What Is Headphones And Why Is Everyone Speakin' About It?

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you in sound. They tend to be designed for audiophiles and feature features like active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless pair that comes with ANC and a mobile application to tweak the EQ, and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation range. They have a fresh new design, improved ANC, and many of the same features that their predecessors had but with higher-end materials and a slightly higher quality sound.

They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing 250g. They are very comfortable to wear, no matter if you're listening to or reading the audiobook. The headband is soft, and has a friction rod design like the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sonic signature that is created to please casual music listeners as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, however it is not harsh or imposing. The earphones have a large and wide soundstage, headphones Over ear as well as good separation of instruments. This lets you be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups are also equipped with touch controls, which are easy and responsive to use. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track or backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously and will automatically stop playback whenever you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can enable ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup. This allows you to 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 carrying case made of premium fabric, and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is awe-inspiring. In our test we were able achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC switched on which is more than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.

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

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, delivering premium performance and features. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit and optimized active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice call quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled inside each earcup, give you a more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones guarantee excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone let you control your music and calls on any compatible device.

Similar to the original PX7 These headphones have a sleekly refined look, with accent rings around each earcup, and a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly but not too tight on the cranium. The new design and shape took a long time to perfect, providing an easy clamping force that isn't too hard on my own rotund cranium.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones marshall are light enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and stay in place comfortably for long listening sessions. The headband is foldable using a sturdy hinge at the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2, with aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-quality audio as well as tight video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located 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 has the same controls that the buttons on the hardware provide including bass and treble adjustment actions button assignments wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes as well as other features. When you play music on your iPhone the app will display album covers and track titles. Popular extras such as music presets and a soundscapes mode aren't available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones by Sennheiser, and it is meant to meet the most demanding requirements. Its technical construction was optimized to achieve stunning detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic sound you'll hear 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. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which can increase the output and enhance the quality of sound.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They feature a metal frame and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is simple and doesn't resemble a fancy pair of headphones, however they feel premium in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carrying pouch as well as an additional audio cable, as well as an 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 large and out-of-head, passive soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor peaks and dips. The region of the treble has a linear quality, so you will not have issues with piercingsibilants, 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'll still be a great choice for those who enjoy listening to rock music that has punchy basslines, but they might not be as fun as some of the competing models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

In the mids in the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are extremely linear, with a slight scoop in the upper mids that should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations which is a nice bonus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are perfect for professionals and audiophiles. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fitting make them a great choice. The headphones are costly, however they will last for a long time and will perform in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good set of headphones for anyone looking to kill time or simply want an affordable pair of noise cancelling Headphones over ear. They come with a basic bag that will give them some protection when you throw them in a bag and their battery is capable of lasting many long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, but their audio quality is a bit heavy and warm.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, there are buttons to pair and power up the headphones as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find controls for playback of media. This includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistance and also turns on Anker BassUp (more about it later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make hands-free calls with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offers a deep, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones have a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancellation is designed to filter out a variety of mid- and low-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a pity. This means that you won't not be able to benefit of the better codes' lower latency when playing games on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam ear cups are soft enough to wear for extended periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups are also capable of turning and adjust to the particular shape of your head so you can get a snug fit. You can also listen to music via a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is included to charge the battery.