5 Headphones Projects For Any Budget

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you into audio. They tend to be designed for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile app for tweaking the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest model in their noise cancelling lineup. The headphones have a new design and improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with a higher-end sound quality and better materials.

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing 250 grams. They're very comfortable to wear, no matter if you're reading or listening an audiobook. The headband is supple, and it features an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

With an audio quality that will 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 overpowering or harsh. The earphones boast a huge and wide soundstage, as well as good instrument separation. This lets you listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups also have control buttons that are easy to use. Swipe forward to play the next track, back to hear the previous track and then up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously and will automatically stop playback when you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also turn on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup and allowing you to listen to what's happening around you without removing the headphones.

They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of premium fabric, and audiophile an USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers running Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is exceptional. In our standard battery test we recorded 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH1000XM5 is a great mic for voice calls. There's no static or muffled audio 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 features a range of new features and improved performance. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit, optimized active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled to fit in each earcup, offer more immersive and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones guarantee superior call clarity even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone let you control your calls and music using any compatible device.

Similar to the original PX7, these headphones bluetooth are a sleekly refined look, with accent rings around each earcup and a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit comfortably but not too tight on the cranium. The redesigned form and shape required a lot of time to perfect, and provides a comfortable clamping force that isn't too hard even on my own cranium that is rotund.

At 10.8 grams (or 307g) They're 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, and just a little thinner. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a bag or backpack and remain in place during long listening sessions. The headband can be folded up by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2, with aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio aswell for a tight video sync. You can play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to an USB-C port located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a helpful touch with a green flash to indicate rapid charging and audiophile solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is active.

The B&W app offers similar controls to the buttons on the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments and assigning action buttons wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes, and more. When you play music on your iPhone the app displays album covers and track titles. The most popular extras like music presets and a soundscapes mode aren't available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones from Sennheiser, and it is designed to meet the highest expectations. Its technical construction is optimized to give a detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also provides 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 is required to operate it at the right levels without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which will increase the output and enhance the sound quality.

These headphones are made for professional use. They feature a metal frame and a mixture of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalist and they don't look fancy however the quality of the headphones and their build are excellent. They come with a carry pouch as well as an additional audio cable, as well as a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are somewhat light on bass. This is because the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head, passive soundstage. The treble quality is excellent, with minor peaks and drops. The treble region is also very linear, so you'll not have issues piercing sibilants and the upper sound of the snare drum.

Even with the absence of high-pitched bass, they still deliver impact and dynamism when it is needed. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who enjoy rock music with a punchy bass, but may not be as impressive as other models on this list.

In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are straight and have a slight scoop on the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by most listeners. They also reproduce precise time gradations of vocals which is a huge benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are perfect for professionals and audiophiles. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit make them an excellent choice. They're expensive however, you're getting headphones that will last for Audiophile many years to come and perform at their best in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good pair of headphones for those who wants to relax or simply want an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a simple pouch that provides protection when you throw them into a bag, and their battery can last several long haul flights. The ANC works well to block out noisy passengers and engine rumbles, however their audio profile is a little warm and bass-heavy.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones, as well as for turning on or off active noise cancellation. On the right earcup there are controls for playback of media which include a multi-function button that allows you to activate your phone's voice assistant and enable Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). You can also make use of the built-in microphone to make calls without hands your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer an immersive and deep listening experience thanks to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that offer certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz, these headphones are able to provide exceptional clarity and clarity, while their active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out an extended 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 disappointing. This means you will not be able to benefit of the superior codes' lower latency when playing on your computer.

In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headband are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without creating discomfort. The ear cups also be rotated to accommodate the shape of your head. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.