Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

You should consider these if looking for wireless over-ear headsets. They're not just comfortable to wear, they come with excellent active noise cancellation that mutes 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 rich, full sound with enough thump to support EDM, but vocals and instruments are not left out. They have a companion application and ANC presets that allow you to modify the sound to fit your tastes.

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's WH-1000XM5 is the newest generation of its popular headphones, that feature automatic adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) to block out ambient sounds. They're great for commutes and long travel days with a staggering 27 hours of playback time. The WH-1000XM5 also has an excellent feature that allows users to pair up to two buy bluetooth headphones online devices at the same time, making it easy to switch from calls and music. The WH-1000XM5's sleek and minimalist design and environmentally friendly packaging (using recycled plastic specifically developed for Sony) make them an attractive option for those who are concerned about sustainability.

Compared to their predecessors, the XM5s are lighter and more comfortable thanks to a headband that fits comfortably around your ears, with less pressure on your noggin. They also look more fashionable and have a sleek design that can be incorporated into the majority of outfits. They're also available in a matte black that is better than the glossy black of previous generations.

One of the most impressive features of the WH1000XM5 is its smart noise cancellation feature, which detects when you take off the headphones and then pauses the audio. When you put them back on the audio is automatically resumed. This is a great method to conserve battery power and it works.

The XM5s make a great option for audio quality due to their LDAC codec and DSEE Extreme upscaling. Tim Commerford's bass skills are featured in Rage Against the Machine's Bullet in the Head, a brooding track. Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy features subtle but deliberate vocal fade.

A word of caution for those who exercise and who live in rainy climes: the WH-1000XM5s don't have an IP rating, therefore they aren't able to be used in humidity. There's even a disclaimer in the manual that suggests you not sweat into the headset or wear it in the rain.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is a refreshing upgrade to B&W's flagship wireless headphone that was the PX7. Instead of a simple upgrade the Series 2 delivers a substantial improvement in both ANC and audio quality. The design is also more refined. It's a more mature look rather than the shiny, futuristic appearance of Sony's XM5 or Apple's AirPods Max.

A switch to turn off power makes it clear whether the headphones are turned on, and dedicated buttons for play / pause and volume make it easy to navigate through your music collection. The left earcup features a customizable button that can be altered to work with your voice assistant. There's also an ambience pass-through mode, which lets you hear what is going on 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 multi-layered harmonies, atmospheric textures, and an impressive soundstage. There's a lot of low-end extension, as well as vocals that stay focused.

The S2s aren't the best at EQ control. You can adjust bass and treble up to 6dB, but there are no presets that will aid you in finding the ideal balance. This isn't a big issue for most listeners, however those who prefer to create their own audio will likely need to look elsewhere.

Overall all, the PX7 S2s are the perfect choice for those seeking a noise-canceling, active headphone that has an elegant design and feel. Although they aren't as versatile as the XM5s discussed above however, they're still an excellent option for most listeners. You'll have to decide whether their superior HeadphonesShop ANC and audio quality is 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 feature great noise cancellation and a 24-hour battery life. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable enough to wear around the house. The built-in buttons can be controlled with an app that comes with the headphones, but customization is limited. (Sorry, there's no equalizer). You'll be able to choose from a range of sound profiles to suit different scenarios, including travel or working from home. The QC45s also come with an Aware Mode that lets outside sounds in when using ANC which can be beneficial for those who wish to hear kids and traffic when they are out and out and about.

The audio quality of the headphones isn't as good with the WH-1000XM5s, but it's still a solid performer. The bass isn't overpowering, HeadphonesShop but it does give decent depth and a decent amount of the sound's texture. The mids and the highs are nicely rounded and there's no harshness or shrillness.

The QC45s tend to prefer higher frequencies. This can result in some slight sibilance when listening to certain music. This is not a major issue and can be easily fixed by adjusting the headphone settings within software.

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

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

The ATH-M20x are a chic pair of headphones that give excellent sound quality for the price. The headphones are sturdy and well-constructed. The headband and earcups are made of plastic, however, they are sturdy enough to last an extended period of time. The ears can rotate up to 15 degrees so they can fit comfortably on most ears.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x has Bluetooth 5.0 which lets you listen to your music wirelessly. The battery life is impressive, with up to 30 hours of music listening time. They come with a USB-C cord for charging.

The headphones are simple to use. Three buttons are located on the left ear cup and allow you to control the playback of music as well in other functions. These buttons allow you to playback, pause, switch tracks, and alter the volume. The ATH-M20x comes with an integrated microphone for calls and voice commands. The headset comes with a low latency mode that makes it ideal for video and gaming.

Although the ATH-M20x headphones offer excellent audio quality they aren't ideal for all music genres. Vocals can sound a little flat and there is no real bass response. The high frequencies sound crisp and clear. These headphones are known for their treble. These headphones are suitable for pop, jazz, and classical music.

The ATH-M20x headphones weigh light at a mere 190 grams without the cord. They have a good amount of padding on the ear cups but they are not foldable. They are heavy to carry around in a backpack and may not fit in a handbag. They don't have an untidy cable, either. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are a better option for those looking for an audio system that are more portable. It is more comfortable thanks to its folding design, swiveling earpieces that lay flat, as well as removable cables. It's more expensive, but it offers better isolation, more bass and a longer battery life.

Skullcandy Dime 2.

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

The earbuds have two microphones that are great for picking up your voice and reduce background noise during phone calls. However, they're not suitable for use outdoors because the ambient noise can drown out your voice. Earbuds can also be unsuitable in windy environments and they may cut off specific parts of your speech.

The earbuds remain good sounding despite these minor issues. They have a crisp, clear high end that doesn't bleed into the mids. They also have a decent amount of mid-bass to give your music a bit of impact.

The AirPod Pro has a dual-tap function that works well, but not as intuitive as the Apple AirPod Pro. You must place your thumb on the stem's bottom to ensure stability, and then press the logo to initiate the command. It's a little inconvenient and doesn't feel as responsive as a pinch-gesture system.

The earbuds can last about four hours on a single charge and can be charged quickly for two additional hours. The earbuds are IPX4 certified for their resistance to water and sweat. The earbuds come with an included carrying case that has a couple of openings for the earbuds and a loop to attach them to your clothes. The case comes in various colors, including Doritos Red. You can purchase them on the internet for less than $30 USD.