Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds can completely surround the ears. They also have larger drivers that deliver deeper bass and a wider soundstage. A majority of them feature Bluetooth technology and active noise cancellation.

The latest Master & Dynamic MW65 update provides excellent audio, a variety of ANC modes and impressive battery life, all in a sleek and distinct design.

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

Sony has enhanced an already great pair of headphones with the introduction of the WH1000XM4 wireless. They're lighter, feel more constructed, and have an improved sound profile that is more balanced (though still bass-heavy), and come with an app that allows some audio adjustments. Their active noise cancellation works better than ever before, removing more ambient sound, and they have a longer continuous battery life than a lot of competitors.

These headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 and Cordless Headphones support SBC, Cordless Headphones AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. The latter can transfer high-resolution audio however, you'll need compatible equipment and streaming service. The WH-1000XM4s is also able to connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time and automatically switch between them as needed. You enable this feature through the Sony Headphones Connect app and it works very well.

One subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensitiveness of their touch panels. They respond quicker to tapping on panels and are simpler to manage when making a phone call or listening to music. Sony has also added an option that makes voices sound more clear and precise on calls which is noticeable and a nice addition.

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

The WH-1000XM4s are a better choice over the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless over-ears. The Sonys are more comfortable, and their ANC can block out more background noise. They also have a companion application that lets you adjust their audio performance, and their EQ settings are more flexible than B&W's. The B&Ws are better built and can be paired with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. They also support aptXHD and feature an AI-driven engine that attempts to increase the size of compressed music 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 current version of a headset that is a popular choice among commuters and travelers all over the world. The new model does not reinvent the wheel. It is based on the same formula that has made its predecessor so successful, while adding the USB-C technology and improved noise cancellation.

Like the QC 35 II before them, these over-ear Bose headphones feature a premium look and feel that exudes quality. The headband, constructed of plastic, offers a firm feel thanks to the hinges made of steel at pivot points. They also have the ratcheting mechanism that is familiar when you extend or retract your earcups. The cups are soft, cushioned pads that fit securely over the ears and do not apply pressure to your head. When folded they weigh 238 grams. They can be paired with a coat or sweater since they can be worn even when not on your head.

Despite their reputation as comfortable headphones however, the QC45s don't provide the best sound at this price point. The frequencies are comparatively flat and lack the details that more expensive headphones might be capable of bringing out. The higher registers tend to be amplified, which is fine for most music but can be a problem for delicate or intricate music genres. The bass is decent but lacks the punch.

One feature that's missing is the possibility of paused playback when you take the headset off. This is a feature Bose's competitors have offered for several years. Another omission is the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose has preset EQs available in the app but it would be nice if there was an option to manually control.

You can connect to your tablet or smartphone via Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint support and more advanced codecs such as aptX Adaptive. You can download the Bose Audio app to adjust the volume and voice assistant settings.

The QC45s come with four built-in microphones that hear your voice when you make calls. The headphones have good call quality, but they don't allow you to muffle the sound during playback as other wireless headphones. Update: A firmware update for the QC45s in February 2022 included manual adjustments to the audio app. This is a very welcome change.

3. Focal Bathys Wireless

Focal is a French audio company that makes high-performance headphones. They are known for their style and comfort that let listeners know that they're listening something special. Their first attempt at wireless headphones that cancel out noise the Bathys, are stunning cans that look and sound amazing. They also come with an inbuilt high-performance USB DAC which means you can use them for both wired and wireless listening.

The Bathys come with a great battery life, with Focal promising 30 hours of continuous Bluetooth playtime. We were able to get more than 40 hours of playback time on average on a single charge. If you need to recharge, there's an indicator light on the right earcup that will turn red when the earphone needs to be charged.

For cordless headphones; Web018.dmonster.kr, for this price, they come with many features. They can connect to multiple devices simultaneously and have automatic pairing. (You will need to select the device you want to pair with by hand each time you listen.) The headphones come with a built in microphone that works with voice assistants, such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones have an easy-to use interface that makes it simple to control music and make calls.

For wifi wireless headphones headphones that are over-ear, the Bathys excel in our tests of noise cancellation. They cut down the background sound by around 9 decibels in average. This isn't as impressive a result as the ANC in the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless, but it's still pretty effective.

In our tests of the quality of sound from headphones, the Bathys were a good overall performer with the frequency response which generally corresponds to the SoundGuys preference curve, with just slight differences in the bass and mids. They have a bass-rich sound profile that adds plenty of boom to mixes, however, it can make instruments and vocals like cymbals sound dull.

They also have excellent leakage resistance, meaning you can wear them in public without worrying about people hearing your music. Their microphone is suitable for recording using Bluetooth with just a little distortion between the mid-treble and the treble.

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4

The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless is a new update of the company's top Bluetooth headsets. The last pair, the Momentum 3, was a decent but not a standout into the category. The new model is an improvement on the previous model, sporting a more sleek design, better gesture control and an enormous battery life.

The improvements are subtle, but make for a pair of over ear headphones that feels like an upgrade. The Momentum 4s lay flat and do not fold however they come with a nice hardshell case to protect them while on the go. The Momentum 4s are non-device-specific, similar to other Bluetooth headphones from recent years, such as those from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. They are compatible with Apple iPhones as well as Android phones, but lack the AirPods additional features such as Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.

The most significant difference is the massive battery that can play for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation on. That's easily double what most of the competitors can provide and is enough for a trip of a lifetime without having to worry about finding an outlet to charge it.

Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget and Engadget, gave the headphones an 82 percent score. He cited their audio quality and ANC features as their strengths. The only issue he has is that they lack gravitas in mids and treble. This makes orchestral tracks sound dull instead of grand. The bass is smooth and well-rounded but it can be overemphasised and cause fatigue in songs with heavy bass lines such as the drum hits in As I Lay Dying's Forever. The cymbals sound hot, but not a lot. There's also not much depth to the lows.

The Momentum 4s are a comfortable fit and shouldn't put too much pressure on your ears or neck. However they can be a bit uncomfortable when worn around the house or during longer listening sessions. They will move about on your head with intense head movements. This can cause them wake up at random times, which can be distracting when listening to music or making calls. They stop automatically after 15 minutes, and can be shut off manually using the power button.