The Reason Headphones Is Everyone's Passion In 2023

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears to immerse you in sound. They are typically tuned for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless speaker with 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 WH-1000XM5 is Sony's most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation range. The headphones for swimming have a new design and have improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with a higher-end sound quality and superior materials.

They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones, with 250g. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband is soft, and has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

With an audio quality that is able to please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass, headphones for swimming but not excessively loud or harsh. They feature a wide and wide soundstage, with good instrument separation that allows you to hear subtleties in your music. The earcups also have control buttons that are responsive and intuitive to use. You can swipe forward to access the next track, back to hear the previous track and then up and down to control the volume. The headphones can be connected to two devices at once and will automatically stop playback whenever you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also switch on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup that lets you hear what's going on around you without removing the headphones.

They can also be connected with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of high-end fabric and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones jvc work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our standard battery test we had 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on which was more than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on calls is exceptional 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 in 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, optimized active noise cancellation, and clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are precisely positioned inside each earcup to create an even more focused and immersive listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer excellent call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control calls and music from any device that is compatible.

The headphones have a elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They feature accent rings that wrap around the earcups and a 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 offers a soft clamping pressure that isn't hard on my own rotund skull.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough for carrying in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place for long listens. The headband can be folded up by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for high-resolution audio as well as precise video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port located 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 provides the same features as the onboard buttons in the hardware - bass and treble adjustment and assigning action buttons wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and much more. When you listen to music on your iPhone, the app displays album covers and track titles. However, popular extras like music presets or a 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 most demanding expectations. Its technical construction was optimized to achieve an incredible detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic audio you'll experience on open-back headphones.

The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier will be needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which can increase the output and boost the sound quality.

These headphones are made to be used by professionals and have a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of plastics and leather padding. The design is minimalistic and they're not fancy, but the quality of the headphones and their build are excellent. They come with a carry case, an additional audio cable, and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with a natural sound, even though they are a little light on bass. The open-back design creates a spacious out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding, with only minor dips and peaks. The treble area is very linear, so you won't have issues with piercing sibilants and the upper bite of a snare drum.

Even with the absence of high-pitched bass, they still deliver impact and dynamism when needed. They are still a great choice for those who love rock music that has punchy bass however they might not sound as good as some of the other models on this list.

These Sennheiser headphones have a great mid-range. They are straight and have an incline on the upper mids that won't be noticed by most listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations, which is a bonus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are ideal for professionals and audiophiles. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them a top choice. The headphones are expensive but they'll last for many years and perform in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great pair of headphones for those looking to pass the time or simply want a pair of affordable headphones that block out noise. The headphones come with a basic bag that protects them when you throw them into bags. Their battery can last for several long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles. However, their audio profile is a little warm and bass-heavy.

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

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer an immersive and rich listening experience, thanks to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz they are able to provide exceptional clarity and clarity, while their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wide range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means you won't be in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency while gaming on your PC.

In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory foam ear cups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without causing any discomfort. The ear cups also rotate to adjust to your individual head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.