Which Over the Ear Headphones Are the Best?
If you're on the train or at work the noise-cancelling headphones can be the perfect solution for those who love to listen. Which are the best?
With a new design that is a step up in sound quality, and a wealth of features, Sony's newest flagship headphones are a great value. They can capture every detail, from Sinead's shaking Bridge to the intense chorus.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony is a pro at noise cancellation, and its WH1000XM5 headphones are the best iteration of this line. This model is a great pair of headphones, specifically for those who commute or are traveling. They are comfortable, feature multipoint technology to connect two devices at once and have the best ANC Sony has ever made. They're lightweight and can play for up to 27 hours with no charging. That's enough time to get through a week of commutes or an extended flight.
The WH-1000XM5s have an elegant minimalist design and are made of a recycled and recyclable plastic known as acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). The branding is minimal, but there is the tiny 'Sony' logo on the hinge of each earcup. The headband and earcups feature a soft, plush material that is comfortable for all head sizes with the exception of the largest. The earcups are also adjustable so that you can find the best fit for you.
In contrast to previous models, which focused on reducing low frequency noise, the XM5s amplify sound waves at high frequencies to cancel out background noise. This improves overall sound quality, and can help drown out cabin and engine noise on flights. The XM5s have an additional processor that can enhance noise cancellation more for airplanes and the audio app will also automatically adjust your listening environment using air pressure data.
Other features of the WH1000XM5s include an enhanced voice assistant that's simple to use and works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri and more. The XM5s are compatible with other Sony audio devices for stereo separation and multi-room music. They're compatible with Bluetooth high-bitrate audio streaming using LDAC, which Sony's codec is based on, but don't support aptX or aptX HD.
2. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
If a company has been making headphones for as long as Sennheiser is a top brand, you can expect superior sound quality and a comfortable fit. They deliver on both fronts with their latest pair of over-ears called the Momentum 4 Wireless. They've reworked the design to remove some of the trademark elements that gave the original models the look of a aviator headset and also improved their active noise cancellation using their advanced Adaptive Noise Cancellation technology. They've evaluated these headphones to last 60 hours of listening time when ANC enabled, doubling the battery life of many rivals.
The new model is more portable, as it folds down and is smaller. The earpads and headband are made of synthetic PU leather that feels comfortable on my head even when I wear it for the entire day. They are also not very tight, which means you can wear them on long flights or during your workout.
The sound is well-balanced and clear There are a few high-pitched peaks in the mid- and high-mid, which can cause slight muddying in the mixes. The bass is a little overemphasised, adding some extra punch and thump to genres such as EDM or hip-hop. It's not an issue however it could be a problem for some listeners. The high-mid also has an uneven balance, bringing vocals and instruments forward in the mix, but at the expense of bringing out some sibilants.
The Sennheiser momentum 4 wireless comes with all the standard features, including Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a clear mode that blends outside noises into your music for better awareness, and mobile application support for pre-set and custom EQ options. You can also use a 3.5mm cord to connect your phone. They can use SBC, AAC, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive codecs to connect to your phone, and they're able to reduce the latency to as little as one quarter of a second, which is great.
3. B&W PX7 S2
Since their introduction in 2004, the original PX7s have appeared on countless lists of the top Bluetooth headphones, topping them in many cases thanks to their outstanding ANC and strong sound quality. However, like many wireless headphones, the PX7s have been getting older and required an update which is why the PX7 S2. B&W hasn't merely tweaked the design for the new model, but they've made substantial improvements to ANC and also added voice-call features, too.
The PX7 S2 headphones are extremely light, making them ideal for long listening sessions. The design of the PX7 S2 is largely similar to the model before it. It has the stylish oval-shaped aluminium top-plate for the earcups the hook-like accent that slides rather than clicks when you expand the headband, and the physical buttons. The earcups are a bit smaller, however, and the headband is less substantial overall.
The software of B&W lets you tweak EQ settings for bass and treble, but you don't get as much control over the mix between these two elements as you do with higher-end headphones. The Quick Action button on left earcup switches between the different modes of the environment. It can also be set to call the voice assistant on your device in the Bowers & Wilkins Music App.
The PX7 S2 sounds great for most musical styles, with a soundstage that offers ample width and great separation between the various sounds. It is particularly impressive on pieces that have acoustic instruments like Rachmaninoff's Cello Sonata, Op. 19, by pianist Yuja Wang and cellist Gautier Capucon with a woody tone and an airy feel. It can handle heavier fare as well. The bass power and midrange clarity of Entombed's crossover of garage and deathn'roll To Ride and Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth The album is an imposing soundscape while allowing you to discern vocal nuances like Lars-Goran Petrov’s gritty growl.
4. Bose QuietComfort 35
Bose was among the first companies to bring active noise cancelling headphones into the mainstream. While they held an unwavering position in the market for many years, they are now competing with newer headsets with more features and higher sound quality. That said, the QuietComfort 35 is still a great choice for anyone who wants to hear their podcasts or music without being disturbed by continuous buzzing and rumbles.
The default sound profile is balanced, and they're comfortable to wear. The ANC is excellent at eliminating background noise. However it tends to emphasize lower frequencies more than other headphones, such as the Sony WH1000XM5.
The QC35s are a fantastic pair of headphones that can be used to listen to audiobooks and podcasts. They have an active noise cancellation feature that blocks out ambient sounds yet still keeps you secluded from the world around you. The QC35s can also connect two Bluetooth devices at once and "audio-share" so you can play something on one pair of headphones and then answer an incoming phone call on the other.
The Bose Connect app is decent but it doesn't have the vast EQ options offered by other headphone apps. The QC35s can also be used in wired mode, but the sound quality is drastically diminished and battery life is not as good as with wireless models.
The QC35s have an established Bose design that might not be as appealing to some consumers than the more modern designs of other manufacturers. However, you can add a bit of personalization by purchasing a decal cover-up from companies like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker. best budget noise cancelling headphones can also change the color of the earcups and the headband later this year, similar to what you can do with the previous QC25 model.
5. Sony WH-1000XM3
Sony's WH1000XM3 is the best wireless headphone with active noise cancellation you can buy today. They're more expensive than Anker Soundcore Q20 Wireless but they isolate more ambient noise. They also have a superior companion app that gives you tons of sound customization features.
The XM3s offer a fantastic audio quality, and since their release they've been improved to give even better performance. They have a little more detail across the spectrum of frequencies The noise cancelling function works better at all levels of volume and they've added improved controls for things like Quick Attention mode, voice control and Speak-to-Chat. They also have a brand new feature called Adaptive Sound Control that adjusts automatically how much external sound is let in based on where you're at and what you're doing.
However, they aren't without shortcomings. The midrange can sound a bit recessed and the treble can sometimes be too loud. They do have the potential to boost the bass too much on certain tracks, making the sound too heavy and full. However, this is something you can correct in the headphone settings or via EQ adjustments in the Sony app.
The XM3s are an excellent pair of headphones, specifically for commuters and frequent travelers. They are more comfortable, appear and feel premium, and are more durable in comparison to the JBL Live 650 BTNC wireless. They also have a larger battery and one of the top features for noise cancellation available. They're also more versatile and more suitable for use on the go than Audio-Technica's M50X wireless, although their noise isolation is less impressive. And they're not waterproof, which could be a deal-breaker for some people.