8 Tips To Boost Your Headphones Game
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in music. They are usually tuned for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless pair that comes with ANC as well as a mobile app to adjust the EQ, and presets. They also support high-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation range. The headphones feature a brand new design and have improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with a higher-end sound quality and better materials.
With only 250g, they are lightweight for over-ear ANC headsets. They're very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether you're listening to a podcast or a book. The headband is supple, and has the same design of a friction rod as the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from getting too cold.
With an audio quality that can satisfy casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to have a slight focus on bass but is not overpowering or harsh. The earphones boast a huge and open soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This lets you listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups feature touch controls that are simple and responsive. You can swipe forward to access 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 switch on ambient mode by resting your palm on the right ear cup, which allows you to hear what's going on around you, without taking off the headphones.
Other helpful features include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). They come with a durable carrying case made of premium fabric and a USB-C cable for charging. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers operating Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is impressive. In our test of the standard battery we had 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was higher than Sony's advertised 30-hour battery life.
The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on calls is superb, and there's no muffled or static-y sound in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent and these headphones are great for public transportation or in the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, providing high-end performance and features. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit, optimized active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully placed inside each earcup to provide an even more focused and deep listening experience. Six carefully placed microphones offer excellent call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control music and calls from any device compatible with it.
Like the PX7's original design These headphones have sleek and elegant, with accent rings around each earcup as well as a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, but never feel tight. The redesigned shape and form took a long time to perfect, providing a comfortable clamping force that isn't too hard on my own rotund cranium.
They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. The headphones are lightweight enough to fit in a bag or backpack and stay in place comfortably for long listening sessions. The headband can be folded up by using a sturdy hinge on the back.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is ideal for high-resolution audio as well as tight video sync. You can also play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a useful touch, flashing green to indicate a rapid charge, and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.
The B&W App provides the same features that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer such as bass and treble adjustments actions button assignments wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes and more. When you play music on your iPhone the app will display album cover and track titles. The most popular extras like music presets and soundscapes mode aren't available, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones made by Sennheiser and is designed to meet the highest expectations. Its engineering was designed to give an incredible detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever hear on a pair of open-back headphones.
The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, so it requires a high-quality headphone amplifier to drive it to the levels you want without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, as this will double the power output and increase the overall sound quality.
These headphones are made for a professional use and feature a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with leather and plastic. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't look like an expensive pair of headphones, however they feel premium in the palm and are well-built. They come with a carrying case, 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 with naturality, however they are lighter on bass. This is because the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head, passive soundstage. The treble quality is excellent with minor drops and peaks. The region of the treble has a linear quality which means you won't have any issues with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of a drum snare.
Even with the absence of booming bass, they can still provide dynamism and impact when required. They'll still be a great choice for those who love listening to rock music with punchy basslines, but they may not sound as fun as some of the models on this list, such as the HiFiMan Arya.
These Sennheiser headphones have a fantastic midrange. They are linear with a slight scoop on the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by most listeners. They also reproduce precise time gradations of vocals which is a major benefit.
The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are perfect for professionals and audiophiles. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fitting make them a great option. The headphones are expensive but they'll last for years and perform well in any setting.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones that can be a great choice for anyone who wants to pass the time or simply needs a cheap set of noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic case that will protect them when you put them in a bag. The battery will last multiple long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, however their audio profile is a bit heavy and warm.
The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left ear cup, you'll find buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones and to turn off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see media playback controls. headphone shops uk includes a multi-function key that activates your phone's voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about this later). You can also use the built-in microphone to make calls hands-free with your phone.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer an immersive and rich listening experience, due to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that offer certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz the headphones are able to provide exceptional clarity and detail, while their active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a wider range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.
One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means that you will not be able take advantage of the superior codes' lower latency while playing on your computer.
The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups are capable of turning, allowing them to adapt to the particular shape of your head so that you can have a comfortable fit. You can also listen to your music wired with an included 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is included to charge the battery.
