How Headphones Transformed My Life For The Better
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears to immerse you in the sound. They are usually made for audiophiles and have 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 high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. They feature a new design, improved ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors but with higher-end materials and a slightly more premium sound quality.
At just 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or reading a book. The headband is soft and has the same design of a friction rod as the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming 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 not too loud or harsh. The earphones have a large and open soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This lets you listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups are also equipped with control buttons that are responsive and intuitive to use. Swipe forward to go to the next track, then back to hear the previous one and then up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically pause playback when you take them off your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup. This allows you to listen to the sounds around you without having to take off the headphones.
They can also be connected 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 high-end fabric as well as a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones are compatible with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers that run Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is exceptional. In our test we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC activated which is much better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.
The WH1000XM5 has a great microphone for making calls. There is no muffled or static audio in the background. The noise cancellation is excellent and they're a great fit for public transport or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and performance. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits and optimized active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are precisely positioned inside each earcup to provide an enhanced, more immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones guarantee excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you 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 on each earcup, and a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly but not too tight on the cranium. The new form and shape was refined over a period of time, and delivers a soft clamping pressure that doesn't press into my rotund skull.
They are 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a backpack or bag and remain in place for long listening sessions. A strong hinge on the back of the headband allows you to fold them up to make it easy to transport them in the protective case.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is ideal for both 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 status indicator on the earphone is a nice touch. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W App has the same features that the buttons on the hardware provide including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignments wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes and more. When link play music on your iPhone the app displays album cover and track titles. Some popular features like music presets and a soundscapes mode aren't available, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones, and is made to meet the highest expectations. The design and construction of the headphones has been optimized to provide an impressive detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic sound you'll ever hear in a pair of open-back headphones.
The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, which means it requires a top-quality headphone amplifier that can drive it at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which will increase the output and boost the sound quality.
These headphones are made for professional use. They have a metal frame and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is simple and doesn't appear like a fancy pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the hands and are built well. They come with a carry case, an extra audio cable and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.
The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with naturality, 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 sound quality is superb with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region also has a linearity, so you will not be able to deal with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of the drum snare.
They can still deliver impact, dynamism and impact when needed despite the lack of a loud low-end. They'll still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to rock music with strong basslines, however they may not be as enjoyable as some of the models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.
The Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful midrange. They are straight and have a slight incline in the upper mids that won't be noticed by most listeners. They can also reproduce precise time gradations, which is an added benefit.
The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice because of their excellent sound quality and comfortable fit. The headphones are expensive but they will last you for many years and perform in any environment.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a decent pair of headphones that can provide the perfect solution for anyone looking to pass the time or simply wants a low-cost set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic bag which will provide protection when you throw them into a bag, and their battery can last multiple long haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chatty seatmates and engine rumbles from the plane, but their audio profile is heavy and warm.
The Life Q20's controls are simple to use and are well-marked. On the left ear cup you'll find buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones, as well as for turning on or off active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see controls for playing back media. This includes a multi-function button that activates the phone's voice assistant and turns on Anker BassUp (more about it later). The built-in microphone can be used to make hands-free phone calls.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide an immersive and deep listening experience due to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that offer certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones have the treble range to go up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a broad range of low- and mid-frequency sound.
One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they don't support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means you won't be capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's lower latency when you're gaming on your PC.
In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory foam ear cups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time without causing any discomfort. The ear cups also be rotated to accommodate your individual head shape. The included 3.5mm audio cable allows you to listen to music while charging the battery.