Best Over the Ear Headphones
Wireless headphones allow you to listen to music and podcasts without the need to connect wires to your audio device. They're ideal for public transportation, at work, or at home.
wireless headphnes (similar internet site) over-ear headphones may have a premium design and exceptional noise cancellation. They are usually packed in a sleek case.
Soundcore Life Q30
A major improvement over the Soundcore Life 2 from late-2018 The new over-ears appear better, feel stronger and are generally more polished. They're still largely plastic however the hinges are more secure and the soft leather ear cups are larger. You can also swap out the 3.5mm cable for a better USB-C model to use them with portable Hi-Fi systems as well as stationary Hi-Res players. They also come with two built-in mics that worked well in our tests using FaceTime, Skype and Microsoft Teams calls.
The Soundcore app offers a vast variety of EQ presets, which can be customized and saved to allow you to listen to music and podcasts in the style you prefer. The Soundcore app is easy to use and sets these headphones apart.
When ANC is turned on the Q30's 40mm drivers effectively block out most of the background noise, making for very pleasant listening. They have a natural sound profile that is a bit on the treble end, which some may find lacking in bass response (we got better results with the Bass Booster equalizer). This can be fixed easily by using the Soundcore App, which includes an 8-band Equalizer.
The headphones come with an power button and a pairing button on the left earcup and a USB-C port for charging. The right ear cup has play/pause and the volume up and down buttons. Double-clicking on these buttons allows you to skip tracks or replay previous ones. You can also use voice commands to ask them to switch modes or set alarms. The right ear cup can also be covered with your hand to activate ambient mode to allow you to be aware of what is happening around you without removing the headphones.
The battery life on these headphones is fantastic and the battery life is also excellent. In our tests with ANC enabled, the Q30 ran for almost an hour longer than its competitors. This gives you plenty of time to prepare for an extended flight or an office day. They can be charged quickly using the USB-C cable included, and you'll see warnings when they're about to run empty.
Focal Bathys Wireless
Focal's Bathys Wireless are a set of premium over-ear headphones that offer both active noise cancellation as well as bluetooth headphones playback. They're designed as a premium high-end headphones that are ideal for listening to music and podcasts on the go, but are a great choice for audiophile home use as well. They're more expensive than similar wireles headphones, but their superior audio quality is the primary selling feature.
The Focal Bathys are packaged in a compact, slim and attractive fabric-finished white retail box with all the accessories you need inside. The package also includes a fold-flat carrying case for the headphones, a USB-C to USB C cable, 1.2mmSE cable and an audio converter.
They're powered by a decent 600mAh battery that can get you through a full day of listening to music and have an audio input for wired use. Wirelessly, they're paired via bluetooth headphones. You can control their functions via an app (now named Focal and Naim in the same way as English sister brand Naim’s network-aware products) or the button located on the left earcup that scrolls through ANC profiles like'silent','soft transparent,' and 'full.
Using the app allows you to alter different settings, including the LED brightness, EQ presets including a'music' profile that sounds brighter and more neutral than the other ones and their battery duration. It also lets you to select the ANC mode and the level, as well as setting an 'acoustic' environment that adjusts the sensitivity of your music to simulate what it will sound like if it were placed in a room with different audio acoustics.
The Focal Bathys come with an incredibly bass-rich sound that delivers extra punch, impact and warmth to your favourite tracks. The result is that vocals and instruments can be muted, while other details like cymbals might be less noticeable than on other headphones. They're also not as effective at active noise cancelation when contrasted to other headphones with more advanced technology such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Max.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony headphones are known for their quality, and the WH1000XM5 headphones are no exception. It is the best of the'mainstream' over ear headphone market and also falls within the 'luxury' lifestyle area where brands like Apple, Montblanc, Bang & Olufsen and Montblanc are situated. This means that the XM5s come with a high price tag but, if you can afford it, there are better over the ear wireless headphones available.
The XM5s are loaded with a number of features that simplify the lives of the listener, and also automate tasks they would otherwise need to perform manually. Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine (which upscales music to near-high-resolution) as well as Bluetooth's LDAC Technology are both included. This allows for streaming of high-quality audio at bitrates that are higher than standard Bluetooth. It also has a built-in microphone for making hands-free phone calls.
The XM5 headphones aren't different from the previous generation WH headphones in regards to noise cancellation. They're among the best at reducing the constant drones that can be heard in underground and train carriages. The XM5s are great at their job isolating listeners from the traffic noises of airports and busy streets, too.
The sound quality is very good. The XM5s may not be as clear in the low frequencies as the XM4, but there's a more pronounced sense of clarity and transparency also. For example the bass on Rage Against the Machine's Bullet in the Head flexes the Sonys muscles with real power and definition without flattening everything else. In the same way, Massive Attack's grooving Angel showcases the XM5's' ability to deliver tight and wireless headphnes precise bass notes.
