Why All The Fuss About Headphones?
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you into audio. They are usually designed for audiophiles and come with features like active noise cancellation and control apps.
The Focal Bathys are a wireless 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.
the headphone store -1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest model in their noise cancelling lineup. The headphones feature a brand new design and improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with a superior sound quality and higher-end materials.
With only 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when you're listening to a podcast or reading a book. The headband is supple, and it has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.
With a sound 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 it isn't overpowering or harsh. The earphones have a large and wide soundstage, as well as excellent instrument separation. This lets you hear the details in your music. The earcups also have control buttons that are responsive and intuitive to use. Swipe forward to go to the next track, then back to listen to the previous one as well as up and down to control the volume. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at the same time and thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can also activate the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup, which allows you to hear what's going on around you without removing the headphones.
They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made of top quality fabric, as well as an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is exceptional. In our battery test, we got 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30 hour battery life.
The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on calls is superb, and there's no muffled or static-y audio in the background. The noise cancellation is excellent and they're a perfect fit for public transport or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, providing high-end performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins 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 that are custom-designed for the device are carefully angled inside each earcup for an enhanced, more immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control calls and music on any compatible device.
The headphones have a sleek and refined look to the original PX7. They feature accent rings around the earcups, and a silver sheen for the headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly, but not too tightly on the cranium. The redesigned shape and form took a long time to perfect, providing an incredibly comfortable clamping force that isn't too hard, even on my own rotund cranium.
They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to fit in your backpack or bag without any discomfort, and will remain comfortable in your hand during long listening sessions. 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 great for high-resolution audio as well as fast video sync. You can also play the headphones wired, too, with the included 3.5mm cable that connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to show rapid charging, and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W app offers the same features as the onboard buttons in the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes, and more. When you listen to music on your iPhone the app displays album cover and track titles. However, popular extras like music presets or soundscapes feature are missing.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones, and is made to meet the highest expectations. The design and construction of the headphones has been optimized to achieve an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic audio you can get from open-back headphones.
The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier will be needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, since this can double the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.
These headphones are designed for professional use and feature a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with plastics and leather padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't look extravagant, but the quality of the headphones and their construction are superb. They come with a carrying pouch and an additional audio cable as well as an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.
The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with naturality, although they are a bit lighter on bass. This is because the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region is also extremely linear, which means you shouldn't have any issues cutting sibilants, or the upper bite of the snare drum.
Despite not having a high-pitched bass, they still provide dynamism and impact when required. They will still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to music with punchy basslines, but they may not be like some of the models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.
These Sennheiser headphones have a fantastic mid-range. They are straight and have an incline on the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations which is a benefit.
The HD 800 S are a pair of exceptional headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They're a top choice because of their outstanding audio quality and comfortable fit. They are expensive however you're buying headphones that will last for years to be used and perform at their best in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good pair of headphones for those who wants to relax or just want an affordable pair of headphones that block out noise. They come with a basic bag that will give them some protection when you toss them in a bag and their battery can last many long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles, however their audio quality is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.
The Life Q20's controls are simple to navigate and well-marked. On the left ear cup there are buttons to power up and pair the headphones and to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup you'll find media playback controls that include a multi-function switch that allows you to activate your phone's voice assistant and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). You can also utilize the built-in microphone in order to make calls without hands your phone.
Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone provides a full immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz they offer exceptional clarity and clarity, while their active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a wide range of low and mid-frequency sounds.
One thing to keep in mind about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they don't support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means you won't be capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's low latency when playing on your computer.
The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without discomfort. The earcups can rotate to adjust to your individual head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.