Over-Ear Wireless Headphones Review

A good pair of wireless headphones will shut out the noise and let you listen to your favorite tunes without worrying about cables. Our reviewers put the newest over-ear models to the test by evaluating the sound quality as well as comfort and features.

The Marshall Major IIIs are sleek and simple with large earcups that hold large batteries, which allows them to last for up to 30 hours (playtime varies depending on volume). They also support high-res audio through an included carrying case.

Comfort

The ideal headphones should be comfortable to wear for long periods without creating discomfort or pain in the head or ears. Comfort is very subjective but the individual user will have to test various headphones to determine what is most comfortable for them. Over-ear headphones are generally the most comfortable, since they don't apply as much pressure directly on the ears as do in-ear headphones. They are also less bulky and have thicker padding than in-ear headphones.

Over-ear headphones with wireless technology are equipped with larger drivers, allowing them to offer a wider spectrum of frequencies. They can reproduce the subtleties of your music, and provide a more realistic sound, making it feel like you're listening to music in real life. They might also include more active noise cancellation features that can help you to be more isolated from the outside world.

There are plenty of great wireless headphones that you can choose from. Our current favorites are the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, with a sleeker design than their predecessors and have improved noise cancellation. Bowers & Wilkins PX7S2 headphones are also an excellent choice. They feature high-end materials and cheapest a stunning audio quality, which puts them at the top of wireless over-ear headphones. The Sivga Oriole headphones are another excellent choice, sporting an unique design that is stylishly minimalist and surprisingly affordable for the high-end features that they pack in.

Earbuds are also a popular option, particularly for active listeners who don't want to feel their music on their ears. They are more portable than over-ear headphones and can be connected to Bluetooth devices such as smartphones. There are earbuds that are rated IP-rated for use during sports, as well as options that are compatible with a jogging clip that is gym-friendly. There are also high-end studio headphones that aren't the most comfortable, but are designed for professional use and designed to last and have excellent sound reproduction. If you're considering buying wireless headphones, it's best to try them on in person prior to making any purchase.

Design

Over-ear headphones are exactly as they sound like They completely cover the ears of the user. They usually are larger than earbuds. This enables larger drivers, as well as advanced technology such as active noise cancellation. This makes them heavier and more difficult to store.

Over-ear headphones are usually more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time than on-ear headphones since the headband doesn't press against the head as much. The ear cups also have a larger dimension and are more comfortable for the ears to rest without pushing against the head. For this reason, wireless headphones over-ear are a favorite choice for long commutes or flights.

These are also a good alternative for those who wish to block out the external world but still be able to hear what's happening around them. Earbuds are able to perform some passive noise cancellation but they can't eliminate all sounds from the outside because they only sit inside the ear canal. Some of our top wireless over ear headphones headphones over-ear even have active noise cancellation technology that uses the microphones to analyse ambient sound and generate additional waves to counteract the sound.

High-end headphones for over-ear use should have high-quality sound as well as a comfortable fit and good noise cancellation. Some models provide more than 40 hours of continuous music playback on a single charge and support multi-device pairing. Some are designed for audiophiles and boast large, expansive soundstages and rich detail.

You can still find our top picks of over-ear wireless headsets for those on a budget. We've picked models that offer a comfortable and secure fit and a long battery life. Some are also lightweight and fold down into an easy-to-carry case for storage in your bag or backpack.

For a stunning combination of sound quality, comfort and function, we love the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless. These upscale headphones deliver a 60-hour battery life, a user-friendly app, cheapest a wealth of features and zealous adaptive noise cancellation. Their closed-back design prevents bleeding from the surrounding sound, and their huge, high-quality drivers produce powerful sound that will transport you to your own private music zone.

Sound

Over-ear wireless headphones do like their name implies: they fit over the ears, not inside the canal. This allows them to block out ambient noise better than earbuds without active noise cancellation. They also generally offer a fuller soundstage than headphones that are on-ear, as well as more comfort. Some of the best over-ear headphones include high-end brands like Focal and Marshall. These headphones are constructed of premium materials and are built to last for a long time. They are ideal for long listening sessions, or for use in the studio.

Over-ear Bluetooth headphones usually have larger ear cups and have a different design than earbuds, which allows them to form a seal around your ears. This helps reduce noise leakage which is ideal for on-the-go listening in noisy environments or in the office. They're not as portable as earbuds and can be more bulky on the head.

Earbuds are smaller and easier to carry around in your backpack or jacket pocket, but they don't always create a good seal over your ears and can be susceptible to leakage of sound at higher volume. They also exert pressure on your ear canal, and can cause discomfort after prolonged periods.

Wireless over-ear headphones are ideal if you're looking for comfortable and portable headphones that can last for a long time. These headphones are usually equipped with a rechargeable battery that can last for up to 24 hours on one charge. Models that use wireless Bluetooth technology are available in a vast range of prices, from under $100 to more than $700.

Some headphones include extra features such as voice assistants, noise canceling and high-resolution audio support. You can pick between open or closed back styles depending on your preferences in music. Closed back headphones are better for audio applications that are professional because they isolate the sound more from the other people in the room. Open-back headphones provide more flexibility, but may not be as comfortable to listen to in the public.

The Focal Wireless Bathys are a pair of premium Bluetooth over-ear headphones designed for audiophiles. They feature a V-shaped sound profile that packs extra bass and enhances vocals and the lead instruments. They can be customized to your liking using the application's graphic EQ as well as presets. They support native hi-res and streaming via aptX for an immersive audio experience at home or on the go.

Battery life

Over-ear headphones typically cost more than wireless earbuds. The top models cost around $250 / £200 or AU$450. There are also cheaper models available, however they might have a shorter battery life or less-impressive sound quality. When it comes to choosing headphones for your everyday use you want to get the most value of your investment. that means you need to find a high-quality pair of headphones with a long battery life.

Over-ear headphones have longer battery lives, but they will need to be recharged periodically depending on the volume of music you play and whether you have active noise cancelling enabled. The Sony WH1000XM5 headphones for example, can play music up to 60 hours with no active noise cancelation, and up 28 hours if it's activated.

This can be determined by a range of factors such as the design and construction as well as the comfort level and any additional features. Some models have an integrated microphone for hands-free calls, which is great for commuters or business travellers. Some models have a USB charging port, which is helpful for charging them on the move.

Certain models come with intelligent features that can automatically adjust the audio settings based on what you're doing. This is particularly useful for office workers who are busy. The Sony WH1000XM5s, as an example, can detect when they are being used for calls and automatically switch the audio profile to acoustic in order to enhance clarity. They also have an audio cancellation feature specifically designed to minimize background noise in conference rooms.

Some wireless headphones have a 3.5mm plug to connect them to the batteries get depleted. It's essential to read for product descriptions to confirm that your headphones have this feature.

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is another device that provides Bluetooth support, with multi-device pairing as well as an app to control access to your audio content. They're more expensive than the Sonys however their premium design and build quality are sure to please some. They're also comfortable to wear for long periods of time and can be a good fit for those wearing glasses. The default equaliser leans more towards bass-heavy music but they can be customised through the headphone app.