Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

Take a look at these if you're looking for wireless over-ear headsets. They're not only comfortable to wear, they come with excellent active noise cancellation that mutes background noises so you can focus on your music.

Focal's first wireless and bluetooth headphones (click through the next page) headphones are an audiophile's dream. They have a rich, full sound with enough thump to support EDM however vocals and instruments are not left out. They include a companion app and ANC presets so you can tailor the sound to suit your tastes.

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's WH-1000XM5 is the newest generation of its well-loved headphones, that feature automatic adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) to cancel out ambient sounds. With an impressive 27-hour playback duration, they are perfect for long commutes and long trips. The WH-1000XM5 also has an excellent feature that allows you to pair them with up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch from calls and music. The WH1000XM5 is appealing to anyone who cares for sustainability because of its sleek, minimalistic design and eco-friendly packaging.

The XM5s feature a lighter and more comfortable headband. It fits snugly over your ears and places less pressure on your skull. They're also more stylish with the new, sleek look that helps them blend in with most outfits. They're also now available in a luscious matte black that's even better-looking than the previous generation's glossy black.

One of the most appealing features of the WH1000XM5 is the smart noise cancellation feature, which detects when you remove the headphones and stops the audio. When you put the headphones back on the audio is automatically resumed. This is a fantastic way to save battery, and it works well.

The XM5s make a great choice for audio quality thanks to their LDAC codec and DSEE Extreme upscaling. Tim Commerford's work on bass is evident 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 word of caution for gym-goers and those who live in rainy climes The WH-1000XM5s aren't equipped with an IP rating, which means they aren't able to be used in moisture. There's even a disclaimer in the manual that advises you to don't sweat into the headset, or use it in the rain.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

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

A slider switch for wireless and bluetooth headphones power leaves no doubt about whether the headphones are turned on, and buttons for Wireless and bluetooth headphones play / pause and volume make it simple to navigate through your music collection. The left earcup has a button that is customizable and can be changed to match your voice assistant. There's also an ambient pass-through mode, which allows you to hear what's going on around you.

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

One area where the S2s fall short is in EQ control The S2s allow you to increase or decrease the bass and treble by 6dB, however there aren't any EQ presets to help determine the right balance. This isn't a huge deal for the majority of listeners, but those who prefer to create their own audio will likely need to look for a different model.

Overall overall, the PX7 S2s are the perfect choice for those seeking a noise-canceling, active headphone that has a premium finish and feel. While they're not as flexible as the XM5s mentioned above but they're a great choice for most listeners. You'll need to decide if the superior ANC and audio are worth the slightly more expensive price.

Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of wireless over-ear headphones that offer excellent noise cancellation. They also come with a 24-hour battery life. The headphones are light and comfortable enough to wear throughout the home. The built-in buttons can be controlled with an app that is included with the headphones, however the customization options are limited. (Sorry, there's no equalizer). You can choose from different sound profiles based on circumstances, like when you're travelling or working from home. The QC45s also feature an Aware Mode that lets outside sounds in when using ANC which is useful for people who want to hear kids and traffic when out and out and about.

The audio quality of the headphones isn't as good with the WH-1000XM5s but it's still a solid performer. The bass isn’t pounding but it does provide adequate richness and texture. The mids and the highs are smooth and there is no shrillness or harshness.

One issue is that QC45s are more inclined to use higher frequencies, which could cause an occasional sibilance while listening to certain songs. This isn't a major issue and can be easily corrected by altering the headphone settings in the software.

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

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

The ATH-M20x is a stylish pair of headphones wireless that provide amazing sound at a low cost. They are well built with an incredibly solid feel. The headband and earcups are made of plastic, but they are strong enough to last for many years. The ear cups can rotate by up to 15 degrees, so they will fit comfortably on most ears.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x has Bluetooth 5.0 that lets you listen to your music wirelessly. They boast a long battery life with up to 30 hours of listening time. They come with an USB cable for charging.

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

While the ATH-M20x headphones have great audio quality, they are not the best choice for all music genres. Vocals can sound flat, and there isn't a real bass response. The high frequencies are clear and clear though. The treble is a standout feature of these headphones. These headphones are great for jazz, pop and classical music.

The ATH-M20x headphones weigh light at just 190 grams without the cord. The earcups are cushioned, but they can't fold. They are large and cannot fit into the backpack or bag. The cable is not detachable. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better choice for those that want a more compact set of headphones. It is more comfortable with a folding design, swiveling ears that lay flat, and a removable cable. It is more expensive but offers more isolation, more bass and a longer battery life.

Skullcandy Dime 2.

The Dime 2 is one of Skullcandy's best-sounding wireless earbuds. It comes in a compact carry case that can easily be slipped into purses or pockets. It also comes with various sizes of ear gels to accommodate different ears. It's also a little lighter than some of the other true wireless headphones we test.

The earbuds come with dual microphones that are good for picking up your voice and reducing background noise when you make phone calls. They are not suitable for use in outdoor environments because noises from the environment can block out your voice. Earbuds also struggle in windy environments and can clip parts of your speech.

Despite these minor issues, the earbuds are solid in bass and other sound quality. They have a crisp high end that doesn't bleed into the mids, and they feature a good amount of mid-bass which adds some punch to your music.

The AirPod Pro has a dual-tap function that is decent however, it isn't as intuitive as the Apple AirPod Pro. You have to place your thumb on the bottom stem to ensure stability and then press the logo to initiate the command. It's not as responsive as a pinch gesture, and is a bit inconvenient.

The earbuds last for about four hours on just one charge. They also have a quick-charge feature that lets them last for two additional hours. They're also certified IPX4 for resistance to water and sweat. The earbuds come with a carrying case that features two openings that can accommodate the earbuds, as well as a loop for attaching them to clothing. It's a great-looking case that's available in multiple colors, including Doritos red. On the internet, you can buy the cases for less than $30 USD.