The Best Wireless Over Ear Headset

Unlike earbuds, over-ear headphones completely cover your ears and can block out ambient sound. Look for headphones that have active noise cancellation, and a battery life of at least 20 hours.

The Sennheiser Momentum 4s have great ANC and a user-friendly app, and easy control via the ear. The default sound provides a punchy thump, but vocals and instruments can be put in the background.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's WH-1000XM5 are an excellent pair of headphones for those who want to experience the most wireless over-ear headset. They're light and comfortable with a carrying case and fold flat for easy storage in your bag. The controls are easy to use and intuitive, and their battery can last for 30 hours with ANC switched off. They even have an auto-pause feature which will turn off your headphones when they're removed from your head to conserve battery.

The WH1000XM5 works with Sony Headphones Connect, Bluetooth Headphones Wireless which includes a range of features that can be utilized to tailor the audio experience. The app can be used to monitor your location and adjust ambient sound features to the environment you are in. The microphone can also be built in for hands-free calling. The Sony WH-1000XM5 are compatible with music streaming via Bluetooth or via wired connections using the included cable. They are compatible with aptX, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive codecs to play high quality audio via Bluetooth.

The WH-1000XM5 has a similar headband and earcups to the XM4 but is lighter and more comfortable. These headphones are comfortable to wear and can be worn for extended periods of time. They are also ideal for long commutes and flights. They're noise cancelling headphones that can reduce background noise without compromising clarity or detail. The Sony WH1000XM5 headphones feature a good amount of bass, particularly for a closed-back pair. They also offer an impressive soundstage and clear distinction between vocals and instruments.

The low latency is an enormous plus. The lag is low enough that it's practically imperceptible and they can be used for casual games. They're not the best choice for competitive video games though and are best for those who will be using them for media consumption and to make calls that are hands-free.

Sony is dedicated to incorporating smart features into its products and the WH1000XM5 is no different. The active noise cancellation is one of the best I've ever used, and they come with a whole range of clever features that will enhance your listening experience. Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine upscales compressed audio to near-hi-res quality. They're also compatible with Sony's own LDAC technology that streams higher-bitrate audio over Bluetooth (although not as hi-res as an DAC for headphones that is dedicated to headphone use).

2. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

Bowers & Wilkins flagship headphones which is the PX7 S2 have been consistently on top wireless headset lists since the introduction of the first generation PX7 in 2015. This puts them in the same class as Sony WH1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort. The PX7 S2 is the latest version that takes the original headphones to the next level, with a boost in ANC performance and a fresh look.

In the earcups, bio cellulose 40mm drivers are bent to point straight at your eardrums, delivering an audio experience that is more intimate than other closed-back headphones. The PX7 S2 does not disappoint in this claim with a fervent zeal. Vocals are clear and clear, and bass is deep and rumbly when you need it to be.

The PX7 S2 is also very adept at making voice calls. It has a clear, clear sound that does not drown out your voice. They also come with a quick charge that allows you to return to full power in just two hours. Furthermore, they're compatible with hi-res audio due to an adaptive Bluetooth codec that allows the playback of 24-bit music.

For most listeners, though the most significant upgrade is the improved noise cancellation and audio performance. In our tests the PX7 S2 eliminated nearly all of our simulated cabin noise with impressive efficiency and performed exceptionally when we played Mozart's Et In Carnatus Est and Sanctus from his Grosse Messe, demonstrating excellent understanding of the changing dynamics between the solo voice, wind trio, and orchestral accompaniment.

Alongside In addition to improved ANC In addition to improved ANC, the PX7 S2s have a number of other features that make them very competitive with other top-rated noise-canceling headphones. They're wireless bluetooth stereo headphones and have bluetooth Headphones Wireless multipoint connectivity, which means you can pair them with two devices at once They also have a built-in microphone that supports hands-free calling with your phone's assistant. They're also extremely robust, with a premium feel and durably-built construction that should last for years of continuous usage.

Of course they're not 100% perfect. The clamp force on our test models was a bit less than we'd like, and there aren't as many additional app features available as some other models, but these are minor complaints. The PX7 S2s is a fantastic wireless headset that beats out other competitors in its class. It's difficult to imagine any other competitor to match them.

3. Focal Bathys Wireless

For audiophiles who value high fidelity and are looking for a premium wireless noise-canceling headset The Focal Bathys are tough to beat. The Focal Bathys are the very first ANC headphones from a French audio manufacturer to utilize Bluetooth. They provide amazing sound quality both in Bluetooth mode and when connected via USB to a device for true hi-fi listeners at up to 24 bit/192kHz.

The Bathys are gorgeous, with their glossy black finish and swooping curves reminiscent of Focal's premium open-back Elear and closed-back Celestee headphones. They also have premium materials like aluminum and magnesium for solid construction that is comfortable, solid and worth the cost.

The Bathys Bluetooth headphones deliver an impressive, clear sound quality. They easily outperform consumer ANC devices of similar price like the Sony XM5/5 and Bose QC45. Direct DAC audio mode allows them to be extended which makes them a fantastic option for true hifi listeners.

Using the Focal & Naim app users can change the playback controls of their headphones as well as the virtual assistant and Bluetooth pairing preferences. The app lets users select between silent and soft intensities for ANC. Users can also alter the brightness of LEDs on the ear cups of the headphones, and adjust the EQ settings. The app is basic but it has enough features to be worth the cost.

The only issue is the active noise cancellation, which doesn't measure in the same way as the other models. The headphone isn't able to block out all the background noise as the most rated XM5 or AirPods Max, and its quality of treble isn't as good, with a muddy mid - to high range that detracts from vocals and instruments.

The Focal Bathys headphones aren't particularly portable. They're not suitable for travel since their ear cups don't fold and they are heavier than other models. The Bathys are best utilized at home for long listening sessions, or as an audio reference headset for sound engineering. The Bathys are comfortable to wear for long periods of time despite their size and weight.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WHCH720N are a good pair of wireless headphones that are worth the money. The noise cancelling technology is fantastic and helps to reduce ambient noise. They are perfect for commuters and travelers. Their matte finish and sturdy construction gives them a hint of premium quality.

They have a similar design to Sony's newer 1000X and XB910N headphones. They feature an ultra-slim headband that has the standard earcup hinges and a sturdy plastic build. They are lightweight and comfortable, but they are a little too compressed for me. They have a USB-C charging port, 3.5mm jack and a decent-length cable inside the box. They are compatible with multipoint Bluetooth pairing, which means that you can connect to two devices simultaneously, if you wish.

In my tests the CH720N's hybrid technology for noise cancellation did a fantastic job of reducing ambient noise. There were only a few noticeable small blips while walking through Waterloo Station and London Victoria. The sound-silencers didn't zap every sound in the vicinity, but they did struggle with low-frequency sounds such as the rumbling engine sounds of buses and trains.

The CH720N's Bluetooth connection worked smoothly and showed a low level harmonic distortion. I tested a range of genres and discovered that they handled the intricate interplay between instruments with ease. It did an excellent job of controlling the bass in rock tracks, and keeping the mix focused.

The Sony Headphones Connect App allows users to modify the CH720N's multipoint connectivity as well as ANC settings to your liking. You can also add a variety of audio presets. You can also make use of the app to enable DSEE which can boost the quality of compressed content and improves its sound quality.

The WH-CH720N is an excellent value for PS130. It lacks some of Sony's best features (such as Speak-to-Chat and Fast Attention) however it comes with many excellent features. 360 Reality Audio, smart controls, and DSEE upscaling feature are all included. The only thing missing is LDAC Bluetooth High-Res Audio Support, which I believe would have been a welcomed inclusion.