Why Headphones Should Be Your Next Big Obsession

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you into audio. They tend to be designed for audiophiles and come with features like active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless headphones online, Full Statement, device that comes with ANC and a mobile app to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. The headphones are updated with a new design and have improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with a higher-end sound quality and better materials.

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones, with 250g. They are very comfortable to wear, even if you're listening to or reading an audiobook. The headband is soft and it features a friction rod design like the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.

With an audio quality that is able to please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass but is not too loud or harsh. The earphones feature a wide and open soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This allows you to listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups come with touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe forward to go to the next track, reverse to hear the previous one and then up and down to control the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices at once and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also switch on ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup and allowing you to be aware of what's happening around you, without taking off the headphones.

They can also be linked 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 premium fabric and a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers that run Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is excellent. In our standard test we were able achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC switched on, which is better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for voice calls is excellent and there's no distorted or static-y sounding background. Noise cancelling is also excellent, and these headphones are perfect for public transportation or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering top-quality performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 offers premium performance and features like 24-bit wireless streaming and active noise cancellation optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully placed inside each earcup for an enhanced, more deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones guarantee superior call clarity even in noisy environments. An inline remote and microphone let you control your music and calls using any compatible device.

The headphones sport a similar sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups and a silver-colored headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium but never feel tight. The new shape and form was developed over the course of several months, and delivers an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that isn't hard on my own skull.

At 10.8 ounces (or 307g) They're 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, and are just a little smaller. The headphones shop uk are lightweight enough to fit in a bag or backpack and remain in place for long listening sessions. The headband can be folded up 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 and fast video sync. You can also 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 an excellent gesture with a green flash to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.

The B&W App has the same control options that the hardware onboard buttons offer such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignments wear detection, cycling through ANC modes, etc. The app also shows an album cover and track's title when you play music on your iPhone. However, popular extras like music presets and soundscapes feature aren't available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. Its technical construction was designed to provide a breath-taking detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It's the most realistic spatial audio you can get from open-back headphones.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, so a good headphone amplifier is needed 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 boost the sound quality.

The headphones are designed for a professional use and have a sturdy metal frame, with a mixture of plastics and leather padding. The design is simple and doesn't look extravagant, but the quality of the headphones and Wireless Headphones online their construction are excellent. They come with a carry case, an extra audio cable and 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. The open-back design results in a spacious out-of-head soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor dips and peaks. The Treble region also is linear which means you won't have any issues with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of the drum snare.

Despite the lack of a loud bass, they can still provide dynamism and impact when needed. They'll still be enjoyable for those who love listening to music with powerful basslines, but they may not be like some of the models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

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

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are perfect for professionals and audiophiles. They are a top choice because of their outstanding audio quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive, however they will last for years and perform well in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones that will provide the perfect solution for anyone who needs to relax or simply needs a cheap pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They come with a basic pouch that provides protection when you toss them in a bag and their battery can last for many long-haul flights. The ANC can effectively block out noisy seatmates and wireless headphones online engine rumbles, however their audio quality is a bit warm and bass-heavy.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, there are buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones, as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find media playback controls. This includes a multi-function button that activates your phone's voice assistance and switches on Anker BassUp (more about this later). The built-in microphone can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone delivers a rich, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz they offer exceptional clarity and detail, while their active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wide range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

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 you won't be able to take advantage of the superior codec's low latency when playing on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam ear cups are soft enough to wear for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups also rotate to adjust to your unique head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.