Headphones Tips That Will Change Your Life

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears and allow you to fully immerse in sound. They are usually made for audiophiles and have features like active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that comes with ANC, a mobile app to adjust the EQ, and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

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

They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing just 250g. They're very comfortable to wear, even when you're listening to or reading an audiobook. The headband features a friction rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which prevents your ears getting too cold.

With a sound quality that can satisfy casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass but is not excessively loud or harsh. The earphones boast a huge and spacious soundstage, with good instrument separation. This lets you be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups are also equipped with control buttons that are responsive and intuitive to use. You can swipe forward to access the next track, back to hear the previous track as well as up and headphone down to regulate the volume. The headphones can be connected 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 turn on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup, which allows you to listen to what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones.

They can also be linked 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 the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is excellent. In our test we were able get 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC turned on which is more than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.

The WH1000XM5 has a great microphone that can be used for voice calls. There is no muffled or static audio in the background. The noise cancellation performance is top-notch and they're a perfect choice for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, delivering high-end performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 comes with premium performance and features like 24-bit wireless streaming with active noise cancellation that is optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully angled inside each earcup to provide a more focused, deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control calls and music from any device compatible with it.

The headphones sport a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They feature accent rings that wrap around the earcups as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tight on the cranium. The new design and shape was perfected over many months and provides a soft clamping pressure that doesn't press into my skull.

At 10.8 grams (or 307g) They're 2 ounces lighter than the Sony WH-1000XM5, and slightly smaller. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a backpack or bag and remain in place during long listening sessions. 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 good for both high-resolution audio and fast video sync. You can play them wired 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 addition. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app has similar controls to the buttons on 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's title when you play music using your iphone headphone. However, the most popular features like music presets or a soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones, and is made to meet the highest expectations. Its engineering was optimized to achieve stunning detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic spatial audio you can get from open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier to drive it at the right levels, without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended because it will increase the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for a professional use and have a sturdy steel frame that is adorned with plastics and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't resemble a fancy pair of headphones for tv, however they feel luxurious in the palm and are built to last. They come with a carry case, an additional audio cable, and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With an unison sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are a bit light on bass. The open-back design results in a spacious out-of-head soundstage. The treble is very good with minor drops and peaks. The Treble region also is linear which means you won't have any issues with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of a drum snare.

Despite not having a booming bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when needed. They'll still be a great choice for those who enjoy listening to rock music with punchy basslines, but they may not be like some of the models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

The Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful midrange. They're very straight and have a slight slop in the upper mids, which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They also have the ability to reproduce precise time gradations of vocals which is a huge benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice because of their outstanding sound quality and a comfortable fit. The headphones are costly, but they will last you for a long time and will perform in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent pair of headphones for those looking to pass the time or just want a pair of affordable headphones that block out noise. They come with a simple pouch that will give them some protection when you put them in a bag and their battery can last multiple long haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles from the plane, but their audio profile is warm and bass-heavy.

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

Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone offers a deep immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. These headphones have a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a broad range of low- and mid-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is disappointing. This means you will not be able to take advantage of the higher codes' lower latency while playing on your computer.

In terms of comfort In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam ear cups and headband are soft enough to wear for extended periods of time without creating discomfort. The ear cups can also be rotated to accommodate your individual head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.