Best Over the Ear Headphones
Wireless headphones let you listen to music or podcasts anywhere, without the necessity of running a wire from your audio device. These headphones are ideal for public transport, at the office or at home.
Wireless over-ear cans are available in a variety of designs and noise cancelling features. They usually come with a stylish storage case.
Soundcore Q30
A major upgrade over the Soundcore Life 2 from late-2018 These earphones appear better, feel stronger, and are generally more polished. They're still mostly plastic, but the hinges are a bit more secure and the soft leather ear cups are a bit larger. You can also switch the 3.5mm cable for a better USB-C version to connect them to portable Hi-Fi systems as well as stationary Hi-Res players. They also come with two microphones built-in, which work well in our tests for FaceTime, Skype, and Microsoft Teams calls.
The Soundcore app offers a vast selection of EQ presets, which can be altered and saved to listen to music or podcasts in the style you prefer. This is what makes these headphones stand out from most other ANC monolith headphones, and the Soundcore app is extremely simple to use.
When ANC is turned on, the Q30's 40mm drivers effectively block out most of the ambient noise, and provide very pleasant listening. They have a natural sound signature that leans slightly to the treble end, which some might be unable to reproduce bass (we have had better results using the Bass Booster Equalizer preset). It is possible to fix this by using the Soundcore App, which comes with an eight-band Equalizer.
The left earcup features the power button, a pairing button, and USB-C charging port. The right earcup has play/pause, the volume up and down buttons. Double-clicking on these controls allows you to skip tracks or repeat previous ones. You can also make use of voice commands to instruct them to change modes or set alarms. You can also cover the right ear cup with your hand to enable ambient modes so that you can hear the world around you without having to remove the headphones.
The Q30 headphones offer a long battery life. In our tests with ANC switched on, bluetooth headphone the Q30 ran for almost an hour longer than the other headphones. This gives you plenty of time to prepare for a long flight or working for a long time. The USB-C cable included allows you to quickly recharge them. You'll also get an alert when your battery is nearing empty.
Focal Bathys wireless headphone uk
Focal's Bathys Wireless is a pair of powerful over-ear Bluetooth headphones that offers both active noise cancellation, as well as Bluetooth playback. They're designed to be a pair of premium, high-end headphone that are ideal for listening to podcasts and music on the go but also are a great choice for audiophile home use too. They're more expensive than other similar headphones, but their superior audio quality is the primary selling factor.
The Focal Bathys come in a compact, attractive white box with a fabric finish. It includes all the accessories that you'll require. The headphone carry case folds flat, and comes with a case, USB-C to USB cable, 1.2mm SE cable and an audio adapter.
They're powered by a decent 600mAh battery that can get you through a whole day of listening to music and include an audio input for wired use. Wirelessly, they're paired via Bluetooth. You can control their functions with an app (now named Focal & Naim in keeping with English Naim's network-aware products) or the button located on the left earcup that scrolls through ANC profiles like'silent','soft transparent,' and 'full.
Utilizing the app, you are able to change various settings like the LED brightness and EQ presets, including a "music profile' that is brighter and more neutral than the others and also their battery duration. You can also choose the ANC level and mode as well as set an 'acoustic environments' to adjust the sensitivity to mimic the sound of the headphones in a different room.
The Focal Bathys have a bass-rich sound profile that adds more energy, impact and warmth to your favorite tracks. The result is that vocals and instruments can sound muted, while details like cymbals might be less noticeable than on other headphones. They're not as efficient in active noise cancelation when compared to other over-ears with higher-end technology like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Max.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony has earned a reputable reputation for its headphones, and the WH-1000XM5 is not an exception. It is at the top of the mainstream over ear headphone market and also falls within the luxury lifestyle segment where brands such as Apple, Montblanc, Bang & Olufsen and Montblanc are situated. This means the XM5s come with a high cost, but if you can afford it, there are better wireless over-ear headphones on the market.
The XM5s have a lot 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 compressed music to close to high-res) is also included as well as support for Bluetooth Headphone's LDAC technology. This allows for streaming of high-quality audio with rates that are higher than traditional bluetooth head phones. There's even a built-in microphone that can be used for making calls without hands.
Similar to the previous generation of WH headphones the XM5s excel at noise cancellation. They are one of the best at cutting down on the constant drones that can be heard in train and underground carriages. The XM5s do an excellent job isolating listeners from the noise of busy airports and streets also.
The sound quality is very good. The XM5s aren't quite as detailed in the low frequencies as the XM4, however, there's a greater sense of clarity and transparency as well. The bass in Rage Against the Machine’s Bullet in the Head shows off the Sonys strength and clarity without affecting the music. Similar to Massive Attack's brooding Angel shows off the XM5s ability to produce accurate and precise bass notes.
