10 Best Books On Headphones

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones completely encapsulate your ears, allowing you to be immersed in sound. They are usually tuned for audiophiles, and have features like active noise cancelling and control apps.

The Focal Bathys is a wireless device that includes ANC, a mobile app to tweak the EQ, and presets. They also support hi-res audio for wired listening through USB-C.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 headphones are Sony's latest addition to their top-of-the-line noise cancellation range. They feature a new design, improved ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors, but with better materials and slightly higher quality sound.

At just 250g, they're a light weight for over-ear ANC headsets. They're extremely comfortable to wear, even if you're reading or listening to an audiobook. The headband is a friction-rod design, similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which will keep your ears from becoming too cold.

The WH-1000XM5 has a sonic signature that is created to please people who listen to music for pleasure as and serious audiophiles. It is tuned with a slight increase in bass, however it is not harsh or overpowering. The earphones have a large and open soundstage, with good separation of instruments. This lets you listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups are also equipped with touch controls, which are easy and responsive to use. Swipe forward to go to the next track, then back to listen to the previous one as well as up and down to regulate the volume. The headphones can connect to two devices simultaneously, and will automatically pause playback when you take them off your head, thanks to the built-in sensor. You can enable ambient mode by placing your palm on the right-ear cup. This allows you to listen to the sounds around you without having to take 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 carry case made of premium fabric, and an USB-C charging cable. The headphones work with Android and iOS smartphones as well as computers running Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is exceptional. In our battery test, we got 31 hours and 53 minute with the ANC on, which was better than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.

The WH1000XM5 is a great microphone for making calls. There's no muffled or static sound in the background. The noise cancellation is top-notch, and they're a good option for public transport as well as the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major improvement over its predecessor, offering premium performance and features. It includes wireless streaming at 24 bits enhanced active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers that are custom-designed for the device are carefully angled inside each earcup for a more focused, deep listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. An inline remote and microphone let you control your music and calls on any device compatible with it.

Like the PX7's original design The headphones sport a sleekly refined look with accent rings on each earcup and a silver-colored headband. The earcups are cushioned by memory foam and fit snugly on the cranium but they never feel tight. The new design and shape was developed over the course of several months, and delivers a soft clamping pressure that isn't hard on my own skull, which is a rotund one.

At 10.8 ounces (or 307g) They weigh 2 ounces lighter that the Sony WH-1000XM5, and slightly thinner. The headphones are lightweight enough to be carried in a bag or backpack and are comfortable to wear throughout long listening sessions. The headband can be folded up using a sturdy hinge at the back.

The headphones are powered by Bluetooth 5.2, with aptX Adaptive. This is ideal for high-resolution audio aswell for a tight video sync. You can also 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 headphone is a nice addition. It flashes green to signal rapid charging, and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app offers the same features as the buttons on the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments and assigning action buttons wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes and much more. headphonesshop displays an album cover and track's name when you play music using your iPhone. However, some popular features such as music presets or a soundscapes feature are missing.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones and is designed to meet the most demanding expectations. The technical design was optimized to achieve an incredible detail resolution that encompasses the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It delivers the most realistic audio you can get from open-back headphones.

The headphone has an impedance of 300 ohms, which means it requires a top-quality headphone amplifier that can drive it at the desired levels without distortion. It is recommended to utilize a balanced connection, which will increase the output and boost the quality of sound.

These headphones are designed for professional use. They feature a metal frame and a mix of leather and plastic padding. The design is simple and doesn't resemble the most expensive pair of headphones, however they feel premium in the palm and are well-built. They come with a carry pouch as well as an additional audio cable and an 1/4" to 1/8" adapter.

With an unison sound profile, the HD 800 S reproduces natural vocals and instruments, although they are a bit light on bass. The open-back design results in an expansive, out-of-head soundstage. The treble quality is excellent with minor peaks and drops. The treble area is very linear, so you'll not have issues 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. These headphones are still enjoyable for those who love rock music with a punchy bass, but may not sound as great as some of the other models on this list.

These Sennheiser headphones have a fantastic midrange. They are extremely linear, with a slight scoop in the upper mids which should not be noticeable to the majority of listeners. They can also reproduce fine time gradations, which is a benefit.

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

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a great pair of headphones that can do the trick for anyone who needs to kill some time or just wants an affordable set of noise cancelling headphones. They come with a simple pouch that provides protection when you put them into a bag, and their battery can last many long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, but their audio profile is a bit heavy and warm.

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

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones provides a full, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver, which is certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that stretches up to 40 kHz, these headphones can provide outstanding clarity and detail, while their active noise cancellation technology is designed to filter out a wider 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.

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 discomfort. The earcups are capable of turning, allowing them to adapt to the particular shape of your head, so you can have a comfortable fit. You can also listen to your music with a 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is included for charging the battery.