Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds are able to completely encapsulate your ears. They also allow for larger drivers that deliver deeper bass and a bigger soundstage. A majority of them feature Bluetooth technology and active noise cancellation.

The latest Master & Dynamic MW65 update provides high-quality audio, numerous 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 by introducing the WH1000XM4 wireless. They're less heavy, feel better constructed, and have a more balanced sound profile (though still bass-heavy), and include an app that allows for some audio-related customization. They've upgraded their active noise cancellation, eliminating more ambient sounds, and have a longer battery life.

These headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible and Sony LDAC is also supported. These headphones can transmit high-resolution audio, however, you'll need compatible devices and a streaming service. In addition, the WH-1000XM4s can connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and switch between them if needed. This feature can be enabled through the Sony Headphones Connect app and it works flawlessly.

One subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensitivity of their touch panels. They respond faster to tapping on the panel and are much easier to control when making calls or listening to media. Sony has also added a feature that makes voice sound clearer and more precise when calling, which is noticeable and a nice touch.

The WH-1000XM4s may not be perfect, but they're among the top wireless headphones we've ever tested. They're comfortable, well-made, and have an energy-efficient battery that can last for more than 30 continuous hours. They can also be used passively using a TRS cable which is perfect for those who travel or want to conserve power.

The WH1000XM4s provide a superior alternative to the Bowers & Wilkins Wireless Over-Ears Px7 S2. The Sonys are more comfortable and their ANC can block out more background noise. They also have an application that lets you adjust their audio performance, and their EQ settings are more flexible than B&W's. However, the B&Ws have more robust design and they're able to connect with two Bluetooth devices at once. Additionally, they support aptX HD and feature an AI-driven engine that is attempting to boost compressed music to high-resolution. This is known as DSEE Extreme, and it enhances the clarity of music when listening to lossless audio files.

2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The $329 Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones are the latest iteration of a headset that became a standard for commuters as well as travelers from all over the world. The new model does not reinvent the wheel. It is based on the same formula which has made its predecessor so successful but it also includes the USB-C technology and improved noise cancellation.

These over-ear Bose headsets have a premium feeling and look, much like the QC 35 II headphones that came before them. The headband is made from plastic, but has a sturdy feel with hinges made of metal at pivot points and the familiar ratcheting action when you extend or retract the earcups. The cups feature soft, cushioned pads that are securely positioned over your ears and do not apply pressure to your head. When folded, wireless Headphnes they weigh 238 grams. They can be paired with a sweater or coat because they function even when not on your head.

Despite their reputation for comfort, the QC45s do not offer the most impressive sound quality for this price range. The frequencies are comparatively flat and lack the depth that higher-end headphones may be capable of bringing out. The higher registers tend to be more boosted and is suitable for most music but can be a problem for delicate or intricate genres of music. The bass is decent but lacks punch.

The ability to pause playback when you remove the headset is a feature not available. This is a feature Bose's rivals have offered for many years. Another issue is the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose provides preset EQ settings in the app, but it would be nice to have manual control.

You can connect to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint support as well as more advanced codecs like aptX Adaptive. Download the Bose Audio App to adjust your headsets voice and sound settings.

The QC45s have four microphones that are built-in to pick up your voice when on the phone. The quality of calls is generally excellent but the headphones don't have the nifty capability to muffle your voice during playback which is something other wireless headphones do. Update: As of February 2022, a firmware upgrade to the QC45s offered an option to adjust the volume manually in the audio app, which is a welcome improvement.

3. Focal Bathys Wireless headphnes

Focal is a French audio brand known for its high-performance headphones that last for a long time, comfort and a design that makes listeners feel like they're listening to something special. The Bathys are their first wireless headphone noise cancelling headphones. They look and sound stunning. They come with a top-quality USB DAC built in, which means you can use them both for wired and wireless listening.

The Bathys are very efficient in terms of battery performance, with Focal claiming 30 hours of continuous Bluetooth playtime. We actually got a little more out of them, with over 40 hours on average out of just one charge. If you have to charge the headphones, the indicator light on the right earcup will turn red.

They offer a good amount of features for headphones at this price that include support for multiple devices simultaneously and automatic pairing (though you'll have to manually select your source device every time you want to listen). The headphones come with built-in microphones that can be used with voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones come with an easy-to navigate interface that makes it simple to control music and make calls.

Bathys over-ear headphones do well in our noise cancellation test, reducing ambient sound by 9 decibels on average. It's not as effective as the ANC found in the Sony WH1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless but it's still very effective.

In our tests of headphone sound quality The Bathys did well overall, with a a frequency response that mostly matches the SoundGuys headphone preference curve, with just minor differences in the bass and mids. The Bathys have a bassy sound that can make instruments, vocals and cymbals appear obscure.

You can wear them anywhere without worrying that others will hear your music. The microphone has a decent recording quality through Bluetooth with only slight distortion in the mid - to treble range.

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4

The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless are a new update to the company's flagship Bluetooth headphones. The Momentum 3 was a solid but not an outstanding entry in this class. The new pair is an improvement on the previous model, sporting a an elegant design, enhanced gesture control and an enormous battery life.

The improvements here are subtle but they make a pair of over-ears that seem like a step up from the previous model. The Momentum 4s are flat and do not fold. They come with an outer case that protects them when on the move. The Momentum 4s are device-agnostic, like many other Bluetooth headphones of recent times, like the ones from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. They work with both Apple iPhones and Android phones, but lack the AirPods extra features, such as Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.

The most notable improvement is the battery that can run for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation turned on. This is more than twice the amount of the competitors and sufficient to take a multi-day journey without having to search for an outlet.

Engadget senior editor Billy Steele gave the headphones an 82-point score with a focus on their audio quality and ANC as two of their strengths. His only complaint is that they lack a sense of gravitas in the mids and treble, meaning that orchestral pieces tend to sound flat instead of grand. The bass is well-rounded but it can sound too loud, which can cause to fatigue when songs have heavy bass lines, like the drum hits in As I Lay Dying’s Forever. The cymbals sound sizzled, not full. There's no real depth to the lows.

The Momentum 4s should not put pressure on your neck or ear. They can be a bit fidgety if you wear them at home or for long listening sessions. They can move on your head, and make rapid head movements. This could cause them to wake up at random, which can be distracting during music or calls. They will shut down automatically after 15 minutes, and can be shut off manually using the power button.