Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds encapsulate the ears completely. They also have larger drivers, Wireles Headphones which deliver greater bass and a bigger soundstage. They also have active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.

The Master & Dynamic MW65 is updated with superior audio and multiple ANC modes and a huge battery life.

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

Sony has improved an already excellent pair of Wireles Headphones with the introduction of the WH1000XM4 wireless. They are lighter, better built and feature an audio profile that is more balanced (though bass-heavy). They also have an app that lets you customize the audio. Their active noise cancellation works even better than before, eliminating the background noise, and they have a longer continuous battery life than many competitors.

These headphones utilize Bluetooth 5.0 which supports SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. The latter can transfer high-resolution audio, however you'll need compatible devices and streaming services. In addition, the WH1000XM4s can connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time and switch between them if needed. This feature can be enabled via the Sony Headphones Connect App and works flawlessly.

One of the major improvements over the XM3 is the sensitivity of their touch panels. They respond quicker to a tap on the panel and are much easier to control when making a call or listening to music. Sony has also added a feature that can make voice calls more precise and clear during calls. This is a distinct and a nice addition.

The WH-1000XM4s may not be perfect, but they're among the best wireless headphones that we have ever tested. They're comfortable, well made, and have an excellent battery that can last longer than 30 hours continuously. They can also be used passively with the TRS cable which is great for those who travel or want to conserve power.

The WH1000XM4s provide a superior 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 feature an EQ that is more flexible, as well as an app companion to adjust the audio quality. But the B&Ws have an improved design, and they can connect with two Bluetooth devices at once. They also support aptXHD and have an AI-driven engine that attempts to scale compressed music up to high-resolution. This is called DSEE Extreme, and it improves the clarity of music when listening to lossless audio files.

2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The $329 Bose QuietComfort45 sound cancelling headset is the most recent version of a headset that has become a popular choice for commuters and passengers all over the world. The new model doesn't reinvent the wheel. It retains the same formula that has made its predecessor so successful, Wireles Headphones while adding the USB-C port and improved noise cancellation.

These over-ear Bose headsets come with a premium feel and look, much like the QC 35 II headphones that were before them. The headband, which is made of plastic, has a solid feel thanks to the metal hinges at pivot points. It also features the familiar ratcheting mechanism when you retract or extend your ear cups. The cups have soft cushions that are securely positioned over your ears and do not apply pressure to your head. When folded they weigh 238 grams. You can use them when you're wearing an overcoat or sweater since the noise cancellation function is functional even when they are not on your head.

Despite their reputation for comfort, the QC45s can't offer the most impressive sound quality for this price range. The frequencies are dull and lack the detail that headphones with higher prices might be able bring out. The upper registers are boosted which is acceptable for the majority of music but can be a problem for more delicate and complex genres. The bass is decent, but is lacking punch.

One feature that's not present is the ability to pause playback whenever you remove the headset. This is standard in this price range and something that Bose's rivals have long offered. 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 manually control.

Bluetooth 5.0 is supported, with multipoint as well as more advanced codecs such as aptX Adaptive. Download the Bose Audio App to adjust your headsets audio and voice settings.

The QC45s come with four built-in microphones that pick up your voice during calls. The call quality is generally excellent, but the headsets don't have the nifty capability to turn off your voice while playing back which is a feature that other wireless headphones have. Update: A firmware update for the QC45s came out in February 2022 introduced manual settings for EQ to the audio app. This is a very welcome change.

3. Focal Bathys Wireless

Focal is a French audio brand that produces high-performance headphones. They are renowned for their comfort and style, which let listeners know that they're listening to something special. The Bathys are their first wireless noise-cancelling headphones. They are stunning in appearance and sound. They have a high-performance USB DAC built in, making them suitable both for wired and buy wireless headphones listening.

The Bathys come with a great battery performance with Focal promising 30 hours of continuous Bluetooth playtime. We had more than 40 hours of playback on average from a single charge. If you have to charge the headphones, the indicator light on the right earcup will turn red.

For a pair of headphones at this price, they offer a lot of features. They can connect to multiple devices at once and feature automatic pairing. (You have to select your device source manually every time you listen.) They also have a built-in mic that can be used to control voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones come with an easy-to navigate interface that makes it easy to control music and make calls.

For over-ear wireless headphones The Bathys perform very well in our tests of noise cancellation, which reduces the ambient sound by about 9 decibels per hour on average. This isn't as impressive as the ANC in the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless but it's still fairly effective.

The Bathys headphones performed well in our headphone tests. Their frequency response was generally similar to the SoundGuys headphone curve, with only minor deviations on the bass and mids. The Bathys have a booming sound that can make instruments, vocals and cymbals look a bit obscure.

Wear them wherever you want without worrying that others will listen to your music. Their microphone is suitable for recording via Bluetooth, with only slight distortion between the mid-treble and treble.

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4

The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless is a new update of the company's top Bluetooth headsets. The Momentum 3 was a solid, but not spectacular entry in this class. The new model improves on the previous model by having modern design, better gesture controls, and a huge battery life.

The changes are subtle but add up to an over-ear set of headphones that feels like an upgrade. The Momentum 4s are flat and don't fold. They come with a hardshell case that protects them while moving. The Momentum 4s are also compatible with all devices, just like other Bluetooth headphones from recent years, such as those from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. This means they work well with both Android phones and Apple iPhones, however they don't have the extra features (like Find My support and head-tracked spatial audio) that are available on the AirPods.

The biggest improvement is the battery that can play for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation turned on. That's easily double what most of the competition can offer and is enough for a long-distance trip without having to worry about finding an outlet to charge it.

Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget The headphones were rated by Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget a score of 82. He cited their audio quality and ANC features as their strengths. He only has one complaint: they lack a sense gravitas in mids and the treble. This makes orchestral tracks sound flat, not grand. The bass is rounded, however, it can be overemphasized and cause fatigue in songs with strong bass lines like the drum hits in As I Lay Dying's Forever. The cymbals sound sizzled, not full. There's also not much depth to the lows.

The Momentum 4s should not cause pressure on your neck or ear. However they can be a bit uncomfortable when worn in the house or during longer listening sessions. They will move about on your head with intense head movements. This can cause them unexpectedly wake up, which can be distracting during music or calls. Fortunately, they will shut down after 15 minutes of slumber by default and can be turned off manually off by pressing the power button.