Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

If you're in the market for a pair of wireless over-ear headphones, consider these. These headphones are not just comfortable, but they also have active noise cancellation that reduces background noise so that you can focus on the music.

Focal's debut wireless headphones are an audiophile's dream. They have a rich and full sound, with enough thump for EDM but vocals and instruments are not excluded. They come with a companion application and ANC presets so you can modify the sound to fit your tastes.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 model from Sony is the latest version of the well-known headphones. It comes with an automatic noise cancellation that can block out ambient noise. With a staggering 27-hour playback time, they are perfect for long journeys or commutes. They also come with a handy feature that allows you to connect them to two Bluetooth devices at the same time, which makes it easy to switch between music and calls. The WH1000XM5 is appealing to anyone who cares for sustainability because of its sleek, minimalist design and environmentally friendly packaging.

Comparatively to their predecessors, the XM5s are lighter and more comfortable, with the headband that is comfortably around your ears and puts less pressure on your noggin. They're also more fashionable thanks to a new, stealthy look that helps them blend into the majority of outfits. And they're now available in a gorgeous matte black that's even better-looking than the previous generation's glossy black.

One of the WH-1000XM5's best features is their smart noise cancellation function, which detects when you've removed the headphones and then pauses your audio. When you put the headphones back on, they will automatically resume. This is a fantastic way to conserve battery and it's a great option.

The XM5s are an excellent option for audio quality due to their LDAC codec and DSEE Extreme upscaling. Tim Commerford's bass work is exhibited in Rage Against the Machine's Bullet in the Head, a brooding track. Billie Eilish's Bad Guy features subtle but deliberate vocal fade.

For those who are gym-goers and living in humid climates A word of caution: the WH1000XM5s do not have an IP rating. They cannot be trusted in areas with moisture. In the manual, it's explicitly stated that you shouldn't use the headset in the rain or when you sweat into it.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

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

The headphones can be switched off and on by an adjustable slider switch. There are also dedicated buttons for volume, play/pause and to navigate through your music library. The left earcup features an adjustable button that can be changed to match your voice assistant. There's also an ambience pass-through mode, which allows you to hear what's happening around you.

Streaming an 16-bit/44.1kHz master of Dennis Wilson's River Song from his Pacific Ocean blue tooth head phones album using the S2s, the soundstage is expansive and detailed, with layered harmonies and atmospheric textures that are clearly heard. There's a good amount of low-end extension too, and vocals stay centered.

The S2s aren't the most effective in EQ control. You can increase or reduce bass and treble to 6dB, but there are no presets that can allow you to find the perfect balance. This isn't a big issue for most listeners, however those who want to create their own audio will need to look for a different model.

Overall overall, the PX7 S2s are a good option for those who want an active noise-canceling headphones with an elegant feel and a high-end finish. They're not as versatile as the XM5s that are mentioned, but they're still a great option for most listeners. You'll need to decide if superior ANC and audio is worth the slightly higher cost.

Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The Bose QuietComfort 45 are a solid pair of over ear wireless headphones that provide excellent noise cancellation and 24-hour battery life. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable enough to wear throughout the home. They can be controlled using the built-in buttons and a companion app, although the customization options are limited (sorry, no equalizer). You'll be able to choose from a variety of sound profiles that are suitable for various situations, like travelling or working at home. The QC45s also feature a feature called Aware Mode that lets outside sounds be heard when using ANC, which can be beneficial for those who wish to hear kids and traffic when out and about.

The audio quality of the headphones isn't as high as the WH-1000XM5s, but they're still quite good. The bass isn't pounding but it does give decent depth and a good amount of texture. The mids and the highs are well rounded and there is no harshness or shrillness.

One issue is that the QC45s tend to prefer the higher frequencies, which may cause a slight sibilance when listening to certain songs. This is not a major issue and can be easily fixed by adjusting the headphone settings in the software.

The controls are simple and easy to use. A button on the left earcup turns the headphones on and off, controls the music playback, and manages Bluetooth pairing. A multi-function Action Button is also available. It can serve as a power switch and voice assistant, as well as controlling the volume. There's also a microphone for phone calls, and Siri or Alexa is available.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

The ATH-M20x are a stylish pair of headphones that provide great sound for the price. The headphones are sturdy and well-built. Although the headband and ear cups are constructed of plastic it is strong enough that it will be long-lasting and durable for use. The ear cups can be adjusted by 15 degrees, so they can be positioned comfortably on the majority of ears.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x features Bluetooth 5.0 which allows you to enjoy your music wirelessly. The battery lasts for a long time, offering up to 30 hours of music listening time. They come with a USB-C cord for charging.

The headphones are easy to use. There are three buttons along the back of the left earcup that let you control playback and other functions. You can pause, switch tracks and adjust the volume using these buttons. The ATH-M20x comes with an integrated microphone for voice commands and calls. The headset has a low latency mode that makes it ideal for video and gaming.

The ATH M20x headphones are fantastic for some music genres however, not all. Vocals may sound a bit flat and there is no real bass response. The high frequencies sound clear and clear. The treble is an outstanding feature of these headphones. They're a great choice for pop, classical and jazz.

The ATH M20x is a light headphone, with a weight of just 190g without the cord. The ear cups are well padded, but they cannot be folded. They are bulky and Wiresless headphones won't fit in the backpack or bag. They don't have a detachable cable. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better option for those who want an easier-to-transport set of Cordless headphones. It is more comfortable due to an adjustable design that folds, swiveling ears that lay flat and removable cables. It's more expensive but offers better isolation and a bit more bass.

Skullcandy Dime 2.

The Dime 2 is Skullcandy’s best-sounding true wireless headphones. It comes with a small and compact case that is easy to slip into purses or pockets. It also comes with a variety of sizes of ear gels to fit different ears. It's also lighter than true wireless buds that we test.

Dual microphones are great to pick up your voice when you call and also reducing background noise. They are not suitable for use outdoors because noises from the environment can be a distraction to your voice. Earbuds also struggle in windy environments and can clip parts of your speech.

The earbuds are good sounding despite these minor flaws. They have a clear, high-end that doesn't spill into the mids, and they feature a nice amount of mid-bass that adds some punch to your music.

They also come with a great dual-tap feature to perform voice commands, though they're not as user-friendly as Apple's AirPod Pro. It is necessary to place your thumb on the bottom stem to ensure stability, and then press the logo to initiate an instruction. It's a little inconvenient, and it does not feel as responsive as a pinch-gear system.

The earbuds are able to last for about four hours on a single charge. They can be charged quickly for two additional hours. The earbuds are IPX4 rated for their resistance to sweat and water. The Earbuds come with a carrying case with two openings for the buds and a loop to attach them to your clothing. It's a stylish case that's available in a variety of colors, including Doritos red. You can purchase them online for under $30 USD.