Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

Take a look at these if you're searching for wireless headsets. They're not just comfortable to wear, but they have excellent active noise cancellation that reduces background noises to allow you to focus on the music.

The first wireless headphones by Focal are audiophiles' dream. They offer a full, full sound with enough thump for EDM, but instruments and vocals aren't excluded. They have a companion application and ANC presets that allow you to tailor the sound to suit your personal preferences.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 model from Sony is the latest version of its well-known headphones. It offers automatic adaptive noise cancellation to block out ambient noise. They're well-suited to long commutes and long journeys with a staggering 27 hours of playback time. The WH1000XM5 also features an excellent feature that allows users to pair up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch from calls and music. The WH1000XM5 is attractive to anyone who values sustainability because of its sleek, minimalist design and eco-friendly packaging.

The XM5s have an easier, more comfortable headband that is a perfect fit over your ears and puts less pressure on your skull. They're also more fashionable thanks to the new, sleek style that allows them to blend in with most outfits. They're also available in a matte black that looks even better than the glossy black of previous generations.

One of the best features of the WH1000XM5 is its smart noise cancellation feature. It detects when you take off the headphones and pauses the audio. When you put them back on, they automatically resume. This is a fantastic way to conserve battery and it works well.

For sound quality, the XM5s do a great job in both LDAC codec support and DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Tim Commerford's bass work is featured in Rage against the Machine’s Bullet in the Head which is a dark track. Billie Eilish's Bad Guy features a subtle, but deliberate vocal fade.

A word of caution for gym-goers and those who live in a rainy climate The WH-1000XM5s do not have an IP rating, so they shouldn't be used in moisture. In the manual, it's clearly stated that you shouldn't use the headset in the rain or sweat into it.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 represents a refreshing upgrade of B&W's previous flagship wireless Headphone Bluetooth, PX7. Instead of a simple upgrade the Series 2 delivers a substantial increase in both ANC and audio quality. The design is also a bit more refined. It's an older look as opposed to the glossy, modern appearance of Sony's XM5 or Apple's AirPods Max.

The headphones can be turned on and off using an adjustable slider switch. There are buttons that are specifically designed for headphone Bluetooth volume, play/pause and to navigate through your music library. There's a button that can be customized on the left earcup that can be changed to activate your voice assistant, and there's an ambient pass-through mode that allows you to be aware of what's happening around you without taking off the headphones.

Streaming the 16-bit/44.1kHz master of Dennis Wilson's River Song from his Pacific Ocean Blue album through the S2s The soundstage is large and detailed, with layered harmonies and atmospheric textures that are clearly heard. There's plenty of low-end extension and the vocals remain centered.

One area where the S2s aren't as good is in EQ control The S2s allow you to increase or decrease treble and bass by 6dB, however there aren't any EQ presets to help you to find the perfect balance. This isn't a huge deal for most listeners, however music fans who like to create their own audio will probably have to look for a different model.

Overall all, the PX7 S2s are a great option for those who want an active noise-canceling headset with a premium feel and finish. Although they aren't as versatile like the XM5s mentioned earlier however, they're still an excellent option for most listeners. You'll have to decide if their superior ANC and audio quality are enough to justify the slightly higher price.

Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The Bose QuietComfort 45 are a solid pair of over-ear wireless headphones that offer great noise cancellation and a 24-hour battery life. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable enough to wear around the house. They can be controlled via the built-in buttons as well as a companion app, although the ability to customize is restricted (sorry, no equalizer). You'll be able to choose from a range of sound profiles for different scenarios, including travel or working from home. The QC45s have a feature known as Aware Mode that allows outside sounds to be heard when using ANC. This is useful for people who want to hear traffic or children when out and out and about.

The audio quality of the headphones isn't as good with the WH-1000XM5s however it's still a solid performance. The bass isn't pounding but it does offer decent depth and a good amount of texture. The highs and mids are nicely balanced and there's not a hint of harshness or shrillness.

One issue is that QC45s tend to prefer the higher frequencies, which can cause some sibilance to certain songs. This isn't a major issue and can be easily fixed by adjusting the headphone settings in the software.

The controls are easy to use and simple to use. A button on the left ear cup powers the headphones on and off, controls music playback, and manages bluetooth headphones range pairing. A multi-function Action Button is also provided. It can be used as a toggle for power and voice assistant, in addition to controlling volume. There's also a microphone for phone calls, and Siri or Alexa is available.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

The ATH M20x is a stylish pair that delivers excellent sound quality at a reasonable cost. The headphones are sturdy and well-constructed. The headband and earcups are made of plastic, but they are strong enough to last for a long time. The earcups 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. They boast a long battery life of up to 30 hours of music listening time. They come with a USB-C cord for charging.

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

While the ATH-M20x headphones have excellent audio quality they aren't ideal for any genre of music. Vocals can sound a little flat, and there isn't a real bass response. The high frequencies are clear and clear though. These headphones are renowned for their Treble. They're a great choice for classical, pop and jazz.

The ATH-M20x headphones are lightweight at just under 190 grams without the cord. The earcups are padded, but they cannot fold. They are bulky and cannot fit into a bag or backpack. They don't come with a detachable cable either. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are a better option for those looking for a set of headphones that are more mobile. It is more comfortable with an adjustable design that folds, swiveling ears that lay flat, and a removable cable. It's more expensive, however, it offers better isolation and a bit more bass.

Skullcandy Dime 2

The Dime 2 is Skullcandy’s best-sounding true wireless headphones. It comes in a compact carry case that is easy to put in pockets or purses. It also comes with several sizes of earbuds to accommodate different ears. It's also a little lighter than other wireless earbuds we've tested.

The earbuds come with dual microphones that are good for picking up your voice and headphone bluetooth reducing background noise during phone calls. However, they're not the best for outdoor use because environmental noises can overwhelm your voice. They also struggle with winds and can cut parts of your speech.

The earbuds are still very excellent sounding despite these minor issues. They have a crisp clean, clear high-end that doesn't spill into the mids. They also have a nice amount mid-bass to give your music a little punch.

The AirPod Pro has a dual-tap function that is decent, but not as intuitive as Apple AirPod Pro. You have to place your thumb on bottom stem to ensure stability and then press the logo to trigger the command. It's not as flexible as a pinch gesture system, and can be a bit unwieldy.

The earbuds can last about four hours on a single charge. They have a quick-charge capability for an additional two hours. The earbuds are also IPX4 rated for their resistance to sweat and water. The Earbuds come with a carrying case with several openings to accommodate the earbuds as well as a loop to attach them to your clothes. It's a great-looking case that's available in several colors, including Doritos red. Online, you can find the case for less than $30 USD.