Battery life is also excellent, offering up to 30 hours of listening with ANC active, and 40 hours when it's off. This is more than enough to last the weekend or a few days of heavy usage.
The only drawback is that the XM5s lack any dust or water resistance protection. Sony actually recommends not sweating on them or taking them out in the rain. This may not be a problem for some people, but it might be a problem for anyone who spend a lot of their time in the gym or lives in a city with rain.
Apple AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max are a pair of wireless headphones that fit over the ear equipped with Bluetooth technology and noise cancelling. They feature 40mm dynamic drivers designed by Apple with neutral audio profiles that emphasizes the mids and highs while not going overboard on either end of the spectrum. This makes them ideal for both music and movies. They also offer superior fidelity compared to most competing pairs of headphones.
The headphones have a lightweight construction that is comfortable on the head. The ear cups are made of memory foam, are covered with woven fabric, and sit comfortably over the ear they do not place pressure on the sides or forehead. The earcups can also tilt and rotate to accommodate various head shapes. The spring-loaded hinges have a solid but not overly powerful clamping force, which makes sure that the ear cups stay in place during listening sessions.
A small button located on the the right ear cup can be used to toggle noise cancellation modes. It also has an earphone-style jog dial with a push button similar to the digital Crown on the Apple Watch. You can turn it around to control volume and press it once three, twice, or times for playback controls. Siri is invoked by pressing and holding the button. The buttons are well-placed and easy to use, but I was disappointed that there wasn't a power button to turn the headphones off when they're not in use. The headphones automatically switch to standby mode after being removed from your ears or placed in their case, and they only come back on when you put them on your head again.
Spatial audio is another great feature. It utilizes gyroscopes, accelerometers, and iPhones and iPads to determine where you are moving. Then, it adjusts the sounds to make them seem to be coming from that location. This creates an immersive theater experience for movies and videos recorded in 5.1, 7.1 or Dolby Atmos. The only drawback is that spatial audio requires an iOS device to be used and it won't allow you to enjoy it with other devices.
The AirPods Max is a decent pair, but I would feel a little ripped off if I spent $549 in an Apple Store knowing that the second-generation model would be better after a year. The AirPods Pro have more advanced features and improved battery performance, so it's difficult to justify the cost for most people.
Wireless headphones let you listen to music or podcasts anywhere, without the necessity of running a wire from your audio device. These headphones are ideal for public transport, at the office or at home.
Wireless over-ear cans are available in a variety of designs and noise cancelling features. They usually come with a stylish storage case.Soundcore Q30
A major upgrade over the Soundcore Life 2 from late-2018 These earphones appear better, feel stronger, and are generally more polished. They're still mostly plastic, but the hinges are a bit more secure and the soft leather ear cups are a bit larger. You can also switch the 3.5mm cable for a better USB-C version to connect them to portable Hi-Fi systems as well as stationary Hi-Res players. They also come with two microphones built-in, which work well in our tests for FaceTime, Skype, and Microsoft Teams calls.
The Soundcore app offers a vast selection of EQ presets, which can be altered and saved to listen to music or podcasts in the style you prefer. This is what makes these headphones stand out from most other ANC monolith headphones, and the Soundcore app is extremely simple to use.
When ANC is turned on, the Q30's 40mm drivers effectively block out most of the ambient noise, and provide very pleasant listening. They have a natural sound signature that leans slightly to the treble end, which some might be unable to reproduce bass (we have had better results using the Bass Booster Equalizer preset). It is possible to fix this by using the Soundcore App, which comes with an eight-band Equalizer.
The left earcup features the power button, a pairing button, and USB-C charging port. The right earcup has play/pause, the volume up and down buttons. Double-clicking on these controls allows you to skip tracks or repeat previous ones. You can also make use of voice commands to instruct them to change modes or set alarms. You can also cover the right ear cup with your hand to enable ambient modes so that you can hear the world around you without having to remove the headphones.
The Q30 headphones offer a long battery life. In our tests with ANC switched on, bluetooth headphone the Q30 ran for almost an hour longer than the other headphones. This gives you plenty of time to prepare for a long flight or working for a long time. The USB-C cable included allows you to quickly recharge them. You'll also get an alert when your battery is nearing empty.
Focal Bathys wireless headphone uk
Focal's Bathys Wireless is a pair of powerful over-ear Bluetooth headphones that offers both active noise cancellation, as well as Bluetooth playback. They're designed to be a pair of premium, high-end headphone that are ideal for listening to podcasts and music on the go but also are a great choice for audiophile home use too. They're more expensive than other similar headphones, but their superior audio quality is the primary selling factor.
