How To Identify The Right Headphones For You

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears and allow you to fully immerse in sound. They are typically tuned for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control applications.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless pair with ANC and a mobile application for tweaking the EQ and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's latest upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation range. They feature a new design, enhanced ANC, and many of the same features that their predecessors had but with better materials and slightly higher-quality sound.

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing 250 grams. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even if you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband is soft, and has an ear-friction rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x that prevents your ears from becoming too cold.

With a sound 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 is not overpowering or harsh. The earphones near me have a large and spacious soundstage, with good instrument separation. This lets you be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups have touch controls that are simple 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 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 activate the ambient mode by placing your hand on the right earcup. This lets you listen to the sounds around you without having to remove 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). The headphones come with a carrying case made of high-end fabric and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with most Android and iOS smartphones and computers operating Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's life expectancy is superb. In our test, we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC turned on which is more than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.

The WH1000XM5 is a great microphone for making calls. There is no muffled or static audio in the background. The noise-canceling performance is also top-notch and they're a perfect fit for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers a significant upgrade over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and improved performance. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits and optimized active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or webpage tablet. The 40mm drivers, which are custom-designed and angled in each earcup, offer more immersive and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide superior call clarity even in noisy environments. A built-in remote and microphone lets you control calls and music on any device that is compatible.

Similar to the original PX7 These headphones have elegant and refined with accent rings on each earcup and an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit comfortably but not too tightly on the cranium. The new shape and form was perfected over many months and offers a soft clamping pressure that isn't hard on my own skull.

At 10.8 grams (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter than the Sony WH-1000XM5, and just a little thinner. The headphones are light enough to be carried in a backpack or bag and are comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. The headband can be folded 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. You can also play the headphones wired, too, with the included 3.5mm cable that connects to a USB-C port on the right earcup. The headphone's status indicator is a helpful touch that flashes green to indicate rapid charge and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in use.

The B&W App provides the same features that the hardware onboard buttons offer - bass and treble adjustments actions button assignments, wear detection, cycling through ANC modes, etc. The app also displays an album cover and track's title when you play music from your iPhone. However, the most popular features like music presets and soundscapes feature aren't available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the famous Sennheiser headphones, and is made to meet the highest expectations. Its engineering was designed to provide stunning detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also provides the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever experience on a pair of open-back headphones.

The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, therefore a high-quality headphone amplifier is needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, since this can double the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.

The headphones are designed for a professional use and have a sturdy metal frame that is adorned with plastics and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't appear like an expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the hands and are built to last. They come with a carry case, an additional audio cable and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with a natural sound, even though they are a little lighter on bass. This is because the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head soundstage. The treble is very good, with minor webpage peaks and drops. The Treble region also has a linear quality which means you won't have issues with piercingsibilants or even the upper bite of a drum snare.

Even with the absence of high-pitched bass, they still deliver impact and dynamism when needed. These headphones are still great for those who enjoy rock music with punchy basses however, they may not sound as good as some of the other models on this list.

These Sennheiser headphones have a wonderful midrange. They are a linear pair with a slight scoop on the upper mids that won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations which is a nice bonus.

The HD 800 S are a pair exceptional headphones, perfect for Earphones Uk audiophiles and professionals. Their exceptional sound quality and comfortable fit make them an excellent choice. They're expensive, but you're paying for headphones that will last for years to come and perform well in any environment.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good pair of headphones for those looking to pass the time or just want an affordable pair of headphones that cancel out noise. They come with a basic pouch that will give them some protection when you throw them in a bag and their battery can last for multiple long haul flights. The ANC works well to block out noisy passengers and engine rumbles. However, their audio profile is a bit warm and bass-heavy.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, you'll see buttons to pair and power up the headphones, as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, there are controls for webpage playing back media. This includes a multi-function control that activates your phone's voice assistance and turns on Anker BassUp (more about that later). The built-in microphone can be used to make calls using hands-free technology.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone offers a deep immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones feature a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their active noise cancelling technology is specifically 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 that you won't not be able to benefit of the superior codes' lower latency when playing on your computer.

In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam ear cups and headband are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without causing any discomfort. The earcups are capable of turning so that they can adjust to the specific shape of your head so that you can get a snug 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.