10 Healthy Headphones Habits

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear earphones headphones totally encase your ears to immerse you in the sound. They are usually tuned for audiophiles and include features such as active noise cancellation and control applications.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile app for tweaking the EQ and presets. They also support hi-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 range. The headphones feature a brand new design and improved ANC. They also come with many of the same features, but with a superior sound quality and higher-end materials.

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones for sleeping, weighing just 250g. They're extremely comfortable to wear, even if you're listening to or reading an audiobook. The headband is a friction-rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming 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 focus in bass, yet it's not abrasive or overpowering. They have a large and spacious soundstage that has good instrument separation, which allows you to hear the details in your music. The earcups also feature touch controls, which are easy and responsive to use. Swipe forward to go to the next track, back to hear the previous one, and up and down to control the volume. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices simultaneously and due to an inbuilt sensor, they will automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can enable ambient mode by placing your hand on the right earcup. This allows you to listen to the sounds around you without removing the headphones.

Other helpful features include the possibility of pairing them with your voice assistant, Bluetooth low-energy, and support for high-resolution audio (via LDAC). The headphones come with a carrying case made of high-end fabric and a USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers operating Windows and macOS. The WH-1000XM5's battery capacity is exceptional. In our most basic test, we were able to get 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC turned on which is more than Sony's advertised battery time of 30 hours.

The WH1000XM5 is a great microphone that can be used for voice calls. There is no static or muffled audio in the background. Noise cancelling is also excellent, and these headphones are great for public transportation or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and improved performance. The Bowers and Wilkins PX7 S2 is a premium model with a variety of features, including 24bit 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, give you a more immersive and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones ensure exceptional call clarity even in noisy environments. And an inline remote and microphone let you control your music and calls using any compatible device.

As with the PX7's original design, these headphones are a sleekly refined look with accent rings around each earcup and an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit snugly but not too tight on the cranium. The new form and shape was refined over a period of time and offers a comfortable clamping pressure that isn't too hard on my skull, which is a rotund one.

They're 2 ounces lighter (or 307g) and are a little smaller than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to carry in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and will stay comfortably in place 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 good for high-resolution audio and tight video sync. You can play them wired too, using 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 touch. It flashes green to show rapid charging, and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app offers the same controls as the buttons on the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignment wear detection, a cycle through ANC modes and more. The app also shows an album cover and track title when you play music on your iPhone. However, popular extras 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 was designed to meet the highest expectations. Its construction technology has been optimized to achieve a detail resolution that encompasses all frequencies dynamic range, as well as stereo panorama. It's the most realistic sound you'll experience on open-back Headphones Apple.

The headphone is 300 ohms in impedance, so a good headphone amplifier is needed to ensure it is operating at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to use a balanced connection, which can double the output and improve the quality of sound.

The headphones are designed for professional use and have a sturdy steel frame with a mix of leather and plastic. 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 extra audio cable and an 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces instruments and vocals with a natural sound, even though they are a little lighter on bass. This is due to the open-back design creates a spacious and out-of-head, passive soundstage. The treble sound quality is superb with only minor dips and peaks. The Treble region also has a linearity, so you will not have any issues with piercingsibilants, or the upper bite of a drum snare.

They still have the ability to deliver as well as dynamism and impact when required, despite the absence of a booming low-end. They will still be enjoyable for those who like listening to music with strong basslines, however they may not be as enjoyable as some of the competing models on this list, headphones apple such as the HiFiMan Arya.

These Sennheiser headphones have a great mid-range. They are linear with an incline on the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by most listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations in vocals which is a major 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. They're costly however, you're getting a pair of headphones that will last for years to be able to perform to their best in any situation.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a decent pair of headphones for those who wants to relax or simply need an affordable pair of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a simple pouch that will give them some protection when you throw them into a bag, and their battery can last many long-haul flights. The ANC is a great way to block out noisy passengers and engine rumbles, however their audio quality is a bit heavy and warm.

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

Anker's Soundcore Q20 headphone delivers a rich and immersive listening experience due to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble range that extends up to 40 kHz, these headphones are able to provide exceptional clarity and clarity, while their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to block out an extended range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means that you will not be able to take advantage 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 extended periods of time without creating discomfort. The ear cups are also able to rotate, allowing them to adapt to the specific shape of your head so you can achieve a perfect fit. You can also listen to music via a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB cable is provided for charging the battery.