15 Great Documentaries About Headphones

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones On Sale cover your ears and plunge you into music. They are typically designed for audiophiles and come with features like active noise cancellation and control applications.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile application for tweaking the EQ and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation range. The headphones are updated with a new design and enhanced ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with higher-end sound quality and better materials.

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones, with just 250g. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or reading a book. The headband is soft, and it has the same design of a friction rod as the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sound signature designed to satisfy both casual music listeners as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, but it's not abrasive or imposing. They feature a wide and open soundstage with excellent instrument separation that allows you to hear subtleties in your music. The earcups feature control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. Swipe forward to go to the next track, then back to hear the previous track and then up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices at once and will automatically pause playback when you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also switch on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right ear cup, which allows you to hear what's going on around you without removing 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 carry case made of top quality fabric and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is impressive. In our standard battery test, we got 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on voice calls is excellent and there's no distorted or static-y sound in the background. Noise cancellation is also great, and these headphones are ideal for public transportation or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, offering premium performance and features. This includes 24-bit wireless streaming enhanced active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled to fit in each earcup, give you a more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control music and calls from any device compatible with it.

Similar to the PX7's original design These headphones have a sleekly refined look, with accent rings around each earcup as well as a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly but not too tight on the cranium. The new shape and form was refined over a period of time and provides a soft clamping pressure that doesn't press too hard on my skull, which is a rotund one.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and stay in place comfortably for long listening sessions. The headband is foldable using a sturdy hinge at the back.

The headphones wireless beats are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio aswell as a fast video sync. You can also play them wirelessly too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App provides the same control options that the hardware onboard buttons offer including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignments wear detection, cycling through ANC modes, etc. When you listen to music on your iPhone the app will display album covers and track titles. The most popular extras like music presets, soundscapes and music mode are not available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones, and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. Its technical construction was designed to give an incredible detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It provides 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 is needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which will double the output and improve the sound quality.

These headphones are designed to be used by professionals and feature a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with plastics and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't look like a fancy pair of headphones, but they feel premium in the hands and are built well. They come with a carry pouch and an additional audio cable and a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

With an unison sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, although they are light in bass. The open-back design creates a spacious, out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region is also extremely linear, Headphones On Sale which means you'll not have issues cutting sibilants, or the upper bite of the snare drum.

Despite the lack of a loud bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when required. They will still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to music with powerful basslines, but they might not be as enjoyable as some of the competing models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are extremely linear and have a slight scoop in the upper mids that shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations in vocals which is a huge benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them a top choice. They're expensive however you're buying headphones that will last for years to be able to perform to their best in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good set of headphones for anyone who wants to relax or simply need an affordable pair of headphones that block out noise. The headphones come with a basic bag which protects them when you throw them into the bag. Their battery can last multiple long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles. However, their audio quality is a bit warm and headphones on sale bass-heavy.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left ear cup there are buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones and for turning on or off active noise cancellation. On the right earcup you'll find media playback controls which include a multi-function button which lets you turn on the voice assistant of your phone and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). The built-in microphone can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone offers a deep and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz, these headphones offer exceptional clarity and detail, while their active noise cancellation technology is designed to filter out an extended range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means you won't be able to take advantage of the superior codec's low latency when gaming on your PC.

In terms of comfort In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam ear cups and headband are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without creating discomfort. The ear cups are capable of rotating so that they can adjust to the specific shape of your head, so you can have a comfortable fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.