The PX8 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Review
The PX8s may be costly but their sound and design are superior to other headphones. The design is enhanced by a 40mm carbon cone driver as well as Nappa Leather. Also, a DAC mode can play hi-res audio.
This Bluetooth flagship comes with Bose's industry-leading ANC technology, excellent control, and a sleek design. The battery life is the most important selling feature.
Sound Quality
In general, wireless headphones generally sound better than earbuds because they fully cover your ears. They also have larger earcups that allow room for powerful drivers to deliver massive soundstages and deep bass. But this comes at a price: over-ear headphones typically are more expensive and the most expensive models starting around $250 / PS250 / AUS$450, and often with active noise cancellation.
Ultimately, it's a matter of preference and what you use headphones for - if you are looking to listen to music in a noisy environment and value comfort over audio quality, a budget pair such as the Jabra Move Wireless or JBL E50 are a good choice. If you're looking to spend a bit more, the I-MEGO Throne Gold offer impressive audio and battery life, while the Focal Bathys are specifically designed for serious audiophiles with their DAC mode that supports hi-res audio via USB-C.
There are also some fantastic headphones in the mid-tier price category. A variety of brands offer headphones that sound great at a low cost. Poly's (formerly Plantronics') BackBeats pro 2 is a fantastic example. They have a powerful bass and bright treble, ideal for pop and rock music However, they also have a clear midrange to keep instruments and vocals in the forefront. The new Sennheiser Momentum 4 is another good option. It's got improved ANC and a companion app that includes presets for various listening styles. If you like Bose's premium headphones, the QC35 II offers a similar experience but with a more durable and passive design that blocks out noise.
Audiophiles have trained ears and know how to distinguish between a pair of headphones. However, even casual listeners can notice the difference in the quality of sound between wireless and wired headphones, as wireless technology has several issues that could affect the quality of audio. Audio codecs, for instance, can alter the sample rate, bandwidth and latency of wireless transmissions, leading to distortion and loss of clarity.
These issues have been largely solved by the latest wireless headphones, which utilize the most recent Bluetooth technology. They also have advanced audio codecs such as Qualcomm AAC. As a result, most wireless headphones we test offer excellent audio quality at a reasonable price.
Noise Cancellation
Wireless over-ear headphones are an excellent option to block out noise at your office or on an plane. These headphones are generally more comfortable than earbuds. Many models also come with active noise cancellation which helps to make your music and audio more clear.
Active noise cancellation utilizes microphones to detect ambient noise and then utilize frequencies to counteract it, effectively separating you from your surroundings. The majority of over-ear headphones that have this feature also come with a built-in microphone to ensure your voice is heard when you make phone calls. Audio-Technica's M20xBT wireless noise cancelling headsets offer Bluetooth multipoint connectivity and the battery can last up to 60 hours. These over-ear headphones make the perfect choice for commuters and are small enough to fit into bags or purses.
The Focal Bathys wireless headphones are a great choice for those who want to invest in a premium audio experience. They feature outstanding audio quality and sophisticated sound cancellation. The first wireless headphones from an French high-end audio company, the Focal Bathys are an audiophile's delight. They have an open-back design that is adorned with luxurious materials such as leather and aluminum accents. They feature a broad array of features that include an app companion with a graphic EQ and presets that allow you to adjust your listening profile. With their 40mm Beryllium coated drivers and acoustic Leather cups, they deliver great isolation. They also support lossless audio that allows them to function as high-end Hi-Fi speakers when wired.
Monoprice BT-600ANC wireless over-ear headphones are a great option for those on a budget. They're light and comfortable, with a good sound, and noise cancellation that is impressive. These headphones come with a variety of features, including ambient-awareness and ANC settings, touch controls, and support for Apple AAC and aptX for premium audio. The BT-600ANC are among the very few pairs of headphones to feature an ambient awareness mode that can be programmed that lets you listen to the background noise at a lower level without turning off your music.
Battery Life
The last thing you want is to run out on a long commute or during a workout. Wireless headphones remove the need for cords and provide a much more convenient solution. However, their battery power diminishes with time, so you need a pair with impressive endurance capabilities.
Some models can run for days, or even weeks with just a single charge. This longevity comes with some compromises. To get there, manufacturers need to reduce the battery size or cut down on other features. The top wireless headphones have an excellent balance between battery capacity and performance.
Over-ear headphones have larger batteries, but they also require more power to run features like active noise cancellation. On-ear headphones, on the other hand, have a more compact design, which makes them more lightweight. However, best wireless over ear headphones don't have the same noise-blocking capabilities of their larger counterparts.
In terms of battery life, the Cleer Enduro ANC and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have set a new standard in wireless headphones. The two headphones can be used for a full 60 hours when ANC enabled. They can easily outlast other top over-ear headphones with a similar price range, such as Sony's WH-1000XM5 and Bose's 740 III.
Similar to the Focal Px8's first wireless headphones are an audiophile's dream. The Focal Px8 headphones sport an open-back design, which is comfortable to wear. The headphones have a dynamic sound that is focused on bassy trebles and a thumping bass. The Focal headphones Px8 also come with a companion application that lets you customize the sound.
On the other side, Focal's wireless headphones are also among the most expensive in the market. This is due in part to their high-end materials and premium design. They also have the fast-charge port which can get you two hours of listening time in just 15 minutes of charge. The Focal Px8 headphones are an excellent option if you're willing sacrifice a longer battery life for excellent sound quality and the comfort of a snug fit.
Comfort
Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds rest on your ear instead of being positioned around them. The ear pads will rest less on your earlobes and allow you to enjoy your listening experience for longer. The ear cups can also help to seal in the music, making it more immersive. This enhanced experience also enhances the audio quality since you can feel the subtleties of a song, without being distracted by background noise or your own voice.
On the other hand over-ear headphones aren't as portable as earbuds. The heavier construction and absence of folding mechanisms make them harder to pack into backpacks or in pockets. They also need cases to keep them safe when not in use. Although most headphones come with a carrying case, this isn't ideal and could be a hinderance 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 premium headphones that can be used while traveling. The Bose QC35 II is a premium headphone that provides excellent comfort, high-quality sound and noise cancellation at a reasonable price. The earcups and the headband are made from premium materials and are extremely comfortable to wear. The sound quality is an improvement over its predecessor, featuring greater clarity and more enticing sound. You can also alter the sound to your preferences by using a companion app that includes an EQ and presets.
Another option that is a top choice is the Focal Bathys Wireless headphones, that offer high-end design that is full of fashion and comfort. They are available in a range of colors and feature premium leather. They are stylish enough to pair with a suit or an evening dress. The default sound profile is bass-heavy which results in more thump and punch that compliments EDM hip-hop, rap and other dance music genres. The Focal audio app comes with a built-in graphic equalizer that can help you adjust the sound of vocals and instruments.
It's difficult to determine which headphone type is more comfortable. The overall experience will depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer over-ear headphones with a more comfortable padding, select one with a medium clamping force. This will prevent your earlobes feeling swollen even when ANC is turned on.