7 Effective Tips To Make The Most Of Your Headphones

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears and allow you to fully immerse in the sound. They tend to be designed for audiophiles and come with features like active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless pair that includes ANC, a mobile app to alter the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade in their noise cancellation line-up. They sport a new design, enhanced ANC, and many of the same features as their predecessors, but with better materials and audiophile slightly higher-quality sound.

With only 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband features a friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature designed to please casual music listeners as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, yet it's not abrasive or overpowering. They have a large and open soundstage with good instrument separation that lets you hear details in your music. The earcups also have control buttons that are easy and responsive to use. Swipe forward to go to the next track, reverse to listen to the previous one and then up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices at once and will automatically pause playback when you take them off your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can turn on the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right-ear cup. This allows you to hear the sounds around you without removing the headphones.

They can also be connected with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made from 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 operating Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery capacity is awe-inspiring. In our test of the standard battery, we got 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for voice calls is excellent and there's not any muffled or static-y audio in the background. Noise cancellation is also great and these headphones bose are great for public transportation or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and performance. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit enhanced active noise cancellation, and clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers, that are custom-designed and angled in each earcup, give you a more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone lets you manage your music and calls on any device compatible with it.

Similar to the PX7's original design, these headphones are elegant and refined 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 new design and shape was developed over the course of several months, and delivers a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force into my skull.

At 10.8 grams (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter than the Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as a touch thinner. They're light enough to carry in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and will stay comfortable in your hand during long listens. The headband is foldable by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for high-resolution audio as well as fast video sync. You can play the headphones wired, too, with the included 3.5mm cable that connects to a USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the earphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app has the same controls as the onboard buttons in the hardware including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignment 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. However, the most popular features like music presets and soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones and was designed to meet the highest expectations. The design and Audiophile construction of the headphones has been optimized to provide the highest resolution in detail that covers all the spectrum of frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic spatial audio you can get from open-back headphones.

The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, so a good 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 enhance the overall sound quality.

The headphones are designed for professional use and feature a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of leather and plastic. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't resemble a fancy pair of headphones sennheiser, however they feel luxurious in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carrying pouch as well as an additional audio cable, as well as a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with a natural sound, even though they are a little light on bass. The open-back design produces a wide, out-of-head soundstage. The treble is very good, with minor peaks and drops. The Treble region also is linear, so you will not have issues with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of a drum snare.

Despite not having a booming bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when it is needed. They will still be enjoyable for those who like listening to rock music with powerful basslines, but they may not sound as enjoyable as some of the competing models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are a linear pair with an incline on the upper mids, which won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce precise time gradations, which is a nice benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit make them a top choice. They are expensive, but you're paying for headphones that will last for years to come and perform at their best in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that can be a great choice for anyone looking to kill some time or simply needs a cheap pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag that will give them some protection when you throw them in a bag and their battery can last many long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out noisy seatmates 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 earcup, you'll find buttons for 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 media playback controls which include a multi-function button that allows you to activate the voice assistant on your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in microphone can be used to make phone calls hands-free.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offers a deep and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz they can provide outstanding clarity and clarity, while their active noise cancellation technology is designed to filter out an extended range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.

One thing to remember about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support aptX, which is disappointing. This means that you won't be able to take advantage of the superior codec's lower latency when you're playing games on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam earcups are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without discomfort. The earcups can be rotated to accommodate your unique head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.