Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Roundup

Wireless headphones remove the limitations of wires in your listening experience. They are more comfortable to wear for long periods at a stretch and some can fold into a compact form factor to pack away when not in use.

The Sony WH-1000XM5s Bluetooth headphones are a great pair of Bluetooth headsets that tick all the boxes. They feature top-of-the-line audio quality, noise cancellation, a stylish design, and a comfortable fit. They are compatible with the lossless LDAC high-res codec to playback high-quality audio.

Sound Quality

If you're a lover of large, full-size wireless headphones that are worn over your ear and are connected by a headband to isolate and amplify audio there's a wide range of options. In our roundup of the top over-ear Bluetooth headphones, Sony Over Ear Headphones you'll find certified UC headsets designed to work with communications platforms like Microsoft Teams, plus premium pairs from brands like Sony, Sennheiser, Bose and Bowers & Wilkins that are as luxurious as they are durable.

The Sony WH1000XM5 is one of our favorites. They improve on the multi-award winning predecessor by having sleeker design and more refined noise cancellation. The headphones can be used for up to 37 hours on a single charge. They can also be charged fast to extend the battery life by 8 hours in only 15 minutes. They feature a fun balanced sound profile, and can be used with the lossless Sony LDAC hi-res codec so you can stream music in stunning HD.

The headphones produce a rich and twitchy sound, with distinct mids and bass. You can also alter the sound signature using the headphones mobile app, adding more emphasis on the bass and treble to suit your personal taste. In our tests, they were remarkably precise and clear, with vocals and orchestral music playing in stunning clarity.

Another of our top-rated, over-ear Bluetooth headphones is the Logitech G HUB Wireless Headphones, which have a well-balanced sound out of the box and deliver clear audio. They're equipped with a decent amount of bass to enhance sound effects and game music, and their sound is very consistent. They're compatible with Logitech's HUB program, which has a graphic EQ and presets to allow you to modify the sound to your liking.

If you are willing to pay a little more then the Bowers & Wilkins premium Danish-made Px7S2 headphones are the top Bluetooth over-ear headphone. They're a little more expensive than the Sonys but they look and sound the part, with hard aluminium casing and Sony Over Ear Headphones lambskin leather earcups filled with memory foam. They're comfortable to wear and support the adaptive aptX and SBC audio codecs that allow you to listen to high-quality music wirelessly. They're well-crafted, too and feature a stylish minimalist design that will suit any taste.

Noise Cancellation

If you're looking to hush the world and immerse yourself in your podcasts or music, then noise cancellation is an essential feature. Wireless headphones with noise cancellation capabilities typically have ear cups that seal tightly over your ears to block out ambient noise and help you concentrate on your audio. Active noise cancellation (anc headphones over ear) which is used by the majority of over-ear headphones to block out ambient noise it works by listening to your surroundings and creating an opposing sound to block the sound. They won't make your surroundings zen-like however they can reduce the noise of train engines and other ambient noises.

ANC generally uses tiny microphones to listen for ambient sounds, which are then compared to the original audio that you're listening to. The tiny differences between the two sounds are then used to create a sound that's equal and opposite. This is then fed into your ear cups and effectively blocks out the background noise. Apps or hardware controls that are specifically designed for this purpose can be used to alter the best noise cancelling headsets. You can select the degree of noise cancellation that is suitable for your situation.

Most of the headphones we test come with many additional features beyond the ability to control ANC. For instance, a lot of pairs incorporate a microphone for hands-free phone calls and can be used with voice assistants like Siri and Alexa. Some pairs come with built-in speakers for audio streaming.

In terms of noise cancellation we've seen significant advancements in recent times. For instance, Focal has thrown itself into the top wireless ANC headphones market with its Bathys which we adore for their incredible comfort, slick features and dazzling sound quality. They're able to cut down background noise by up to 30dB. You can control the ANC levels through an app and set three "favorite settings that can be changed by pressing a physical button on the left ear cup.

While the quality of sound of a pair is an important aspect, noise cancellation should be at the top of your list when looking for new headphones. The most popular ANC headphones are expensive, but they're worth it due to their build quality and longevity of the battery. If you're on a budget, the Sony WF-1000XM5s are our top choice because they provide excellent noise cancellation and slick sound quality for a low price.

Battery Life

Wireless headphones should last for as long as they are able to. This is due to the fact that they consume their own batteries as well as the audio device playing music through them, therefore it's important to choose the right pair that has a large amount of storage in case you don't get an charge or get power out. Many manufacturers offer headphone models with plenty of storage. Some even incorporate solar charging so they can be charged automatically when you are not listening to them.

Over-ear headphones are typically larger and cover more of your ears. This allows them to have larger batteries that allow for longer playtimes and more advanced features. They also have better noise cancellation because their larger size provides a better seal to the environment.

The premium brand Bang & Olufsen makes some of the most premium headphones for over-ear with its H95 flagship wireless headphones that provide a full listening experience. With a premium design with aluminum details and Nappa leather they're the best option for the audiophile who enjoys listening in the comfort of their home for a long time.

For a more affordable pair of headphones, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro boasts a long-lasting battery of 50 hours with ANC activated and 65 hours without it. This is far ahead of the competition and is a testimony to the headphones' remarkable build quality and features a comfortable fit and sturdy headband that can take the punishment.

Another budget option is the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones that can be used for up to 44 hours with ANC turned on and feature an active noise cancellation system that's incredibly efficient in blocking out ambient noise. The sound quality is also excellent, with a V shaped profile that produces lots of bass while also brightening the instruments and vocals.

The Sony WF1000XM5 wireless headphones aren't cheap, but at less than $100, they offer excellent isolation with foam ear tips and noise cancellation that is solid, even if it's not the most advanced model on this list. They also support Bluetooth 5.3 and the latest LDAC codec, which allows for high-resolution audio. They can be charged using the included cord, or via USB.

Portability

The amount of space a pair headphones takes up when folded into their most compact form is an important factor in their portability. The smaller the fold-down size, the more easily you can slip them into backpacks or bags for use on the go without the risk of them getting stuck in the way.

If you're looking for a no-fuss wireless headphone that has plenty of features that will suit every day listening, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT is a great option. They're light, fold down in a neat manner, and come with an impressive 44 hours of playback time. They are compatible with multi-device pairing and have a superb microphone for phone calls.

If you're planning to use your over-the-ear headphones for calls that are hands-free the Audio-Technica ATHS200BT are a better option as they are more comfortable and come with an impressive 50 hours of playback. The headphones also have a retractable cord for wired use, as well as a hard case.

The Sony WF-C700N, a five-star performer that's one of the most popular models among What Hi-Fi?'s staff and the JBL Live Pro 2 are two other top-rated over-ear wireless headphones. Both are around the $100/PS100 or AU$150 price range and come with active noise cancellation, though you'll need to accept that they're not as high-quality as our top recommendations.

For something more upscale The Focal Bathys Wireless are a top pair of headphones that provide excellent sound quality for their price. They have an angled sound profile that includes plenty of bass to complement EDM hip-hop, rock, and. Instruments and vocals sound bright and clear, and you can alter the sound to your preference by using their accompanying app's graphic EQ and presets. They also support aptX Adaptive codec for hi-res streaming and an optional USB-DAC mode for wired listening.

Look into the sony over ear headphones (please click Leewhan) WH1000XM5 which is not just more expensive, but worthy of our five-star seal. The Sony WH-1000XM5 may not be inexpensive, but it does have an extended battery life, great noise cancellation, and allows you to enjoy music for an extended period without worrying about running out of power or having to charge.