Battery life is great and can last up to 30 hours of listening time when ANC is in use and 40 hours if off. This is more than enough for a weekend trip or a few days of heavy use.
The XM5s aren't water resistant or dust resistant. In fact, Sony recommends that you not sweat on them or wear them in the rain. This may not be a problem for a lot of people, but it could be a problem for anyone considering the XM5s who spends much of their time at the gym or lives in a city with rain.
Apple AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max are a pair of over-ear wireless headphones that come with Bluetooth technology and noise cancelling. They feature 40mm Apple-designed dynamic drivers with neutral audio profiles that is focused on the mids and highs while not going overboard on either ends of the spectrum. This makes them perfect for movies and music. They also provide higher fidelity than most competing pairs of headphones.
The headphones are light and feel comfortable on the head. The earcups are made out of memory foam that is covered in woven fabric, and they sit comfortably on the ears without placing pressure on the sides of the face. The ear cups can tilt and rotate to accommodate various head shapes. The spring-loaded hinges have a firm but not overly robust clamping force that ensures that the ear cups remain in place during listening sessions.
A small button located on the the right earcup lets you toggle noise cancelling modes. There's also a pushable, jog-dial-like button, similar to the digital crown on the Apple Watch, that you can turn to adjust the volume and press it once, twice or thrice to control playback. Siri is activated by pressing and holding the button. The buttons are easy to use and well-placed, however I would have liked to see the power button that could turn off the headphones when they are not in use. The headphones go into standby mode when removed from your ears, or if they are placed in their case. They come back to life when you put them on your head phone wireless.
Another feature that is quite cool is spatial audio, which makes use of the accelerometers and gyroscopes in the AirPods Max and your iPhone or iPad to figure out the direction you're going, and then repositions sounds to make it seem like they're coming from these locations. This creates a theater-like experience with videos and movies made in Dolby Atmos, 5.1 or 7.1. The only catch is that spatial audio requires an iOS device to use it, and it won't allow you to experience it on other devices.
The AirPods Max are a decent pair of headphones, but I'd be somewhat smug going into an Apple Store and spending $549 on them if I knew they'd be outdone next year by the second-generation model. AirPods Pro are more expensive however they offer superior battery life and more advanced features.
Wireless headphones allow you to listen to music and podcasts without the need to connect wires to your audio device. They're ideal for public transportation, at work, or at home.
wireless headphnes (similar internet site) over-ear headphones may have a premium design and exceptional noise cancellation. They are usually packed in a sleek case.
Soundcore Life Q30
A major improvement over the Soundcore Life 2 from late-2018 The new over-ears appear better, feel stronger and are generally more polished. They're still largely plastic however the hinges are more secure and the soft leather ear cups are larger. You can also swap out the 3.5mm cable for a better USB-C model to use them with portable Hi-Fi systems as well as stationary Hi-Res players. They also come with two built-in mics that worked well in our tests using FaceTime, Skype and Microsoft Teams calls.
The Soundcore app offers a vast variety of EQ presets, which can be customized and saved to allow you to listen to music and podcasts in the style you prefer. The Soundcore app is easy to use and sets these headphones apart.
When ANC is turned on the Q30's 40mm drivers effectively block out most of the background noise, making for very pleasant listening. They have a natural sound profile that is a bit on the treble end, which some may find lacking in bass response (we got better results with the Bass Booster equalizer). This can be fixed easily by using the Soundcore App, which includes an 8-band Equalizer.
The headphones come with an power button and a pairing button on the left earcup and a USB-C port for charging. The right ear cup has play/pause and the volume up and down buttons. Double-clicking on these buttons allows you to skip tracks or replay previous ones. You can also use voice commands to ask them to switch modes or set alarms. The right ear cup can also be covered with your hand to activate ambient mode to allow you to be aware of what is happening around you without removing the headphones.
The battery life on these headphones is fantastic and the battery life is also excellent. In our tests with ANC enabled, the Q30 ran for almost an hour longer than its competitors. This gives you plenty of time to prepare for an extended flight or an office day. They can be charged quickly using the USB-C cable included, and you'll see warnings when they're about to run empty.
Focal Bathys Wireless
Focal's Bathys Wireless are a set of premium over-ear headphones that offer both active noise cancellation as well as bluetooth headphones playback. They're designed as a premium high-end headphones that are ideal for listening to music and podcasts on the go, but are a great choice for audiophile home use as well. They're more expensive than similar wireles headphones, but their superior audio quality is the primary selling feature.
