A Handbook For Headphones From Start To Finish

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you in the sound. They are generally designed for audiophiles and come with 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 through USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 is Sony's latest upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation lineup. They have a fresh new design, improved ANC and a host of the same features as their predecessors, but with premium materials and slightly higher quality sound.

With only 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear, even when you're reading or listening the audiobook. The headband is a friction-rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.

With a sound quality that can satisfy people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass, but it isn't too loud or harsh. They have a large and open soundstage with good instrument separation that allows you to hear the specifics in your music. The earcups feature touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe up or down to change the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song or backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at once and, thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can enable the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right ear cup. This allows you to listen to the sounds around you without having to take off the headphones.

Other helpful features include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made from top quality fabric, as well as a USB-C cable for charging. The Headphones for sleeping work with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery capacity is awe-inspiring. In our battery test we recorded 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.

The WH1000XM5 is a great microphone for making calls. There is no muffled or static audio in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent and these headphones are great for public transportation or 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 & Wilkins S2 offers premium performance and features, including 24bit wireless streaming and active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are precisely positioned inside each earcup to provide a more focused, immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control calls and music on any device that is compatible.

Similar to the original PX7, these headphones are sleek and elegant with accent rings on each earcup, and an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, yet never feel tight. The new design and shape was refined over a period of time and provides a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force too hard on my rotund skull.

At 10.8 pounds (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and are a touch smaller. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a bag or backpack and stay in place comfortably during long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them up for easy transportation in the protective case.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-quality audio as well for a tight video sync. You can play the headphones wired, too, with the included 3.5mm cable that connects to an USB-C port located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice touch. It flashes green to signal rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App has the same features that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignments, wear detection, cycling through ANC modes, etc. When you listen to music on your iPhone, the app displays album cover and track titles. Popular extras such as music presets and soundscapes mode aren't available, headphones for Sleeping however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones from Sennheiser and is designed to meet highest expectations. Its technical construction has been optimized to provide a detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It's the most realistic audio you'll experience on open-back headphones.

The headphone is 300 ohms in 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 increase the output and boost the quality of sound.

These headphones are designed to be used by professionals and have a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with plastics and leather padding. The design is simple and doesn't look like a fancy pair of headphones, however they feel premium in the hand and are built well. They come with a carry case, an additional 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, even though they are light in bass. The open-back design results in a wide out-of-head soundstage. The treble quality is excellent, with minor peaks and drops. The treble area is very linear, so you won't have issues with hitting sibilants or the upper impact of a drum snare.

They can still deliver impact and dynamism in the event of need, despite the absence of a loud low-end. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who enjoy rock music with punchy basses, but may not be as impressive as the other models on this list.

In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are linear with an incline on the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by most listeners. They also reproduce precise time gradations of vocals, which is a big benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fit make them an excellent option. They are expensive however you're buying a pair of headphones best that will last for many years to be able to perform to their best in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great set of headphones for anyone looking to kill time or simply want a pair of affordable headphones that cancel out noise. The headphones come with a simple bag that protects them when you put them in bags. Their battery can last for several long-haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles on an airplane, although their audio profile is warmer and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are easy to use and clearly marked. On the left earcup, there are 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 playing back media. This includes a multi-function control that activates the phone's voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about that later). You can also make use of the built-in microphone to make calls without hands your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone offers a deep immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz, these headphones are able to provide exceptional clarity and detail, as their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.

One thing to keep in mind about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means that you will not be able take advantage of the better codes' lower latency while playing games on your computer.

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 turning, allowing them to adapt to the unique shape of your head so you can achieve a perfect fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.