5. Headphones Projects For Any Budget

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you into music. They are typically tuned for audiophiles and come with features like active noise cancellation and control applications.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless pair with ANC and a mobile app for tweaking the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. The headphones are updated with a new design and improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with higher-end sound quality and better materials.

At just 250g, they are lightweight for over-ear ANC headsets. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband is soft and it features an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

With an audio quality that can satisfy those who enjoy music casually and audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass, but it isn't overpowering or harsh. The Earphones headphones have a large and spacious soundstage, with excellent instrument separation. This lets you listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups are also equipped with touch controls that are easy and responsive to use. You can swipe forward to access the next track, reverse to hear the previous track, and up and down to control the volume. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can enable ambient mode by placing your hand on the right earcup. This lets you listen to the sounds around you without having to remove the headphones.

Other features that are useful include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made from premium fabric and a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is awe-inspiring. In our most basic test, we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC switched on, which is better than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.

The WH1000XM5 is a great microphone that can be used for voice calls. There's no muffled or static sound in the background. The noise cancellation performance is top-quality and they're a perfect option for public transport as well as the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and improved performance. This includes 24-bit wireless streaming, optimized active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers, Earphones headphones which are custom-designed and angled to fit in each earcup, offer more deep and focused 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 from any device compatible with it.

The headphones have a sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They feature accent rings around the earcups as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, yet never feel tight. The redesigned form and shape required a lot of time to perfect, and provides a comfortable clamping force that doesn't press too hard, even on my own cranium that is rotund.

At 10.8 pounds (or 307g) They're 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as a touch smaller. They're light enough for carrying in your bag or backpack without any discomfort, and will remain comfortably in place for long listens. A strong hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them for easy transport in an enclosed case.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is ideal for high-resolution audio as well as tight 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 headphone's status indicator is a useful feature that flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.

The B&W app has the same controls as the onboard buttons in the hardware - bass and treble adjustment and assigning action buttons wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes, and more. The app also displays an album cover and track's title when you play music on your iPhone. However, popular extras like music presets and soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones jvc by Sennheiser and is designed to meet highest expectations. Its construction technology has been optimized to achieve a detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic sound you'll hear on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier is needed to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to use a balanced connection, which will increase the output and boost the quality of sound.

The headphones are designed to be used by professionals and feature a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of leather and plastic. The design is minimalist and doesn't look like the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel premium in the hands and are built well. They come with a carry case, an extra audio cable, and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, although they are light in bass. This is due to the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent, with only minor dips and peaks. The Treble region also is linear and you won't have issues with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of a drum snare.

Despite not having a loud 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 might not be like some of the competing models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids in the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are straight and have a slight scoop on the upper mids, which won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations in vocals, which is a big benefit.

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 an excellent choice. They're costly, but you're paying for a pair of headphones that will last for years to be able to perform at their best in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that can be a great choice for anyone looking to kill some time or simply needs a cheap set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic pouch that will give them some protection when you throw them into a bag, and their battery can last several long haul flights. Their ANC does a great job of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles on a plane, though their audio profile is a bit warm and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls can be easy to navigate and well-marked. On the left ear cup there are buttons to power up and pair the headphones and for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see media playback controls. This includes a multi-function control that activates your phone's voice assistance and switches on Anker BassUp (more about this later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make calls without hands your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone provides a full, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz they can provide outstanding clarity and detail, while their active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wider range of mid- and low-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 that you won't not be able to take advantage of the better codes' lower latency when playing on your computer.

In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam ear cups and headband are soft enough to wear for long periods of time without creating discomfort. The ear cups are capable of rotating and adjust to the unique shape of your head so you can achieve a perfect fit. You can also enjoy your music via a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.