5 Headphones Lessons Learned From The Professionals

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in sound. They are typically 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 high-res audio for wired listening via USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 is Sony's latest upgrade to their best-in-class noise cancellation line-up. The headphones are updated with a new design and have improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but they have superior sound quality and higher-end materials.

They're extremely light for over-ear ANC headphones at just 250g. This makes them extremely comfortable to wear for long periods of time, whether 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 getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 has a sound signature that has been designed to satisfy both casual music lovers as well as serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight emphasis in bass, yet it is not harsh or overpowering. The earphones boast a huge and wide soundstage, as well as excellent instrument separation. This allows you to listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups are also equipped with touch controls that are easy to use. Swipe up or down to alter the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track, backwards to hear the prior track. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically stop playback whenever you take them off your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup, which allows you to listen to what's happening around you without removing the headphones.

They can also be linked with your voice assistant. Bluetooth low-energy is also supported, as is high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carry case made of premium fabric, and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers running Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is excellent. In our standard battery test we had 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30 hour battery life.

The WH1000XM5 comes with a fantastic microphone for making calls. There is no static or muffled audio in the background. The noise cancellation is excellent and they're a perfect fit for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade over its predecessor. It has a host of new features and improved performance. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 comes with premium performance and features, including 24bit wireless streaming, active noise cancellation optimized, and clear voice calls on any compatible mobile device or tablet. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are carefully angled inside each earcup to create a more focused, deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity, even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote lets you control music and calls from any compatible device.

These headphones have a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups, and a silver-colored headband. The earcups are cushioned with memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium, yet they never feel tight. The new design and shape was perfected over many months, and delivers an incredibly comfortable clamping pressure that doesn't force into my rotund skull.

At 10.8 grams (or 307g), they're 2 ounces lighter than the Sony WH-1000XM5, as well as a touch thinner. They're light enough for carrying in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place for long listens. The headband can be folded up using a sturdy hinge at the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with the aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio as well for a tight video sync. You can play the headphones wired, too, with 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 feature. It flashes green to signal rapid charging, and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App provides the same features that the hardware onboard buttons offer such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignments, wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes as well as other features. The app also displays an album cover and track's title when you play music from your iPhone. However, headphones online store like music presets or a soundscapes feature aren't available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones by Sennheiser, and it is designed to meet the highest demands. Its engineering was designed to give an incredible detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It provides the most realistic sound you'll experience on open-back headphones.

The headphone has a 300 ohm impedance, so a good headphone amplifier will be needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to make use of a balanced connection which can increase the output and boost the sound quality.





These headphones are made for professional use and have a sturdy metal frame with a mix of leather and plastic. The design is minimalist and doesn't appear like an expensive pair of headphones, but they feel premium in the hand and are built well. They come with a carrying pouch as well as an additional audio cable, as well as an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

With an unison sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural instruments and vocals, even though they are somewhat light on bass. This is because 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 is linear 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 produce a punch and dynamism when it is needed. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who like rock music that has punchy bass however, they may not sound as great as the other models on this list.

In the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They're very straight and have a slight slop in the upper mids which shouldn't be noticeable to most listeners. They also reproduce precise time gradations in vocals which is a huge benefit.

The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They're a top choice because of their outstanding sound quality and a comfortable fit. The headphones are costly, but they will last you for a long time and will perform in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that will provide the perfect solution for anyone looking to relax or just wants an affordable pair of noise-cancelling headphones. They come with a simple pouch that provides protection when you put them in a bag and their battery is capable of lasting several long haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, but their audio quality is a bit heavy and warm.

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

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone provides a full, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. These headphones have the treble range to go up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancellation is designed to block out a wide range of mid- and low-frequency sound.

One thing to keep in mind about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they don't support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means that you won't be able to take advantage of the superior codec's low latency when playing games on your PC.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam earcups are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups are also able to rotate so that they can adjust to the specific shape of your head so you can get a snug fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.