The PX8 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Review
The PX8s might be costly but their sound and design are superior to other headphones. A carbon cone 40mm driver and Nappa leather enhance the design. Additionally, a DAC mode can play hi-res audio.
This Bluetooth flagship features Bose’s industry-leading ANC technology, superior control and a sleek design. The main selling point, though, is battery life.
Sound Quality
In general, wireless over-ear headphones generally sound better than earbuds since they fully surround your ears. They also have larger earcups that allow for larger drivers to provide deep bass and vast soundstages. But this comes at a cost that is why over-ear headphones generally cost more, with flagship models starting at around $250, PS250 or AUS$450, and often with active noise cancellation.
It's all 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 invest more, the I-MEGO Throne Gold offer impressive sound quality and battery life while the Focal Bathys are designed for serious audiophiles thanks to their DAC mode that can play hi-res audio over USB-C.
The mid-tier price bracket has plenty of options, with a range of brands that offer headphones that sound great at a reasonable price. Poly's (formerly Plantronics') BackBeats pro 2 is a fantastic example. They feature a thumping bass and bright treble that are ideal for pop and rock music however, they also feature an uncluttered midrange that keeps instruments and vocals in the forefront. The recently updated Sennheiser Momentum 4 are another good choice, with a better ANC and a great companion app with presets to suit various listening styles. If you're a big fan of Bose's premium headphones try the QC35 II for a similar experience, with more passive noise isolation and a more durable design.
Audiophiles are trained to distinguish between headphones. But even casual listeners will notice the differences in the sound quality between wired and wireless headphones, since the wireless protocol comes with several issues that can affect audio quality. For instance, audio codecs may change the bandwidth, sample rate and the latency of wireless transmissions which can cause distortion and loss of audio detail.
Thankfully this issue is now mostly solved with the latest wireless headphones that use the most recent Bluetooth technology and are compatible with advanced audio codecs such as Qualcomm AAC. The majority of wireless headphones that we test have top-quality audio quality for an affordable price.
Noise Cancellation
Wireless over-ear headphones are the perfect option to block out the noise in your workplace or on an airplane. These big headphones are usually more comfortable than earbuds, and many models offer active noise cancellation, which makes your music and calls more clear.
Active noise cancellation utilizes microphones to detect ambient noise and then utilize frequencies to counteract it, effectively isolating you from your surroundings. Most over-ear headphones that support this feature also come with a built-in microphone, which ensures that your voice is heard when you make phone calls. Audio-Technica's M20xBT noise-canceling wireless headsets offer Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, and batteries that last up to 60 hours. These over-ear headphones make the perfect choice for commuters and are compact enough to fit into the bag or purse of a person.
The Focal Bathys wireless over-ear headphones are an excellent choice for those who wish to get a premium audio experience. They offer high-quality audio and advanced sound cancellation. The first wireless headphones by a French high-end audio company The Focal Bathys are a delight for audiophiles. They have an open-back design that is adorned with luxurious materials like leather and aluminum details. They boast a rich suite of features that include a companion app with a graphic EQ as well as presets to customize your listening experience. With their 40mm Beryllium coated drivers and acoustic leather cups, they deliver exceptional isolation. They also support lossless audio, allowing them perform as high-end Hi-Fi headphones when wired.
Monoprice BT-600ANC wireless headphones are a great choice for those who are on a tight budget. They're lightweight and comfortable, with good sound, and noise cancellation that is impressive. The headphones offer a wide variety of features, like ANC and ambient awareness modes, touch controls as well as AAC and aptX support to provide high-quality audio on Android and iOS. The BT-600ANC is one of only a few pairs of headphones that come with an adjustable ambience awareness mode. This allows you to listen to the ambient sound at a lower volume without having to turn off your music.
Battery Life
The last thing you want is to be running out on a long commute or during a workout. Wireless headphones are a great alternative to a cord and offer an easier solution. The battery power of wireless headphones will deplete over time. You need to choose headphones with long-lasting batteries.
Some models can last for days, or even weeks on a single battery charge. However, this longevity comes with a price. To achieve this, manufacturers must reduce the size of the battery, or sacrifice other features. The best wireless headphones are an ideal balance between battery life and performance.
Over-ear headphones are equipped with larger batteries, but they also require more power to run features such as active noise cancellation. On-ear headsets are more compact and portable. They aren't as able to block out sound as their larger counterparts.
In terms of battery longevity, the Cleer Enduro ANC and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless have set a new standard for wireless headphones. Both headphones can play for a full 60 hours when ANC enabled. They easily beat top headphones with over-ears with similar prices like Sony's W1000XM5 or Bose's S740 III.
The Focal's first wireless headphones are a dream for audiophiles. The Focal Px8 headphones sport an open-back design that is comfortable to wear. The headphones feature a lively sound with a focus on trebles that are bassy and thumping bass. The Focal Px8 headphones come with a companion app that lets you adjust the sound to your liking.
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 a premium build. They also come with the fast-charge port which can give you two hours of listening time in just 15 minutes of charging. The Focal Px8 is a good option if you're willing to the loss of battery life in exchange for better audio quality and a more comfortable fitting.
Comfort
In contrast to earbuds, the over-ear headphones rest on your ears rather than around them. This means the ear pads do not press against your ears as much and reduces the pressure on your earlobes. It also helps you enjoy listening sessions longer. The ear cups can also seal in the music which makes it more immersive. This immersive experience also enhances the audio quality since you can appreciate the subtleties of a song, without being distracted by background noise or your personal voice.
Most over-ear headphones, however, are not as lightweight as earbuds. They are more difficult to store in a pocket or backpack due to their heavier design and lack of folding mechanism. A case is also required to protect them when not in use. The majority of headphones come with a carry bag, but it can be a hassle for those who like to listen to music traveling.
This pair of wireless headphones is the ideal option for audiophiles looking for premium headphones that can be worn while traveling. The Bose QC35 II is a premium headphone that offers excellent comfort, sound quality and noise cancellation at a reasonable price. The earcups and the headband are made from premium materials and are extremely comfortable to wear. The audio quality is an improvement over its predecessor, featuring more clarity and a deeper sound. You can also adjust the sound to suit your preferences by using a companion app that includes an EQ and presets.
Another premium option is the Focal Bathys Wireless headphones, that offer high-end design that is full of style and comfort. These headphones are available in a range of colours, and they come with premium leather. They are elegant enough to wear with a suit or an evening dress. The default sound profile of these headphones is a bass-heavy. This results in more punchy and thumpy sound that complements EDM, Hip-Hop and other genres of dance music. The Focal audio app comes with an inbuilt graphic equalizer that can help you correct the sound of vocals and instruments.
It's difficult to decide which headphone type is more comfortable. The overall experience depends on personal preference. If you prefer the feel of headphones with over-ears look for a model with thick padding and medium clamping force. This will help prevent your earlobes and ear canals from getting painful after long listening sessions even with ANC activated.