Notes

A Step-By-Step Guide To Headphones From Start To Finish
Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears, allowing you to be immersed in the sound. They tend to be made for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless speaker 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 WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancellation lineup. The headphones are updated with a new design and have improved ANC. They also have many of the same features, but with a higher-end sound quality and superior materials.

They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing just 250g. They're very comfortable to wear, no matter if you're reading or listening an audiobook. The headband is soft and it has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

With an audio quality that is able to please casual music listeners and serious audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to have a slight focus on bass, but it isn't excessively loud or harsh. They have a large and spacious soundstage that has good instrument separation that allows you to hear the subtleties in your music. The earcups are also equipped with touch controls, which are easy and responsive to use. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track, reverse to hear the previous track. The headphones can be connected to two devices simultaneously and will automatically stop playback whenever you remove them from your head due to the built-in sensor. You can enable the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right ear cup. This allows you to hear the sounds around you without having to remove the headphones.

Other useful features include the ability to pair them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of top quality fabric and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is exceptional. In our test, we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC switched on which is much better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone quality for voice calls is excellent and there's not any muffled or static-y audio in the background. Noise cancellation is also great and these headphones are perfect for public transportation or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a significant upgrade from its predecessor, providing premium performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 comes with premium performance and features like 24-bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled to fit in each earcup, provide a more immersive and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide outstanding clarity for calls even in noisy surroundings. A built-in remote and microphone allows you to control calls and music from any device that is compatible.

As with the original PX7 These headphones have elegant and refined with accent rings around each earcup, and a silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and sit comfortably on the cranium, yet don't feel tight. The new form and shape was refined over a period of time and provides a comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force into my skull, which is a rotund one.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to fit in your bag or backpack without any discomfort, and will stay comfortably in place for long listens. 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 both high-resolution audio and precise video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port that is located on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a useful touch, flashing green to indicate rapid charging and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.

headset shop &W App provides the same controls that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer such as bass and treble adjustments actions button assignments wear detection, cycling through ANC modes, etc. When you play music on your iPhone the app displays album covers and track titles. However, some popular features such as music presets and soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones from Sennheiser, and it is meant to meet the most demanding requirements. Its technical construction has been optimized to provide a detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic sound you'll ever hear in a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier is required to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, as this will double the output power and improve the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for a professional use and have a sturdy steel frame that is adorned with plastics and leather padding. The design is minimalistic and they're not fancy however the quality of the headphones and their construction are superb. 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 in a natural way, even however they are less bass-y. This is due to the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head passive soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor dips and peaks. The treble region is also extremely linear, which means you'll not have issues cutting sibilants, or the upper bite of a snare drum.

They still have the ability to deliver as well as dynamism and impact when required, despite the absence of a powerful low-end. These headphones are still great for those who love rock music with a punchy bass however, they may not sound as good as some of the other models on this list.

The Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful mid-range. They're very straight and have a slight scoop in the upper mids which shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations, which is a bonus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of premium headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice because of their excellent sound quality and a comfortable fit. The headphones are costly, but they will last you for many years and perform in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that can provide the perfect solution for anyone who wants to kill some time or simply needs a cheap pair of noise-cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a simple bag which protects them when you put them into the bag. Their battery can last for several long-haul flights. Their ANC does a great job of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles when on the plane, but their audio profile is a little warm and bass-heavy.


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 for turning on or off active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll find controls for playback of media. This includes a multi-function button that activates your phone's voice assistant and turns on Anker BassUp (more about this later). You can also make use of the built-in microphone to make hands-free calls with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone offers a deep immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones have a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out a broad range of low- and mid-frequency sound.

One thing to keep in mind about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that it doesn't support aptX, which is a disappointment. This means you won't be in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency when you're playing games on your PC.

In terms of comfort 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 causing discomfort. The ear cups are also capable of rotating so that they can adjust to the specific shape of your head, so you can have a comfortable fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.

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