How Over-Ear Headphones Was The Most Talked About Trend In 2023
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones usually have longer battery life than earbuds. They also offer superior noise cancellation.
Sony's WH1000XM5s have the best over-ear headphones with wireless technology. They sound great thanks to their deep, bass-heavy sound quality that allows vocals as well as instruments to shine. They last for more than 40 hours on a single charge, with active noise cancelling (ANC) turned on.
Focal Bathys Wireless
The Focal Bathys Wireless are an audiophile-grade entry point into the huge, premium, travel-focused Bluetooth headphone market, which has been dominating by Bose and Sony products. But with a reputation for creating the highest quality, high-fidelity speakers, Focal couldn't simply scale down to compete in this competitive market. Therefore, it decided to design its own earbuds with built-in ANC, using the same transducers and amplifiers found in its flagship products.
The result is a pair of headphones that offer high-quality performance, but feel luxurious and sturdy. Focal trimmed the size and weight from its premium headphones to make these lightweight earbuds more travel friendly, but still uses magnesium for the yokes to keep them light. The look is sleek and stylish with the circular "skeletonised" design that is similar to the company's premium, full-sized Focal Celestee as well as LED backlit Focal "flame" logos on the back of each headphone that actually glow (you can toggle this feature within the accompanying app).
When paired with your device, they run with the latest Bluetooth v5.1 technology that supports for SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive and a built-in DAC that can support up to 24 bits/192kHz playback. The earcups fold flat to make storage and the cord is detachable for use with other devices that don't have Bluetooth like many cell phones.
For those who are serious about audio The headphones can be used in DAC mode, which bypasses the internal processing and delivers higher quality sound than most 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 made to be used in planes and other noisy environments However, the DAC mode also makes them suitable for more focused listening. Most portable headphones are closed back and tuned for boosted bass however, the Bathys deliver an even, neutral sound that's well suited to rock and other popular genres without getting overly boomy. A pair of these headphones would make a great gift for the audiophile on your list.
JBL Tune 760NC
The JBL Tune 760NC is a lightweight comfortable pair of headphones that feature active noise cancellation. They offer a deep bass profile that enhances your music, and they have a long battery life for listening sessions. The headphones are designed to last, which makes them ideal for use on commutes and trips. However their snug fit could make uncomfortable for long listening sessions.
The headphones come with a set of buttons that you can use to control the music as well as your call settings. The headphones have buttons that adjust the volume up and down and power, ANC, and the like. The buttons are surrounded by an LED-like area and you can press it to change the display of light. The headphones are comfortable and are comfortable to wear, but they can be uncomfortable for people who wear glasses.
JBL's Active Noise Cancellation Technology blocks ambient sound by analyzing and interpreting sounds that come from outside the headphone. It then inverts those sounds and cancels out the background noise, leading to a more tranquil listening experience. This allows you to listen at lower volume and reduce fatigued ears. The headphones have a built-in microphone that allows you to make calls hands-free and also activate voice assistants.
These headphones are compatible with a majority of Bluetooth devices, including your computer and mobile phones. They're also compatible with many PS4 and Xbox One controllers to receive audio however, you won't be able to use them to communicate with your teammates. They also come with a USB port for charging and streaming audio from your computer.
over the ear headphones sony were designed to be lightweight with a compact foldable design that makes them easy to carry to wherever you on the go. They have an internal battery that can last for up to 40 hours of continuous use and come with noise cancellation technology that blocks out distracting sounds. They can also be connected to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, so you can switch between watching a video on your tablet to making calls on your phone without a hitch.
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 is a pair of headphones on-ear that offer the features people would expect from on-ear Bluetooth headphones. They come with a low price and a battery that lasts all day, a backup aux cable and peace of mind with Tile technology for finding. It has an easy control on the earcup, and it can be connected to wireless and wired devices. The Riff Wireless headphones come with an excellent companion application that lets you alter the sound quality as well as reduce audio and video delay when connected to a smart television or computer and set up multi-device pairing.
These headphones have a padded band and are very comfortable. These headphones are designed to be used for commutes and travel. They fold up to fit comfortably in backpacks or bags. They have a plasticky quality, but they are quite sturdy and have a strong click when you move or flex them. They don't have noise cancelling which may be a problem for some users, however they block out the low buzz of buses and chatter.
The sound quality on these headphones is quite good, especially considering their price. The midranges aren't as rich as the more expensive headphones, but they do have decent detail at all levels of volume. Their bass is powerful and punchy, and the highs can be a bit soft, but not a lot. They are great for pop and rock but not for genres that need a deep, full bass.
In comparison to the earlier version of these headphones, the Riff Wireless 2 has more features. They have a neutral sound profile that could be appealing to some people, a better mic performance and support multi-device pairing. They also support a higher level of volume and have longer battery life.
They're an excellent pair of headphones, but don't offer the same degree of comfort as other Skullcandy models, like the Hesh 3 Wireless. These headphones are a good option for most users, but they're not necessarily the best for active use. They may lose their elasticity when performing intense exercises.
Razer Opus
The Opus is Razer's first attempt at a lifestyle headphone set and it's a stunning one. The target market is likely a lot wider than gamers, and it offers a premium sound that is comparable to top-of-the-line models from Sony and Bose at a price that is affordable.
The design is a bit more restrained than Razer standards: no RGB lighting or signature green accents and the Tri-Snake logo isn't to be visible. The headset is a lot like any other Bluetooth headphone, sporting semicircle hinges that fold flat and slide over the earcups to create an adjustable, comfortable headband. They're also lighter and portable than most gaming headsets, and weigh only 265g when folded.
Onboard controls can be found on the right earcup, with track and power buttons as well as a recessed, multi-function button that doubles as a noise-cancellation button. The controls are easy to press and responsive, and they worked as advertised in my testing.
The Opus bass is an intense, well-rounded and punchy sound that has clarity and depth that you won't find in many budget headphones. It's not as deep as the sound of Bose's Extra Bass headphones, but it still exceeds expectations for headphones in the $200 price range. Vocals and lead instruments are heard with good clarity. The mids are also solid. I did notice a little lack of clarity in the highs, however switching the EQ to Vocal solved the issue.
In the carrying case you'll also find a 3.5mm audio cable and USB C-to-A converter and a standard airplane audio plug for those who haven't made the switch yet. It's a small but welcome addition to make it easier to use headphones when traveling.
Like other THX-certified devices such as the Opus did a great job in my tests. I was able walk around town without having to raise the volume in order to block the background noise, and I never felt as if I needed to turn my music up to hear it. This is the kind of sound that can help you avoid hearing loss due to excessive exposure to high-frequency frequencies.