The Most Successful Headphones Experts Have Been Doing 3 Things

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in the sound. They are typically made for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless speaker that includes ANC, a mobile app to alter the EQ, and presets. They also support high-res audio through USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones by Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancellation line-up. They sport a new design, upgraded ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors but with higher-end materials and a slightly more premium sound quality.

They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones at just 250g. They're 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 the same design of a friction rod as the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 has a sound signature designed to satisfy both casual music listeners as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, yet it is not harsh or imposing. The earphones have a large and wide soundstage, as well as good instrument separation. This lets you hear the details in your music. The earcups are also equipped with touch controls that are easy to use. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track or reverse to hear the previous track. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices simultaneously and, thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can activate the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right earcup. This allows you to hear the sounds around you without having to take off the headphones.

They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of premium fabric, and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers running Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is superb. In our test of the standard battery we recorded 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH1000XM5 is a great mic for voice calls. There is no static or muffled audio in the background. Noise-canceling is also excellent, and these headphones are ideal for public transportation or in the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and improved performance. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 is a premium model with a variety of features, including 24bit wireless streaming and active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled inside each earcup, offer more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure superior call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote allows you to control calls and music on any compatible device.

These headphones wireless have a similar sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They feature accent rings around the earcups as well as a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit comfortably but not too tightly on the cranium. The new design and shape was perfected over many months, and delivers a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force into my skull, which is a rotund one.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough for carrying in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place during long listening sessions. A strong hinge on the back of the headband enables you to fold them up for easy transport in the protective case.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is ideal for high-resolution audio as well as precise video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a useful feature with a green flash to indicate rapid charge and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.

The B&W App has the same control options that the buttons on the hardware provide such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignments wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and more. When you listen to music on your iPhone the app will display album covers and track titles. However, some popular features such as music presets and soundscapes feature aren't available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones made by Sennheiser and is meant to meet the most demanding requirements. The technical design was designed to provide a breath-taking detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic audio you'll hear on headphones with open backs.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier is needed to operate 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 made to be used by professionals and have a sturdy steel frame with a mix of leather and plastic. The design is minimalist and doesn't resemble the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carrying case, an extra audio cable, and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with naturality, however they are light on 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 area is extremely linear, which means you'll not have issues hitting sibilants or the upper sound of a drum snare.

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

The Sennheiser headphones have a great mid-range. They're very straight, with a slight scoop in the upper mids which shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations of vocals, which is a big benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fitting make them a great option. The headphones are expensive but they'll last for years and perform well in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great pair of headphones for those who wants to relax or just want an affordable pair of headphones that cancel out noise. The headphones come with a basic bag that protects them when you throw them in a bag. Their battery can last multiple long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out noisy seatmates and Bluetooth engine rumbles, but their audio quality is a bit 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 and to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function button that activates your phone's voice assistant and turns on Anker BassUp (more about that later). The built-in mic can be used to make phone calls hands-free.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer an immersive and rich listening experience, due to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that provide 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 filter out a wider range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.

Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is disappointing. This means that you won't be in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency when you're playing games on your PC.

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