The PX8 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Review
The PX8s are expensive however, they sound and look way above other headphones. A carbon cone 40mm driver as well as Nappa leather enhance the design. A DAC mode is also included to provide high-res audio.
This Bluetooth flagship is Bose's top-of-the-line ANC technology, superior control, and a sleek design. The most attractive feature however, is its battery longevity.
Sound Quality
In general, wireless over-ear headphones generally sound better than earbuds because they fully cover your ears. They also have larger and more powerful drivers that provide large soundstages and deep bass. Over-ear headphones are more expensive, with the most expensive models starting at about $250/PS250/AU$450. They are also typically equipped with active noise cancellation.
In the end, it's the choice of your personal taste and what you use headphones for. If you want to listen to music in a noisy setting and value comfort over audio quality, a budget pair like the Jabra Move Wireless or JBL E50 are a good choice. If you want to spend more, the I-MEGO Throne Gold headphones are awe-inspiring in sound and battery life, while the Focal Bathys are specifically designed for serious audiophiles with their DAC mode that can play hi-res audio over USB-C.
The mid-tier price bracket has some great options too and there are a variety of brands offering headphones that sound great at an affordable price. The Poly (formerly Plantronics) BackBeats Pro 2 are a great example, with a powerful bass and a bright treble for rock and pop, but also a clear mid-range that makes instruments and vocals prominent. The updated Sennheiser Momentum 4 are another good choice, with a better ANC and a useful companion app that has presets for different listening styles. If you like Bose's premium headphone, then the QC35 II offers a similar experience but with more durability and a passive noise-isolating design.
Audiophiles are trained to listen to their ears and know how to distinguish between headphones. Even casual listeners can tell the difference between wireless and wired headphones. Wireless technology has many issues that could impact audio quality. For instance, audio codecs may alter the bandwidth, sample rate and the latency of wireless transmissions and can result in distortion and loss of clarity.
Thankfully the issue is largely resolved with modern wireless headphones that make use of the most up-to-date Bluetooth technology and also support advanced audio codecs like Qualcomm AAC. wireless over the head headphones means that the majority of wireless headphones we review provide excellent audio quality for the price.
Noise Cancellation
Wireless over-ear headphones can be an excellent option to block out the background noise in your office or on an airplane. These big headphones are usually more comfortable than earbuds and many models come with active noise cancellation, which makes your music and calls clearer.
Active noise cancelling utilizes microphones to detect ambient sound and then use frequencies that block out unwanted noise to block out your surroundings. The majority of over-ear headphones that have this feature also come with an inbuilt microphone to ensure your voice is heard during phone calls. Audio-Technica's M20xBT wireless noise-canceling headsets come with Bluetooth multipoint connectivity and batteries that last up to 60 hours. These headphones are a great choice for commuters and are small enough to fit into bags or purses.
If you want to invest a bit more in your audio experience, the Focal Bathys are a fantastic pair of high-end wireless over-ear headphones with exceptional audio quality and sophisticated noise 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 aluminum detailing and leather. The headphones are loaded with features, like an app companion to the headphones that comes with an equalizer graphic and presets for fine-tuning your listening experience. They deliver excellent isolation with their 40mm Beryllium coated drivers and the acoustic leather cups. Additionally, they support lossless audio playback that allows them to function as high-end hi-fi headphones when wired.
Monoprice BT600ANC wireless over-ear headphones are a great option for those who are on a tight budget. They're lightweight and comfortable, with a great sound and noise cancellation that is impressive. These headphones come with a range of features like ANC and ambient-awareness modes with touch controls as well as support for Apple AAC and aptX for high-quality audio. The BT-600ANC is also one of only a handful of headphones that come with an adjustable ambience awareness mode. This lets you listen to the ambient noise at a lower volume without having to turn off the music.
Battery Life
The last thing you want is to get out of the way during your commute or during an exercise. Wireless headphones eliminate the cord and are a more comfortable alternative. The battery power of wireless headphones will deplete over time. It is important to select headphones with an extended battery.
Certain models can remain running for several days or weeks on one charge. This longevity comes with some compromises. In order to achieve this, manufacturers must to reduce the battery size or cut back on other features. The best wireless headphones are an ideal balance between battery life and performance.
Over-ear headphones have bigger batteries, but they also require more power to run features such as active noise cancellation. On-ear headphones are smaller and portable. However, they do not have the same noise-blocking capabilities of their more bulky counterparts.
In terms of battery longevity, the Cleer Enduro ANC and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have set the bar for wireless headphones. Both headphones can play music for upto 60 hours with ANC. They can easily outlast other top headphones in a similar price range, such as Sony's WH-1000XM5 and Bose's 740 III.
The first wireless headphones from Focal are a dream for audiophiles. The Focal Px8 headphones feature an open-back design that is comfortable to wear. They offer a lively sound profile with an emphasis on the thumpy bass and the bright trebles. The Focal Px8 headphones also come with an app companion to let you adjust the sound to suit your needs.
Focal's headphones are among the most expensive headphones available. This is partly due to their high-end materials and a premium build. They also come with a fast-charge port that can give you two hours of listening time with just 15 minutes of charging. The Focal Px8 headphones are an excellent choice if you're willing sacrifice a longer battery life for superior sound quality and a comfortable fit.
Comfort
Unlike earbuds, over-ear headphones rest on ears rather than around them. This means the ear pads are less pressed against your ears and reduces the amount of pressure on your earlobes. This allows you to listen longer. The ear cups also be sealed off from the music, making it more immersive. This can also enhance audio clarity because you can be able to hear every detail of music without being distracted by background noise or your own voice.
On the other hand over-ear headphones aren't as portable as earbuds. The bulkier construction and lack of folding mechanisms makes them harder to pack into backpacks or pocket. They also need an enclosure to keep them protected when they are not in use. While many headphones come with a carry case, it isn't ideal and could be a hindrance for those who prefer to listen to music while on the move.
This pair of wireless headphones is a great option for audiophiles looking for top-quality headphones that can be used while travelling. The Bose QC35 II is a premium headphone that provides high-quality comfort, excellent audio quality, and noise cancellation for the price. Its earcups and headband are made from premium materials and are extremely comfortable to wear. The quality of the sound has improved over the previous model, offering a more clear and vibrant sound. You can also alter the sound to your preference through a companion application that includes an EQ and presets.
Focal Bathys wireless headphones are another premium alternative. They come with an elegant design and plenty of comfort. They are available in a range of colors and feature premium leather. They look elegant enough to wear with a suit or evening dress. The default sound profile is bass-heavy and produces more energy and thump that complements EDM hip-hop, EDM, and other genres of dance music. Vocals and instruments can be lost or hidden in the mix, and you can fix with the Focal audio app's built-in graphic equalizer.
While it's not easy to determine which type of headphone is more comfortable the overall experience will depend on your personal preference. If you prefer headphones that are over-ear with a greater padding, select a model that has a medium clamping force. This will keep your earlobes feeling swollen even when ANC is on.