10 Headphones Tips All Experts Recommend

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in sound. They tend to be tuned for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless pair that includes ANC as well as 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 WH-1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. The headphones have a new design and have improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with a superior sound quality and higher-end materials.

With only 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband is a friction-rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sonic signature that is created to please casual music lovers as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, however it's not abrasive or blazing. The earphones feature a wide and open soundstage, with good instrument separation. This allows you to be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups also feature touch controls that are easy to use. You can swipe forward to access the next track, then back to listen to the previous one and then up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones sennheiser can be connected to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically pause playback when you remove them from your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also turn on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right ear cup, which allows you to hear what's going on around you without taking off the headphones.

Other helpful features include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made from premium fabric and a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones work with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers operating Windows and Headphones Bose macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is excellent. In our standard battery test, we got 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH1000XM5 has a great microphone for making calls. There is no muffled or static sound in the background. The noise-canceling performance is also top-notch, and they're a good choice for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, delivering top-quality performance and features. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit enhanced active noise cancellation, and clear voice call quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled in each earcup, give you a more complete and focused listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer excellent call clarity even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone lets you control your music and calls on any compatible device.

The headphones have a elegant and sleek design to the original PX7. They feature accent rings that wrap around the earcups as well as a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tight on the cranium. The new form and shape was developed over the course of several months and offers an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force hard on my own skull.

They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a little thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The Headphones Bose are light enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and stay in place comfortably for long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them up for easy transportation in a protective case.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for high-resolution audio as well as fast video sync. You can play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to a USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice touch. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging, and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App has the same features that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignments, wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes as well as other features. When you play music on your iPhone, the app displays album cover and track titles. However, the most popular features like music presets or soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and was designed to meet the most demanding expectations. Its construction technology is optimized to give an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It's the most realistic spatial audio you'll hear on headphones with open backs.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, therefore it requires a premium headphone amplifier that can drive it at the right levels, without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, since this can double the output power and improve the overall sound quality.

The headphones are designed for a professional use and have a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with plastics and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't appear like an expensive pair of headphones, but they feel premium in the hands and are built to last. They come with a carrying case, an extra audio cable and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, though they are somewhat 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 area is very linear, so you won't have issues with piercing sibilants and the upper impact of a drum snare.

They can still deliver impact and dynamism when needed despite the lack of a powerful low-end. They will still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to music with strong basslines, however they might not be as fun as some of the models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

These Sennheiser headphones have a fantastic mid-range. They are linear with an incline on the upper mids, which shouldn'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 perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them a top option. They are expensive, but they will last you for a long time and will perform in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great set of headphones for anyone who wants to relax or simply want a pair of affordable headphones that block out noise. They come with a simple pouch that provides protection when you put them into your bag, and their battery is capable of lasting several long haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles. However, their audio profile is a bit heavy and warm.

The Life Q20's controls are easy to navigate and well-marked. On the left ear cup, you'll find 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 controls for playback of media. This includes a multi-function button that activates your phone's voice assistance and switches on Anker BassUp (more about it later). The built-in microphone can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone provides a full and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz they can provide outstanding clarity and clarity, while their active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a wider range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they don't support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means that you won't not be able to take advantage of the higher codes' lower latency when playing on your computer.

In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory foam ear cups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing discomfort. The earcups can rotate to adjust to your unique head shape. You can also enjoy your music via a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is included to charge the battery.