What Is Headphones? And How To Use It
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones totally encase your ears to immerse you in sound. They are usually made for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.
The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile app to adjust 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 latest model in their noise cancelling lineup. They sport a new design, enhanced ANC and a host of the same features that their predecessors had but with better materials and slightly more premium sound quality.
They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing 250 grams. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband is a friction-rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sonic signature that is designed to please people who listen to music for pleasure as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, however it is not harsh or imposing. They feature a wide and wide soundstage, with excellent instrument separation that lets you hear details in your music. The earcups come with touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. 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 connected to two devices simultaneously and will automatically stop playback whenever you take them off your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also activate the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup, which allows you to listen to what's happening around you without removing 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). The headphones come with a carrying case made of premium fabric, and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones and computers running Windows and macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our most basic test, we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC turned on which is much better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.
The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for calls is exceptional and there's no distorted or static-y sounding background. Noise cancellation is also great and these headphones are great for public transportation and the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and performance. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 offers premium performance and features like 24-bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are precisely positioned inside each earcup to provide an even more focused and immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity even in noisy surroundings. And an inline remote and microphone let you control your music and calls on any compatible device.
Like the PX7's original design, these headphones are elegant and refined with accent rings around each earcup, and an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium, but don't feel tight. The redesigned form and shape took many months to perfect, delivering a comfortable clamping force that doesn't push too hard even on my own rotund cranium.
They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to carry in your bag or backpack without any discomfort, and will stay comfortable in your hand during long listens. The headband can be folded using a sturdy hinge at the back.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for high-resolution audio as well as fast video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W App provides the same features that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer - bass and treble adjustments, action button assignments wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and more. The app also displays an album cover and track's name when you play music using your iPhone. However, popular extras like music presets and soundscapes feature are not available.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones and is made to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction is optimized to give the highest resolution in detail that covers all of the frequency spectrum as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic spatial audio you can get from open-back headphones.
The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier will be needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended because it will increase the power output and increase the overall sound quality.
The headphones are designed for professional use and have a sturdy metal frame with a mix of leather and plastic. The design is minimalist and they're not fancy however the quality of the headphones and their construction are excellent. They come with a carry case, an extra audio cable, and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.
With a neutral sound profile the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, though they are a bit light on bass. This is because the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head, passive soundstage. The treble is very good with minor peaks and drops. The Treble region also has a linearity, so you will not have issues with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of a drum snare.
They can still deliver impact, dynamism and impact in the event of need, despite the absence of a booming low-end. They will still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to rock music with strong basslines, however they may not be like some of the models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.
These Sennheiser headphones have a fantastic mid-range. They are straight and have an incline on the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also reproduce precise time gradations of vocals which is a huge benefit.
The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. shop headphones and comfortable fit make them a top option. The headphones are expensive but they'll last for years and perform well in any setting.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that will be a great choice for anyone who needs to kill some time or simply needs a cheap pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag that protects the headphones when you place them in the bag. The battery will last for a long time on long-haul flights. Their ANC does a great job of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles on a plane, though 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 see buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find controls for playback of media that include a multi-function switch that allows you to activate the voice assistant of your phone and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in mic can be used to make phone calls hands-free.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide an immersive and deep listening experience, due to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. These headphones have a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancellation is specifically designed to block out a broad range of low- and mid-frequency sound.
One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means that you won't be able to take advantage of the superior codec's low latency when gaming on your PC.
The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam ear cups are soft enough to be worn for long periods of time without discomfort. The earcups are able to rotate, allowing them to adapt to the particular shape of your head so you can have a comfortable fit. You can also enjoy your music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.