The PX8 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Review
The PX8s are costly however, they look and sound cut above other headphones. A carbon cone 40mm driver as well as Nappa leather enhance the style. A DAC mode is also included to support hi-res audio.
This Bluetooth flagship is Bose's top-of-the-line ANC technology, outstanding control and a sleek look. The main selling point, though, is battery longevity.
Sound Quality
Wireless headphones with over-ears are more immersive because they surround your ears. They also have larger, more powerful drivers that deliver deep bass and wide soundstages. Over-ear headphones are more expensive, with flagship models starting at about $250/PS250/AU$450. They are also typically equipped with active noise cancellation.
Ultimately, it's the choice of your personal taste and what you use headphones for - if you are looking to listen to music in a noisy space and value comfort over quality of sound, a low-cost pair such as the Jabra Move Wireless or JBL E50 are a good option. If you want to spend a little more, the I-MEGO THRONE Gold headphones are awe-inspiring in sound quality and battery life while the Focal Bathys are made for serious audiophiles, with their DAC mode that can support high-res audio via USB-C.
There are some excellent headphones that are priced in the mid-tier bracket. A range of brands provide headphones that are great sounding at a low cost. The Poly (formerly Plantronics) BackBeats Pro 2 are a good example, with a thumpy bass and bright treble for rock and pop and a clear mid-range that keeps vocals and instruments prominent. The updated Sennheiser Momentum 4 is another great option. It's got improved ANC, and an app companion to it that has presets for various listening styles. If you're a fan of Bose's premium headphones consider the QC35 II for a similar experience with more passive noise isolation and a more durable design.
Audiophiles have trained ears and know how to distinguish between headphones. Even casual listeners can tell the difference between wired and wireless headphones. Wireless technology has numerous drawbacks that can affect the quality of audio. For instance, audio codecs may alter the sample rate, bandwidth and latency of a wireless transmission which can cause distortion and loss of clarity.
Thankfully the issue is much better with modern wireless headphones that utilize the latest Bluetooth technology and are compatible with advanced audio codecs like Qualcomm AAC. Most wireless over-ear headsets that we test offer excellent audio quality at a reasonable price.
Noise Cancellation
If you're looking to block out the hum of your office or just relax on the plane, wireless over-ear headphones are a great choice. These headphones are generally more comfortable than earbuds, and a lot of models provide active noise cancellation, which makes your music and audio calls more clear.
Active noise cancellation uses microphones to detect ambient noise and then use frequencies to counteract it, effectively isolating you from your surroundings. Most over-ear headsets that support this feature come with a microphone built-in to ensure that your voice is clearly heard during phone calls. If you're looking for low-cost wireless noise cancelling headphones take a look at the Audio-Technica M20xBT, which comes with Bluetooth multipoint connectivity and up to 60 hours of battery life. These headphones over-ear are an excellent choice for those who commute, and they are small enough to fit comfortably in your purse or bag.
The Focal Bathys wireless over-ear headphones are a great option for those who want to invest in a premium audio experience. They have outstanding audio quality and sophisticated sound cancellation. These French high-end audio manufacturer's first pair of wireless headphones are a audiophile's dream, with an open back design and luxurious materials such as leather and aluminum accents. They boast a rich suite of features with an app companion with a graphic EQ and presets that allow you to fine-tune your listening profile. They deliver excellent isolation with their 40mm Beryllium coated drivers and Acoustic leather cups. Furthermore, they support lossless audio playback, allowing them to perform as high-end hi-fi headphones when wired.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative Monoprice BT-600ANC is a light, comfortable pair of wireless over-ear headphones with a excellent sound quality and outstanding noise cancellation for the price. The headphones come with a wide range of features, including ambient-awareness and ANC modes with touch controls as well as support for aptX and Apple AAC for high-quality audio. The BT-600ANC is one of only a handful of headphones that have an adjustable mode for ambience awareness. This lets you listen to the ambient noise at a reduced volume without having to shut off your music.
Battery Life
The last thing you want is to run out of juice midway through the long commute or workout session. Wireless headphones do away with cords and offer a more convenient option. However, their battery power diminishes over time, so you need a pair with impressive durability capabilities.
Some models can last for days, or even weeks, on a single battery charge. This endurance comes with trade-offs. In order to achieve this, manufacturers have to reduce the battery size or cut down on other features. The best wireless headphones are an ideal balance between battery life and performance.
Over-ear headphones have larger batteries, but they also require more power to run features like active noise cancellation. On-ear headphones are smaller and lightweight. They don't block as much sound as their larger counterparts.
The Cleer Enduro ANC and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless set an industry standard for wireless headphones. Both headphones can play music for 60 hours with ANC. They can easily outlast top over-ear headsets in a similar price range like Sony's W1000XM5 or Bose's S740 III.
Similar to the Focal Px8's first wireless headphones are a dream for audiophiles. The Focal Px8 headphones have an open-back design, which is comfortable to wear. The headphones offer a lively sound with a focus on the thumpy bass and the bright trebles. The Focal Px8 headphones come with a companion app that lets you alter the sound to suit your needs.
Focal's headphones are among the most expensive available. This is due to their premium materials and build. The headphones also have the ability to charge quickly, which gives you two hours of music in just 15 minutes of charging. The Focal Px8 is an excellent choice if you don't mind the loss of battery life in exchange for better audio quality and a more comfortable fitting.
Comfort
Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds, rest on the ears instead of around them. noise cancelling wireless headphones means that the earpads do not press against your ears as much and reduces the amount of pressure on your earlobes. This allows you to listen longer. The ear cups can also be sealed off from the music which makes it more immersive. This also increases audio clarity since you can listen to every detail of the song without being distracted by ambient noise or your own voice.
Over-ear headphones are, however, not as lightweight as earbuds. They are more difficult to put in a backpack or pocket due to their heavier design and lack of a folding mechanism. They also require a case to keep them safe when not in use. The majority of headphones come with a carrying bag, but it isn't ideal for people who prefer to listen to music while on the move.
This pair of wireless headphones is the ideal option for audiophiles that require high-quality headphones that can be used while traveling. The Bose QC35 II premium headphone offers excellent comfort, sound quality, and noise cancellation for a reasonable price. The earcups are constructed of premium materials and the headband is extremely comfortable. The sound quality is an improvement over the previous model, offering more clarity and a richer sound. With a companion app that comes with an EQ and presets, you can tweak the sound according to your preferences.
Focal Bathys wireless headphones are another premium alternative. They feature an elegant design and plenty of comfort. They're also available in a range of colours and feature premium leather, which makes them fashionable enough to wear with a suit or an evening dress. These headphones' default sound profile is bass-heavy and produces more bass and thump that is perfect for EDM hip-hop, rap and other dance music genres. The Focal audio app has an integrated graphic equalizer that helps you adjust the sound of instruments and vocals.
While it's not easy to determine which type of headphone is more comfortable the overall experience is contingent on your personal preferences. If you prefer headphones that are over-ear with a greater padding, choose a model that has a moderate clamping force. This will keep your earlobes feeling swollen even when ANC is on.