Five Lessons You Can Learn From Over-Ear Headphones
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones usually have longer battery life than earbuds. They also offer superior sound cancellation.
Sony's WH1000XM5s are the best over-ear headphones that feature wireless technology. They sound fantastic with a bass-heavy, rich sound that allows vocals and other instruments to shine. They can last for over 40 hours on a single battery with active noise cancellation (ANC) switched on.
Focal Bathys Wireless
The Focal Bathys wireless are an audiophile-grade entry into the popular premium Bluetooth headphone segment which has been dominated for a long time by Bose. But with a reputation for creating the highest quality, high-fidelity speakers, Focal couldn't simply scale down to compete in this crowded space. It decided to create its own earbuds that had built-in ANC made of the same transducers, amplifiers and other components that are in its flagship products.
The result is a pair that not only offers top-notch performance but also feels sturdy and luxurious. Focal trimmed the size and weight of its more upmarket headphones to make these compact headphones more suitable for travel and still use magnesium for the yokes to keep them lightweight. The design is sleek and elegant with a a circular, "skeletonised", design similar to Focal's premium Focal celestee headphones. LED backlit Focal logos are on the side of the headphone and actually glow.
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 a built-in DAC that can support up to 24 bit/192kHz playback. The ear cups can be folded flat for simple storage. The cable can also be removed to be used with devices that don't have Bluetooth like many cell phones.
For audio enthusiasts who really know their stuff the headphones can be used in DAC mode, which disables internal processing and provides higher quality sound than most Bluetooth headphones with 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 are made to be used on planes and in other noisy environments however, the DAC mode also makes them ideal for more critical listening. Most portable headphones are closed-back and tuned to boost bass but the Bathys provide a neutral, balanced sound that's well suited to rock and other popular genres without becoming overly loud. These headphones would be a perfect gift for the audiophile on your list.
JBL Tune 760NC
The JBL Tune 760NC is a lightweight, comfortable pair of headphones that feature active noise cancellation. They have a bass-focused profile that gives your music depth and a long battery life. They also have a sturdy construction that is ideal for travel and commutes however, they may feel uncomfortable for long listening sessions due to their tight fit.
The headphones come with a decent set of controls on the earcups that let you control your music as well as call settings. They include buttons for volume levels up down, power, and ANC off and on. The buttons are surrounded by an LED-like area and you can press it to change the display of light. The headphones are comfortable to fit and are padded, however, they are quite tight on your head, and may be uncomfortable for listeners who wear glasses.
JBL's Active Noise Cancellation technology reduces ambient noise by analysing and interpreting the sounds that are coming from outside the headphone. Then, it inverts the sound and cancels them out, resulting a quieter listening environment. This allows you to listen at lower volume and prevents ear fatigue. The headphones also have an audio jack that lets you make calls hands-free and also activate voice assistants.
These headphones work with the majority of Bluetooth devices, including your laptop and mobile phones. They're also compatible with many PS4 and Xbox One controllers to receive audio, but you won't be able use them to communicate with teammates. They also come with a USB port for charging and listening to audio from your computer.
The JBL 760NCs were designed to be portable with a compact design that folds down, making them easy to carry with you on the go. The JBL 760NCs have a built in battery that can last up to 40 continuous hours, and are equipped with noise cancellation to block out noises that distract you. They can connect to two Bluetooth devices at once and you won't have to miss a beat when switching from watching a movie on your tablet to making a call.
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 are a pair of in-ear Bluetooth headphones that provide the features users expect from Bluetooth headphones. They are priced at a reasonable price, have a long-lasting battery, an accessory cable backup, and provide peace of mind thanks to the technology of finding tiles. It comes with an easy control on the earcup and it can be connected to wireless and wired devices. The Riff Wireless headphones include an app companion that lets you personalize your listening experience. It also lets you to reduce the delay of video and audio when paired with smart tvs or computers, and set up multi-device pairs.
They have a padded band and are very comfortable. These headphones are made for travel and commute. They can be folded up to fit easily into backpacks or bags. The material is strong and they click when you bend or move them. They don't feature noise cancellation which could be a problem for some users, however they block out some of the low rumble of buses and passenger chatter.
The headphones are of decent sound quality, especially considering their low price. They don't have lush midranges as some of the more expensive headphones however they do have decent overall detail at most volumes. The bass is powerful and punchy, whereas the highs are slightly dispersed but aren't loud and stout. They are great for pop and rock but may not be the ideal choice for genres that feature full, deep bass.
The Riff Wireless 2 headphones come with more features than the earlier version. They have a neutral sound profile that could appeal to some users as well as a more efficient microphone and support multi-device pairing. They also allow higher volume and have longer battery life.
They're a great pair of headphones, but don't have the same degree of comfort as other Skullcandy models, like the Hesh 3 Wireless. They're a good option for most users, but they're not the best choice for those who exercise. They can lose their elasticity when performing intense exercises.
Razer Opus
The Opus is the first effort by Razer at making a high-quality, lifestyle headphone. It's a great product. The target market is likely to be much larger than gamers, and it offers a premium sound that rivals top-of-the-line models from Sony and Bose at a reasonable price.
The design is somewhat restrained, even by Razer's standards. There's no RGB lighting or trademark green accents. The Tri-Snake is not visible. The headset is similar to any other Bluetooth headphone, with semicircle hinges that fold flat and slide over the earcups to create a comfortable, adjustable headband. The headsets are lightweight and more portable than other gaming headphones, with a weight of only 265g when folded.
On the right earcup are the onboard controls. over ear wireless headphones for track and power buttons are next to a multi-function button which is recessed into it and doubles as a noise cancelling button. The controls were responsive and easy to use. They worked as advertised during my testing.
The Opus' bass is punchy and well-rounded, with depth and clarity that you won't get in many budget headphones. It's not quite as full as Bose's Extra Bass headphones, but it still exceeds expectations for headphones in the $200 price point. Vocals and lead instruments can be heard with great clarity. The mids are solid. I did notice a slight veiledness in the highs however switching the EQ to Vocal fixed the problem.
In the case, you'll also include the 3.5mm audio cable and USB C-to-A converter and an ordinary airplane audio plug for those who haven't made the switch yet. It's a minor but welcome addition that makes it easier to use the headphones when traveling.
As with other THX-certified items, the Opus performed admirably in my tests. I was able to walk around town with ANC turned on without having to increase volume to drown out ambient noise and I never felt the need increase the volume of my music to hear it. This is the kind of quality that will help you avoid hearing loss as a result of excessive exposure to high-frequency frequencies.