3 Ways The Over-Ear Headphones Influences Your Life
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones typically have a longer battery life than earbuds. They also have superior noise cancellation.
Sony's WH1000XM5s have the best over-ear headphones equipped with wireless technology. They sound fantastic with a rich, bass-heavy audio profile that still allows vocals and instruments to shine. With active noise cancellation (ANC) in place the device, they can last for more than 40 hours with a single charge.
Focal Bathys Wireless
The Focal Bathys Wireless are an audiophile-grade entry in the huge, premium, travel-focused Bluetooth headphone market, a segment that has been dominated by Bose and Sony products. Focal's reputation as a maker of the highest quality high-fidelity speakers meant that it was unable to scale down in order to be competitive. Therefore, it decided to create its own earbuds with built-in ANC and the same transducers and amplifiers found in its flagship products.
The result is an earbud that not only is top-of-the-line in performance but also feels luxurious and robust. Focal trimmed the size and weight of its more upmarket headphones to make these compact earbuds more travel friendly, but still uses magnesium for the yokes to keep them lightweight. The look is sleek and elegant, with a circular "skeletonised" design that is similar to the company's high-end, full-sized Focal Celestee and LED backlit Focal "flame" logos on the side of each headphone that actually glow (you can turn off this feature on the app that comes with it).
The earcups fold flat for convenient storage, and the cable can be detached to be used with other devices that do not have Bluetooth like many cell phones. The earcups fold flat to make storage, and the cable can be detachable to use with other devices that do not have Bluetooth like many cell phones.
For those who are serious about audio the headphones can be used in DAC mode, which disables the internal processing and delivers better sound quality than 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 designed to be used in planes and other noisy environments, but the DAC mode makes them ideal for more focused listening. The Bathys are a great alternative to the closed-back headphones, which are tuned for bass. These headphones would be a wonderful present for the audiophile on your list.
JBL Tune 760NC
The JBL Tune 760NC are a lightweight and comfortable pair of headphones featuring active noise cancellation. They feature a rich bass profile that adds depth to your music, and they provide a long battery lifespan for listening sessions. They also have a durable build that is ideal for travel and commutes however, they may feel uncomfortable during long listening sessions because of their tight fit.
good over ear headphones come with a good set of controls on the ear cups which allow you to manage your music and call settings. They have buttons for volume up down, power, and ANC on/off. The buttons are surrounded by a small section with an LED, and you can tap on it to alter the headphone's light display. The headphones offer a comfortable fit and are well-padded but they clamp quite tightly on your head and could be uncomfortable for those who wear glasses.
JBL's Active Noise Cancellation Technology blocks ambient sound by analyzing and interpreting sounds coming from outside the headphone. Then, it inverts the sounds and cancels out the background noise, leading to a more tranquil listening experience. This allows you listen at lower volumes and reduces the risk of ear fatigue. The headphones have a built-in microphone, which lets you make phone calls without hands and also activate voice assistants.
These headphones work with a majority of Bluetooth devices, including your laptop and mobile phones. These headphones are compatible with the majority of PS4 and Xbox One Controllers for receiving audio, but not for communicating with other players. They also come with a USB port for charging and listening to audio on your PC.
The JBL 760NCs were designed to be lightweight with a compact design that folds down, making them easy to carry with you on the go. They're equipped with an internal battery that can last for up to 40 hours of continuous usage, and they're equipped with noise cancellation technology that blocks out distracting sounds. They can also be connected to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, so you can go from watching an online video on your tablet to taking calls on your phone without a hitch.
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 are a pair on-ear Bluetooth headphones that offer what people would expect from Bluetooth headphones. They provide a reasonable price point with a long battery life that lasts all day, an aux cable backup and peace of mind thanks to Tile technology for finding. It also comes with simple controls for the earcup and is able to connect to both wireless and wired devices. The Riff Wireless headphones come with an excellent companion app that allows you to tweak your listening experience, reduce the delay of video and audio when paired with a smart tv or computer and create multi-device pairing.
The headphones are extremely comfortable and come with a cushioned headband. These headphones are made to be used for commutes and travel. They can be folded up to fit easily in backpacks or bags. The material is strong and they click when you stretch or move them. They don't feature noise cancellation which can be a challenge for some users, however they do block out some of the noise of buses and passengers chatter.
These headphones have a decent sound quality, particularly considering their low price. They don't have the luscious midrange like some more expensive headphones, but they do have good overall detail at most volume levels. The bass is strong and has plenty of punch and the highs are a little soft, but not a lot. They are great for rock and pop, but not for genres that require a deep full bass.
Compared to the older version of these headphones, the Riff Wireless 2 has more features. They have a neutral sound that might be appealing to some people and a superior mic performance and support multi-device pairing. They also allow a higher level of volume and have longer battery lives.
They're an excellent pair of headphones, but don't offer the same degree of comfort as other Skullcandy models, such as the Hesh 3 Wireless. They're still a solid option for most users however they're not the best choice for active use, and they can fall off during high-intensity training.
Razer Opus
The Opus is Razer's first attempt at a lifestyle headphone set and it's a great one. The target market is likely to be a lot larger than gamers and offers quality that rivals the top models from Sony and Bose at a price that is affordable.
The design is a bit restrained, even by Razer's standards. There's no RGB lighting or trademark green accents. Additionally, the Tri-Snake is not apparent. Instead, the headset appears like any other Bluetooth headphones, sporting semicircle hinges that swivel and fold flat on top of the earcups, creating a comfortable headband. The headsets are also lighter and more portable than most gaming headphones, and weigh only 265g when folded.
On the right earcup are onboard controls. The power and track control buttons are next to a multi-function button which is recessed into it and doubles as a noise-cancellation switch. The controls were responsive and simple to use. They functioned as advertised during my tests.
The Opus bass is a punchy, well-rounded sound that has clarity and depth that you won't get from many budget headphones. The sound is not as rich as Bose's Extra Bass, but it's nonetheless above expectations for a price of $200. The mids are solid and vocals and lead instruments can stand out with decent clarity. I did notice a small veiledness to highs, but changing the EQ to the Vocal preset resolved the issue.
In the carrying case you'll also get an 3.5mm audio cable as well as a USB C-to-A converter, as well as an ordinary airplane audio plug for those who haven't made the switch yet. It's a small but appreciated addition that makes it easier to use headphones while traveling.
As with other THX-certified items such as the Opus did a great job in my tests. I was able to stroll around town with ANC turned on without having to increase volume to overcome ambient noise, and I never felt the need increase the volume of my music to hear it. This is the kind of sound that can help you prevent hearing loss as a result of excessive exposure to high-frequency frequencies.