A Step-By-Step Guide To Selecting The Right Headphones
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears, allowing you to be immersed in the sound. They are usually designed for audiophiles and feature features like active noise cancellation and control apps.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that includes ANC and a mobile application to tweak the EQ and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. The headphones are updated with a new design and have improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with a higher-end sound quality and better materials.
They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones, with just 250g. They're very comfortable to wear, no matter if you're reading or listening to an audiobook. The headband is soft and has the same design of a friction rod as the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sonic signature that is created to please people who listen to music for pleasure as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, yet it is not harsh or overpowering. The earphones boast a huge and spacious soundstage, with good instrument separation. This lets you be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups are also equipped with touch controls, which are easy to use. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song or reverse to hear the previous track. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at once and due to an inbuilt sensor, they will automatically stop the playback when removed from your head. You can enable the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup. This allows you to listen to the sounds around you without having to remove the headphones.
Other helpful features include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of top quality fabric and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers operating Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is exceptional. In our test of the standard battery, we got 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was more than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.
The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for voice calls is excellent, and there's no muffled or static-y sounding background. The noise-canceling performance is also top-notch and they're a perfect option for public transport as well as the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and performance. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits and optimized active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice call quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled in each earcup, provide a more immersive and focused listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer outstanding clarity for calls even in noisy surroundings. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control calls and music on any compatible device.
Like the PX7's original design The headphones sport a sleekly refined look with accent rings on each earcup, and a silver-colored headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium but don't feel tight. The redesigned form and shape required a lot of time to perfect, providing an easy clamping force that doesn't push too hard even on my own cranium that is rotund.
At 10.8 ounces (or 307g) They're 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as just a little thinner. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and stay in place comfortably during long listening sessions. A strong hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them up for easy transport in the protective case.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support, which is good for high-resolution audio as well as fast video sync. You can also play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to a USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to signal rapid charging, and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W App has the same controls that the buttons on the hardware provide including bass and treble adjustment actions button assignments, wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes and more. The app also shows an album cover and track's name when you play music using your iPhone. However, the most popular features like music presets or soundscapes feature are missing.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones made by Sennheiser and is designed to meet highest demands. Its technical construction was designed to give a breath-taking detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic audio you can get from open-back headphones.
The headphone has a 300 ohm impedance, so a good headphone amplifier is needed to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended as this will double the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.
These headphones are designed for professional use. They feature a metal frame, and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't look like an expensive pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the palm and are well-built. They come with a carrying pouch and an additional audio cable and an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.
With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, although they are a bit light on bass. This is because the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head soundstage. The treble is excellent with minor drops and peaks. The treble region also is linear and you won't have any issues with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of a drum snare.
They can still provide impact as well as dynamism and impact when required, despite the absence of a loud low-end. They are still a great choice for those who enjoy rock music with a punchy bass however, they may not sound as great as some of the other models on this list.
The Sennheiser headphones have a fantastic mid-range. headphone store and have a slight scoop in the upper mids that should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations in vocals which is a major plus.
The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They're a top choice because of their excellent sound quality and comfortable fit. The headphones are expensive however they will last for many years and perform in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great set of headphones for anyone looking to pass the time or just want a pair of affordable headphones that block out noise. The headphones come with a basic case which protects them when you throw them in bags. Their battery can last multiple long-haul flights. Their ANC does a great job of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles when on an airplane, although their audio profile is a bit warm and bass-heavy.
The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, you'll see buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup there are controls for playing back media that include a multi-function switch which lets you turn on the voice assistant of your phone and enable Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). The built-in mic can be used to make hands-free phone calls.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone delivers a rich and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones have the treble range to go up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancellation is designed to block out a broad range of mid- and low-frequency sound.
One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they don't support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means that you won't not be able take advantage of the higher codes' lower latency while gaming on your computer.
The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are soft enough to wear for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups can also be rotated to accommodate the shape of your head. You can also enjoy your music with a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.