The Focal Bathys are packaged in a compact, slim and attractive fabric-finished white retail box with all the accessories you need inside. The package also includes a fold-flat carrying case for the headphones, a USB-C to USB C cable, 1.2mmSE cable and an audio converter.
They're powered by a decent 600mAh battery that can get you through a full day of listening to music and have an audio input for wired use. Wirelessly, they're paired via bluetooth headphones. You can control their functions via an app (now named Focal and Naim in the same way as English sister brand Naim’s network-aware products) or the button located on the left earcup that scrolls through ANC profiles like'silent','soft transparent,' and 'full.
Using the app allows you to alter different settings, including the LED brightness, EQ presets including a'music' profile that sounds brighter and more neutral than the other ones and their battery duration. It also lets you to select the ANC mode and the level, as well as setting an 'acoustic' environment that adjusts the sensitivity of your music to simulate what it will sound like if it were placed in a room with different audio acoustics.
The Focal Bathys come with an incredibly bass-rich sound that delivers extra punch, impact and warmth to your favourite tracks. The result is that vocals and instruments can be muted, while other details like cymbals might be less noticeable than on other headphones. They're also not as effective at active noise cancelation when contrasted to other headphones with more advanced technology such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Max.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony headphones are known for their quality, and the WH1000XM5 headphones are no exception. It is the best of the'mainstream' over ear headphone market and also falls within the 'luxury' lifestyle area where brands like Apple, Montblanc, Bang & Olufsen and Montblanc are situated. This means that the XM5s come with a high price tag but, if you can afford it, there are better over the ear wireless headphones available.
The XM5s are loaded with a number of features that simplify the lives of the listener, and also automate tasks they would otherwise need to perform manually. Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine (which upscales music to near-high-resolution) as well as Bluetooth's LDAC Technology are both included. This allows for streaming of high-quality audio at bitrates that are higher than standard Bluetooth. It also has a built-in microphone for making hands-free phone calls.
The XM5 headphones aren't different from the previous generation WH headphones in regards to noise cancellation. They're among the best at reducing the constant drones that can be heard in underground and train carriages. The XM5s are great at their job isolating listeners from the traffic noises of airports and busy streets, too.
The sound quality is very good. The XM5s may not be as clear in the low frequencies as the XM4, but there's a more pronounced sense of clarity and transparency also. For example the bass on Rage Against the Machine's Bullet in the Head flexes the Sonys muscles with real power and definition without flattening everything else. In the same way, Massive Attack's grooving Angel showcases the XM5's' ability to deliver tight and wireless headphnes precise bass notes.
Battery life is great and can last up to 30 hours of listening time when ANC is in use and 40 hours if off. This is more than enough for a weekend trip or a few days of heavy use.
The XM5s aren't water resistant or dust resistant. In fact, Sony recommends that you not sweat on them or wear them in the rain. This may not be a problem for a lot of people, but it could be a problem for anyone considering the XM5s who spends much of their time at the gym or lives in a city with rain.
Apple AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max are a pair of over-ear wireless headphones that come with Bluetooth technology and noise cancelling. They feature 40mm Apple-designed dynamic drivers with neutral audio profiles that is focused on the mids and highs while not going overboard on either ends of the spectrum. This makes them perfect for movies and music. They also provide higher fidelity than most competing pairs of headphones.
The headphones are light and feel comfortable on the head. The earcups are made out of memory foam that is covered in woven fabric, and they sit comfortably on the ears without placing pressure on the sides of the face. The ear cups can tilt and rotate to accommodate various head shapes. The spring-loaded hinges have a firm but not overly robust clamping force that ensures that the ear cups remain in place during listening sessions.
A small button located on the the right earcup lets you toggle noise cancelling modes. There's also a pushable, jog-dial-like button, similar to the digital crown on the Apple Watch, that you can turn to adjust the volume and press it once, twice or thrice to control playback. Siri is activated by pressing and holding the button. The buttons are easy to use and well-placed, however I would have liked to see the power button that could turn off the headphones when they are not in use. The headphones go into standby mode when removed from your ears, or if they are placed in their case. They come back to life when you put them on your head phone wireless.
Another feature that is quite cool is spatial audio, which makes use of the accelerometers and gyroscopes in the AirPods Max and your iPhone or iPad to figure out the direction you're going, and then repositions sounds to make it seem like they're coming from these locations. This creates a theater-like experience with videos and movies made in Dolby Atmos, 5.1 or 7.1. The only catch is that spatial audio requires an iOS device to use it, and it won't allow you to experience it on other devices.
The AirPods Max are a decent pair of headphones, but I'd be somewhat smug going into an Apple Store and spending $549 on them if I knew they'd be outdone next year by the second-generation model. AirPods Pro are more expensive however they offer superior battery life and more advanced features.