NOISE CANCELLING OVER-EAR HEADPHONES

Immerse yourself in a world of wireless sound

- HOLLIN JONES

GROUP TEST

ON TEST...

> Anker SoundCore Life Q35

> Apple AirPods Max

> Bowers & Wilkins PX7

> JLab Studio Pro ANC Over-Ear Headphones

> Sennheiser Momentum 3

> Shure Aonic 40

> Sony WH-1000XM4

> Urbanista Los Angeles

> Yamaha YH-E700A

WHEN IT COMES to audio fidelity, over-ear headphones are almost always going to offer a superior listening experience compared to earbuds. This is due to their bigger size and the fact that their drivers are many times larger, which enables them to move more air and thus achieve a richer soundstage. An over-ear design means that the ear cups completely surround each ear, minimizing sound leakage both in and out. Additionally, noise cancelling technology, when activated, analyzes ambient sound and then cancels it out, providing you with an even more immersive listening experience.

All of this plus wireless operation uses power of course, but these larger bodies are able to house batteries with impressive performance, often going for 20 hours and more on a single charge. These models will pair with any device that has Bluetooth, though they're designed less for sporting use than for the enjoyment of music and movies from your Mac, iOS device, Apple TV, or Bluetooth-enabled hi-fi system. Any of these headsets will significantly enhance your listening experience.

How we tested