7 Tricks To Help Make The Most Of Your Headphones

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones cover your ears and plunge you in the sound. They tend to be made for audiophiles, and come with features like active noise cancellation and control apps.

The Focal Bathys are a wireless pair 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 headphones are Sony's latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation line-up. They feature a new design, upgraded ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors, headphones for running but with higher-end materials and a slightly higher-quality sound.

At just 250g, they're light for over-ear ANC headsets. They're extremely comfortable to wear, even when you're listening to or reading the audiobook. The headband features a friction rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which prevents your ears getting too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 comes with a distinct sound signature that has been designed to satisfy both casual music lovers as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight focus in bass, however it's not harsh or imposing. They have a large and open soundstage with good instrument separation that allows you to hear the subtleties in your music. The earcups have touch controls that are simple and responsive. Swipe up or down to adjust the volume. You can also swipe forward to listen to the next track or backwards to hear the previous track. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously and will automatically pause playback when you take them off your head due to the built-in sensor. You can also turn on the ambient mode by placing your palm on the right ear cup and allowing you to be aware of what's happening around you without taking off 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 a USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with the majority of Android and iOS smartphones and computers operating Windows and macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our most basic test we were able to achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC switched on which is much better than Sony's advertised battery duration of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on voice calls is excellent and there's not any muffled or static-y audio in the background. The noise cancellation is top-quality, and they're a good fit for public transport or the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

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

As with the original PX7 The headphones sport sleek and elegant with accent rings around each earcup and a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tight on the cranium. The redesigned shape and form took many months to perfect, delivering an easy clamping force that doesn't push too hard even on my own rotund cranium.

At 10.8 grams (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter than the Sony WH-1000XM5, and a touch thinner. They're light enough for carrying in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and will remain comfortable in your hand during long listening sessions. The headband can be folded by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is ideal for high-resolution audio as well as fast video sync. You can also play the headphones wired, too, with the included 3.5mm cable that connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to indicate rapid charging, and solid blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W App offers the same control options that the onboard buttons in the hardware offer - bass and treble adjustments actions button assignments wear detection, cycling through ANC modes, etc. When you play music on your iPhone the app displays album covers and track titles. However, popular extras like music presets and soundscapes feature aren't available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is the successor of the iconic headphones from Sennheiser, and it is designed to meet highest expectations. Its technical construction was designed to provide an incredible detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range and stereo panorama. It also delivers the most realistic spatial sound you'll ever hear with an open-back pair of headphones apple.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, which means it requires a top-quality headphone amplifier to operate to the levels you want without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended, because it will increase the power output and enhance the overall sound quality.

These headphones are made for professional use. They feature a metal frame, and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is simple and doesn't look like the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel premium in the palm and are built well. They come with a carrying case, an additional audio cable and an adapter from 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

With a neutral sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, although they are somewhat light on bass. This is due to the open-back design creates a large and out-of-head passive soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent, with only minor dips and peaks. The region of the treble has a linear quality which means you won't have any issues with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of a drum snare.

Despite the lack of a high-pitched bass, they still produce a punch and dynamism when needed. These Headphones For Running are still great for those who like rock music with a punchy bass, but may not be as impressive as some of the other models on this list.

In the mids they are Sennheiser headphones are difficult to beat. They are linear with a slight incline in the upper mids, which shouldn't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They are also able to reproduce precise time gradations of vocals which is a major plus.

The HD 800 S are a pair of outstanding headphones bluetooth, ideal for audiophiles and professionals. They are a top pick because of their excellent sound quality and a comfortable fit. They're expensive however you're buying a pair of headphones that will last for many years to be able to perform at their best in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that will be a great choice for anyone looking to relax or simply needs a cheap set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a basic pouch that provides protection when you put them into a bag, and their battery can last for multiple long haul flights. Their ANC does a good job of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles on an airplane, although their audio profile is a bit heavy and warm.

The Life Q20's controls are easy to navigate and well-marked. On the left earcup, there are buttons to pair and power up the headphones as well as turning on and off the active noise cancellation. On the right earcup, you'll see media playback controls. This includes a multi-function key that activates the phone's voice assistant and switches on Anker BassUp (more about that later). You can also make use of the built-in microphone to make hands-free calls with your phone.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provide an immersive and rich listening experience, due to the custom 40mm dynamic drivers that are certified Hi-Res Audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz, these headphones can provide outstanding clarity and detail, as their active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a wide range of low and mid-frequency sounds.

One important thing to be aware of about the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 is that they do not support the aptX codec, which is disappointing. This means that you will not be able take advantage of the better codes' lower latency while gaming on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband as well as memory foam ear cups are soft enough to be worn for extended periods of time without discomfort. The earcups are capable of turning, allowing them to adapt to the particular shape of your head so that you can have a comfortable fit. The included 3.5mm audio cable lets you to listen to music while charging the battery.