10 Unexpected Headphones Tips
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you into audio. They are usually tuned for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation 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 high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.
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 enhanced ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but they have higher-end sound quality and superior materials.
At only 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or reading a book. The headband features a friction rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which prevents your ears getting too cold.
With an audio quality that will please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to have a slight focus on bass, but it isn't too loud or harsh. The earphones boast a huge and open soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This lets you hear the details in your music. The earcups come with touch controls that are intuitive and responsive. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track and backwards to hear the prior track. 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 activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup. This lets you listen to the sounds around you without having to remove the headphones.
They can also be linked with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as well as high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made of top quality fabric, as well as a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The battery life of the WH-1000XM5 is impressive. In our battery test, we got 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on which was more than Sony's advertised 30 hour battery life.
The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for calls is superb and there's no distorted or static-y sounding background. The noise-canceling performance is also 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, offering high-end performance and features. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits enhanced active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice call quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled inside each earcup, provide a more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control calls and music from any device that is compatible.
Like the PX7's original design, these headphones are sleek and elegant, 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 redesigned form and shape took many months to perfect, and provides a comfortable clamping force that doesn't push too hard on my own cranium that is rotund.
They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones 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.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for high-resolution audio as well as fast video sync. The 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a helpful gesture with a green flash to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.
The B&W app provides the same controls as the buttons on the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments as well as action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and much more. The app also displays an album cover and track's title when you play music from your iPhone. However, some popular features such as music presets or a soundscapes feature aren't available.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones and was designed to meet the most demanding expectations. The technical design was designed to provide a breath-taking detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic audio you can get from open-back headphones.
The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier is required to drive it at 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 designed for a professional use and have a sturdy steel frame that is adorned with leather and plastic. The design is minimalist and doesn't look extravagant however the quality of the headphones and their build are top-quality. They come with a carrying pouch and an additional audio cable and a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.
The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals in a natural way, even though they are a little lighter on bass. This is due to the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble quality is excellent with minor drops and peaks. The treble area is extremely smooth, meaning you shouldn't have any issues cutting sibilants, or the upper sound of the drum snare.
Despite the lack of a booming bass, they can still deliver impact and dynamism when required. They'll still be a great choice for those who like listening to music with powerful basslines, but they might not be as fun as some of the competing models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.
These Sennheiser headphones have a great midrange. They are linear with an incline on the upper mids that won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also reproduce precise time gradations in vocals, which is a big plus.
The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fitting make them a great option. They are expensive however you're buying a pair of headphones that will last for many years to be able to perform at their best in any environment.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that will do the trick for anyone who needs to relax or simply wants a low-cost pair 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 for many long-haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles when on an airplane, although their audio profile is a bit warm and bass-heavy.
The Life Q20's controls can be easy to navigate and well-marked. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons for pairing and powering up the headphones as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the headphone shop , you'll find controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function key that activates the phone's voice assistant and also turns on Anker BassUp (more about that later). The built-in mic can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer an immersive and deep listening experience, thanks to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz the headphones are able to provide exceptional clarity and detail, as their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wide range of low and mid-frequency sounds.
One thing to keep in mind about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support aptX, which is disappointing. This means that you will not be able to benefit of the superior codes' lower latency while gaming on your computer.
The Life Q20's headband and memory foam earcups are soft enough to wear for long periods without discomfort. The ear cups are capable of rotating, allowing them to adapt to the particular shape of your head so that you can achieve a perfect fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.