5 Reasons Headphones Is Actually A Good Thing
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones totally encase your ears, allowing you to be immersed in the sound. They are usually tuned for audiophiles and feature features like active noise cancellation and control apps.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that includes ANC as well as a mobile app to alter the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade in their noise cancellation lineup. They have a fresh new design, improved ANC, and many of the same features that their predecessors had but with higher-end materials and a slightly higher-quality sound.
They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones at just 250g. They are very comfortable to wear, no matter if you're listening to or reading a book. The headband features a friction rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 has a sound signature that has been designed to please casual music listeners as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, but it is not harsh or imposing. They have a wide and spacious soundstage that has excellent instrument separation that lets you hear specifics in your music. The earcups are also equipped with touch controls that are easy to use. Swipe up or down to change the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track and backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously and will automatically stop playback whenever you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can enable ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup. This lets you listen to the sounds around you without having to take off the headphones.
Other helpful features include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made of high-end fabric as well as a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is excellent. In headphones shopping recorded 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.
The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on calls is superb and there's no distorted or static-y sound in the background. The noise-canceling performance is also top-quality and they're a perfect option for public transport as well as the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, delivering top-quality performance and features. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit enhanced active noise cancellation, and clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled to fit in each earcup, give you a more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote allows you to control music and calls from any compatible device.
As with the original PX7 The headphones sport a sleekly refined look with accent rings around each earcup and a silver-colored headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium, yet don't feel tight. The new form and shape was developed over the course of several months, and delivers a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force into my skull.
At 10.8 pounds (or 307g) They're 2 ounces lighter than the Sony WH-1000XM5, and just a little thinner. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a bag or backpack and remain in place during long listening sessions. The headband is foldable using a sturdy hinge at the back.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is ideal for both high-resolution audio and tight video sync. You can play them wirelessly too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to an USB-C port located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is an excellent gesture that flashes green to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.
The B&W App provides the same control options that the buttons on the hardware provide including bass and treble adjustment actions button assignments, wear detection, cycling through ANC modes, etc. The app also displays an album cover and track title when you play music using your iPhone. However, some popular features such as music presets or soundscapes feature are missing.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones and was designed to meet the most demanding expectations. The technical design was designed to give a breath-taking detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also delivers 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 is needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which can increase the output and boost the sound quality.
These headphones are made for professional use. They feature a metal frame and a mixture of leather and plastic padding. The design is simple and doesn't appear like an expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carry pouch and an additional audio cable and an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.
The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with naturality, though they are a little light on bass. This is because the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region is extremely smooth, meaning you'll not have issues piercing sibilants and the upper impact of a snare drum.
They can still deliver impact as well as dynamism and impact when needed despite the lack of a powerful low-end. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who love rock music that has punchy bass however they might not be as impressive as some of the other models on this list.
In the mids in the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are linear with an incline on the upper mids that won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations which is an added benefit.
The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top pick because of their excellent audio quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive, however they will last for a long time and will perform in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones that can provide the perfect solution for anyone who needs to kill some time or simply wants a low-cost pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They come with a simple pouch which will provide protection when you throw them into a bag, and their battery can last for many long-haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles on the plane, but their audio profile is a little warmer and bass-heavy.
The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons to pair and power up the headphones as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see media playback controls. This includes a multi-function control that activates your phone's voice assistance and also turns on Anker BassUp (more about this later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make calls hands-free with your phone.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones delivers a rich immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones feature an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sound.
One thing to keep in mind about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means that you won't be capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's lower latency while gaming on your PC.
The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are soft enough to wear for extended periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups can also be rotated to accommodate your unique head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.