A Handbook For Headphones From Start To Finish
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears to immerse you in sound. They are typically made for audiophiles, and come with features like active noise cancellation and control applications.
The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile application to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio through USB-C for wired listening.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancellation line-up. The headphones have a new design and have improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but they have higher-end sound quality and better materials.
They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones at just 250g. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or reading a book. The headband has a friction-rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.
The WH-1000XM5 features a distinctive sound signature that has been designed to satisfy both people who listen to music for pleasure as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, however it's not abrasive or imposing. The earphones have a large and spacious soundstage, with good instrument separation. This allows you to be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups also feature control buttons that are easy to use. Swipe forward to play the next track, back to listen to the previous one, and up and down to control the volume. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at the same time and thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically stop the playback when removed from your head. You can turn on the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right-ear cup. This lets you listen to the sounds around you without having to remove the headphones.
Other features that are useful include the possibility of pairing 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 top quality fabric and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery capacity is exceptional. In our most basic test, we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC switched on, which is better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.
The WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic microphone for making calls. There is no static or muffled audio in the background. Noise cancellation is also great, and these headphones are perfect for public transportation and the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, offering top-quality performance and features. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 comes with premium performance and features, including 24-bit wireless streaming with active noise cancellation that is optimized and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled in each earcup, offer more deep and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. An inline remote and microphone lets you control your music and calls on any compatible device.
The headphones have a sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They have accent rings that wrap around the earcups 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 an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force too hard on my skull.
They are 2 ounces lighter (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 will stay comfortably in place during long listens. A strong hinge on the back of the headband lets you to fold them up to make it easy to transport them in the protective case.
The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio as well as a fast video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a useful touch that flashes green to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is active.
The B&W App has the same features that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer including bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignments wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes and more. When you play music on your iPhone the app will display album covers and track titles. However, some popular features such as music presets or a soundscapes feature are not available.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones from Sennheiser and is designed to meet highest expectations. Its technical construction has been optimized to provide the highest resolution in detail that covers all of the frequency spectrum dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever hear in a pair of open-back headphones.
The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier will be needed to operate it at the right levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, as this will double the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.
These headphones are designed for a professional use and have a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with leather and plastic. The design is minimalistic and doesn't look extravagant however the quality of the headphones and their construction are superb. They come with a carry case, an additional audio cable and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.
With a neutral sound profile the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, though they are light in bass. The open-back design results in a spacious out-of-head soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent, with only minor peaks and dips. The region of the treble has a linear quality which means you won't have any issues with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of the drum snare.
Despite not having a high-pitched bass, they still produce a punch and dynamism when needed. They are still a great choice for those who enjoy rock music with a punchy bass however, they may not sound as good as other models on this list.
The Sennheiser headphones have a fantastic mid-range. They are very linear and have a slight slop in the upper mids which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations which is a benefit.
The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them a top 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 Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that will do the trick for anyone who wants to pass the time or just wants an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag that protects them when you put them into a bag. The battery will last for a long time on long-haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles on an airplane, although their audio profile is warmer and bass-heavy.
The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On headphones shops , you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones and to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function button that activates the phone's voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about this later). The built-in microphone can be used to make phone calls hands-free.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide an immersive and rich listening experience, due to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz they can provide outstanding clarity and detail, while their active noise cancellation technology is designed to block out an extended range of low and mid-frequency sounds.
Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is disappointing. This means you will not be able take advantage of the superior codes' lower latency when gaming on your computer.
The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam ear cups are soft enough to wear for long periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups are capable of rotating and adjust to the particular shape of your head, so you can get a snug fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.