Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds encapsulate the ears completely. They also permit bigger drivers that provide deeper bass and a wider soundstage. Many of them also feature active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.

The latest Master and Dynamic MW65 update offers superior audio, multiple ANC modes and impressive battery life with a stylish and distinctive design.

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

Sony has improved an already great pair of headphones with the introduction of the WH1000XM4 wireless. They're lighter, feel better built, have a more balanced sound profile (though still bass heavy) and come with an app that allows some audio customization. They have improved their active noise cancellation, which eliminates the background noise, and have a longer battery life.

These headphones utilize Bluetooth 5.0 and support SBC, AAC, Bluetooth Headphones Uk and Sony's own LDAC codec. This codec can transfer high-resolution audio, however you'll need to use compatible devices and streaming services. In addition, the WH1000XM4s can connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and switch between them as needed. This feature is accessible through the Sony Headphones Connect App and works well.

The touch panels are more sensitive than the XM3. They respond more quickly to a tap on the panel, and this makes them easier to control during a phone call or to listen to media. Sony has also added a feature that can make voices more precise and clear during calls. This is a distinct and pleasant addition.

The WH-1000XM4s may not be perfect, but they are among the top wireless headphones we've ever tested. They're comfortable, feel well made, and have an excellent battery that lasts for more than 30 hours continuously. They can also be used passively using an TRS cable which is perfect if you're traveling or need to conserve power.

The WH1000XM4s offer a better alternative to the Bowers & Wilkins Wireless Over-Ears PX7 S2. The Sonys are more comfortable, and their ANC can block out more background noise. The B&Ws come with an EQ that is more flexible and an app companion to adjust the audio performance. The B&Ws are built better and can connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. They also support aptXHD and feature an AI-driven engine that attempts to scale compressed music up to high resolution. This is known as DSEE Extreme and it does well in improving the clarity of music, especially when listening to lossless music.

2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The $329 Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones are the latest iteration of a headphone that became a staple for commuters and travelers from all over the world. The new model doesn't reinvent the wheel. It uses the same formula which was the basis of its predecessor's success, while adding USB-C and better noise cancellation.

These over-ear Bose headsets have a premium feel and look, just like the QC 35 II headphones that were before them. The headband, made of plastic, has a firm feel thanks to the metal hinges at pivot points. It also has the ratcheting mechanism that is familiar when you expand or retract your earcups. The cups are cushioned, and have soft pads that fit over your ears without putting pressure on your head. They weigh 238 grams and are compact when folded. You can wear them with an overcoat or sweater since the noise cancelling function works even when you aren't on your head.

Despite their reputation for comfort, the QC45s do not provide the best sound quality in this price range. The frequencies are dull and lack the depth that higher-end headphones might be able to bring out. The upper registers are amplified which is great for the majority of music but can be a problem for bluetooth headphones uk more delicate and intricate genres. The bass is good, but lacks the punch.

One feature that's not present is the ability to pause playback whenever you take off the headset. This is a feature Bose's rivals have provided for years. Another oversight was the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose provides preset EQ settings within the app however it would be nice to have manual control.

You can connect to your smartphone or tablet via bluetooth headphones Uk 5.0 with multipoint support and more advanced codecs like aptX Adaptive. Download the Bose Audio App to adjust your headsets voice and sound settings.

The QC45s come with four microphones inbuilt to pick up your voice while on the phone. The quality of calls is generally excellent however, the headphones don't come with the handy capability to turn off your voice during playback which is something other wireless headphones have. Update: A firmware upgrade for the QC45s in February 2022 introduced manual settings for EQ to the audio app. This is a welcome upgrade.

3. Focal Bathys Wireless

Focal is a French audio brand that produces high-performance headphones. They are renowned for their comfort and style that let listeners know that they're hearing something unique. Their first foray into wireless noise cancelling headphones the Bathys, are stunning headphones that sound and look fantastic. They also have an inbuilt high-performance USB DAC which means you can use them for wireless and wired listening.

The Bathys have a very good battery life, with Focal promising 30 hours of continuous Bluetooth playtime. We actually got a bit more out of them, with over 40 hours of playtime on average of a single charge. If you do require a recharge, there's an indicator light on the right earcup that turns red when the headphone has to be charged.

For headphones at this price, they come with lots of features. They support multiple devices simultaneously and offer automatic pairing. (You will need to select your source device manually every time you listen.) The headphones come with an inbuilt microphone that works with voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones also have an intuitive interface that makes it easy to control your music and take calls.

For wireless headphones uk headphones that are over-ear The Bathys are very good in our tests of noise cancellation. They cut down the background sound by around 9 decibels in average. It's not as effective as the ANC found in the Sony WH1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless however it's still very effective.

The Bathys headphones did well in our headphone sound tests. Their frequency response was generally similar to the headphone curve of SoundGuys with minor variations in the mids and bass. The Bathys have a bassy sound profile that can make vocals, instruments and cymbals look a bit veiled.

They also have excellent leakage resistance, which means you can wear them in public without worrying about others hearing your music. Their mic is passable for recording using Bluetooth with only a slight distortion between the mid-treble and the treble.

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4

The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless is a new version of the company's most popular Bluetooth headsets. The last pair, the Momentum 3, was a decent, but not the most impressive entry in the category. The latest pair improves on the previous model with more sleek design, better gesture controls and massive battery life.

The improvements are subtle, but can make for an over-ear pair of headphones that feel like an upgrade. The Momentum 4s lie flat and don't fold however they come with a nice hardshell case to protect them while on the go. They also follow the pattern of many other recent Bluetooth headphones, such as the ones from Sony and Bowers & Wilkins, to be incredibly device-agnostic. This means they work well with both Android phones and Apple iPhones, however they do not have the additional features (like Find My support and head-tracked Spatial Audio) that you'll find on the AirPods.

The most significant difference is the massive battery that can run for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation turned on. This is more than the majority of the competitors offer and is enough for a trip of a lifetime without worrying about finding an outlet to charge them.

Engadget senior editor Billy Steele gave the headphones an 82-point score with a focus on their audio quality and ANC as their main strengths. The only thing he dislikes is that they lack a sense gravitas in the mids as well as the treble, which means that orchestral music tends to sound flat instead of grand. The bass is smooth and well-rounded however, it can be overemphasized, which can lead to fatigue in songs with heavy bass lines such as the drum hits in As I Lay Dying's Forever. The cymbals sound smoky rather than full and there's no sense of depth in the bass.

The Momentum 4s are a comfortable fit and shouldn't put too much pressure on your neck or ears. However, they can be a bit uncomfortable when worn around the house or during longer listening sessions, and will move about on your head with intense head movements. This can cause them to wake up at random times, which can be distracting while listening to music or making calls. They stop automatically after 15 minutes and can be switched off manually using the power button.