What Is Headphones And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears and allow you to fully immerse in the sound. They are typically designed for audiophiles and come with features like active noise cancellation and control applications.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and headphones for tv a mobile app to adjust the EQ and Headphones For Tv presets. They also support high-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. The headphones are updated with a new design and enhanced ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with a higher-end sound quality and better materials.

They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones at 250 grams. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or a 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 a sound quality that is able to please casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass, but it isn't too loud or harsh. The earphones have a large and open soundstage, with excellent instrument separation. This allows you to be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups feature control buttons that are easy to use and responsive. 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 used for connecting to two devices simultaneously and, thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can turn on the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup. This lets you hear the sounds around you without removing the headphones.

They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as well as high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of premium fabric, and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is awe-inspiring. In our most basic test, we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC turned on, which is better than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for calls is superb, and there's no muffled or static-y sounding background. The noise-canceling performance is also top-notch and they're a perfect fit for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, offering premium performance and features. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits, optimized active noise cancellation, and clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are carefully angled inside each earcup to create a more focused, deep listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer outstanding clarity for calls even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control calls and music from any device compatible with it.

As with the PX7's original design The headphones sport elegant and refined with accent rings on each earcup as well as an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly but not too tight on the cranium. The new design and shape was developed over the course of several months, and delivers an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't press hard on my own skull, which is a rotund one.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a backpack or bag and stay in place comfortably throughout long listening sessions. A strong hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them for easy transport in the protective case.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for high-resolution audio as well as tight 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 helpful touch that flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is active.

The B&W App offers the same control options that the hardware onboard buttons offer such as bass and treble adjustments as well as action button assignments, wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes and more. When you listen to music on your iPhone the app will display album covers and track titles. Some popular features like music presets and soundscapes mode are missing, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser Headphones For Tv, Click4R.Com,, and is designed to meet the highest 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 sound you'll ever experience on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier is required to drive it at desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which will increase the output and boost the sound quality.

These headphones gaming are made for a professional use and have a sturdy steel frame, with a mixture of plastics and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't appear like a fancy pair of headphones, however they feel luxurious in the hand and are built to last. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable, and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, although they are a bit light on bass. This is due to the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head passive soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent, with only minor peaks and dips. The treble area is very linear, so you'll not have issues piercing sibilants and the upper bite of a drum snare.

They still have the ability to deliver and dynamism when needed despite the lack of a loud low-end. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who love rock music with punchy basses however they might not sound as good as some of the other models on this list.

The Sennheiser headphones have a great mid-range. They are extremely linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids, which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They also have the ability to reproduce fine time gradations in vocals which is a huge plus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are ideal for professionals and audiophiles. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fitting make them a great 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 looking to kill some time or just wants an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic pouch which will provide protection when you put them into your bag, and their battery is capable of lasting several long haul flights. The ANC works well to block out noisy passengers and engine rumbles, however their audio profile is a little heavy and warm.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. 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 see controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistance and switches on Anker BassUp (more about that later). The built-in microphone can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

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

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

In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headband are soft enough to wear for extended periods of time without causing any discomfort. The earcups are capable of rotating, 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 lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.