Best Over-Ear Headphones

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

Sony's WH1000XM5s lead the pack for over-ear wireless headphones. They sound fantastic with a bass-heavy, rich sound that allows instruments and vocals to shine. With active noise cancellation (ANC) on, they last over 40 hours with a single charge.

Focal Bathys Wireless

The Focal Bathys wireless are an audiophile-grade entry into the popular premium Bluetooth headphone category that has been dominated for years by Bose. Focal's reputation for making the best high-fidelity speakers meant that it was unable to cut back to compete. Therefore, it decided to design its own set of earbuds that incorporate ANC and 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 robust. Focal has reduced the size and weight of its premium headphones to make these compact headphones more suitable for travel however, they still use magnesium for the yokes to keep them lightweight. The design is sleek and stylish, with a circular "skeletonised" design similar to the company's full-sized, high-end Focal Celestee, as well as LED backlit Focal "flame" logos on the sides of each earphone that actually glow (you can switch this feature in the accompanying app).

When connected to your device, they operate on the latest Bluetooth v5.1 technology with support for SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive, and a built-in DAC that can support 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 audio enthusiasts who really know their stuff the headphones can be used in DAC mode, which bypasses internal processing and produces better sound quality than Bluetooth headphones with their 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 made to be utilized on planes as well as in other noisy environments, but the DAC mode also makes them suitable for more critical listening. Most portable headphones are closed back and tuned for increased bass, but the Bathys provide an even, neutral sound that is well-suited to rock and other genres without being overly loud. A pair of these would be a wonderful present for the audiophile on your list.

JBL Tune 760NC

The JBL Tune-760NC is lightweight comfortable pair of headphones that have active noise cancellation. They have a deep bass profile that adds depth to your audio, and they have a long battery life for listening sessions. The headphones are designed to last, making them ideal for use on commutes and trips. However their tight fit may make uncomfortable for long listening sessions.

The headphones come with a good set of controls on the ear cups that allow you to control your music and call settings. The headphones have buttons to adjust the volume up and down, power, ANC, and the similar. The buttons are surrounded by a small section of LED and you can tap it to change the display of light. The headphones are cushioned and fit well however, they can be uncomfortable for people who wear glasses.

JBL's Active Noise Cancellation technology reduces ambient noise by analysing and interpret the sounds emanating from outside the headphone. It then reverses the sound and cancels them out, creating a more peaceful listening experience. This allows you to listen at lower volume and reduces the risk of ear over headphones fatigue. The headphones come with a built-in microphone that lets you make calls hands-free and activate voice assistants.

These headphones are compatible with a majority of Bluetooth devices including your computer and mobile phones. These headphones are compatible with the majority of PS4 and Xbox One Controllers for receiving audio, but not for communicating with other players. They also have an USB port for charging and listening to audio on your computer.

The JBL 760NCs were designed to be portable, with a compact design that folds down, making them easy to pack and take on the go. The JBL 760NCs feature an inbuilt battery that can last for up to 40 continuous hours, and are equipped with noise cancellation technology to block out any distracting sounds. They also have the ability to connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, so you can go from watching an online video on your tablet to taking a call on your phone without a pause.

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2

Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 are a pair of on-ear Bluetooth headphones that offer what users expect from Bluetooth headphones. They're priced at a fair cost, come with a long-lasting battery, aux cable backup, and offer peace of mind due to the technology of finding tiles. It also has simple controls on the earcups and connects to both wireless and wired devices. The Riff Wireless Headphones Shop come with an app which lets you personalize your listening experience. It also allows users to minimize the delay of video and audio when paired with smart tvs or computers, and to set up a multi-device pairs.

The headphones come with a cushioned band and are very comfortable. These headphones are made to be used for commutes and travel. They can be folded up to fit easily in bags or backpacks. They have a plasticky quality, but are fairly durable and have a strong click when you move or flex them. They don't have noise cancelling which can be a challenge for some users, however they block out some of the noise of buses and passengers chatter.

The sound quality on these headphones is pretty good, especially considering their low cost. The midranges aren't as luscious as some of the more expensive headphones, but they still have good detail at most volume levels. The bass is powerful and punchy, whereas the highs are a bit soft, but not strident. They are great for rock and pop, but may not be the best choice for genres that feature deep, full bass.

The Riff Wireless 2 headphones come with more features than the older version. They have an unison sound profile, which could appeal to certain users. They also have more efficient microphone and can work with several devices. They also allow a higher level of volume and have longer battery lives.

The headphones are great, Headphones Shop but they don't offer the same level of comfort like other Skullcandy products, such as the Hesh 3 Wireless. They're still a great choice for the majority of users however they're not the best choice for those who are in active use and may fall off during high-intensity workouts.

Razer Opus

The Opus is Razer's first attempt at a set of headphones for the lifestyle market, and it's an impressive one. Its target audience is likely to be a lot larger than the average consumer and has a quality that rivals top-of-the-line models from Sony and Bose at an affordable price.

The design is a bit more restrained than Razer standards: there's no RGB lighting or signature green accents, and Headphones Shop the Tri-Snake logo is nowhere to be seen. The headset is a lot like any other Bluetooth headphone, with semicircle swivel hinges that fold flat and pivot on top of the earcups, creating an adjustable, comfortable headband. They're also lighter and portable than most gaming headsets, and weigh only 265g when folded.

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 cycle button. The controls are easy to press and responsive and they functioned as advertised in my testing.

The Opus bass is an energizing, well-rounded sound that has clarity and depth that you can't get from many budget headphones. The sound isn't as rich as Bose's Extra Bass, but it's still above expectations for a $200 price tag. The mids are solid and vocals and lead instruments can be heard clearly with good clarity. I did notice a little low-end slackness, but changing the EQ to the Vocal preset fixed the problem.

In addition as a bonus, you'll find an 3.5mm analog cable as well as a USB-C to-A adapter inside the case, as well as a standard airplane audio jack for those who haven't switched to all-cable audio. It's a small but a welcome addition to make it easier to use headphones when traveling.

As with other THX-certified items such as the Opus did a great job in my tests. I was able to stroll through the city with ANC turned on without having to increase volume to overcome ambient noise, and I never felt the need to increase the volume of my music to hear it. This is the kind of quality which will help you prevent hearing loss from excessive exposure to high-frequency frequency.