Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

Take a look at these if you're seeking wireless headphones for your ears. These headphones are not just comfortable but also feature active noise cancellation that reduces background sounds so you can focus on your music.

The first wireless headphones by Focal are the ultimate dream of audiophiles. They have a full sound profile that has enough thump for EDM but instruments and vocals aren't left out. They include a companion app and ANC presets to tailor the sound to your preference.

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's WH-1000XM5 is the newest generation of its well-loved headphones that offer adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) to block out the background sounds. They're ideal for commutes and long travel days, with an impressive 27 hours of playback time. They also have a neat feature that lets you pair them with two Bluetooth devices at once, which makes it easy to switch between calls and music. The WH1000XM5 is appealing to anyone who values sustainability because of its sleek, minimalist design and eco-friendly packaging.

In comparison to their predecessors the XM5s weigh less and are more comfortable with headbands that fit comfortably around your ears and puts less pressure on your head. They're also more fashionable thanks to an updated, subtle appearance that lets them blend into most outfits. They're also available in a matte black that is better than the glossy black of the previous generations.

One of the best features is their intelligent noise cancellation function, which senses when you've taken off the headphones and stops the audio. When you put them back on the audio is automatically resumed. This is a great way to save battery, and it works.

For sound quality, the XM5s are top of the line in 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, a brooding track. Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy features a subtle, but deliberate vocal fade.

A cautionary note for gym rats and those who live in a rainy climate The WH-1000XM5s do not have an IP rating, which means they shouldn't be used in humid conditions. There's even a disclaimer in the manual that suggests you avoid sweating into the headset or use it in the rain.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 represents a refreshing update of B&W's former flagship wireless headphone, PX7. Instead of a simple upgrade it is a significant upgrade. Series 2 delivers a substantial improvement in both ANC and audio quality. The design is also more refined. It's an older look as opposed to the glossy, modern design of Sony's XM5 or Apple's AirPods Max.

A power slider leaves no doubt about whether the headphones are turned on, and buttons for play/pause and volume make it simple to navigate through your music library. There's a button that can be customized on the left earcup that can be changed to trigger your voice assistant, and there's also an ambient pass-through mode that lets you be aware of what's happening around you without removing the headphones.

streaming a 16-bit/44.1kHz master of Dennis Wilson's River Song from his Pacific Ocean Blue album using the S2s The soundstage is vast and rich with layered harmonies as well as atmospheric textures bursting through. The vocals are focused and there's a good low-end extension.

The S2s are not the most effective in EQ control. You can increase or reduce bass and treble up to 6dB, however there are no presets to allow you to find the perfect balance. Most listeners won't be bothered by this, but those who like to alter their audio need to look elsewhere.

Overall, the PX7 S2s are the perfect choice for those looking for a noise-canceling active headphone that has an exquisite finish and feel. While they're not as flexible as the XM5s mentioned above but they're an excellent option for most listeners. You'll need to decide if their superior ANC and audio quality is enough to justify the slightly higher price.

Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of wireless over-ear headphones that offers great noise cancellation. They also have an extended battery life of 24 hours. They're also light and comfortable enough to wear around the house. They can be controlled via the built-in buttons or an app companion, but customization is limited (sorry there's 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 come with a feature known as Aware Mode that allows outside sounds to be heard using ANC. This can be useful for people who want to hear traffic and children while out and out and about.

The audio quality of the headphones isn't as good with the WH-1000XM5s however it's still a solid performer. The bass isn't overpowering, but it does offer decent depth and a decent amount of sound quality. The highs and mids are well-rounded and there's no hint of harshness or shrillness.

One issue is that the QC45s are more inclined to use higher frequencies, which could cause some sibilance to certain songs. This isn't a major issue and can be fixed by changing the headphone settings in the software.

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

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

The ATH-M20x is a chic pair that delivers great sound at a reasonable cost. They are well built with solid feel to them. The earcups and Bluetooth Wireless headphone headband are made from plastic, but they're strong enough to last for many years. The ear cups can be adjusted by 15 degrees which means they can be placed in a comfortable position on the majority of ears.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x has bluetooth wireless headphone (Full Post) 5.0 which allows you to enjoy your music wirelessly. The battery longevity is impressive, with up to 30hrs of listening time. They include a USB-C cable to charge.

The use of the headphones is easy. Three buttons are situated on the left ear cup and let you control the playing back of music as well in other functions. You can pause, switch tracks, and alter the volume with these buttons. The ATH-M20x also has a microphone you can use for voice calls and voice commands. The headset has a low latency mode that makes it ideal for video gaming and gaming.

While the ATH-M20x headphones have great audio quality, they aren't ideal for all music genres. Vocals can sound a little dull and there isn't any real bass response. The high frequencies are crisp and clear however. These headphones are known for their treble. These headphones are great for jazz, pop and classical music.

The ATH-M20x is a lightweight headphone, weighing just under 190g without the cord. They are comfortable with plenty of padding on the ear cups however they aren't foldable. They will be bulky to carry around in the backpack and will not fit in a handbag. They don't have a detachable cable. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better choice for those looking for a more compact set of headphones. It is more comfortable with the ability to fold, swivel ear cups that lay flat, and a removable cable. It is more expensive, but it provides more isolation and more bass.

Skullcandy Dime 2

The Dime 2 is one of the best-sounding earbuds from Skullcandy's true wireless. It has a small and compact case that's easy to put in pockets or purses. It comes with a variety of sizes of ear gels that can be adjusted to fit various sizes of ears. It's also lighter than wireless bluethooth headphone headphones that we've test.

Dual microphones are great for picking up your voice when you call and reducing background sound. However, they're not ideal for use outdoors because environmental noises can overwhelm your voice. Earbuds also struggle in windy environments and can clip some of your speech.

The earbuds are great sounding, despite these minor flaws. They have a clear high end that doesn't bleed into the mids, and they have an excellent amount of mid-bass to add some punch to your music.

The AirPod Pro has a dual-tap function that is decent but not as intuitive as the Apple AirPod Pro. It is necessary to place your thumb on the bottom stem to ensure stability, and then press the logo to trigger an instruction. It's not the most convenient, and it isn't as responsive as a pinch-gesture system.

The earbuds last about four hours on one charge. They also come with an option to charge them quickly that lets them last another two hours. They're also classified as IPX4 for resistance to sweat and water. The earbuds come with a carrying case that has two openings for the buds and an attachment loop to clip them to your clothes. It's a stylish case that's available in several colors, including Doritos red. You can purchase them online for under $30 USD.