7 Useful Tips For Making The Most Of Your Headphones

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones gym surround your ears and immerse you into audio. They are generally tuned for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's latest upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation range. They have a fresh new design, improved ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors, but with higher-end materials and a slightly higher quality sound.

They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones at 250g. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or reading a book. The headband features a friction rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which prevents your ears getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 has a sonic signature that is designed to please casual music listeners as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, yet it's not abrasive or imposing. The earphones have a large and spacious soundstage, with excellent instrument separation. This lets you hear the details in your music. The earcups also have control buttons that are easy to use. You can swipe forward to access the next track, back to hear the previous one and then up and down to adjust the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices at once and will automatically pause playback when you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can turn on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup. This lets you hear the sounds around you without having to remove the headphones.

They can also be connected with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made of top quality fabric, as well as an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers operating Windows and macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our standard test, we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC switched on which is more than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on calls is superb and there's no distorted or static-y sound in the background. The noise cancellation is top-notch and they're a great option for public transport as well as 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 performance. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 comes with premium performance and features, including 24bit wireless streaming with active noise cancellation that is optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled in each earcup, give you a more immersive and focused listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer outstanding clarity for calls, even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone lets you control your music and calls using any compatible device.

As with the original PX7 These headphones have a sleekly refined look, with accent rings around each earcup, and an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, but don't feel tight. The new form and shape was perfected over many months, and delivers a soft clamping pressure that isn't too hard on my skull.

They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to fit in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and will remain comfortably in place for 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 great for both high-resolution audio and precise 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 status indicator on the earphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to signal rapid charging, and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App has the same controls that the hardware onboard buttons offer including bass and treble adjustment actions button assignments wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and more. When you listen to music on your iPhone, the app displays album cover and track titles. Some popular features like music presets and a soundscapes mode are missing, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones, and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. The design and construction of the headphones is optimized to give a detail resolution that encompasses all of the frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic spatial sound you'll hear with an open-back pair of headphones.

The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier is needed to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended as this will double the power output and increase the overall sound quality.

These headphones are made for a professional use and have a sturdy steel frame with a mix of plastics and leather padding. The design is simple and doesn't look like the most expensive pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the palm and are built well. They come with a carry 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 light in bass. This is due to the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble quality is excellent with minor peaks and drops. The region of the treble has a linearity which means you won't be able to deal with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of a drum snare.

They can still provide impact, dynamism and impact when required, despite the absence of a powerful low-end. These headphones Wireless apple are still enjoyable for headphones wireless Apple those who love rock music that has punchy bass, but may not sound as great as other models on this list.

The Sennheiser headphones have a great 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 can reproduce precise time gradations, which is a benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit make them an excellent choice. The headphones are costly, however they will last for many years and perform in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that will be a great choice for anyone who wants to kill some time or just wants an affordable pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They come with a basic pouch that provides protection when you toss them into a bag, and their battery can last several long haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, however their audio profile is a little warmer and bass-heavy.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons for Headphones wireless apple pairing and powering up the headphones, as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup you'll find controls for playback of media which include a multi-function button that lets you activate the voice assistant of your phone and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in mic can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer a rich and immersive listening experience thanks to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz they offer exceptional clarity and detail, while their active noise cancellation technology is designed to block out a wider range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

One thing to keep in mind about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means that you won't be capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's low latency when playing games on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are comfortable enough to be worn for extended periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups are also capable of rotating, allowing them to adapt to the particular shape of your head, so you can achieve a perfect fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.