Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

You should consider these if seeking wireless headphones for your ears. These headphones aren't just comfortable, but they also have active noise cancellation which mutes background noises so that you can focus on your music.

Focal's first wireless headphones are an audiophile's dream. They have a rich sound profile with enough thump to suit EDM but instruments and vocals aren't left out. They come with a companion application and ANC presets, allowing you to modify the sound to fit your tastes.

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's WH-1000XM5 is the newest generation of its well-loved Edge Headphones, that feature automatic adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) to cancel out ambient sounds. With a staggering 27-hour playback duration they are ideal for long commutes and long trips. The WH1000XM5 also features a handy feature that allows you to pair it with up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch from calls and music. The sleek, minimalist design and eco-friendly packaging (using recycled plastic developed specifically for Sony) make them an attractive option for anyone who cares about sustainability.

Comparatively to their predecessors, the XM5s are lighter and more comfortable with the headband that is comfortably around your ears and puts less pressure on your noggin. They also look more fashionable, with a new stealthy design that blends in with most outfits. And they're now available in a gorgeous matte black that's better than the previous generation's glossy black.

One of the most impressive features is their intelligent noise cancellation feature, which detects when you've removed the headphones and stops the audio. When you put them back on, they automatically resume. This is a great method to conserve battery and it works well.

As for audio quality, the XM5s are top of the line in both LDAC codec support and edge headphones DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Rage Against the Machine's dark Bullet in the Head shows off the bass work of Tim Commerford with real power as Billie Eilish's Bad Guy has a subtle but deliberate vocal fade.

For those who exercise and living in rainy climates Beware The WH1000XM5s do NOT have an IP rating. They are not recommended near water. There's even a disclaimer in the manual that recommends you avoid sweating into the headset or wear it in the rain.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 represents a refreshing version of B&W's flagship wireless headphone, PX7. Rather than a mere iterative upgrade, the Series 2 delivers a substantial increase in both ANC and audio quality. The design also gets more refined, with a look that's more mature than the shiny, tech-forward appearance of Sony's XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.

A power slider leaves no doubt about when the headphones are on, and buttons for play / pause and volume make it easy to navigate your music library. There's a button that can be customized on the left ear cup which can be altered to trigger your voice assistant, and there's also an ambient pass-through mode that lets you listen to what's happening around you, without having to take off the headphones.

The S2s can reproduce a 16-bit/44.1kHz Master of Dennis Wilson's River Song, from his Pacific Ocean Blue Album, with its multi-layered harmonies, atmospheric textures, and detailed soundstage. There's a good amount of low-end extension and the vocals remain focused.

One area in which the S2s aren't as good is in EQ control You can increase or decrease treble and bass by 6dB, however there aren't any EQ presets to help determine the right balance. This isn't a huge deal for most listeners, however those who want to create their own audio will probably have to look for a different model.

Overall all, the PX7 S2s are a solid option for those seeking an active noise-canceling headphones with the best feel and quality. Although they aren't as versatile like the XM5s mentioned earlier but they're a great choice for most listeners. You'll need to decide whether their superior ANC and audio quality are enough to justify the slightly higher cost.

Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The Bose QuietComfort 45 are a excellent pair of over-ear wireless headphones that feature great noise cancellation and a 24-hour battery life. They're also lightweight and comfortable enough to be worn throughout the home. They can be controlled via the built-in buttons as well as a companion app, although customization is limited (sorry there's no equalizer). You'll be able to select from a variety of sound profiles to suit different situations, like travelling or working from home. The QC45s feature a feature known as Aware Mode that allows outside sounds to be heard using ANC. This is beneficial for those who wish to hear traffic or children when out and out and about.

The audio quality isn't quite as great with the WH-1000XM5s, but it's still a solid performance. The bass isn’t pounding however it does offer a decent amount of depth and texture. The mids and the highs are nicely rounded and there is no shrillness or harshness.

One issue is that QC45s tend to prefer the higher frequencies, which can cause an occasional sibilance while listening to certain songs. It's not a huge issue and is easily fixed in software by tweaking the headphone's settings.

The controls are simple to use. The left earcup turns the headphones on and off, controls the music playback, as well as the Bluetooth pairing. A multi-function Action Button is also available. It can serve as a power switch and voice assistant in addition to controlling the volume. Also, there's a microphone to make phone calls and Siri or Alexa support.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

The ATH M20x is a stylish pair that delivers amazing sound at a low price. The blutooth headphones are sturdy and well-constructed. The headband and edge headphones earcups are made of plastic however, they are sturdy enough to last for an extended period of time. The earcups can be adjusted by 15 degrees and can be placed in a comfortable position on the majority of ears.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x has Bluetooth 5.0 which allows you to listen to your music wirelessly. They have an impressive battery life with up 30 hours of listening time. They come with a USB-C cable to charge.

The use of the headphones is easy. Three buttons are located on the left ear cup and allow you to control the playback of music as well other functions. These buttons allow you to stop, change tracks, and even adjust the volume. The ATH-M20x has built-in microphones for voice commands and calls. The headset has low-latency technology that makes it ideal for video calls and gaming.

While the ATH-M20x headphones have great audio quality, they aren't ideal for any genre of music. Vocals can sound dull, and there's not much bass. The high frequencies are clear and clear, however. These headphones are renowned for their treble. These headphones are great for jazz, pop and classical music.

The ATH M20x is a light headphone wireless, weighing just under 190g without the cord. The ear cups are well padded, but they cannot be folded. They are heavy and will not fit into the backpack or bag. They do not have an untidy cable, either. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better choice for those that want a more portable set of headphones. It is more comfortable due to its folding design, swiveling ears that lay flat, and removable cables. It's more expensive, however, it offers better isolation and more bass.

Skullcandy Dime 2.

The Dime 2 is Skullcandy’s best-sounding true wireless headphones. It comes with a compact, compact case that is easy to slip into pockets or purses. It comes with a variety of sizes of earbuds that can be adjusted to fit different sizes of ears. It's also lighter than wireless headphones that we tested.

Dual microphones are great to pick 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. Earbuds can also be problematic in windy environments, and they can block certain areas of your speech.

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

They also have a decent 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 bottom stem to ensure stability and then press the logo to trigger an instruction. It's a bit awkward, and it does not feel as responsive as a pinch-gear system.

The earbuds last around four hours on a single charge. They also come with a quick-charge feature for an additional two hours. The earbuds are IPX4 rated for their resistance to water and sweat. The earbuds are packaged with an carrying case with two openings to accommodate the earbuds, as well as an elastic loop for securing them to clothing. It's a great-looking case that's available in a variety of colors, including the red color of Doritos. You can purchase them online for under $30 USD.