Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

Take a look at these if you're looking for wireless over-ear headsets. They're not just comfortable to wear, they offer excellent active noise cancellation that reduces background noises to allow you to focus on your music.

The first wireless headphones by Focal are the ultimate dream of audiophiles. They have a full sound profile with enough thump to suit EDM but instruments and vocals aren't left out. They include a companion app and ANC presets, allowing you to modify the sound to fit your personal preferences.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 by Sony is the latest version of the well-known headphones. It features an automatic noise cancellation that can block out background noise. They're well-suited to commutes and long days of travel, with an impressive 27 hours of playback time. They also have a neat feature that allows you to connect them to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and makes it simple to switch between music and calls. The WH-1000XM5's sleek, minimalist design and environmentally friendly packaging (using recycled plastic specifically developed for Sony) make them a desirable option for those who are concerned about the environment.

In comparison to their predecessors the XM5s are lighter and more comfortable thanks to a headband that fits snugly around your ears with less pressure on your head. They also look more fashionable with an updated, subtle appearance that lets them blend in with most outfits. They're also available in a matte black that is better than the glossy black of previous generations.

One of the WH-1000XM5's best features is their smart noise cancellation function, which senses when you've taken off the blutooth headphones and then pauses your audio. When you put the headphones back on, they automatically resume. This is an excellent way to conserve battery power and it is effective.

In terms of sound quality, the XM5s are top of the line by combining LDAC codec support and DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Tim Commerford's bass skills are exhibited in Rage against the Machine’s Bullet in the Head track, a dark track. Billie Eilish's Bad Guy features a subtle but deliberate vocal fade.

For those who are gym-goers and living in humid climates A word of caution: the WH1000XM5s don't have an IP rating. They cannot be trusted in areas with moisture. There's even a disclaimer in the manual that advises you to avoid sweating into the headset or wear it in the rain.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is a refreshing update to B&W's previous flagship wireless headphone model, the PX7. Rather than a mere iterative upgrade it is a significant upgrade. Series 2 delivers a substantial improvement in both ANC and audio quality. The design is also a bit more refined. It's an older look than the glossy, techy appearance of Sony's XM5 or Apple's AirPods Max.

The headphones can be turned on and off by an adjustable slider switch. There are buttons on the side for volume, play/pause and to navigate through your music library. The left earcup features a customizable button that can be changed to match your voice assistant. There's also an ambient pass-through mode that lets you hear what's happening around you.

The S2s are able to reproduce a 16-bit/44.1kHz Master of Dennis Wilson's River Song, from his Pacific Ocean Blue Album, with its layered harmonies and atmospheric textures, and a detailed soundstage. There's plenty of low-end extension, as well as vocals that stay in the center.

The S2s are not the best in EQ control. You can increase or reduce bass and treble up to 6dB but there are no presets that can help you find your ideal balance. The majority of listeners won't be affected by this, but those who like to tweak their audio will need to consider a different option.

Overall overall, the PX7 S2s make the perfect choice for those who are looking for a noise-canceling active headphone that has an elegant design and feel. Although they aren't as versatile like the XM5s mentioned earlier, Wireles Headphones they are still an excellent option for most listeners. You'll have to decide if superior ANC and audio is worth the slightly higher cost.

Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The Bose QuietComfort 45 are a solid pair of over ear wireless headphones that offer great noise cancellation and 24 hour battery life. They are light and comfortable enough to wear in the home. They can be controlled using the built-in buttons or a companion app, although customization is restricted (sorry there's no equalizer). You can select from a range of sound profiles that are suitable for various situations, such as travelling or working at home. The QC45s come with an option called Aware Mode that allows outside sounds to be heard when using ANC. This can be useful for those who want to hear traffic and children when out and about.

The audio quality of the headphones isn't as high as that of the WH-1000XM5s but it's still quite good. The bass isn't as intense, but it does provide adequate depth and texture. The mids and the highs are well rounded and there's no harshness or shrillness.

The QC45s tend to prefer higher frequencies. This can result in a slight sibilance during listening to certain music. This isn't a major issue and can be fixed with software by adjusting the headphone settings.

The controls are simple to use. The button on the left earcup turns on and off the Wireles headphones as well as controls playback of music and manages Bluetooth pairing. There's also an multi-function Action button that doubles as a power toggle as well as a voice assistant and volume control. There's a microphone for phone calls and Siri or Alexa is available.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

The ATH-M20x are a chic pair of headphones that offer great sound for the price. They are well built with an incredibly solid feel. The headband and earcups are made from plastic, however, they are sturdy enough to last for an extended period of time. The ear cups can be adjusted by as much as 15 degrees which means they can be positioned comfortably on most ears.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x features cordless bluetooth headphones 5.0 which lets you listen to your music wirelessly. The battery longevity is impressive, with up to 30 hours of music listening time. They come with a USB-C cable to charge.

Using the headphones is simple. Three buttons are located on the left ear cup and allow you to control the playing back of music as well in other functions. You can pause, switch tracks and even adjust the volume using these buttons. The ATH-M20x also comes with a microphone can be used for calls and voice commands. The headset comes with a low-latency mode that makes it ideal for gaming and video calls.

The ATH-M20x headphones aren't without great audio quality, they aren't ideal for any genre of music. Vocals may sound a bit flat, and there's not much bass. The high frequencies are clear and clear however. The treble is the most prominent feature of these headphones. They're a great choice for classical, pop and jazz.

The ATH-M20x is a lightweight headphone, with a weight of just 190g without the cord. They have a good amount of padding on the ear cups however they cannot be folded. They are large and cannot fit into a bag or backpack. They do not have an untidy cable, either. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better option for those looking for a more portable set of headphones. It is more comfortable thanks to its fold-down design, swiveling ears that lie flat, and removable cables. It's more expensive however, it offers better isolation and a bit more bass.

Skullcandy Dime 2

The Dime 2 is one of Skullcandy's better-sounding true wireless earbuds. It comes with a small, compact case that's simple to slip into pockets or purses. It also comes with several ear gel sizes to accommodate different ears. It's also lighter than other wireless headphones that we tested.

Dual microphones are excellent for picking up your voice when you call and reducing background sound. However, they're not the best for use outdoors because environmental noises can overwhelm your voice. The earbuds can also be unsuitable in windy environments and they may block certain parts of your speech.

Despite these minor issues, the earbuds have solid bass and other sound qualities. They have a clear clean, clear high-end that doesn't spill into the mids. They also have a decent amount of mid-bass to give your music some punch.

They also have a good dual-tap feature for executing voice commands, although they're not as user-friendly as Apple's AirPod Pro. You have to place your thumb on the bottom stem to ensure stability, and then press the logo to trigger a command. It's a little inconvenient, and it does not feel as responsive as a pinch-gesture system.

The earbuds can last for around four hours on a single charge. They also have a quick-charge feature that allows them to last another two hours. The earbuds are also IPX4 certified for their resistance to water and sweat. The earbuds come in an carrying case with two openings to fit the earbuds, as well as an attachment loop to attach them to clothing. The case is available in several colors and styles, including Doritos red. You can purchase them online for under $30 USD.