Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

If you're in the market for a pair of wireless over-ear headphones look into these. They're not only comfortable to wear, but they offer excellent active noise cancellation that reduces background noises so you can concentrate on the music.

The first wireless headphones by Focal are a dream for audiophiles. They have a full sound with enough thump for EDM however vocals and instruments aren't excluded. They come with an app companion and ANC presets to customize the sound to your preference.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 from Sony is the latest version of the popular headphones. It offers automatic adaptive noise cancellation to cancel out ambient sound. With a remarkable 27-hour playback time they are ideal for long commutes and long trips. They also have a neat feature that allows you to pair them with two Bluetooth devices at once making it simple to switch between calls and music. The WH-1000XM5's sleek and minimalist design and environmentally friendly packaging (using recycled plastic specifically developed for Sony) make an appealing choice for those who are concerned about sustainability.

The XM5s come with a lighter, more comfortable headband that is a perfect fit over your ears and puts less pressure on your skull. They're also more stylish with the new, sleek style that allows them to blend into the majority of outfits. They're also available in a matte black that is better than the glossy black of the previous generations.

One of the most appealing features of the WH1000XM5 is the smart noise cancellation feature. It detects when you remove the headphones and pauses the audio. When you put the headphones back on, they automatically resume. This is a fantastic way to conserve battery and it's a great option.

The XM5s make a great choice for audio quality thanks to their LDAC codec and DSEE Extreme upscaling. Tim Commerford's bass skills are featured in Rage against the Machine’s Bullet in the Head track, Wireless headphones a dark track. Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy has a subtle but deliberate vocal fade.

For those who exercise and living in humid climates A word of caution The WH1000XM5s do NOT have an IP rating. They cannot be trusted near moisture. There's even a disclaimer within the manual that recommends you not sweat into the headset, or use it in the rain.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is a refreshing upgrade to B&W's prior flagship wireless headphone model, the 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 more refined. It's an older look than the glossy, techy design of Sony's XM5 or Apple's AirPods Max.

The headphones can be switched off and on by a slider switch. There are buttons that are specifically designed for volume, play/pause, and to navigate through your music library. The left earcup features a button that is customizable and can be remapped for your voice assistant. There's also an ambience pass-through mode that lets you hear what's happening around you.

Streaming an 16-bit/44.1kHz master of Dennis Wilson's River Song from his Pacific Ocean Blue album using the S2s The soundstage is vast and rich with layered harmonies and atmospheric textures that are clearly heard. There's a lot of low-end extension, too, and vocals stay focused.

One area where the S2s don't excel 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 you to find the perfect balance. Most listeners won't be bothered by this however, those who want to tweak their audio will have to look elsewhere.

Overall overall, the PX7 S2s are a solid option for those seeking an active noise-canceling headphones with an elegant feel and a high-end finish. Although they're not as versatile as the XM5s mentioned above but they're a great choice for most listeners. You'll have to decide if the better ANC and audio are worth the slightly higher cost.

Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The Bose QuietComfort 45 are a solid pair of over ear wireless and bluetooth headphones headphones that offer great noise cancellation and a 24-hour battery life. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable enough to wear around the house. The built-in buttons can be controlled by an app that comes with the headphones, however customization is only limited. (Sorry, there's no equalizer). You'll be able to choose from a range of sound profiles for wireless headphones different situations, like travelling or working from home. The QC45s feature an Aware Mode which permits outside sounds to be heard using ANC. This can be beneficial for those who wish to hear children and traffic when out and out and about.

The audio quality isn't as good with the WH-1000XM5s however it's still a good performance. The bass isn't pounding but it does give decent depth and a decent amount of the sound's 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 result in a slight sibilance when listening to certain songs. This is not a major issue and can be easily corrected by altering the headphone settings in software.

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

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

The ATH-M20x are a stylish pair of headphones that provide excellent sound quality for the price. They are well built with an incredibly solid feel. While the headband and ear cups are constructed of plastic, they are strong enough to make it durable for long use. The ear cups can be adjusted by 15 degrees which means they can be put in the most comfortable position for most ears.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x features Bluetooth 5.0 that lets you listen to your music wirelessly. They come with a remarkable battery life with up to 30 hours of music listening time. They come with a USB-C cable to charge.

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 other functions. These buttons allow you to stop, change tracks, and adjust the volume. The ATH M20x comes with built-in microphones for calls and voice commands. The headset is in a low latency mode which makes it ideal for gaming and video calling.

The ATH M20x headphones are fantastic for certain styles of music, but not all. Vocals can sound flat and there is no real bass response. The high frequencies sound clear and clear. The treble is the most prominent feature of these headphones. They are a great option for classical, pop and jazz.

The ATH M20x is a light headphone, weighing just under 190g without the cord. The earcups are cushioned, but they are not able to fold. They are bulky and will not fit into the backpack or bag. The cable is not removable. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better option for those looking for an audio system that are more mobile. It is more comfortable with a folding design, swiveling ears that lay flat and removable cables. It's more expensive but it offers better isolation, a bit more bass and a longer battery life.

Skullcandy Dime 2.

The Dime 2 is one of the best-sounding earbuds from Skullcandy's true wireless. It comes with a small, compact carrying case that is easy to slip into purses or pockets. It comes with a range of sizes of earbuds that can be adjusted to fit various sizes of ears. It's also lighter than some of the other true wireless headphones we've test.

The earbuds have dual microphones that are good to pick up your voice and lessening background noise when you make phone calls. They are not suitable for use in outdoor environments since noises from the outside can drown out your voice. They also struggle with winds and can cut parts of your speech.

The earbuds remain excellent sounding despite these minor problems. They have a clear clean, clear high-end that doesn't spill into the mids. They also have a good amount of mid-bass to give your music a bit of punch.

The AirPod Pro has a dual-tap function that works well but not as intuitive as Apple AirPod Pro. You must place your thumb on the bottom stem for stability and then press the logo to initiate the command. It's not as flexible as a pinch gesture, and can be a bit unwieldy.

The earbuds are able to last for about four hours on a single charge. They come with a quick-charge feature for two more hours. They're also classified as IPX4 for resistance to sweat and water. The Earbuds come with a carrying case with two openings for the earbuds and an elastic loop to secure them to your clothes. The case comes in several colors including Doritos Red. They are available on the internet for less than $30 USD.