8 Tips To Up Your Headphones Game

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears and allow you to fully immerse in sound. They are typically designed 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 high-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. They have a fresh new design, enhanced ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors, but with higher-end materials and a slightly higher quality sound.

At only 250g, they are lightweight for over-ear ANC headsets. 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 features a friction rod design like the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

With an audio quality that is able to please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to have a slight focus on bass, but not too loud or harsh. The earphones boast a huge and open soundstage, with excellent instrument separation. This lets you hear the details in your music. The earcups also have touch controls, which are easy and responsive to use. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track, backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can be connected 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 switch on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right earcup that lets you be aware of what's happening 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 durable carrying case made of high-end fabric as well as a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery capacity is awe-inspiring. In our test we were able achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC activated, which is better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on calls is superb, and there's no muffled or static-y audio in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent, and headphones with noise cancellation these headphones are ideal for public transportation or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over ear bluetooth headphones its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and improved performance. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 is a premium model with a variety of features, including 24-bit wireless streaming and active noise cancellation 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 strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone lets you control your calls and music using any compatible device.

As with the PX7's original design The headphones with noise cancellation (http://125.141.133.9:7001/bbs/board.Php?bo_table=free&wr_id=107571) sport a sleekly refined look, with accent rings around each earcup and a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly but not too tightly on the cranium. The redesigned form and shape took many months to perfect, providing a comfortable clamping force that doesn't press too hard on my own cranium that is rotund.

At 10.8 ounces (or 307g) They're 2 ounces lighter than the Sony WH-1000XM5, and are a touch thinner. They're light enough to carry in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and will stay comfortable in your hand during 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 high-resolution audio and tight video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a useful touch with a green flash to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is active.

The B&W app offers the same features 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 more. When you listen to music on your iPhone the app will display album covers and track titles. The most popular extras like music presets and a soundscapes mode are not available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the highest expectations. Its engineering was optimized to achieve stunning detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It's the most realistic spatial audio you can get from open-back headphones.

The headphone has a 300 ohm impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier is required to operate it at the right levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, since this can double the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use and have a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of plastics and leather padding. The design is simple and doesn't appear like an expensive pair of headphones, but they feel premium in the palm and are built well. They come with a carry pouch and an additional audio cable and a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

With an unison sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are light in bass. The open-back design produces a wide out-of-head soundstage. The treble is very good with minor drops and peaks. The treble area is extremely linear, which means you won't have issues with hitting sibilants or the upper sound of a drum snare.

Despite not having a high-pitched bass, they still deliver impact and dynamism when needed. These headphones are still great for those who like rock music with a punchy bass, but may not sound as great as the other models on this list.

In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are very linear, 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 in vocals, which is a big benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top pick because of their excellent sound quality and comfortable fit. The headphones are expensive but they'll last for a long time and will perform in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones that will provide the perfect solution for anyone who needs to relax or just wants an affordable pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag that will protect them when you put them in a bag. The battery will last for several long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles, but their audio profile is a bit warm and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are easy to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones and 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 key that activates your phone's voice assistance and also turns on Anker BassUp (more about that later). The built-in mic can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.

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

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is disappointing. This means that you won't be able to take advantage of the superior codec's lower latency while playing games on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are soft enough to wear for extended periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups are capable of turning and adjust to the unique shape of your head so that you can get a snug fit. You can also enjoy your music with a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is included for charging the battery.