10 Headphones-Friendly Habits To Be Healthy
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones completely surround your ears, allowing you to be immersed in the sound. They are typically tuned for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancelling and control apps.
The Focal Bathys are a wireless device that comes with ANC and a mobile application to adjust 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 lineup. They sport a new design, upgraded ANC and a host of the same features as their predecessors but with premium materials and slightly more premium sound quality.
They're light for over-ear ANC headphones at just 250g. They're extremely comfortable to wear, even when you're listening to or reading a book. The headband is a friction-rod design similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.
With a sound quality that can satisfy people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH-1000XM5's sonic signature is tuned to have a slight emphasis on bass, but not excessively loud or harsh. The earphones feature a wide and open soundstage, with good instrument separation. This allows you to be able to hear the finer details of your music. The earcups also feature touch controls that are responsive and intuitive to use. Swipe forward to go to the next track, reverse to hear the previous track, and up and down to control the volume. The headphones are capable of connecting to two devices at once and thanks to a built-in sensor, they will automatically pause the playback if removed from your head. You can activate ambient mode by placing your hand on the right earcup. This allows you to hear the sounds around you without having to remove the headphones.
Other useful 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 high-end fabric and the USB-C charging cable. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH-1000XM5 is impressive. In our battery test, we got 31 hours and 53 minutes with the ANC on which was more than Sony's advertised 30 hours battery life.
The WH1000XM5 is a great mic for voice calls. There's no static or muffled audio in the background. The noise-canceling performance is also top-quality and they're a perfect choice for public transport or the office.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor, delivering top-quality performance and features. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit and optimized active noise cancellation, as well as clear voice quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. Its custom-designed 40mm drivers are carefully placed inside each earcup to provide an enhanced, more immersive listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide outstanding clarity for calls, even in noisy environments. A built-in microphone and remote allows you to control calls and music on any device compatible with it.
The headphones have a elegant and refined design as the original PX7. They have accent rings around the earcups, and a silver sheen on the headband. The memory foam earcups fit well but not too tightly on the cranium. The new form and shape was refined over a period of time and offers a soft clamping pressure that isn't too hard on my skull.
At 10.8 ounces (or 307g) They're 2 ounces lighter than the Sony WH-1000XM5, and slightly smaller. They're light enough for carrying in your bag or backpack without much discomfort, and they'll stay comfortably in place during long listening sessions. A sturdy hinge on the back of the headband enables you to fold them up for easy transportation in an enclosed case.
They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for high-resolution audio and precise video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice touch. It flashes green to show rapid charging, and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.
The B&W App provides the same controls that the hardware onboard buttons offer such as bass and treble adjustments actions button assignments wear detection, cycling through ANC modes as well as other features. When you play music on your iPhone the app displays album cover and track titles. The most popular extras like music presets and soundscapes mode are not available, however.
Sennheiser HD 800 S
The HD 800 S is the successor to the legendary headphones from Sennheiser, and it is designed to meet the most demanding requirements. Its construction technology is optimized to give a detail resolution that encompasses all the spectrum of frequencies, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It also offers the most realistic sound you'll hear on a pair of 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 make use of a balanced connection which will increase the output and enhance the quality of sound.
These headphones are made for professional use. They have a metal frame and a mix of plastic and leather padding. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't appear like the most expensive pair of headphones, but they feel premium in the hand and are well-built. They come with a carrying 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 instruments and vocals, even though they are light in bass. This is due to the open-back design provides a wide and out-of-head passive soundstage. Their treble performance is excellent with only minor peaks and dips. The treble region also has a linear quality, so you will not have issues with piercingsibilants or the upper bite of the drum snare.
Even with the absence of booming bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when required. These headphones are still great for those who love rock music that has punchy bass however, they may not be as impressive as the other models on this list.
These Sennheiser headphones have a great mid-range. They are linear with a slight scoop on the upper mids that won't be noticed by the majority of listeners. They also can reproduce fine time gradations which is a nice bonus.
The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are perfect for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fitting make them a great choice. They're expensive, but you're paying for a pair of headphones that will last for years to come and perform well in any situation.
Anker Soundcore Life q20
The Anker Soundcore Q20 is a good pair of headphones for those looking to pass the time or just want an affordable pair of headphones that block out noise. the headphone shop come with a basic bag which protects the headphones when you place them into bags. Their battery can last for a long time on long-haul flights. The ANC works well to block out loud passengers and engine rumbles, however their audio profile is a little heavy and warm.
The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, you'll find buttons for powering up and pairing the headphones and for turning on or off active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup there are controls for playback of media that include a multi-function switch which lets you turn on your phone's voice assistant and switch on Anker's BassUp feature (more on that later). You can also utilize the built-in microphone in order to make hands-free calls with your phone.
Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones delivers a rich, immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40mm dynamic driver that offers certified Hi-Res audio. With a treble that extends up to 40 kHz they offer exceptional clarity and detail, while their hybrid active noise cancelling technology is designed to filter out a wider range of mid- and low-frequency sounds.
Anker Soundcore Q20 does not support aptX. This is a pity. This means you won't capable of taking advantage of the superior codec's low latency when gaming on your PC.
In terms of comfort In terms of comfort, the Life Q20's memory foam earcups and headbands are comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time without creating discomfort. The ear cups also rotate to adapt to your unique head shape. You can also listen to your music with a 3.5mm cable and a microUSB connector is provided for charging the battery.