Over-Ear Wireless Headphones Review

Wireless headphones are a great option to block out the noise and enjoy your favorite music without having to worry about cables. Our reviewers put the latest headphones on the market by evaluating the sound quality and comfort as well as features.

The Marshall Major IIIs are sleek and simple and their earcups are large. They can accommodate batteries that are large, allowing them to last for up to 30 hours (playtime varies depending on volume). The Marshall Major IIIs also offer hi-res sound through the included carrying case.

Comfort

The most effective headphones will be comfortable enough to listen for long periods of time without causing soreness, or discomfort in the head or ears. The degree of comfort is subjective and each person will need to test different headphones to find the best fitting. Over-ear headphones tend to be the most comfortable because they don't exert the same amount of pressure directly to the ears as in-ear headphones. They also tend to have thicker padding and are smaller than in-ear headphones.

Over-ear headphones equipped with wireless technology can also be equipped with larger drivers to provide a wider range of frequencies. They can reproduce more details of your music and a more realistic space and make it appear as if you are listening to your 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 numerous great wireless over-ear headphone options. Sony WH1000XM5 headphones are our current top picks. They feature a sleeker, more modern look and better noise cancellation than their predecessors. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones are a great alternative, with Premium Wireless Over Ear Headphones with Bluetooth 5.3 materials and an impressive sound quality that place them in the top tier of wireless over-ears. The Sivga Oriole is another great choice. They feature a unique geometrical design that's stylishly unassuming and quite affordable for the features of high-end quality they pack in.

Earbuds can also be an ideal choice, particularly for people who are active and don't like to feel music in their ears. They are more compact than over-ear ones and can be paired to Bluetooth devices like smartphones. You can find earbuds which are IP-rated for use during sports, as well as options that are compatible with a gym-friendly jogging clip. Even high-end studio headphone models are available. They are not very comfortable, but they are made to last and provide excellent sound quality. It's crucial to test wireless headphones prior to purchasing them.

Design

As the name suggests, over-ear headphones completely enclose the listener's ears. They typically are larger than earbuds. This enables larger drivers, and advanced technology such as active noise cancellation. However this can mean they'll be heavier and more difficult to keep in a safe place.

Over-ear headphones can be worn for longer periods than on-ear headsets because the headband doesn't press as hard against the head. The ear cups are also slightly larger, making them more comfortable to sit on the ears without pushing back against the head. This is why over-ear wireless headphones are a popular choice for long trips or commutes.

They are also a great alternative for those who wish to block out sounds from the outside world, but still be able to be able to hear the sounds around them. Earbuds are able to do some passive noise cancellation but they're not able to eliminate all sounds outside since they only sit inside the ear canal. Some of our best wireless headphones have active noise cancellation technology, which makes use of the microphones to analyze the ambient sound and generate additional sound waves to counter these.

High-end headphones for over-ear use should have outstanding sound quality, a comfortable fitting and good noise cancellation. Certain models are capable of playing music for up 40 hours on a single charge. They also support various devices. Some are made for audiophiles, and feature large, expansive soundstages and detailed sound.

If you're on a budget but still want to buy our top picks for over-ear wireless headphones. We have selected models with a comfortable and secure fit and also long battery life. Some are also lightweight and fold up into a compact case for easy storage in your bag or backpack.

For HeadphonesShop a stunning combination of audio quality, comfort and functionality, we love the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless. These premium headphones come with a 60-hour battery life, a simple app, a wealth of features, and an enthralling adaptive noise cancellation. The closed-back design helps prevent bleed from surrounding audio, and their massive high-quality drivers deliver powerful sound that will transport you to your own private music space.

Sound

As the name suggests, over-ear wireless headphones are placed over your ear rather than inside your ear canal. They block out ambient noise better than earbuds without active noise cancellation. They provide a more immersive soundstage and greater comfort than headphones with earphones. Premium brands like Focal and Marshall are among the best headphones for over-ear use. These headphones are made from premium materials and HeadphonesShop designed to last. They're perfect for long listening sessions or for use in studios.

Over-ear Bluetooth headsets usually have larger earcups and slightly more rounded design than earbuds. This lets them create an airtight seal around your ears. This can reduce the leakage of noise which is ideal for on-the-go listening in noisy environments or at the office. They're not as lightweight as earbuds and be more bulky on the head.

Earbuds might be smaller and more convenient to put in a backpack or jacket pocket however, at higher volumes they can leak sound. They also exert pressure on your ear canal, and may cause discomfort after wearing them for extended time.

Wireless over-ear headphones are the best option for those who want comfortable portable headphones that can last for a long time. They typically come with an integrated rechargeable battery that can provide up to 24 hours of playtime with a single charge. You can find models that have wireless Bluetooth technology at a variety of price points, from less than $100 to over $700.

Some headphones have additional features such as noise cancelling or voice assistants, as well as high-resolution audio support. You can also pick between open and closed back designs, based on your preference for music. Closed back headphones work better for professional audio applications because they block out the sound from the noise of other people in the room. Open back headphones are more flexible, however they may not be as comfortable listening in public.

The Focal Wireless Bathys are high-end Bluetooth over-ear headphones made for audiophiles. The V-shaped sound profile offers more bass, while also brightening vocals and lead instrument. The graphic EQ and presets in the companion app allow you to customize them to your liking. They can be used with native hi-res as well as aptX streaming for a truly immersive audio experience whether at home or on the go.

Battery life

Typically, over-ear headphones cost more than wireless earbuds, with top options costing around $250 / PS200/ AU$450. There are less expensive alternatives, but they may have a shorter battery life or a less excellent sound quality. If you are seeking a pair of headphones that you can wear every all day, you'll want to get the most value for budget. This means you should select the best pair that has good sound and a long-lasting battery.

Over-ear headphones have longer battery lives, but they will require recharging periodically according to the amount of music you listen to and whether you have active noise cancelling enabled. The Sony WH1000XM5 headphones for instance, can play music up to 60 hours in silence without active noise cancellation and up to 28 hours if it's enabled.

This can depend on a number of factors that include the design and build, how comfortable they are to wear and the additional features that are included. For instance, some models have a built-in microphone to allow hands-free calls which is beneficial for commuters and business travellers. Some models have a USB charging port, which is great for charging them while on the go.

Certain models come with intelligent features that can automatically alter the audio settings based on the activity you're in. This is especially useful for busy office workers. The Sony WH1000XM5s, for example, can detect when they are being used to make calls and automatically switch the audio profile to acoustic in order to improve clarity. They also come with an option to cancel out noise which is designed to cut out background noise in conference rooms.

Some wireless headphones over-ear come with an 3.5mm port which allows you to connect wires to the headphones when the battery has run out. It is important to read the the product description to ensure that your headphones have this feature.

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is another model that comes with Bluetooth support, with multi-device pairing and a control app for easy access to your audio content. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is slightly more expensive than the Sonys but their high-end design and quality of construction will please many. They are also very comfortable and can be worn for extended periods. They can also provide a good seal to glasses-wearers. The default equaliser is geared towards bass-heavy songs, but can be customized by using the headphone app.