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What's Everyone Talking About Headphones Right Now
Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones are designed to surround your ears and immerse you into 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 pair with ANC and a mobile app to adjust the EQ and presets. They also support high-res audio through USB-C for wired listening.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's most recent upgrade to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation lineup. They have a fresh new design, upgraded ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors but with higher-end materials and a slightly higher quality sound.

At only 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. They are very comfortable to wear, even if you're reading or listening a book. The headband has a friction-rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.

With an audio quality that is able to please those who enjoy music casually and 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 excellent instrument separation. This lets you hear the details in your music. The earcups also feature touch controls, which are responsive and intuitive to use. Swipe up or down to change the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next song and backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at once and, thanks to a built-in sensor, they automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can also switch on the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup that lets you be aware of what's happening around you without taking off the headphones.

They can also be paired with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also available, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of top quality fabric and a USB-C charging cable. 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 awe-inspiring. In our most basic test, we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC switched on, which is better than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's mic performance on voice calls is excellent, and there's no 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 major upgrade from its predecessor, delivering premium performance and features. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a premium model with a variety of features, including 24-bit wireless streaming and active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile or tablet. The custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully angled inside each earcup to provide an even more focused and deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones guarantee exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control music and calls from any device compatible with it.

Similar to the PX7's original design These headphones have a sleekly refined look, with accent rings around each earcup as well as an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tightly on the cranium. The redesigned shape and form took many months to perfect, delivering an easy clamping force that doesn't press too hard on my own cranium that is rotund.

At 10.8 ounces (or 307g) They're 2 ounces lighter than Sony WH-1000XM5, and a touch thinner. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and stay in place comfortably throughout 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 good for both high-resolution audio and precise video sync. You can also play them wired too, using the included 3.5mm cable that connects to a USB-C port 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 use.

The B&W app provides the same features as the onboard buttons in the hardware including bass and treble adjustment, action button assignment, wear detection, cycle through ANC modes, and more. When you play music on your iPhone the app will display album covers and track titles. The most popular extras like music presets and soundscapes mode are not available, however.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and is made to meet the highest expectations. Its construction technology is optimized to give a detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies as well as dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic sound you'll ever experience on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone has a 300 ohm impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier is needed to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended as this will double the power output and increase the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They have a steel frame and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't look like an expensive pair of headphones, but they feel premium in the hands and are well-built. They come with a carry case, an additional audio cable, and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.


With a neutral sound profile the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are light in bass. The open-back design results in an expansive out-of-head soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region is very linear, so you won't have issues with cutting sibilants, or the upper impact of the snare drum.

They still have the ability to deliver as well as dynamism and impact when needed despite the lack of a booming low-end. They will still be enjoyable for those who enjoy listening to music with powerful basslines, but they may not be as fun as some of the models on this list such as the HiFiMan Arya.

The Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful midrange. They're very straight and have a slight scoop in the upper mids, which will not be noticed by most listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations, which is a bonus.

The HD 800 S is a pair of exceptional headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top choice because of their excellent sound quality and a comfortable fit. The headphones are expensive but they'll last for a long time and will perform in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great pair of headphones for those looking to pass the time or simply need an affordable set of headphones that block out noise. They come with a basic bag that will give them some protection when you throw them into a bag, and their battery is capable of lasting several long haul flights. Their ANC is capable of blocking out chattering seatmates and engine rumbles when on a plane, though their audio profile is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.

The Life Q20's controls are simple to use and clearly marked. On the left ear cup there are buttons to power up and pair 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 control that activates your phone's voice assistance and turns on Anker BassUp (more about that later). just click the following internet site can also utilize the built-in microphone in order to make hands-free calls with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer an immersive and rich listening experience, due to the custom 40 mm dynamic drivers that provide certified Hi-Res Audio. The headphones feature the treble range to go up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is specifically designed to block out a broad range of low- and mid-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a pity. This means that you will not be able to benefit of the better codes' lower latency when playing on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam ear cups are comfortable enough to be worn for long periods without discomfort. The earcups can be rotated to accommodate your individual head shape. You can also enjoy your music wired with an included 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is included for charging the battery.

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