This Story Behind Over-Ear Headphones Is One That Will Haunt You Forev…

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones generally have more battery life than earbuds. They also have superior noise cancellation.

Sony's WH1000XM5s have the best over the ear headphones noise cancelling-ear headphones with wireless technology. They sound great, with a bass-heavy sound that allows instruments and vocals to shine. They can last for over 40 hours on a single charge with active noise cancelling (ANC) activated.

Focal Bathys Wireless

The Focal Bathys wireless are a high-end audiophile entry into the highly sought-after premium Bluetooth headphone segment, which has been for a long time dominated by bose over ear headphones. Focal's reputation as a maker of the best high-fidelity speakers meant that it wasn't able to cut back to be competitive. It decided to design its own earbuds with built-in ANC made of the same amplifiers, transducers and other components as its flagship products.

The result is a pair headphones that offer top-of-the-line performance, but also feel luxurious and durable. Focal reduced the size and weight of its premium headphones to make them more compact but still utilizing magnesium for the yokes. The design is stylish and sleek, with an elongated "skeletonised" design similar to the company's premium, full-sized Focal Celestee, as well as LED backlit Focal "flame" logos on the side of each earphone that actually glow (you can toggle this feature on the accompanying app).

The ear cups fold flat to make storage, and the cable is able to be separated to be used with other devices that lack Bluetooth, such as many cell phones. The ear cups fold flat for easy storage and the cable can be detachable to use with other devices that don't have Bluetooth like a lot of cell phones.

For audio enthusiasts who really know their stuff the headphones can be used in DAC mode, which eliminates internal processing and provides superior sound quality than the majority of Bluetooth headphones that have 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 used in planes and other noisy environments however, the DAC mode makes them ideal for more focused listening. The majority of portable headphones are closed-back and tuned to boost bass however, the Bathys offer a neutral, balanced sound that's well suited to rock and other popular genres without being overly loud. These headphones would make a great gift for any audiophiles on your list.

JBL Tune 760NC

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

The headphones come with a set control that you can use to control the sound and your call settings. The headphones come with buttons to control volume levels up and down and power, ANC, and the similar. The buttons are enclosed by a small section that has an LED and you can press it to alter the headphone's lighting display. The headphones are well-padded and have a good fit, but they can be uncomfortable for those who wear glasses.

JBL's Active Noise Cancellation technology reduces ambient noise by analysing and interpret the sounds emanating from outside the headphone. Then, it inverts the sound and cancels them out, creating a quieter listening environment. This lets you listen at a lower volume and prevents fatigued ears. The headphones also feature a microphone that allows you to make calls hands-free and activate voice assistants.

These headphones work with the majority of Bluetooth devices, including your laptop and mobile phones. They're also compatible with many PS4 and Xbox One controllers to receive audio, but you won't be able to use them to connect with teammates. They also have an USB port for charging and streaming audio from your PC.

The JBLs 760NCs have a foldable, compact design that makes them easy to carry around. They have a built-in battery that can last for up to 40 hours of continuous use, and they're equipped with noise cancellation technology that blocks out distracting sounds. They can also connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, meaning you can switch between watching videos on your tablet to taking an incoming call on your phone without a hitch.

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 is a pair on-ear headphones that deliver what people want from on-ear Bluetooth headphones. They're priced at a fair cost, come with an extremely long-lasting battery, an aux cable backup, and offer peace of mind thanks to Tile finding technology. It also has a simple set of controls on the earcup and connects to both wired and wireless devices. The Riff Wireless Headphones over the ear headphones come with a fantastic companion app that lets you alter the sound quality as well as reduce the delay of video and audio when connected to a smart tv or computer and setup multi-device pairing.

They have a padded band and are very comfortable. These headphones are designed for use on commutes and trips. They can be folded up to fit easily in bags or backpacks. They have a plasticky build quality, but are fairly durable and provide a solid click when you move or bend them. They don't feature noise cancellation which can be a challenge for some users, but they block out some of the noise of buses and passengers chatter.

The sound quality on these headphones is pretty decent, especially for their budget price. The midranges are not as lush as the more expensive headphones but they are still able to provide good clarity at most volume levels. The bass is very powerful and has plenty of punch, and the highs can be a bit dispersed, but not overly so. They are great for pop and rock, headphones over the ear headphones but not for genres that need a deep full bass.

In comparison to the earlier version of these headphones, the Riff Wireless 2 have more features. They have a neutral sound that might appeal to some users as well as a more efficient microphone and allow multi-device pairing. They also have a longer battery life and can handle the use of a higher volume.

They're a great pair of headphones but don't have the same level of comfort as some other Skullcandy models, such as the Hesh 3 Wireless. They're an option for most users, but they're not the best choice for those who exercise. They can lose their elasticity when performing intense exercises.

Razer Opus

The Opus is the first effort by Razer to create a headphone that is a lifestyle. It's a fantastic product. Its target market is likely to be more diverse than the gamers market and offers a quality that's comparable to the top models from Sony and Bose at a reasonable price.

The design is more restrained than Razer standards: there's no RGB lighting or signature green accents, and the Tri-Snake logo is not to be seen. The headset is similar to any other Bluetooth headphone, with semicircle swivel hinges that fold flat and swivel on top of the earcups to create an adjustable, comfortable headband. They're also lighter and portable than other gaming headsets, with a weight of just 265g when collapsed.

Onboard controls are found on the right earcup with power and track control buttons beside a recessed multi-function button that doubles as a noise-cancellation button. The controls were easy to use. They worked as they were advertised during my tests.

The Opus' bass is punchy and well-rounded, with a depth and clarity you won't find in many budget headphones. The sound isn't as full-bodied as Bose's Extra Bass, headphones over the ear Headphones but it's far superior for a $200 price tag. The mids are a solid sound, and vocals and the lead instruments stand out with decent clarity. I did notice a small veiledness in the highs however switching the EQ to Vocal fixed the problem.

As a bonus there's an 3.5mm analog cable as well as a USB-C to-A adapter inside the case, as well as an audio jack for airplanes that is standard for those who haven't yet switched to all-cable audio. It's a small but welcome addition that makes it easier to use the headphones while traveling.

As with other THX-certified items such as the Opus performed well in my tests. I could walk through the city with ANC turned on without having to increase the volume to block out ambient noise, and I never felt the need turn up my music just to hear it. This is the type of sound quality that will allow you to avoid hearing loss due to excessive exposure to high-frequency frequencies.