Are Headphones Really As Vital As Everyone Says?

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears to immerse you in sound. They are typically tuned for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones by Sony are the latest model in their noise cancellation lineup. The headphones gym are updated with a new design and improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with superior sound quality and higher-end materials.

At only 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear, even when you're reading or listening to the audiobook. The headband is a friction-rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which prevents your ears getting too cold.

With an audio quality that can satisfy people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, WH-1000XM5's signature is tuned to have a slight focus on bass but is not too loud or harsh. The earphones have a large and wide soundstage, as well as excellent instrument separation. This allows you to hear the details in your music. The earcups also have touch controls, which are easy to use. Swipe forward to play the next track, reverse to listen to the previous one and then up and down to adjust the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also activate the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup and allowing you to be aware of what's happening around you without taking off the headphones.

Other helpful features include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of premium fabric, and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is impressive. In our test we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC activated which is much better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on calls is superb and there's not any muffled or static-y sound in the background. The noise cancellation performance is excellent and they're a great 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 enhanced active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are precisely positioned 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 on any device compatible with it.

As with the PX7's original design, these headphones are elegant and refined with accent rings on each earcup, and a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium but they never feel tight. The new design and shape took many months to perfect, providing an incredibly comfortable clamping force that doesn't push too hard on my own rotund cranium.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough for carrying in your bag or backpack without any discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place for long listens. The headband can be folded up using a sturdy hinge at the back.

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

The B&W App offers the same features that the hardware onboard buttons offer including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignments, wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes as well as other features. The app also shows an album cover and track's name when you play music from your iPhone. Some popular features like music presets, Headphones Skullcandy soundscapes and music mode are not available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones and was designed to meet the most demanding expectations. The technical design was optimized to achieve stunning detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic sound you'll ever experience in a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, which means it requires a top-quality headphone amplifier that can drive it at the desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended because it will increase the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They feature a metal frame, and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is minimalistic and doesn't look extravagant however the quality of the headphones and their construction are superb. They come with a carrying pouch and an extra audio cable as well as a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with a natural sound, even however they are lighter 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 region is extremely smooth, meaning you won't have issues with hitting sibilants or the upper bite of the drum snare.

Despite the lack of a loud bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when it is needed. These headphones Skullcandy are still enjoyable for those who love rock music that has punchy bass however, they may not sound as great as other models on this list.

In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are straight and have a slight incline in the upper mids that won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce precise time gradations, which is an added bonus.

The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice due to their exceptional sound quality and a comfortable fit. They're costly however, you're getting a pair of 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 good pair of headphones that can do the trick for anyone who needs to kill some time or simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic case that will protect the headphones when you place them in the bag. The battery will last multiple long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles. However, their audio profile is a little heavy and warm.

The Life Q20's controls are simple to navigate and well-marked. On the left ear cup you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones and for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup you'll find media playback controls which include a multi-function button that lets you activate the voice assistant of your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in mic can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone delivers a rich and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones feature an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancellation is specifically designed to block out a broad range of mid- and low-frequency sound.

One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means that you won't not be able to benefit of the superior codes' lower latency while playing on your computer.

In terms of comfort In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without causing discomfort. The ear cups can also rotate to adjust to the shape of your head. You can also listen to music via a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is included to charge the battery.