Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds can completely surround the ears. They also permit larger drivers that deliver deeper bass and a bigger soundstage. Many also include active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.
The Master & Dynamic MW65 is upgraded with improved audio, numerous ANC modes and a huge battery life.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Sony has enhanced an already excellent pair of headphones with the introduction of the WH1000XM4 wireless. They are more lightweight, better constructed and feature an audio profile that is more balanced (though bass-heavy). They also have an app to adjust the sound. Their active noise cancelling performs better than ever before, removing any background noise. Additionally, they have a longer continuous battery life than many competitors.
These headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible, and Sony LDAC is also supported. This codec can transfer high-resolution music, but you'll need to use compatible devices and streaming services. In addition, the WH-1000XM4s can connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time and automatically switch between them when required. This feature is accessible through the Sony Headphones Connect App and works well.
A subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensitiveness of their touch panels. They respond faster to a tap on a panel, and this makes them easier to control during a phone call or listen to media. Sony has also added a feature to make voice calls more precise and clear during calls. This is a distinct and nice touch.
The WH-1000XM4s aren't perfect, but they're among the top wireless headphones that we have ever tested. They are comfortable and well-constructed, and come with a batteries that last for more than 30 continuous hours. They can be used passively by using an TRS cable. This is ideal for traveling or conserving energy.
The WH1000XM4s are a better alternative to the Bowers & Wilkins Wireless Over-Ears PX7 S2. The Sonys are more comfortable, and their ANC can block out more ambient noise. The B&Ws come with an EQ that is more flexible and a companion app to tweak the audio performance. However, the B&Ws come with a better-built design, and they're able to connect with two Bluetooth devices at once. Additionally, they support aptX HD and feature a unique AI-driven engine that is attempting to boost compressed music to high-resolution. This is called DSEE Extreme and it does an excellent job of improving the clarity of music, particularly when listening to lossless music.
2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The $329 Bose QuietComfort45 Noise-Canceling headset is the most current version of a headset that is a popular choice among commuters and travelers all over the world. Instead of reinventing the wheel the new model uses the same formula that made the predecessor so popular, and adds USB-C, better noise cancellation and a longer battery lifespan.
These over-ear Bose headsets have a premium feel and look, just like the QC 35 II headphones that were before them. The headband is constructed of plastic, but is sturdy and comfortable with metal hinges at pivot points and the familiar ratcheting action when you open or retract the earcups. The cups are soft, cushioned pads that fit comfortably over the ears and don't apply pressure on your head. When folded, they weigh 238 grams. They can be used with a coat or sweater as the noise cancelling function works even when they're not on your head.
Despite their reputation as comfortable headphones, the QC45s do not provide the best sound quality at this price. The frequencies are tinny and lack the detail that headphones with higher prices might be able to bring out. The upper registers are boosted which is acceptable for most music genres but could be a problem for more delicate and complex genres. The bass is decent, but lacks the punch.
One feature that's missing is the ability to pause playback when you take off the headset. This is a feature Bose's competitors have offered for several years. Another oversight was the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose has preset EQs in the app but it would be nice if there was an option to control the EQ manually.
Bluetooth 5.0 is supported, including multipoint and more advanced codecs like aptX Adaptive. Download the Bose Audio App to adjust the voice and sound settings.
over ear headphones wireless best come with four built-in microphones that listen to your voice during calls. The quality of calls is generally excellent, but the headsets do not have the ability to mute your voice during playback which is a feature that other wireless headphones have. Update: A firmware update for the QC45s was released in February 2022 added manual settings for EQ to the audio app. This is a great upgrade.
3. Focal Bathys Wireless
Focal is a French audio company known for high-performance headphones that provide long-lasting comfort and a style that makes listeners feel like they're listening to something special. Their first attempt at wireless noise cancelling headphones The Bathys, are stunning headphones that sound and look great. They come with a high-performance USB DAC built in, so you can use them both for wired and wireless listening.
Focal claims that the Bathys can play Bluetooth music for 30 hours. We were able to get more than 40 hours of playback time on average from a single charge. If you do require a recharge, there's an indicator light on the right earcup that turns red when the headphone needs to be charged.
They have a decent amount of features for a pair of headphones at this price that include support for multiple devices simultaneously and automatic pairing (though you'll have to manually select your source device every time you would like to listen). They come with a built-in microphone that works with voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones have an easy-to use interface that makes it easy to control music and make calls.
For over-ear wireless headphones for over-ear wireless headphones, the Bathys perform very well in our tests of noise cancellation, reducing the sound of the surrounding environment by about 9 decibels on average. They aren't as good as the ANC found in the Sony WH1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless but it's still very effective.
In our tests of headphone sound quality in our tests of headphone sound quality, the Bathys performed well overall with the frequency response which generally corresponds to the SoundGuys preference curve, with only slight differences in the bass and mids. They have a bass-rich sound pattern that adds plenty of boom to mixes, but can sometimes make instruments and vocals like cymbals sound dull.
They also have very good leakage resistance, which means you can wear them out in public without worrying about people listening to your music. The microphone has a decent recording quality via Bluetooth with only slight distortion in the mid to treble range.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless is a new version of the company's most popular Bluetooth headsets. The Momentum 3 was a solid but not an outstanding entry in this class. The new model improves on the previous model with a sleeker design, improved gesture controls and massive battery life.
Many of the improvements here are subtle but they make a pair of over-ears that appear to be an upgrade from the old one. The Momentum 4s are flat and don't fold. They come with a hardshell case that protects them when traveling. The Momentum 4s are also device-agnostic, like many other Bluetooth headphones from recent times, like the ones from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. They work with both Apple iPhones and Android phones, but they do not have the AirPods' extra features like Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.
The most obvious improvement here is the massive battery, which promises up to 60 hours of playback when the noise cancellation option activated. This is nearly twice the amount of the other brands and enough to take a multi-day journey without having to search for an outlet.
Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget The headphones were rated by Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget an 82 percent score. He highlighted their audio quality and ANC features as strengths. His only complaint is that they lack a sense weight in the mids and the treble. This means that orchestral tracks tend to sound flat, not grand. The bass is well rounded, but can be overemphasized, which can lead to fatigue in songs with strong bass lines, such as the drum hits of As I Lay Dying’s Forever. The cymbals sound a bit sizzled, not full. There's also no real depth to the lows.
The Momentum 4s are not designed to place pressure on your neck or ears. However they can be a bit difficult to wear around the house or during longer listening sessions. They will move about on your head in a flurry of head movements. This can cause them wake up unexpectedly, which can be distracting when listening to music or making calls. They shut down automatically after 15 minutes, and can be shut off manually by pressing the power button.