Advanced features headset and earbuds have come a long way in recent years. With cutting-edge features like active noise cancellation, wireless connectivity, and high-resolution audio support, today’s headsets deliver an immersive listening experience.
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In this article, we round up 10 of the best advanced feature headsets you can buy on Amazon in 2023. We’ll cover top options from leading audio brands like Sony, Bose, Apple, and others.
Overview of Advanced Headphone Features
Before jumping into the top headset recommendations, let’s briefly overview some of the key advanced features and technologies found in modern headphones:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) – Uses built-in microphones to constantly monitor environmental noise and cancel it out with inverse sound waves. This electronically reduces ambient noise for a more isolated listening environment.
- Wireless Connectivity – Bluetooth wireless connectivity allows you to pair headphones with your device for cable-free listening. Some models also support high-bandwidth wireless codecs like aptX and LDAC for improved audio quality.
- Voice Assistant Support – Many headsets have built-in support for voice assistants like Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant for convenient hands-free control.
- Transparency/Ambient Modes – These modes use external mics to let in outside sound so you can hear your surroundings without removing the headphones. Useful for increased awareness.
- Premium Build Quality – High-end materials like metal, leather, and memory foam provide improved durability, comfort and aesthetic appeal.
- Personalized Sound – Companion apps let you tweak sound profiles and EQ settings for a customized audio experience.
- 3D Spatial Audio – Recreates a cinema-like surround sound experience using head-tracking technology for more immersive audio.
Keeping these features in mind, let’s look at the top advanced headset options available on Amazon this year.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
Key Features:
- Industry-leading noise canceling with 8 microphones
- 30 hour battery life with fast charging
- Precise voice pickup for calls
- Ultra-comfortable ergonomic design
- LDAC, AAC, SBC codec support
Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones represent the pinnacle of noise-canceling technology. They use an upgraded eight microphone system to provide incredible ambient noise reduction coupled with Sony’s new Integrated Processor V1 for superb sound quality.
The WH-1000XM5 adds multi-point Bluetooth connection so you can pair with two devices simultaneously. Battery life reaches 30 hours per charge. Overall, the 1000XM5 delivers best-in-class wireless noise-canceling performance and hi-res capable sound.
2. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2
Key Features:
- Adjustable noise cancellation levels
- Up to 6 hours listening per charge
- IPX4 sweat/water resistance rating
- Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint pairing
- Customize sound with Bose mobile app
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 provide incredible noise cancellation in a compact true wireless form factor. They offer multiple levels of world-class noise canceling so you can adjust how much ambient sound gets blocked out.
An updated design improves comfort and fit. The sweat/water resistant rating makes them ideal for workouts. With the Bose Music app, you can customize EQ, enable Alexa voice access, and more. Overall, the QC Earbuds 2 deliver signature Bose ANC in a lightweight wireless package.
3. Apple AirPods Pro 2
Key Features:
- Breakthrough Adaptive Transparency mode
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
- Touch controls, voice assistant support
- 30 hours total battery life with case
- Apple H1 chip delivers high-quality audio
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 represent the most advanced AirPods model for iOS users. They include Apple’s new Adaptive Transparency mode which automatically adjusts ambient noise filtering based on your environment.
The H1 chip enables immersive Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for a surround sound experience. You also get improved noise cancellation, touch controls, and “Hey Siri” voice activation. Add up to 30 hours total battery life, and the AirPods Pro 2 offer an unrivaled wireless audio experience for iPhone owners.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
Key Features:
- Premium leather and metal design
- Active noise cancellation with transparency mode
- Customizable touch controls
- Exceptional Hi-Res audio quality
- Up to 17 hours battery life
Sennheiser’s Momentum 3 Wireless headphones combine sleek aesthetics with incredible sound. Their closed-back design features soft leather and brushed metal accents for a stylish statement.
The active noise cancellation blocks ambient noise effectively for undisturbed listening. You also get transparency mode for hearing your environment. With support for hi-res codecs like aptX and AAC, the Momentum 3 Wireless delivers exceptional Hi-Res Audio sound. Customizable touch controls and auto on/off round out these premium over-ear headphones.
5. Focal Bathys Headphones
Key Features:
- Open-back circum-aural design
- Exceptional acoustic transparency
- Frameless copper voice coils
- Breathable microfiber and memory foam pads
- Wired connectivity for lossless audio
If you want an audiophile listening experience, the Focal Bathys are one of the best open-back headphones available. Their circum-aural earcups feature frameless copper voice coils for stunningly accurate audio reproduction across an expansive frequency range.
The earpads use breathable microfiber and memory foam for hours of comfortable listening. As wired headphones, the Bathys provide lossless connectivity for the purest Hi-Res listening experience. If you want transparency and detail from your music, these Focal headphones deliver impressively.
6. Bowers & Wilkins PX8 Wireless Headphones
Key Features:
- Advanced noise canceling with transparency mode
- Qualcomm aptX Adaptive wireless technology
- Up to 30 hours battery life
- Superior drivers with carbon fiber domes
- Crafted from soft Nappa leather
For sophisticated style and sound, the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 headphones stand out. Their sleek aesthetic features soft Nappa leather with unique mesh grilles. But it’s the sonic performance that really impresses.
