The PX8 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Review
The PX8s are expensive however, they look and sound a superior to other headphones. The design is enhanced with a 40mm carbon cone driver as well as Nappa leather. Also, a DAC mode can play hi-res audio.
This Bluetooth flagship features Bose’s industry-leading ANC technology, superior control and a sleek look. The battery life is the most important selling feature.
Sound Quality
In general, wireless headphones generally sound better than earbuds due to the fact that they completely cover your ears. They also have larger earcups which allow powerful drivers to provide massive soundstages and deep bass. Over-ear headphones are more expensive with models that are flagship priced at about $250/PS250/AU$450. They also often feature active noise cancellation.
In the end, it's the choice of your personal taste and what you're using headphones for. If you want to listen to music in a noisy space and prefer comfort over quality of sound, a low-cost pair such as the Jabra Move Wireless or JBL E50 are a good option. The I-MEGO Throne Gold headphones offer high-quality sound and a long battery life. Focal Bathys, on the other hand, are specifically designed for audiophiles with their DAC mode, which can play hi-res music via USB-C.
The mid-tier price bracket has some great options too and there are a variety of brands that offer headphones that sound great for reasonable prices. Poly's (formerly Plantronics') BackBeats pro 2 is an excellent example. They have a thumping bass and bright treble, perfect for rock and pop music however, they also feature an uncluttered midrange that keeps vocals and instruments in the forefront. The updated Sennheiser Momentum 4 are another excellent choice, with improved ANC and a handy companion app that has presets for different styles of listening. If you are a fan of Bose's premium headphones, the QC35 II offers a similar experience but with more durability and a passive noise-isolating design.
Audiophiles are trained to differentiate between headphones. However, even casual listeners can notice the differences in sound quality between wireless and wired headphones, since wireless technology has numerous issues that can affect audio quality. For instance, audio codecs can alter the sample rate, bandwidth and the latency of wireless transmissions which can cause distortion and loss of audio detail.
Fortunately, these issues are now mostly solved with the latest wireless headphones that use the latest Bluetooth technology and also support advanced audio codecs like Qualcomm AAC. In the end, the majority of wireless headphones we review offer top audio quality at a reasonable price.
Noise Cancellation
If you're looking to block out the hum of your office or just relax on an airplane wireless headphones are a great choice. These headphones are generally more comfortable than earbuds, and many models come with active noise cancellation to make your audio and music calls clearer.
Active noise cancelling uses microphones to detect ambient sound and then use frequencies that block out unwanted noise, to effectively isolate you from your environment. The majority of over-ear headphones that have this feature also include a built-in microphone, which ensures that your voice is clearly heard when you make phone calls. If you are looking for a pair of 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 over-ear headphones are a great choice for commuters, and they are compact enough to easily fit in your purse or bag.
If you want to invest a bit more into your audio experience, the Focal Bathys are an excellent pair of high-end wireless headphones that boast exceptional audio quality and sophisticated noise cancellation. These French premium audio brand's first pair of wireless headphones are an audiophile's dream, featuring an open back design and luxurious materials like leather and aluminum accents. They boast a rich suite of features with a companion app with a graphic EQ and presets to customize your listening experience. With their 40mm Beryllium coated drivers and acoustic leather cups, they deliver exceptional isolation. They also have lossless audio support that allows them to function as premium 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 that offer high-quality sound and impressive noise cancellation for the price. These headphones have a wide variety of features, like ANC and ambient awareness modes, touch controls and aptX and AAC support for high-quality audio on Android and iOS. The BT-600ANC is also one of only a handful of headphones that have a programmable ambience awareness mode. This allows you to listen to the ambient sound at a reduced volume without having to turn off the music.
Battery Life
The last thing you need is to run out on your long commute or during an exercise. Wireless headphones eliminate the need for a cord and offer an easier solution. However, their battery power diminishes with time, so you'll need a pair with impressive endurance capabilities.
Some models are able to stay up and running for days or even weeks on one charge. However, this endurance isn't without its trade-offs. In order to achieve this, manufacturers must to reduce the size of their batteries or cut back on other features. The best wireless headphones are an excellent balance of battery life and performance.
Over-ear headphones typically have larger batteries, but their bulky design means they use more power for features such as active noise cancellation. On-ear headsets, on the contrary have a smaller design that makes them more portable. However, they do not 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 whopping 60 hours with ANC enabled. They will easily beat other top headphones in a similar price range, such as Sony's WH-1000XM5 and Bose's 720 III.
Focal's first wireless headphones are an ideal choice for audiophiles. The Focal Px8 headphones have an open-back design that is comfortable to wear and easy on the eyes. The headphones offer a lively sound profile with an emphasis on thumpy bass and bright trebles. The Focal headphones Px8 also include a companion application which lets you personalize the sound.
Focal's headphones are among the most expensive available. This is due to their premium materials and a premium build. They also come with a fast-charge port that can give you two hours of listening time with only 15 minutes of charging. The Focal Px8 headphones are a smart choice if you're willing sacrifice a longer battery life in exchange for a high-quality sound and a comfortable fit.
Comfort
In contrast to earbuds, the over-ear headphones rest on ears instead of around them. This means that the earpads do not press against your ears as much, which reduces the pressure on your earlobes. This allows you to listen longer. The ear cups also help to keep your music in place and make it more immersive and give you an amazing audio experience. This experience is also more immersive and enhances the audio quality since you can hear the subtleties of the music without being distracted by background noise or your own voice.
The majority of over-ear headphones, however, are not as lightweight as earbuds. They are more difficult to keep in a backpack or pocket because of their larger size and lack of a folding mechanism. A case is also required to protect them when not in use. While many headphones come with a carry case, it can be cumbersome and may be a problem for those who wish to listen to music while on the move.
This pair of wireless headphones is a great option for audiophiles looking for high-quality headphones that can be used when traveling. The Bose QC35 II is a premium headphone that gives you high-quality comfort, excellent sound quality and noise cancellation for the price. The earcups are constructed of premium materials, and the headband is extremely comfortable. The audio quality is a step up from the previous model, offering more clarity and a deeper sound. With a companion app which includes an EQ and presets, you can alter the sound according to your preferences.
Another option that is a top choice is the Focal Bathys Wireless headphones, which feature a high-end design that is full of design and comfort. They're also available in variety of colors and come with premium leather, which makes them elegant enough to be worn with suits or a nighttime dress. The default sound profile of these headphones is bass-heavy. This produces a more thumpy and punchy sound that is perfect for EDM and Hip-Hop, as well as other genres of dance music. Vocals and instruments can sound veiled or buried in the mix, and you can fix with the Focal audio app's built-in graphic EQ.
While it's difficult to say which type of headphone is more comfortable the overall experience will depend on your personal preferences. If you prefer the feel of over-ear headphones, try a model with thick padding and medium clamping force. This will keep your earlobes becoming sore even when ANC is on.