction are excellent. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, though they are a bit light on bass. This is due to the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head passive soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region is also extremely linear, which means you won't have issues with piercing sibilants and the upper bite of the drum snare.

They can still deliver impact as well as dynamism and impact when needed despite the lack of a booming low-end. They are still a great choice for those who love rock music with punchy basses, but may not sound as good as other models on this list.

In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are extremely linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids which shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They also reproduce precise time gradations in vocals which is a huge benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones online store that are perfect for professionals and audiophiles. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fitting make them a great option. The headphones are costly, but they will last you for many years and perform in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent pair of headphones for those looking to kill time or simply need an affordable pair of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a simple bag that will protect them when you put them in a bag. The battery will last multiple long-haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles from the plane, but their audio profile is warm and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls can be easy to navigate and 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 also turns on Anker BassUp (more about that later). The built-in mic can be used to make phone calls hands-free.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones delivers a rich, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz they offer exceptional clarity and detail, as their active noise cancellation technology is designed to block out an extended range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means that you won't be able to take advantage of the superior codec's low latency when playing on your computer.

In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory foam ear cups and headband are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without creating discomfort. The earcups are able to rotate and adjust to the unique shape of your head so that you can achieve a perfect fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.