Their optimized noise-canceling can block even intense low rumbles for serene listening. You get rich, detailed sound courtesy of the proprietary 40mm drivers with carbon fiber domes. Support for Qualcomm’s high-end aptX Adaptive wireless codec allows 24-bit streaming. If you appreciate refinement and performance, the PX8 headphones deliver.
7. Beyerdynamic’s Xelento Wireless 2nd Gen
Key Features:
- Proprietary Tesla drivers with DLC coating
- Upgraded MOSAYC sound personalization
- AptX Adaptive and AAC codec support
- Intuitive touch controls
- 8 hours continuous playback per charge
Beyerdynamic’s Xelento Wireless 2nd Gen earbuds represent a top-tier wireless listening experience. Their unique Tesla drivers use a DLC coating for incredibly precise and impactful sound.
Upgraded MOSAYC sound personalization analyzes your ears’ anatomy for customized audio profiles via the MIY app. Support for advanced codecs like aptX Adaptive ensures Hi-Res streaming quality. With intuitive touch controls and a compact, ergonomic design, the Xelento Wireless 2nd Gen pushes the limits of True Wireless sound.
8. Technics EAH-AZ80 True Wireless Earbuds
Key Features:
- Impressive 20 – 40,000 Hz frequency response
- 8 hours continuous playback (30 hours with case)
- Quad MEMS microphones for calls and noise canceling
- JustMyVoiceTM mode focuses on voice pickup
- IPX4 splash resistant rating
Technics’ AZ80 earbuds boast an incredibly wide frequency range of 20 – 40,000 Hz for expansive, detailed sound. Their noise canceling utilizes quad MEMS microphones along with a unique JustMyVoiceTM mode that focuses on your voice for calls.
With up to 8 hours of listening (30 hours with the case), IPX4 water resistance, and a stylish design, the Technics EAH-AZ80 make a compelling true wireless option.
9. SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Gaming Headset
Key Features:
- Lossless 2.4 GHz wireless for gaming
- Active noise canceling and transparency mode
- Dual battery system for unlimited play
- Hi-res capable 40mm speakers
- Designed for cross-platform compatibility
For gamers who demand wireless performance, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro headset is a top choice. It uses a dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless transmitter for ultra-low latency lossless audio while gaming.
You also get multi-device Bluetooth connectivity, active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and a swappable dual-battery system for unlimited play. Compatibility across PlayStation, PC, Mac, Switch, mobile makes this a versatile high-end gaming headset.
10. Audeze Isine 30 Planar Magnetic Earbuds
Key Features:
- World’s first in-ear planar headphones
- Proprietary UniforceTM diaphragms
- Audiophile 24-bit playback
- CIPHER bluetooth cable included
- Flexible and lightweight open-ear design
Audeze’s Isine 30 earbuds are the world’s first in-ear planar magnetic headphones. They utilize patented UniforceTM diaphragms along with powerful neodymium magnets to deliver jaw-dropping sound.
With the CIPHER bluetooth cable, you get high-quality wireless streaming including support for 24-bit playback. The open-ear design rests comfortably outside the ear canal for fatigue-free audiophile listening. If you want a truly unique headphone experience, the Isine 30s deliver.
Key Factors When Choosing Advanced Headphones
With so many excellent headset options available today, make sure to consider these key factors while choosing the right model for your needs:
- Intended use cases – music, movies, gaming, calls etc.
- Form factor – over-ear, in-ear, true wireless etc.
- Sound quality and audio components
- Active noise cancellation effectiveness
- Wireless connectivity stability and codec support
- Battery life rating
- Comfort and ergonomics for long listening sessions
- Platform and device compatibility
- Extra features like transparency mode, EQ adjustment etc.
- Budget and pricing
Considering these criteria will help you select an advanced headset that matches your specific listening preferences and lifestyle needs. Be sure to also read product reviews to make the best decision for your situation.
FAQs About Advanced Headsets
Q: Do advanced headphones require power/charging?
A: Most models with premium features like noise cancellation and wireless connectivity are powered headphones that require charging. However, some passive wired headphones with premium audio components deliver advanced sound without power needs.
Q: Is active noise cancellation bad for your hearing?
A: There is no evidence that modern active noise cancellation systems cause hearing damage. The generated anti-noise sounds operate at safe volume levels. However, avoid excessive high volume listening over prolonged periods.
Q: What Bluetooth codec do I need for best sound quality?
A: Advanced Bluetooth codecs like aptX HD, LDAC and aptX Adaptive allow streaming of Hi-Res (lossless) audio quality. Standard SBC and AAC codecs can also deliver good sound. Ensure your device supports the codec used by the headphones.
Q: Do all wireless headphones have controls for calling?
A: Many wireless headphones include built-in microphones and on-ear controls for answering/ending calls and voice assistant access. However, some focused on audio performance may lack calling features. Check specifications before purchasing.
Q: How long should wireless headphones battery life last?
A: Look for headphones with at least 15 to 20 hours of listening time per charge. Cases with additional charging cycles can provide up to 30+ hours total. Enables you to listen wirelessly for days without recharging.
Conclusion
Advanced headphones and earbuds transform your listening experience with cutting-edge features and premium sound. Whether you prioritize pristine audio fidelity, all-day comfort, or noise isolation, there are excellent options available. Consider your budget, preferred style and listening environments as you narrow down your selections. Hopefully these top headphone recommendations give you a solid starting point to find your perfect match. The headphones you choose can provide years of enhanced entertainment and calls, so invest wisely!