The Over-Ear Headphones Mistake That Every Beginner Makes
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones usually have longer battery life than earbuds. They also offer superior sound cancellation.
Sony's WH1000XM5s are among the top over-ear headphones that feature wireless technology. They sound great thanks to their deep, bass-heavy sound quality that allows vocals as well as instruments to shine. With active noise cancellation (ANC) turned on, they last over 40 hours on one charge.
Focal Bathys Wireless
The Focal Bathys Wireless are an audiophile-grade entry into the growing premium travel-focused Bluetooth headphone market, a category long dominating by Bose and Sony offerings. But with a reputation for making the highest quality high-fidelity loudspeakers, Focal couldn't simply scale down to compete in this highly competitive market. So it opted to build its own set of earbuds that incorporate ANC made with the same transducers and amplifiers that are found in its flagship products.
The result is a pair headphones that offer top-of-the-line performance, but also feel luxurious and durable. Focal reduced the size and weight of its higher-end headphones to make them more portable and still use magnesium for the yokes. The look is stylish and sleek with an elongated "skeletonised" design reminiscent of the company's premium, full-sized Focal Celestee as well as LED backlit Focal "flame" logos on the back of each headphone that actually glow (you can toggle this feature in the app that comes with it).
When paired with your device, they run with the latest Bluetooth v5.1 technology, which includes support for SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive and an inbuilt DAC that supports up to 24 bits/192kHz playback. The earcups fold flat for convenient storage and the cable can be detachable to use with other devices that do not have Bluetooth like many cell phones.
For true audio nerds The headphones can be used in DAC mode, which disables internal processing and produces higher quality sound than most Bluetooth headphones that have a built-in DAC. Focal declined to reveal the specific DAC they used, but when tested with a high-quality portable DAC/headphone amp, the Bathys delivered great results--including better-than-CD-quality resolution, tight bass, and an open, airy midrange.
The Focal Bathys were designed for use on planes, in noisy environments, and many other locations. However the DAC mode makes them ideal for listening to music with a greater focus. Most portable headphones are closed back and tuned for boosted bass however, the Bathys provide an even, neutral sound that's well suited to rock and other genres that are popular without getting overly boomy. These would make an excellent gift for anyone who is an audiophile on your list.
JBL Tune 760NC
The JBL Tune 760NC are a lightweight and comfortable pair of headphones with active noise cancellation. They have a deep bass profile that enhances your music, and they have long battery life for listening sessions. They also have a durable design that is perfect for travel and commutes however they can be uncomfortable during long listening sessions because of their tight fit.
The headphones come with a set of controls that you can use to control the music as well as your call settings. They have buttons for volume up down, power, and ANC on/off. The buttons are surrounded by a small section that has an LED that you can tap on it to switch the headphone's light display. The headphones are cushioned and fit well however, they can be uncomfortable for people who wear glasses.
JBL's Active Noise Cancellation Technology reduces ambient noise by analyzing and understanding the sounds that come from outside the headphone. It then inverts these sounds and blocks them out, resulting a quieter listening experience. This allows you to listen at lower volumes and avoid the ear fatigue. The headphones also feature an audio jack that lets you make hands-free calls and activate voice assistants.
These headphones work with the majority of Bluetooth devices, including your laptop and many mobile phones. They're also compatible with most PS4 and Xbox One controllers to receive audio, but you won't be able to make use of them to talk with your co-workers. They also have a USB port for charging and streaming audio from your PC.
The JBL 760NCs are made to be portable and compact, with a design that folds down, making them easy to carry on the move. The JBL 760NCs have an inbuilt battery that can last up to 40 hours of continuous use, and are equipped with noise cancellation to block out noises that distract you. ear headphones over can also connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, so you can switch from watching videos on your tablet to making calls on your phone without a pause.
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 is a pair of on-ear headphones that deliver what people want from on-ear Bluetooth headphones. They offer an affordable price and a battery that lasts all day as well as a backup aux cable and peace of mind thanks to Tile finding technology. It also has an easy set of controls on the earcup and connects to both wired and wireless devices. The Riff Wireless headphones come with an excellent companion application that lets you alter the sound quality as well as decrease the delay in video and audio when connected to a smart television or computer and setup multi-device pairing.
These headphones are very comfortable and have a padded headband. These headphones are designed for use on commutes and trips. They can be folded up to fit easily in bags or backpacks. They are made of plastic and have a pliable quality, but they are quite sturdy and have a strong click when you move or bend them. They don't have noise cancelling which may be a problem for some users, however they do block out some of the low rumble of buses and passenger chatter.
These headphones have decent sound quality, especially considering their price. They don't have lush midranges like the more expensive models, but they do have decent overall detail at most volume levels. The bass is strong and punchy, while the highs are a bit soft, but not too loud. They are perfect for rock and pop, but not for genres that need a deep full bass.
Comparing to the previous version of these headphones, the Riff Wireless 2 come with more features. They have a neutral sound profile that may be appealing to some people, a better mic performance and support multi-device pairing. They also have higher volume and have longer battery life.
These headphones are good but they don't provide the same level comfort as other Skullcandy products, such as the Hesh 3 Wireless. They're still a good choice for most users, but they aren't the best choice for active usage and could be a bit shaky during intense exercise.
Razer Opus
The Opus is Razer's first attempt at a headphone set that is designed for a lifestyle and it's a stunning one. The target market is likely to be a lot larger than the average consumer and has a quality that rivals top-of-the-line models from Sony and Bose at a price that is affordable.
The design is restrained by Razer standards: no RGB lighting or trademark green accents as well as the Tri-Snake logo is not to be seen. The headset is more like any other Bluetooth headset, with semicircle hinges that fold flat and swivel over the earcups, creating an adjustable and comfortable headband. The headsets are lightweight and more portable than most gaming headphones, weighing just 265g when folded.
Onboard controls can be found on the right earcup with power and track control buttons as well as a recessed, multi-function button that doubles as a noise-cancellation cycle button. The controls were responsive and easy to use. They functioned as advertised during my testing.
The Opus bass is a roaring and well-rounded, offering depth and clarity you won't find in many budget headphones. The sound isn't as rich as Bose's Extra Bass, but it's still above expectations for a price of $200. Vocals and the lead instruments can be heard with good clarity. The mids are solid. I did notice a little veiledness to highs however, changing the EQ to the Vocal preset fixed the problem.
In addition there's an 3.5mm analog cable as well as a USB-C to-A adapter inside the case, along with a standard airplane audio jack for those who haven't made the switch to all-cable audio. It's a small, but appreciated addition that makes it easier to use headphones while traveling.
The Opus performed flawlessly as did other THX certified products. I could walk around town with ANC turned on without the need to increase volume to block out ambient noise, and I never felt the need increase the volume of my music to hear it. This is the kind of quality which will help you avoid hearing loss due to excessive exposure to high-frequency frequency.