Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

You should consider these if seeking wireless headphones for your ears. They're not only comfortable to wear, they offer excellent active noise cancellation that blocks out background noises so you can concentrate on your music.

The first wireless blootooth headphones from Focal are audiophiles' dream. They have a full sound profile that has enough thump for EDM but vocals and instruments aren't excluded. They come with an app companion and ANC presets to adjust the sound to your personal preferences.

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's WH-1000XM5 is the latest generation of its popular headphones that offer adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) to cancel out ambient sounds. With a remarkable 27-hour playback duration they are ideal for long commutes and long trips. The WH-1000XM5 also has a handy feature that allows you to pair them with up to two bluetooth headphones range devices at the same time which makes it simple to switch between music and calls. The WH1000XM5 is attractive to anyone who is interested in sustainability due to its sleek, minimalist design and eco-friendly packaging.

The XM5s feature a softer, more comfortable headband that can be worn comfortably over your ear and puts less pressure on your skull. They're also more fashionable thanks to an updated, subtle look that helps them 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 best features of the WH1000XM5 is its intelligent noise cancellation feature, which detects when you remove the headphones and stops the audio. When you put the headphones back on, the audio resumes automatically. This is a great method to conserve battery, and it's very effective.

In terms of audio quality, the XM5s excel with both LDAC codec support and DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Rage against the Machine's eerie Bullet in the Head showcases the bass skills of Tim Commerford with real power, while Billie Eilish's Bad Guy has a delicate but deliberate vocal fade.

For those who are gym-goers and living in rainy climates, a word of caution The WH1000XM5s do NOT have an IP rating. They shouldn't be used in areas with moisture. In the manual, it is stated that you shouldn't wear the headset in the rain or when you sweat into it.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 represents a refreshing upgrade of B&W's previous flagship wireless headphone, 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 a little more refined, with a design that is 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 using 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 altered to work with your voice assistant. There's also an ambient pass-through mode that lets you hear what is going on around you.

streaming the 16-bit/44.1kHz master of Dennis Wilson's River Song from his Pacific Ocean Blue album via the S2s, the soundstage is expansive and rich with layered harmonies and atmospheric textures bursting through. There's a lot of low-end extension, too, and vocals stay centered.

One area where the S2s don't excel is in EQ control You can increase or decrease treble and bass by 6dB, but there aren't any EQ presets to help you find your preferred balance. The majority of listeners won't feel affected by this however those who prefer to tweak their audio will need to look elsewhere.

Overall all, the PX7 S2s are a solid choice for those looking for an active noise-canceling headset with an elegant feel and a high-end finish. They're not quite as versatile as the XM5s that are mentioned however they're an excellent option for most listeners. You'll have to decide if their superior ANC and audio quality is enough to offset the slightly higher cost.

Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of wireless headphones that offer excellent noise cancellation. They also have a 24-hour battery life. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable enough to wear in the home. The built-in buttons can be controlled with an app that comes with the headphones, however the options for customization are limited. (Sorry there's no equalizer). You can select from a variety of sound profiles that are suitable for various scenarios, including travel or working from home. The QC45s come with an Aware Mode that allows outside sounds to be heard when using ANC. This is beneficial for those who wish to hear traffic and children while out and out and about.

The headphones' audio quality isn't quite as great with the WH-1000XM5s but it's still a solid performance. The bass isn't as intense, but it does give decent depth and a good amount of the sound's texture. The mids and highs are well-rounded and there's not a hint of shrillness or harshness.

One issue is that the QC45s are more inclined to use higher frequencies, which can cause a slight sibilance when listening to certain songs. This isn't an issue that causes a huge issue and can be easily corrected by adjusting the headphone settings in software.

The controls are easy to use. The left earcup turns off the headphones on and off, controls music playback, and controls bluetooth headphone pairing. There's also a multi-function Action button that doubles as a power toggle as well as a voice assistant and volume control. Also, there's a microphone for phone calls as well as Siri or Alexa support.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

The ATH M20x is a stylish pair that offers excellent sound quality at a reasonable price. The headphones are sturdy and well-built. While the headband and earcups are made from plastic, it is durable enough to make it long-lasting and durable for use. The ear cups can rotate up to 15 degrees. This means they can be positioned to fit most ears.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x comes with Bluetooth 5.0 which allows you to enjoy your music wirelessly. They come with a remarkable battery life with up to 30 hours of listening time. They include a USB-C cable for charging.

The headphones are simple to use. Three buttons are located on the left earcup and allow you to control the playback of music as as other functions. These buttons let you pause, change tracks, and adjust the volume. The ATH-M20x also has a microphone that can be used to make calls or voice commands. The headset features low-latency technology that makes it ideal for gaming and video calls.

The ATH-M20x headphones are great for some styles of music however, not all. Vocals might sound a little dull, and there's not much bass. The high frequencies sound crisp and clear. These headphones are renowned for their high-frequency treble. These headphones are suitable for jazz, pop and classical music.

The ATH M20x is a light headphone, weighing just under 190g without the cord. They come with a lot of padding on the earcups but they are not foldable. They are heavy to carry in the backpack and will not fit in the bag of a handbag. They do not have a detachable cable. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better choice for those that want an easier-to-transport set of headphones. It is more comfortable due to its fold-down design, swiveling earpieces that lie flat, and cable that can be removed. It's more expensive but it offers more isolation, 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 has a small and compact case that is easy to slip into pockets or purses. It also comes with several ear gel sizes to fit different ears. It's also lighter than other wireless earbuds that we test.

The earbuds have dual microphones, which are excellent for capturing your voice and reduce background noise during phone calls. However, they're not ideal for outdoor use because environmental sounds can overtake your voice. The earbuds are also problematic in windy environments, and they can cut off certain portions of your speech.

Despite these minor flaws, the earbuds have solid bass and other sound qualities. They have a clear, high-end that doesn't leak into the mids, and they have an excellent amount of mid-bass which adds some punch to your music.

They also have a good dual-tap feature that allows you to execute voice commands, though they're not as intuitive as Apple's AirPod Pro. You have to place your thumb on the bottom stem to ensure stability, and then press the logo to initiate a command. It's not the most convenient, and it does not feel as responsive as a pinch-gear system.

The earbuds can last for around four hours with just one charge. They also come with an option to charge them quickly that lets them last another two hours. They're also classified as IPX4 for Headphone Bluetooth resistance to water and sweat. The earbuds are packaged with the case for carrying them, which has two openings to accommodate the earbuds, and an elastic loop for securing them to clothing. The case is available in various colors, including Doritos Red. You can purchase them on the internet for less than $30 USD.