best headphones Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears and allow you to fully immerse in sound. They are generally made for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.
The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile application 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 are Sony’s most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. They sport a new design, enhanced ANC, and many of the same features as their predecessors, but with better materials and slightly more premium sound quality.
They’re light for over-ear ANC headphones beats at just 250g. They are very comfortable to wear, even if you’re listening to or reading a book. 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 has a sound signature designed to satisfy both people who listen to music for pleasure as also serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, yet it is not harsh or imposing. They have a large and open soundstage with excellent instrument separation that allows you to hear subtleties in your music. The earcups come with touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song, backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones can connect to two devices at once and will automatically stop playback when you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also switch on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right earcup that lets you be aware of what’s happening around you without removing the headphones.
They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of premium fabric, and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones review are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is impressive. In our standard battery test we had 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was more than Sony’s advertised 30 hour battery life.
The WH-1000XM5’s mic performance on calls is superb and there’s no distorted or static-y sounding background. Noise cancellation is also great and these headphones are perfect for public transportation or in the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, providing premium performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 is a premium model with a variety of features like 24-bit wireless streaming and active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are carefully placed inside each earcup to create an even more focused and immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control calls and music on any compatible device.
The Headphones wireless sony sport a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They feature accent rings that wrap around the earcups as well as a silver-colored headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium but never feel tight. The new design and shape took many months to perfect, delivering an easy clamping force that doesn’t push too hard even on my own cranium that is rotund.
At 10.8 ounces (or 307g), they’re 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as a touch smaller. They’re light enough for carrying in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and will remain comfortable in your hand during long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them up to make it easy to transport them in an enclosed case.
The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 and the aptX Adaptive. This is great for high-quality audio as well as a fast video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone’s status indicator is an excellent feature that flashes green to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.
The B&W app provides the same controls as the onboard buttons in the hardware – bass and treble adjustment as well as action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes, and more. The app also displays an album cover and track’s name when you play music from your iPhone. The most popular extras like music presets, soundscapes and music mode aren’t available, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones made by Sennheiser, and it is designed to meet highest expectations. Its technical construction has been optimized to provide the highest resolution in detail that covers all the spectrum of frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It’s the most realistic spatial audio you’ll experience on open-back headphones.
The headphone has an impedance of 300 Ohms, which means it requires a top-quality headphone amplifier to drive it at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which can double the output and improve the quality of sound.
These headphones are made to be used by professionals and feature a sturdy metal frame with a mix of plastics and leather padding. The design is minimalistic and doesn’t look extravagant, but the quality of the headphones and their build are excellent. They come with a carrying pouch and an additional audio cable, as well as a 1/4″ to 1/8″ adapter.
With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, although they are somewhat light on bass. This is because the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head, passive soundstage. The treble is very good, with minor peaks and drops. The treble region is extremely smooth, meaning you shouldn’t have any issues hitting sibilants or the upper impact of a drum snare.
Despite not having a loud bass, they can still provide dynamism and impact when required. They’ll still be enjoyable for those who love listening to music with strong basslines, however they may not be as fun as some of the models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.
In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are straight and have a slight scoop on the upper mids, which won’t be noticed by the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce precise time gradations, which is a nice benefit.
The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top pick due to their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit. They’re expensive, but you’re paying for headphones wireless sony a pair of headphones that will last for many years to be used and perform to their best in any environment.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that can do the trick for anyone looking to pass the time or simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag that will give them some protection when you throw them into a bag, and their battery can last several long haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out noisy passengers and engine rumbles, however their audio profile is a bit heavy and warm.
The Life Q20’s controls are simple to use and are well-marked. On the left earcup there are buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones and for turning on or off active noise cancellation. On the right earcup you’ll find controls for playback of media which include a multi-function button which lets you turn on the voice assistant of your phone and enable Anker’s BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in microphone can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.
Anker’s Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offers a deep and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz they can provide outstanding clarity and detail, while their active noise cancellation technology is designed to filter out an extended range of low and Headphones wireless sony mid-frequency sounds.
Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn’t support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means that you won’t be able to take advantage of the superior codec’s lower latency while gaming on your PC.
In terms of comfort The Life Q20’s memory-foam ear cups and headband are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without creating discomfort. The earcups can rotate to adjust to your individual head shape. You can also listen to music with a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.
