Why Headphones Is Fast Increasing To Be The Most Popular Trend In 2023

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones surround your ears and immerse you into sound. They are generally tuned for audiophiles, and include features such as active noise cancellation and control apps.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 headphones from Sony are the latest upgrade in their noise cancellation lineup. They sport a new design, improved ANC and a lot of the same features as their predecessors but with better materials and slightly higher quality sound.

They're light for over-ear ANC headphones, weighing 250 grams. They're very comfortable to wear, no matter if you're reading or listening to a book. The headband has a friction-rod design that is similar to the Grado Labs SR60x, which keeps your ears from getting too cold.

With an audio quality that is able to please people who listen to music for no reason and serious audiophiles, the WH1000XM5's sound signature is tuned to put a little emphasis on bass but is not overpowering or harsh. The earphones boast a huge and wide soundstage, as well as good instrument separation. This lets you listen to the subtleties of your music. The earcups also have control buttons that are easy and responsive to use. Swipe forward to go to the next track, reverse to hear the previous one, and up and down to adjust the volume. The headphones can be used for connecting to two devices at once and due to an inbuilt sensor, shop headphones they automatically pause the playback when removed from your head. You can activate ambient mode by placing your palm on the right earcup. This lets you listen to 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 high-resolution audio (via LDAC). They come with a sturdy carrying case made from top quality fabric, as well as an USB-C cable for charging. The headphones are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as computers operating Windows or macOS. The battery longevity of the WH1000XM5 is excellent. In our test we were able achieve 31 hours and 53 minutes with ANC turned on which is much better than Sony's advertised battery life of 30 hours.

The WH-1000XM5's microphone performance on voice calls is excellent and there's no distorted or static-y sounding background. The noise-canceling performance is also top-notch and they're a perfect option for public transport as well as the office.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 provides a significant improvement over its predecessor. It features a range of new features and performance. It features wireless streaming with 24-bit enhanced active noise cancellation, and crystal clear voice call quality on any compatible tablet or mobile phone. The 40mm drivers, which are designed specifically and angled to fit in each earcup, offer more complete and focused listening experience. Six strategically placed microphones provide excellent call clarity, even in noisy environments. A remote inline and microphone lets you manage your music and calls using any compatible device.

Similar to the PX7's original design The headphones sport sleek and elegant, with accent rings around each earcup and an elegant silver sheen on the headband. The earcups are cushioned using memory foam and fit comfortably on the cranium, but don't feel tight. The new form and shape was perfected over many months, and delivers a comfortable clamping pressure that isn't into my skull.

They weigh 2 ounces less (or 307g) and a bit thinner than the Sony WH1000XM5. They're light enough to carry in your backpack or bag without much discomfort, and will remain comfortably in place for long listens. The headband can be folded up by using a sturdy hinge on the back.

They're powered by Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support which is great for high-resolution audio and tight video sync. The included 3.5mm cord connects to the USB-C port located on the right earcup. The status indicator on the headphone is a nice feature. It flashes green to signal rapid charging, and solid blue to signal Bluetooth pairing.

The B&W app offers the same controls as the onboard buttons in the hardware such as bass and treble adjustments, action button assignment wear detection, the ability to cycle through ANC modes, and more. The app also shows an album cover and track's title when you play music on your iPhone. However, the most popular features like music presets or soundscapes feature are not available.

Sennheiser HD 800 S

The HD 800 S is a successor to the iconic Sennheiser headphones in uk and was designed to meet the most demanding expectations. The technical design was designed to provide an incredible detail resolution that covers the entire frequency spectrum, dynamic range, and stereo panorama. It's the most realistic audio you'll experience on open-back headphones.

The headphone has 300 ohms of impedance, so a good headphone amplifier is needed to drive it at desired levels without distortion. A balanced connection is recommended because it will increase the output power and improve the overall sound quality.

These headphones are designed for professional use and have a sturdy steel frame that is adorned with leather and plastic. The design is rather minimalist and doesn't resemble an expensive pair of headphones, but they feel luxurious in the hand and are built to last. They come with a carrying case, an extra audio cable and a 1/4" to 1-/8" adapter.

The HD 800 S has a neutral sound that reproduces vocals and instruments with naturality, although they are a bit lighter on bass. The open-back design creates an expansive out-of-head soundstage. The treble is excellent with minor drops and peaks. The treble region is very linear, so you won't have issues with hitting sibilants or the upper sound of the snare drum.

Despite not having a loud bass, they can still produce a punch and dynamism when needed. They are still a great choice for those who like rock music with punchy basses, but may not be as impressive as some of the other models on this list.

In the mids in the mids, these Sennheiser headphones are hard to beat. They are linear with an incline on the upper mids that won't be noticed by most listeners. They also reproduce precise time gradations in vocals, which is a big benefit.

The HD 800 S is a pair of headphones that are ideal for audiophiles and professionals. Their outstanding sonic performance and comfortable fit make them an excellent option. The headphones are expensive but they will last you for a long time and will perform in any setting.

Anker Soundcore Life q20

The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are a good pair of headphones that will provide the perfect solution 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 will give them some protection when you toss them in a bag and their battery can last several long haul flights. Their ANC does a great job of blocking out chattering passengers and engine rumbles when on an airplane, although their audio profile is a bit warmer and bass-heavy.

The controls on the Life Q20 are well-marked and easy to use. On the left earcup, you'll see buttons for pairing and powering up the shop headphones, as well as turning on or off the active noise cancellation. On the right ear cup, you'll find controls for playing back media which include a multi-function button that lets you activate the voice assistant on your phone and enable Anker's BassUp feature (more on this later). The built-in microphone can be used to make hands-free phone calls.

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offers a deep immersive listening experience thanks to its custom 40 mm dynamic driver that provides certified Hi-Res audio. The headphones feature a treble range that reaches up to 40 kHz. Their hybrid active noise cancellation is designed to filter out a wide range of low- and mid-frequency sound.

Anker Soundcore Q20 doesn't support aptX. This is a disappointment. This means that you won't be able to take advantage of the superior codec's lower latency while playing on your computer.

The Life Q20's headband and memory foam earcups are soft enough to wear for extended periods of time without discomfort. The ear cups can also rotate to adapt to your unique head shape. You can also enjoy your music wired with an included 3.5mm cable, and a microUSB cable is included to charge the battery.