The Focal Bathys come in a compact, attractive white box with a fabric finish. It includes all the accessories that you'll require. The headphone carry case folds flat, and comes with a case, USB-C to USB cable, 1.2mm SE cable and an audio adapter.
They're powered by a decent 600mAh battery that can get you through a whole day of listening to music and include an audio input for wired use. Wirelessly, they're paired via Bluetooth. You can control their functions with an app (now named Focal & Naim in keeping with English Naim's network-aware products) or the button located on the left earcup that scrolls through ANC profiles like'silent','soft transparent,' and 'full.
Utilizing the app, you are able to change various settings like the LED brightness and EQ presets, including a "music profile' that is brighter and more neutral than the others and also their battery duration. You can also choose the ANC level and mode as well as set an 'acoustic environments' to adjust the sensitivity to mimic the sound of the headphones in a different room.
The Focal Bathys have a bass-rich sound profile that adds more energy, impact and warmth to your favorite tracks. The result is that vocals and instruments can sound muted, while details like cymbals might be less noticeable than on other headphones. They're not as efficient in active noise cancelation when compared to other over-ears with higher-end technology like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Max.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony has earned a reputable reputation for its headphones, and the WH-1000XM5 is not an exception. It is at the top of the mainstream over ear headphone market and also falls within the luxury lifestyle segment where brands such as Apple, Montblanc, Bang & Olufsen and Montblanc are situated. This means the XM5s come with a high cost, but if you can afford it, there are better wireless over-ear headphones on the market.
The XM5s have a lot 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 compressed music to close to high-res) is also included as well as support for Bluetooth Headphone's LDAC technology. This allows for streaming of high-quality audio with rates that are higher than traditional bluetooth head phones. There's even a built-in microphone that can be used for making calls without hands.
Similar to the previous generation of WH headphones the XM5s excel at noise cancellation. They are one of the best at cutting down on the constant drones that can be heard in train and underground carriages. The XM5s do an excellent job isolating listeners from the noise of busy airports and streets also.
The sound quality is very good. The XM5s aren't quite as detailed in the low frequencies as the XM4, however, there's a greater sense of clarity and transparency as well. The bass in Rage Against the Machine’s Bullet in the Head shows off the Sonys strength and clarity without affecting the music. Similar to Massive Attack's brooding Angel shows off the XM5s ability to produce accurate and precise bass notes.
Battery life is also excellent, offering up to 30 hours of listening with ANC active, and 40 hours when it's off. This is more than enough to last the weekend or a few days of heavy usage.
The only drawback is that the XM5s lack any dust or water resistance protection. Sony actually recommends not sweating on them or taking them out in the rain. This may not be a problem for some people, but it might be a problem for anyone who spend a lot of their time in the gym or lives in a city with rain.
Apple AirPods Max
The Apple AirPods Max are a pair of wireless headphones that fit over the ear equipped with Bluetooth technology and noise cancelling. They feature 40mm dynamic drivers designed by Apple with neutral audio profiles that emphasizes the mids and highs while not going overboard on either end of the spectrum. This makes them ideal for both music and movies. They also offer superior fidelity compared to most competing pairs of headphones.
The headphones have a lightweight construction that is comfortable on the head. The ear cups are made of memory foam, are covered with woven fabric, and sit comfortably over the ear they do not place pressure on the sides or forehead. The earcups can also tilt and rotate to accommodate various head shapes. The spring-loaded hinges have a solid but not overly powerful clamping force, which makes sure that the ear cups stay in place during listening sessions.
A small button located on the the right ear cup can be used to toggle noise cancellation modes. It also has an earphone-style jog dial with a push button similar to the digital Crown on the Apple Watch. You can turn it around to control volume and press it once three, twice, or times for playback controls. Siri is invoked by pressing and holding the button. The buttons are well-placed and easy to use, but I was disappointed that there wasn't a power button to turn the headphones off when they're not in use. The headphones automatically switch to standby mode after being removed from your ears or placed in their case, and they only come back on when you put them on your head again.
Spatial audio is another great feature. It utilizes gyroscopes, accelerometers, and iPhones and iPads to determine where you are moving. Then, it adjusts the sounds to make them seem to be coming from that location. This creates an immersive theater experience for movies and videos recorded in 5.1, 7.1 or Dolby Atmos. The only drawback is that spatial audio requires an iOS device to be used and it won't allow you to enjoy it with other devices.
The AirPods Max is a decent pair, but I would feel a little ripped off if I spent $549 in an Apple Store knowing that the second-generation model would be better after a year. The AirPods Pro have more advanced features and improved battery performance, so it's difficult to justify the cost for most people.