Speak "Yes" To These 5 Headphones Tips

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you in the audio. They tend to be designed for audiophiles and come with features like active noise cancellation and control applications.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that comes with ANC as well as a mobile app to tweak 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 lineup. They feature a new design, enhanced ANC, and many 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, weighing just 250g. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband is soft and it has the same design of a friction rod as the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

With an audio quality that can satisfy casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass, but it isn't excessively loud or harsh. They have a wide and wide soundstage, with good instrument separation, which allows you to hear the specifics in your music. The earcups also feature touch controls, which are easy and responsive to use. You can swipe forward to access the next track, then back to hear the previous one as well as up and down to control the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically stop playback whenever you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also turn on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right ear cup that lets you listen to what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones wireless beats - read more,.

Other features that are useful include the ability to pair 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 premium fabric and an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones with bluetooth are compatible with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers that run Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is exceptional. In our battery test we had 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.

The WH1000XM5 is a great microphone for making calls. There's no muffled or static sound in the background. The noise cancellation is excellent and they're a perfect choice for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and improved performance. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit and optimized active noise cancellation, and clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully angled inside each earcup to create an enhanced, more deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide outstanding clarity for calls even in noisy environments. And an inline remote and microphone lets you manage your calls and music using any compatible device.

The headphones sport a similar sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They feature accent rings that wrap around the earcups as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium but never feel tight. The new form and shape was developed over the course of several months and provides a soft clamping pressure that doesn't press into my rotund skull.

At 10.8 pounds (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and a touch smaller. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a backpack or bag and remain in place throughout long listening sessions. The headband is foldable using a sturdy hinge at the back.

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

The B&W app has the same controls as the buttons on the hardware including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes and much more. When you play music on your iPhone the app displays album covers and track titles. 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 famous Sennheiser headphones and was designed to meet the most demanding expectations. Its engineering was optimized to achieve stunning detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic spatial sound you'll hear on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, so a good headphone amplifier will be needed to ensure it is operating at the desired 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 for professional use. They have a metal frame, and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't appear like an expensive pair of headphones, headphones wireless beats but they feel premium in the hands and are well-built. They come with a carrying pouch and an extra audio cable, as well as an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with a natural sound, even however they are light on bass. The open-back design results in a spacious out-of-head soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor peaks and Headphones Wireless Beats dips. The Treble region also has a linearity, so you will not be able to deal with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of a drum snare.

Even with the absence of loud bass, they can still provide dynamism and impact when it is needed. They are still a great choice for those who love rock music that has punchy bass however, they may not sound as good as the other models on this list.

The Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful midrange. They are extremely linear, with a slight scoop in the upper mids that will not be noticed by most listeners. They also have the ability to reproduce precise time gradations in vocals which is a major benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fitting make them a great choice. 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 kill time or simply need a pair of affordable headphones that cancel out noise. They come with a simple pouch that will give them some protection when you throw them in a bag and their battery can last for many long-haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, but 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 there are buttons to power up and pair the headphones, as well as to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup you'll find controls for playing back media which include a multi-function button which lets you turn on your phone's voice assistant and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make calls without hands your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones deliver an immersive and deep listening experience due to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that provide 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.

One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means you won't in a position to benefit from the superior codec's low latency when gaming on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam earcups are comfortable enough to be worn for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups are able to rotate, allowing them to adapt to the unique shape of your head so that you can get a snug fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.