Why Is Over-Ear Headphones So Famous?
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones generally have longer battery lives than earbuds. They also provide superior sound cancellation.
Sony's WH1000XM5s are among the top over-ear headphones with wireless technology. They sound fantastic with a deep bass that lets vocals and other instruments to shine. With active noise cancellation (ANC) in place the device, they can last for more than 40 hours on one charge.
Focal Bathys Wireless
The Focal Bathys wireless are an audiophile-grade entry into the highly sought-after premium Bluetooth headphone segment, which has been dominated for years by Bose. However, with a history of crafting the best high-fidelity loudspeakers, Focal couldn't simply scale down to compete in this crowded market. So it opted to build its own earbuds with built-in ANC and the same transducers and amplifiers that are found in its flagship products.
The result is a pair of headphones that not only offer top-of-the-line performance, but also feel sturdy and luxurious. Focal trimmed the size and weight of its premium headphones to make these portable headphones more comfortable for travel however, they still use magnesium for the yokes, which keeps them lightweight. The design is sleek and elegant with the circular "skeletonised" design reminiscent of the company's full-sized, high-end Focal Celestee and LED backlit Focal "flame" logos on the back of each earphone, which actually glow (you can turn off this feature within the accompanying app).
When paired with your device, they run on the latest Bluetooth v5.1 technology with support for SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX Adaptive and a built-in DAC that can support up to 24 bit/192kHz playback. The earcups fold flat for convenient storage and the cord can be detachable to use with other devices that don't have Bluetooth as well as many cell phones.
For audio enthusiasts who really know their stuff the headphones can be used in DAC mode, which bypasses internal processing and provides superior sound quality than the majority of 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 makes them ideal for more attentive listening. The Bathys are a great alternative to the closed-back headphones that are tuned for bass. They'd make a great present for any audiophile on your list.
JBL Tune 760NC
The JBL Tune 760NC is a lightweight, comfortable pair of headphones with active noise cancellation. They feature a rich bass profile that enhances your audio, and they have a long battery life for listening sessions. They also have a sturdy design that is perfect for commutes and travel however, they may feel uncomfortable during 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 and call settings. They have buttons for volume up down, power, and ANC on/off. The buttons are surrounded with tiny LEDs and you can tap it to change the light display. The headphones are comfortable and fit well however they may be uncomfortable for people who wear glasses.
JBL's Active Noise Cancellation technology reduces ambient noise by analysing and interpret the sounds coming from outside the headphone. Then, it inverts the sounds and blocks them out, creating a more tranquil listening experience. This allows you listen at lower volumes and reduces the risk of ear fatigue. The headphones also feature a microphone that lets you make calls hands-free and activate voice assistants.
These headphones are compatible with a majority of Bluetooth devices, including your computer and mobile phones. They're also compatible with most PS4 and Xbox One controllers to receive audio however, you won't be able use them to communicate with your co-workers. The USB port lets you charge them and play audio from your computer.
The JBL 760NCs are made to be lightweight and compact, with a foldable design that makes them easy to pack and take with you on the on the go. They're equipped with built-in batteries that can last for up to 40 hours of continuous usage and come with noise cancellation technology to block out distractions. They can be connected to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and you won't have to miss a beat when switching from watching a movie on your tablet to making a phone call.
Skullcandy Riff Wireless
Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 is a pair of headphones on-ear that offer the features people would expect from on-ear Bluetooth headphones. They are priced at a reasonable price, have a long-lasting battery, aux cable backup, and provide peace of mind due to Tile finding technology. It also features an easy set of controls on the earcup and connects to both wireless and wired devices. The Riff Wireless headphones come with an app companion that lets you personalize your listening experience. It also allows users to minimize the delay of video and audio when connected to smart TVs or computers, and also set up a multi-device pairs.
They are extremely comfortable and have a padded headband. They are designed to be used for travel and commute. They can be folded for easy storage in bags or backpacks. They are made of plastic and have a pliable quality but are fairly sturdy and provide a solid click when you move or bend them. Noise cancellation could be an issue for some users but they block a lot of the low rumbles that come from buses and passengers chatter.
The sound quality on these headphones is decent, especially for their price. They don't have lush midranges like some more expensive headphones however they have good overall clarity at all volumes. Their bass is powerful and has plenty of punch, and the highs can be a bit dispersed, but not overly so. They're perfect for pop and rock, but not for genres that require deep, full bass.
The Riff Wireless 2 headphones feature more features than the earlier version. They have an unison sound profile, which might appeal to some users. They also have more efficient microphone and can work with several devices. They also allow higher volume and have longer battery lives.
They're good headphones, but they don't offer the same level of comfort as other Skullcandy products, such as the Hesh 3 Wireless. They're still a solid option for most users, but they aren't the best choice for those who are in active use, and they can be a bit shaky during intense workouts.
Razer Opus
The Opus is the first attempt by Razer to create a headphone that is a lifestyle. It's a great product. Its intended audience is likely to be a lot larger than gamers, and it offers a premium sound that is comparable to top-of-the-line models from Sony and Bose at a price that is affordable.
The design is more restrained than Razer standards: there's no RGB lighting or trademark green accents as well as the Tri-Snake logo is not to be seen. The headset is a lot like any other Bluetooth headphone, sporting semicircle hinges that fold flat and slide over the earcups to create an adjustable, comfortable headband. They're also lighter and portable than most gaming headsets, weighing just 265g when collapsed.
Onboard controls are found on the right earcup with power and track control buttons as well as a recessed, multi-function button that doubles as an active noise-cancellation cycle button. The controls are simple to press and responsive and they worked as advertised in my tests.
The Opus bass is an energizing, well-rounded sound with clarity and depth that you won't get from many budget headphones. It's not as deep as Bose's Extra Bass headphones, but it still exceeds expectations for headphones in the $200 price range. The mids are a solid sound and vocals and lead instruments are able to stand out with decent clarity. I did notice a small lack of clarity in the highs however changing the EQ to the Vocal setting fixed the issue.
In the carrying case you'll also find an 3.5mm audio cable as well as a USB C-to-A converter, as well as a standard airplane audio plug for those who haven't yet made the switch yet. over ear apple headphones 's a tiny, but appreciated addition that makes it easier to use headphones while traveling.
The Opus performed flawlessly as did other THX certified products. I was able to walk around town with the ANC turned on without the need to increase volume to drown out ambient noise and I did not feel the need to increase the volume of my music to hear it. That's the kind of quality that can help you avoid hearing loss due to excessive exposure to high-frequency frequencies.