Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

Take a look at these if you're looking for wireless over-ear headsets. These headphones are not only comfortable but also feature active noise cancellation that reduces background sounds so you can focus on the music.

The first wireless headphones from Focal are the ultimate dream of audiophiles. They have a full sound with enough thump for EDM however vocals and instruments aren't left out. They include a companion app and ANC presets so you can modify the sound to fit your personal preferences.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 from Sony is the most recent version of the well-known headphones. It features an adaptive noise cancellation feature that will block out ambient noise. They're ideal for commutes and long days of travel with a staggering 27 hours of playback time. The WH-1000XM5 also has a handy feature that allows you to pair them with up to two Bluetooth devices at the same time which makes it simple to switch from calls and music. The WH1000XM5 will appeal to anyone who values sustainability due to its sleek, minimalistic design and eco-friendly packaging.

In comparison to their predecessors the XM5s weigh less and are more comfortable with the headband that is snugly around your ears with less pressure on your nose. They are also more stylish, with a new stealthy style that is a perfect match with all outfits. They're also now available in a luscious matte black that's better than the previous generation's glossy black.

One of the most appealing features of the WH1000XM5 is its intelligent noise cancellation feature, which detects when you take off the headphones and then pauses the audio. When you put them back on the audio will resume automatically. This is a great way to save battery, and it is effective.

As for sound quality, the XM5s are top of the line with both LDAC codec support and DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Tim Commerford's bass skills are featured in Rage Against the Machine’s Bullet in the Head which is a dark track. Billie Eilish's Bad Guy features subtle but deliberate vocal fade.

A word of caution for those who exercise and who live in rainy climes The WH-1000XM5s do not have an IP rating, so they aren't able to be used in humid conditions. In the manual, wireless headphones with bluetooth it's explicitly stated that you shouldn't use the headset in the rain or if you sweat into it.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 represents a refreshing version of B&W's flagship wireless headphones with bluetooth headphone, PX7. The Series 2 is not just an iterative update, but a significant improvement in the quality of audio and ANC. The design also gets a bit more refined, with a style that is more mature than the glossy, tech-forward looks of Sony's XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.

A slider switch for power ensures that you know whether the headphones are turned on, and the dedicated buttons for play / pause and volume make it easy to navigate through your music collection. There's a programmable button located on the left earcup which can be altered to activate your voice assistant, and there's an ambient pass-through mode that allows you to be aware of what's happening around you without removing the headphones.

The S2s can reproduce a 16-bit/44.1kHz Master of Dennis Wilson's River Song, from his Pacific Ocean blue tooth headphone Album, with its multi-layered harmonies, atmospheric textures, and a detailed soundstage. The vocals are centered and there's a good low-end extension.

One area where the S2s aren't as good is in EQ control You can increase or decrease bass and treble by 6dB, however there aren't any EQ presets to help you to find the perfect balance. This isn't a big issue for the majority of listeners, but those who want to create their own audio will likely need to look elsewhere.

Overall overall, the PX7 S2s are a great choice for those looking for an active noise-canceling headset with the best feel and quality. While they're not as flexible like the XM5s mentioned earlier however, they're still an excellent option for most listeners. You'll just have to decide if their superior ANC and audio quality are enough to justify the slightly higher cost.

Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of wireless headphones that provide excellent noise cancellation. They also have an extended battery life of 24 hours. The headphones are light and comfortable enough to wear around the home. They can be controlled via the built-in buttons or an accompanying app, however customization is limited (sorry, no equalizer). You'll be able to choose from a range of sound profiles for different scenarios, including travel or working from home. The QC45s also come with an Aware Mode which allows outside sounds be heard when using ANC, which can be beneficial for those who wish to hear their children and traffic while out and about.

The headphones' audio quality isn't as good with the WH-1000XM5s but it's still a good performance. The bass isn't pounding but it does provide decent depth and a decent amount of the sound's texture. The mids and the highs are well rounded and there's no harshness or shrillness.

The QC45s are known to prefer higher frequencies. This can result in a slight sibilance while listening to certain music. This isn't a major issue and can be fixed with software by tweaking the headphone settings.

The controls are intuitive. The left ear cup powers the headphones on and off, controls music playback, as well as the Bluetooth pairing. There's also an multi-function Action button that doubles as a power toggle and voice assistant as well as volume control. There's a microphone to take phone calls as well as Siri or Alexa is available.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

The ATH-M20x is a chic pair of headphones that provide great sound at a reasonable cost. They are well built with solid feel to them. The headband and earcups are made of plastic but they are strong enough to last for a long time. The ear cups can rotate up to 15 degrees so they can be positioned to fit the majority of ears.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x has Bluetooth 5.0 which lets you enjoy your music wirelessly. They come with a remarkable battery life of up 30 hours of listening time. They come with a USB cable for charging.

The headphones are simple to use. There are three buttons on the the left earcup that let you control playback as well as other functions. You can pause, change tracks and adjust the volume with these buttons. The ATH-M20x comes with built-in microphones for calls and voice commands. The headset features low-latency technology that makes it ideal for gaming and video calls.

The ATH-M20x headphones are great for certain genres of music, but not all. Vocals can sound flat and there is no real bass response. The high frequencies are crisp and clear though. The treble is an outstanding feature of these headphones. They will be a good choice for classical, pop and jazz.

The ATH-M20x headphones weigh light at just 190 grams without the cord. They have a good amount of padding around the ear cups but they are not foldable. They will be bulky to carry in backpacks and might not fit into the bag of a handbag. They do not have a detachable cable. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better choice for those that want a more portable set of headphones. It is more comfortable thanks to an adjustable design that folds, swiveling the ear cups, which lay flat, and a removable cable. It's more expensive, but provides more isolation, more bass and a longer battery life.

Skullcandy Dime 2

The Dime 2 is Skullcandy’s best-sounding true wireless headphones. It has a small, compact case that's easy to put in pockets or purses. It also comes with several ear gel sizes to accommodate different ears. It's also lighter than other true wireless headphones With bluetooth buds that we tested.

Dual microphones are excellent to pick your voice in phone calls and also reducing background noise. They are not suitable for outdoor use because noises from the environment can drown out your voice. They also struggle with winds and can cut certain portions of your speech.

The earbuds are excellent sounding despite these minor problems. They have a clear clean, clear high-end that doesn't spill over into the mids. They also have a nice amount mid-bass to give your music a bit of impact.

The AirPod Pro has a dual-tap function that works well but not as intuitive as Apple AirPod Pro. You must place your thumb on the bottom stem for stability, and then press the logo to execute an action. It's not the most convenient and doesn't feel as responsive as a pinch-gear system.

The earbuds last about four hours with just one charge. They also come with the ability to charge quickly, which allows them to last two more hours. They're also classified as IPX4 for resistance to water and sweat. The earbuds come in the case for carrying them, which has two openings that can accommodate the buds, and an attachment loop to attach them to clothing. The case comes in various colors including Doritos Red. You can find them online for under $30 USD.