A Step-By-Step Guide To Selecting The Right Headphones
Best Over-Ear headphones for running
Over-ear headphones totally encase your ears, allowing you to be immersed in sound. They are usually made for audiophiles, and feature features like active noise cancellation and control apps.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless pair that comes with ANC and a mobile application to alter the EQ, and presets. They also support high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancellation line-up. They sport a new design, upgraded ANC, and many of the same features that their predecessors had but with better materials and slightly higher-quality sound.
They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing 250g. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband has a friction-rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.
With a sound quality that will please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass, but not too loud or harsh. The Earphones headphones have a large and wide soundstage, as well as good instrument separation. This lets you hear the details in your music. The earcups feature touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe forward to go to the next track, reverse to hear the previous one, and up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can be connected to two devices at once and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also turn on the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup that lets you listen to what's happening around you without removing the headphones.
Other useful features include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made from top quality fabric, as well as a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones work with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers that run Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is awe-inspiring. In our standard test, we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC activated, which is better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.
The WH1000XM5 has a great microphone that can be used for voice calls. There's no muffled or static audio in the background. The noise cancellation performance is top-notch and they're a great choice for public transport or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and performance. This includes 24-bit wireless streaming and optimized active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully placed inside each earcup for an enhanced, more immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone let you control your calls and music on any compatible device.
The headphones sport a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They have accent rings that wrap around the earcups as well as a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tight on the cranium. The new shape and form was refined over a period of time, and delivers a comfortable clamping pressure that isn't hard on my own skull, which is a rotund one.
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. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband enables you to fold them up to make it easy to transport them in an enclosed case.
The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-quality audio as well as tight video sync. You can play them wirelessly 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 gesture with a green flash to indicate rapid charge and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.
The B&W App offers the same features that the hardware onboard buttons offer — bass and treble adjustments, action button assignments, wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes and more. The app also displays an album cover and track title when you play music on your iPhone. Popular extras such as music presets and a soundscapes mode aren't available, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and was made to meet the highest expectations. The technical design was optimized to achieve an incredible detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic sound you'll ever hear in a pair of open-back headphones.
The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier will be needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which will increase the output and enhance the quality of sound.
The headphones are designed to be used by professionals and have a sturdy steel frame, with a mixture of plastics and leather padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't appear like a fancy pair of headphones, however they feel premium in the palm and are built well. They come with a carry case, an extra audio cable and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.
The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with naturality, although they are a bit light on bass. This is due to the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region is also extremely linear, which means you won't have issues with hitting sibilants or the upper bite of a drum snare.
They still have the ability to deliver and dynamism when needed despite the lack of a booming low-end. They are still a great choice for those who love rock music that has punchy bass however, they may not sound as great as other models on this list.
In the mids in the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They're very straight and have a slight slop in the upper mids that will not be noticed by most listeners. They also have the ability to reproduce precise time gradations in vocals which is a major plus.
The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them a top option. They are expensive however, you're getting headphones that will last for many years to be able to perform to their best in any environment.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great pair of headphones wireless apple for those who wants to relax or simply want a pair of affordable noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag which protects them when you throw them into the bag. The battery will last for a long time on long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles, but their audio quality is a bit heavy and warm.
The Life Q20's controls are simple to use and clearly marked. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones and for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup you'll find media playback controls, including a multi-function button that lets you activate the voice assistant of your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in mic can be used to make hands-free phone calls.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone offers a deep and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones have an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancellation is designed to filter out a broad range of mid- and low-frequency sound.
Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a pity. This means you won't in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency when you're playing on your computer.
In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without creating discomfort. The ear cups also be rotated to accommodate your unique head shape. You can also listen to your music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.
Over-ear headphones totally encase your ears, allowing you to be immersed in sound. They are usually made for audiophiles, and feature features like active noise cancellation and control apps.
The Focal Bathys is a wireless pair that comes with ANC and a mobile application to alter the EQ, and presets. They also support high-res audio via USB-C for wired listening.Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 earphones from Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancellation line-up. They sport a new design, upgraded ANC, and many of the same features that their predecessors had but with better materials and slightly higher-quality sound.
