Best Over-Ear Headphones

Unlike earbuds, over-ear headphones are a complete encapsulation of your ears and allow larger drivers to deliver greater bass and larger soundstages. Many also include active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.

The Master & Dynamic MW65 is updated with superior audio, multiple ANC modes and a huge battery life.

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

Sony has enhanced an already excellent pair of headphones with the introduction of the WH1000XM4 wireless. They're less heavy, feel better built, feature an improved sound profile that is more balanced (though still bass-heavy) and include an app that lets you do some audio adjustments. Their active noise cancelling performs even better than before, removing more ambient sound, and they have a longer battery life than many competitors.

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

One subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensibility of their touch panels. They respond faster to a tap on a panel and are easier to control when making a call or listening to music. Sony has also added a feature that can make voices sound more clear and precise during calls. This is a distinct and nice touch.

The WH-1000XM4s aren't perfect, but they are among the top wireless headphones that we have ever examined. They're comfortable, feel well-made, and come with an outstanding battery that lasts more than 30 hours continuously. They can also be used passively using the TRS cable, which is ideal for those who travel or want to save power.

The WH-1000XM4s make a better choice than the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless over-ears. The Sonys are more comfy, and their ANC can block out more background noise. They also come with a companion application that lets you adjust their audio performance and EQ settings are more flexible than B&W's. The B&Ws are more robust, and can pair with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. In addition, they support aptX HD and feature an AI-driven engine that tries to upscale compressed music to high-resolution. This is known as DSEE Extreme and it does a good job of improving the clarity of music, especially when listening to lossless audio files.

2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The $329 Bose QuietComfort45 Noise-Canceling headset is the most recent version of a headset which has become a favorite among commuters and travelers all over the world. The new model does not reinvent the wheel. It uses the same formula that has made its predecessor so successful with the addition of the USB-C port and improved noise cancellation.

These over-ear Bose headsets come with a premium feel and appearance, similar to the QC 35 II headphones that preceded them. The headband, which is made of plastic, provides a solid feel thanks to the hinges made of metal at pivot points. It also has the ratcheting mechanism that is familiar when you retract or extend your ear cups. The cups feature soft, cushioned pads that fit comfortably over the ears and don't put pressure to your head. When folded, they weigh 238 grams. You can wear them when you're wearing an overcoat or sweater since the noise cancelling function works even when they are not on your head.

Despite their reputation for comfort, the QC45s do not offer the best sound in this price range. The frequencies are dull and lack the details that headphones with higher prices might be able bring out. The upper registers tend to be amplified and is suitable for most music, but could become a problem for more delicate or intricate music genres. The bass is decent but lacks the punch.

The ability to pause playback after removing the headset is a feature that's absent. This is standard in this price range and something that Bose's competitors have been offering for years. Another thing that was missing was the lack of an in-app EQ. Bose offers preset EQ settings within the app however it would be nice to have manual control.

Bluetooth 5.0 is supported, including multipoint 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 microphones inbuilt to hear your voice while on the phone. The wireles headphones have good call quality, however they don't let you muffle the sound during playback like other wireless headphones. Update: wireless music headphones As of February 2022, a firmware upgrade to the QC45s offered manual EQ options in the audio app, which is a welcome improvement.

3. Focal Bathys Wireless Music Headphones

Focal is a French audio company known for high-performance headphones with long lasting comfort and a design that makes listeners feel like they're listening to something truly special. Their first attempt at wireless headphones that cancel out noise the Bathys are a stunning set of cans that look and sound fantastic. They come with a top-quality USB DAC built in, making them suitable both for wireless and wired listening.

Focal claims that the Bathys can play Bluetooth music for 30 hours. We had more than 40 hours of playback time on average on a single charge. If you do require a recharge, there's an indicator light on the right ear cup that turns red when the headphone has to be charged.

For a pair of headphones at this price, they offer lots of features. They can be used with multiple devices simultaneously and have automatic pairing. (You have to select your source device by hand each time you listen.) They also have a built-in mic that can be used to control 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 good as the ANC found in the Sony WH1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless however it is still effective.

In our tests of the quality of sound from headphones in our tests of headphone sound quality, the Bathys were a good overall performer with an overall frequency response that is in line with the SoundGuys headphone bluetooth preference curve, with only slight differences in the bass and mids. They have a deep, bass-filled sound profile that adds plenty of boom to mixes, but can sometimes make vocals and instruments such as cymbals sound veiled.

They also have very good leakage resistance, meaning you can wear them out in public without worrying about others hearing your music. The microphone is able to be used for recording via Bluetooth with just a little distortion between the mid-treble and the treble.

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4

The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless is a new version of the company's most popular Bluetooth headsets. The previous model, the Momentum 3, was a decent but not a standout into the category. The latest pair is a significant improvement over the previous model, featuring an elegant design, enhanced gesture control and an enormous battery life.

Many of the improvements here are subtle but they make a pair that seem like a step up from the previous model. The Momentum 4s are flat and don't fold. They come with a hardshell case that protects them when on the move. The Momentum 4s are compatible with all devices, just like other Bluetooth headphones of recent years, such as those from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. This means they work with both Android phones and Apple iPhones, however they do not have the additional features (like Find My support and head-tracked spatial audio) that you'll find on the AirPods.

The biggest change is the huge battery that can play for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation turned on. This is more than twice the amount of the competition and enough to go on a long-distance trip without having to search for an outlet.

Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget The headphones were rated by Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget a score of 82. He highlighted their audio quality and ANC features as strengths. The only issue he has is that they lack gravitas in mids and the treble. This makes orchestral tracks sound flat, not grand. The bass is well-rounded but it can sound overemphasized, which can cause to fatigue in songs with heavy bass lines, like the drum hits of As I Lay Dying’s Forever. The cymbals can sound smoky rather than full and there's not a real feeling of depth in the lows.

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