The Reason Everyone Is Talking About Headphones This Moment

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in sound. They are typically made 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 to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 is Sony's most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation lineup. They sport a new design, enhanced ANC, and many of the same features as their predecessors but with premium materials and slightly higher quality sound.

They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones at 250 grams. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or reading a book. The headband features a friction rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.

With an audio quality that can satisfy casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass, but not overpowering or harsh. The earphones feature a wide and spacious soundstage, with good instrument separation. This lets you be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups come with touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song or reverse to hear the previous track. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices simultaneously and, thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically stop the playback when removed from your head. You can enable the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right earcup. This allows you to listen to the sounds around you without having to take off the headphones in ear.

Other useful features include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made from top quality fabric, as well as a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is superb. In our standard test, we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC activated which is more than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.

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

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and performance. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a premium model with a variety of features, including 24bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are carefully angled inside each earcup to create an enhanced, more immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone lets you control your calls and music on any compatible device.

These headphones have a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups as well as a silver sheen for Headphones in Ear the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium, but don't feel tight. The new form and shape was developed over the course of several months and offers a comfortable clamping pressure that isn't into my skull.

At 10.8 pounds (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as just a little thinner. They're light enough to carry in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and they'll stay comfortable in your hand during long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them up for easy transport in a protective case.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-resolution audio as well as a fast video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice touch. It flashes green to signal rapid charging and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app offers the same features as the buttons on the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes and more. When you play music on your iPhone, the app displays album covers and track titles. However, popular extras like music presets or soundscapes feature aren't available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser Headphones in ear and was designed to meet the most demanding expectations. The technical design was designed to give stunning detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic sound you'll hear on headphones with open backs.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, which means it requires a top-quality headphone amplifier to operate at the desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, as this will double the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.

These headphones are made for professional use. They have a steel frame, and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't look like a fancy pair of headphones, however they feel premium in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carry case, an extra audio cable and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with a natural sound, even however they are light on bass. The open-back design results in an expansive, out-of-head soundstage. The treble performance is outstanding with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region is extremely smooth, meaning you won't have issues with hitting sibilants or the upper bite of a drum snare.

They can still deliver impact, dynamism and impact when required, despite the absence of a booming low-end. They are still a great choice for those who enjoy rock music that has punchy bass however, they may not be as impressive as other models on this list.

In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones wireless are hard to beat. They are a linear pair with a slight scoop on the upper mids that won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations of vocals which is a major plus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They're a top choice because of their outstanding sound quality and comfortable fit. They're costly however, you're getting a pair of headphones that will last for years to come and perform well in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent set of headphones for anyone who wants to relax or simply need an affordable pair of headphones that block out noise. They come with a basic pouch which will provide protection when you throw them into your bag, and their battery can last several long haul flights. The ANC works well to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, headphones in ear 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 ear cup there are buttons to power up and pair the headphones, as well as for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup there are controls for playing back media which include a multi-function button that lets you activate your phone's voice assistant and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). The built-in microphone can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide an immersive and deep listening experience, thanks to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. These headphones have the treble range to go up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling is designed to block out a wide range of low- and mid-frequency sound.

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 won't be capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's lower latency while gaming on your PC.

In terms of comfort In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing any discomfort. The earcups are capable of rotating and adjust to the specific shape of your head so that you can achieve a perfect fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.