Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds, can completely surround the ears. They also allow for larger drivers, which deliver greater bass and a bigger soundstage. Many also include active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.

The most recent Master & Dynamic MW65 update provides superior audio, multiple ANC modes and impressive battery life with a stylish and distinct design.

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

Sony has enhanced an already fantastic pair of headphones with the introduction of the WH1000XM4 wireless. They are more lightweight, better constructed and have an audio profile that is more balanced (though they are bass heavy). They also come with an app that lets you customize the audio. They've improved their active noise cancellation, eliminating the background noise, and have a longer battery life.

These headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible and Sony LDAC is also compatible with. This codec can transfer high-resolution music, though you'll need to use compatible devices and streaming services. In addition, the WH1000XM4s can connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and switch between them as needed. This feature can be enabled via the Sony Headphones Connect App and works well.

One of the major improvements over the XM3 is the sensitivity of their touch panels. They respond faster to the tap of the panel, which makes them easier to control during a phone call or to listen to music. Sony has also added a feature to make voices more clear and precise during calls. This is an obvious and a nice addition.

While the WH1000XM4s aren't perfect, they are some of the best wireless headphones we've tested. They are comfortable and well-constructed, and come with a a battery that can last for more than 30 continuous hours. They can be used in a passive manner using the TRS cable. This is perfect to travel with or for storing energy.

The WH-1000XM4s are a better choice over the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless over-ears. The Sonys are more comfortable and their ANC can block out more background noise. They also come with a companion app that lets you tweak their audio performance and EQ settings are more flexible than B&W's. However, the B&Ws have more robust design and they can connect with two Bluetooth devices at once. They also support aptX HD, and they have a unique AI-driven engine that attempts to boost compressed music to high-resolution. This is called DSEE Extreme, and it improves 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 most recent version of a headset that has become a standard for commuters as well as travelers around the globe. Rather than reinventing the wheel the new model follows the same formula that made its predecessor so popular, adding USB-C, improved noise cancellation and longer battery life.

These over-ear Bose headsets have a premium feel and appearance, similar to the QC 35 II headphones that were before them. The headband is made from plastic, and is a solid feel, with metal hinges at the pivot points, and the familiar ratcheting action when you open or retract the earcups. The cups have soft cushions that fit comfortably over the ears and do not apply pressure on your head. When folded they weigh 238g. They can be used while wearing a coat or sweater as the noise cancelling function works even when they are 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 relatively flat and lack details that more expensive headphones might be able to bring out. The higher registers tend to be more boosted, which is fine for most music but can be a problem for delicate or intricate music genres. The bass is decent, but lacks punch.

One feature that's not present is the ability to pause playback when you remove the headset. This is a standard feature in this price range and is something that Bose's rivals have been offering for years. Another omission is the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose offers preset EQ settings in the app however it would be nice to have manual control.

You can connect to your tablet or smartphone via Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint support and more advanced codecs such as aptX Adaptive. Download the Bose Audio App to adjust your headset's audio and voice settings.

The QC45s have four microphones that are built-in to pick up your voice while on the phone. The headsets have a good call quality, however they don't allow you to muffle the sound during playback like other wireless headphones. Update: A firmware upgrade for the QC45s was released in February 2022 included manual settings for EQ to the audio app. This is a welcome upgrade.

3. Focal Bathys Wireless

Focal is a French audio company known for high-performance Wifi Headphones with long lasting comfort and a style that makes listeners feel like they're listening to something truly special. The Bathys are their first wireless noise cancelling headphones. They are stunning in appearance and sound. They also have a built-in high-performance USB DAC which means you can use them for wired and wireless listening.

Focal claims that the Bathys can play Bluetooth music for 30 hours. We actually got a little more out of them and got over 40 hours on average out of one charge. If you need to recharge, there's a light on the right earcup that turns red when the headphone has to be charged.

They offer a good amount of features for headphones of this price point that include support for multiple devices simultaneously and wifi headphones automatic pairing (though you'll have to select your source device each time you need to listen). The headphones come with an inbuilt microphone that works with voice assistants, such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones also have an easy-to-use interface that makes it easy to control your music and take calls.

For headphones with over-ear connectivity The Bathys are very good in our test of noise cancellation. They cut down the background sound by around 9 decibels in average. It's not as effective as the ANC found in the Sony WH1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless but it's still effective.

The Bathys headphones performed well in our headphone tests. Their frequency response was largely similar to the headphone curve of SoundGuys with minor differences on the bass and mids. The Bathys have a booming sound profile which can make instruments, vocals and cymbals look a bit unreal.

They also have very good leakage resistance, meaning you can wear them in public without worrying about people hearing your music. Their mic is passable to record via Bluetooth with just a little distortion between the mid-treble and treble.

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4

The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless are a new update to the company's top-of-the-line Bluetooth headphones. The Momentum 3 was a solid but not an outstanding entry in this category. The latest model is improved over the previous model with a sleeker design, improved gesture controls, and an enormous battery life.

The improvements are subtle but add up to an over-ear pair of headphones that feel like an upgrade. The Momentum 4s lay flat and aren't foldable however they do come with a sturdy hardshell case that protects them on the go. The Momentum 4s are also device-agnostic, like many other Bluetooth headphones from recent years, including the ones from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. They can be used with Apple iPhones as well as Android phones, but they do not have the AirPods extra features, such as Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.

The most obvious change here is the massive battery that promises up to 60 hours of playback with the noise cancellation feature enabled. This is more than what the majority of the competitors offer and is enough for a long-distance trip without having to worry about finding an outlet to charge them up.

Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget, gave the headphones a score of 82. He noted their sound quality and ANC features as their strengths. He only has one complaint they lack of gravitas in the mids and treble. This makes orchestral pieces sound dull instead of grand. The bass is smooth and well-rounded but it can be overemphasised and cause fatigue in songs with strong bass lines like the drums in As I Lay Dying's Forever. The cymbals sound bubbly, but not full. There's also not much depth to the lows.

The Momentum 4s are not designed to cause pressure on your neck or ear. However, they can be a bit difficult to wear around the house or during longer listening sessions. They will move about on your head with intense head movements. This could cause them to wake up at random, which can be distracting when you are listening to music or calls. Fortunately they stop working after 15 minutes of rest by default, and can be manually switched off with the power button.