They're lightweight for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing 250g. This makes them very comfortable to wear for long periods of time, even when you're listening to a podcast or book. The headband has a friction-rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.
With a sound quality that will please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass, but not too loud or harsh. The Earphones headphones have a large and wide soundstage, as well as good instrument separation. This lets you hear the details in your music. The earcups feature touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe forward to go to the next track, reverse to hear the previous one, and up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can be connected to two devices at once and will automatically stop playback when you remove them from your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can also turn on the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup that lets you listen to what's happening around you without removing the headphones.
Other useful features include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for hi-res audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made from top quality fabric, as well as a USB-C cable to charge. The headphones work with most Android and iOS smartphones, as well as with computers that run Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery life is awe-inspiring. In our standard test, we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes when the ANC activated, which is better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.
The WH1000XM5 has a great microphone that can be used for voice calls. There's no muffled or static audio in the background. The noise cancellation performance is top-notch and they're a great choice for public transport or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It comes with a variety of new features and performance. This includes 24-bit wireless streaming and optimized active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice quality on any compatible mobile phone or tablet. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully placed inside each earcup for an enhanced, more immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone let you control your calls and music on any compatible device.
The headphones sport a similar elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They have accent rings that wrap around the earcups as well as a silver-colored headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tight on the cranium. The new shape and form was refined over a period of time, and delivers a comfortable clamping pressure that isn't hard on my own skull, which is a rotund one.
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. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband enables you to fold them up to make it easy to transport them in an enclosed case.
The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-quality audio as well as tight video sync. You can play them wirelessly 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 gesture with a green flash to indicate rapid charge and solid blue when Bluetooth pairing is in progress.
The B&W App offers the same features that the hardware onboard buttons offer — bass and treble adjustments, action button assignments, wear detection, a cycle of ANC modes and more. The app also displays an album cover and track title when you play music on your iPhone. Popular extras such as music presets and a soundscapes mode aren't available, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is a successor to the legendary Sennheiser headphones and was made to meet the highest expectations. The technical design was optimized to achieve an incredible detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic sound you'll ever hear in a pair of open-back headphones.
The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, which means a quality headphone amplifier will be needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which will increase the output and enhance the quality of sound.
The headphones are designed to be used by professionals and have a sturdy steel frame, with a mixture of plastics and leather padding. The design is minimalist and doesn't appear like a fancy pair of headphones, however they feel premium in the palm and are built well. They come with a carry case, an extra audio cable and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.
The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with naturality, although they are a bit light on bass. This is due to the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head passive soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region is also extremely linear, which means you won't have issues with hitting sibilants or the upper bite of a drum snare.
They still have the ability to deliver and dynamism when needed despite the lack of a booming low-end. They are still a great choice for those who love rock music that has punchy bass however, they may not sound as great as other models on this list.
In the mids in the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They're very straight and have a slight slop in the upper mids that will not be noticed by most listeners. They also have the ability to reproduce precise time gradations in vocals which is a major plus.
The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their impressive sonic performance and comfortable fit make them a top option. They are expensive however, you're getting headphones that will last for many years to be able to perform to their best in any environment.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a great pair of headphones wireless apple for those who wants to relax or simply want a pair of affordable noise cancelling headphones. The headphones come with a basic bag which protects them when you throw them into the bag. The battery will last for a long time on long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out noisy seatmates and engine rumbles, but their audio quality is a bit heavy and warm.
The Life Q20's controls are simple to use and clearly marked. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons to power up and pair the headphones and for turning off or on active noise cancellation. On the right earcup you'll find media playback controls, including a multi-function button that lets you activate the voice assistant of your phone and turn on the Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). The built-in mic can be used to make hands-free phone calls.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphone offers a deep and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones have an amplitude range of up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancellation is designed to filter out a broad range of mid- and low-frequency sound.
Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a pity. This means you won't in a position to benefit from the superior codec's lower latency when you're playing on your computer.
In terms of comfort The Life Q20's memory-foam ear cups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without creating discomfort. The ear cups also be rotated to accommodate your unique head shape. You can also listen to your music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.