The PX8 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Review
The PX8s are expensive however, they look and sound a cut above other headphones. A carbon cone 40mm driver as well as Nappa leather elevate the design. A DAC mode is available to allow high-res audio.
This Bluetooth flagship comes with Bose's industry-leading ANC technology, superior control and a sleek design. The battery life is its major selling point.
Sound Quality
Wireless over-ear headphones sound better because they surround your ears. They also come with larger and more powerful drivers that provide high-quality bass and a wide soundstage. But this comes at a price: over-ear headphones typically are more expensive, with flagship models starting around $250 / PS250 / AU$450 and often featuring active noise cancellation.
It's a matter of your personal preferences and the way you use your headphones. If you prefer comfort over quality and would like to listen to music in a noisy location then a pair such as the Jabra E50 or JBL Move Wireless are excellent choices. If you're looking to invest a bit more, the IMG Throne Gold offer impressive sound quality and battery life while the Focal Bathys are designed for serious audiophiles thanks to their DAC mode that supports hi-res audio over USB-C.
There are also some fantastic headphones that are priced in the mid-tier range. A variety of brands make headphones that sound great at a reasonable cost. The Poly (formerly Plantronics) BackBeats Pro 2 are a good example, with a powerful bass and bright treble that is perfect for pop and rock as well as a clear mid-range that keeps vocals and instruments prominent. best wireless in-ear headphones updated Sennheiser Momentum 4 are another excellent choice, with improved ANC and a useful companion app that has presets for different listening styles. If you like Bose's premium headphone, the QC35 II offers a similar experience, but with more robust and durable noise-isolating design.
Audiophiles have trained ears and are able to distinguish between a pair of headphones. However, even casual listeners can notice the difference in the sound quality between wired and wireless headphones, as wireless technology has numerous issues that could affect the quality of audio. For instance, audio codecs may change the bandwidth, sample rate and latency of a wireless transmission, which can lead to distortion and loss of detail.
These issues have been largely solved by wireless headphones that utilize the latest Bluetooth technology. They also have advanced audio codecs, such as Qualcomm AAC. The majority of wireless over-ear headphones we test provide high-quality audio at a reasonable price.
Noise Cancellation
Whether you want to block out the noise of your office or just relax on the plane wireless headphones are an excellent choice. These large headphones are usually more comfortable than earbuds. Many models also offer active noise cancellation, which helps to make your music and audio more clear.
Active noise cancellation employs microphones to detect ambient noise and then employ frequencies to block it, effectively isolating you from your surroundings. Over-ear headphones that have this feature come with a microphone built-in to ensure that your voice is clearly heard during phone calls. Audio-Technica's M20xBT noise-canceling wireless headsets come with Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, and batteries that last up to 60 hours. These headphones are the perfect choice for commuters and are small enough to fit into a bag or purse.
If you're looking to invest a bit more in your audio experience, the Focal Bathys are a great pair of high-end wireless headphones that offer excellent audio quality and advanced noise cancellation. The first wireless headphones made by a French premium audio company, the Focal Bathys are a delight for audiophiles. They feature an open-back design that is adorned with luxurious materials such as leather and aluminum details. They feature a broad array of features that include an app companion with a graphic EQ as well as presets to adjust your listening profile. They offer excellent isolation thanks to their 40mm Beryllium coated drivers and acoustic leather cups, and they support lossless audio playback that allows them to function as premium hi-fi headphones wired.
Monoprice BT-600ANC wireless over-ear headphones are a great option for those on a budget. They're light and comfortable, with good sound, and noise cancellation that's impressive. These headphones come with a variety of features including ambient-awareness and ANC settings as well as touch controls and support for Apple AAC and aptX for high-quality audio. The BT-600ANC is also among the few headphones that come with a programmable ambience awareness mode. This lets you listen to the ambient noise at a lower volume without having to turn off your music.
Battery Life
The worst thing you could happen is to run out of juice midway through the long commute or workout. Wireless headphones eliminate the need for cords and provide the most convenient solution. The battery power of wireless headphones will drain over time. It is important to select headphones with a long-lasting battery.
Some models can last for days, or even weeks with just a single charge. This longevity comes with some compromises. To get there, manufacturers must reduce the size of the battery or sacrifice other features. The best wireless headphones are a good balance between battery life and performance.
Over-ear headphones have larger batteries but also use more power to run features such as active noise cancellation. On-ear headsets, on the other hand have a smaller design, which makes them more lightweight. They don't block as much noise as their bulkier equivalents.
The Cleer Enduro ANC and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless set a new standard in wireless headphones. Both headphones can play music for up to 60 hours with ANC. They can easily outlast top-of-the-line headphones in a similar price range like Sony's W1000XM5 and Bose's S740III.
Similar to the Focal Px8's first wireless headphones are a true audiophile's dream. The Focal Px8 over-ear headphones feature an open-back design that is comfortable to wear and easy on the eyes. The headphones deliver a dynamic sound quality with a focus on thumpy bass and bright trebles. The Focal Px8 headphones also feature a companion app that lets you adjust the sound to suit your needs.
On the other the other hand, Focal's wireless headsets are also among the most expensive in the market. This is partly due to their high-end materials and premium design. They also come with the ability to charge quickly, which gives you two hours of listening in just 15 minutes of charging. The Focal Px8 is an excellent choice if you don't mind losing battery life to gain better audio quality and a more comfortable fit.
Comfort
In contrast to earbuds, the over-ear headphones rest on the ears instead of around them. The ear pads will not press as hard against your earlobes, allowing you to listen to your music for longer. The ear cups also assist in helping seal in your music, which can be more immersive and offer an amazing audio experience. This immersion also improves audio clarity since you can be able to hear every detail of a song without being distracted by ambient noise or your own voice.
On the other hand, many over-ear headphones aren't as portable as earbuds. The larger size and absence of folding mechanisms make them difficult to fit in a backpack or pocket. They also need an enclosure to protect them when not in use. The majority of headphones come with a carry bag, but it can be cumbersome for those who like to listen to music on the move.
This pair of wireless headphones is the best option for audiophiles that require high-quality headphones that can be used when travelling. The Bose QC35 II premium headphone is a great choice for comfort, sound quality, and noise cancellation at a reasonable price. The earcups are made of premium materials, and the headband is extremely comfortable. The audio quality is superior to the previous model, offering more clarity and a richer sound. You can also adjust the sound to your preferences by using a companion app that includes an EQ and presets.
Another top option is the Focal Bathys Wireless headphones which feature a high-end design that is full of fashion and comfort. They are available in a variety of colors, and have premium leather. They are elegant enough to go with a suit or evening dress. The default sound profile is bass-heavy, resulting in more energy and thump that complements EDM hip-hop, rap and other dance music genres. The Focal audio app comes with an inbuilt graphic equalizer that can help you adjust the tone of instruments and vocals.
While it's difficult to say which type of headphones are more comfortable the overall experience will depend on your personal preference. If you prefer headphones for over-ear use with a more comfortable padding, choose a model that has a medium clamping force. This will prevent your earlobes feeling swollen even when ANC is on.