Why Headphones Is Your Next Big Obsession
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones totally encase your ears, allowing you to be immersed in the sound. They are generally tuned for audiophiles, and have features like active noise cancelling and control apps.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that includes ANC and a mobile application to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio through USB-C for wired listening.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade in their noise cancellation lineup. The headphones feature a brand new design and have improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with a higher-end sound quality and superior materials.
They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing just 250g. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband has a friction-rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 has a sound signature that has been designed to please people who listen to music for pleasure as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, but it's not abrasive or blazing. They have a wide and wide soundstage, with good instrument separation, which lets you hear details in your music. The earcups are also equipped with control buttons that are easy to use. You can swipe forward to access the next track, then back to hear the previous track and then up and down to control the volume. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices simultaneously and, thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can enable the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup. This allows you to hear the sounds around you without having to take off the headphones.
They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of high-end fabric and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery capacity is exceptional. In our standard test we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC switched on, which is better than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.
The WH1000XM5 has a great microphone that can be used for voice calls. There's no static or muffled audio in the background. The noise cancellation performance is excellent 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 over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and improved performance. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 comes with premium performance and features, including 24bit 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 carefully angled inside each earcup to provide a more focused, immersive listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer exceptional call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control calls and music on any device compatible with it.
Like the original PX7 These headphones have sleek and elegant with accent rings on each earcup as well as an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium, but don't feel tight. The new shape and form was refined over a period of time and provides a soft clamping pressure that isn't too hard on my skull.
They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to carry in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and will remain comfortably in place during long listens. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them for easy transportation in the protective case.
The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-quality audio as well as a fast video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a helpful touch that flashes green to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.
The B&W app has the same controls as the onboard buttons in the hardware including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes and much more. The app also displays an album cover and track title when you play music from your iPhone. However, the most popular features like music presets or soundscapes feature are missing.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones, and is designed to meet the highest expectations. The design and construction of the headphones has been optimized to achieve a detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic sound you'll hear in a pair of open-back headphones.
The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier to drive it at the desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, because it will increase the power output and increase the overall sound quality.
These headphones are made for professional use. They have a steel frame and a mixture of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalistic and doesn't look extravagant, but the quality of the headphones and their build are superb. They come with a carrying case, an extra audio cable, and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.
The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals in a natural way, even although they are a bit less bass-y. This is because the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head, passive soundstage. The treble is very good, with minor drops and peaks. The Treble region also is linear, so you will not be able to deal with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of the drum snare.
Even with the absence of high-pitched bass, they still produce a punch and dynamism when it is needed. They are still a great choice for those who like rock music that has punchy bass however, they may not sound as good as some of the other models on this list.
These Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful mid-range. They are a linear pair with an incline on the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also have the ability to reproduce fine time gradations in vocals which is a major plus.
The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are ideal for professionals and audiophiles. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fitting make them a great choice. They are expensive, but you're paying for headphones that will last for years to be able to perform well in any environment.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good set of headphones for anyone looking to pass the time or simply need an affordable pair of headphones that cancel out noise. The headphones come with a basic bag that protects them when you put them in the bag. Their battery can last for several long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out noisy passengers and engine rumbles. However, the headphone store is a bit warm and bass-heavy.
The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, there are 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 key that activates your phone's voice assistant and also turns on Anker BassUp (more about it 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 and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz they offer exceptional clarity and detail, as their active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a wider range of low and mid-frequency sounds.
Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means that you won't not be able take advantage of the higher codes' lower latency when playing games on your computer.
The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are soft enough to be worn for long periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups are capable of rotating, allowing them to adapt to the specific shape of your head, so you can get a snug fit. You can also listen to your music wired with an included 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is included for charging the battery.