Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds encapsulate the ears completely. They also allow for bigger drivers that provide deeper bass and a wider soundstage. Many also include active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.

The Master & Dynamic MW65 has been updated with superior audio, various ANC modes and a huge battery life.

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

Sony has enhanced an already fantastic pair of headphones with the introduction of the WH1000XM4 wireless. They are lighter, better built and feature an audio profile that is more balanced (though bass-heavy). They also include an app to adjust the sound. They've upgraded their active noise cancellation, removing the background noise, and have a longer battery life.

These headphones utilize Bluetooth 5.0 and support SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. This codec can transfer high-resolution audio, however you'll need to use compatible devices and streaming services. In addition, the WH-1000XM4s can connect to two Bluetooth devices at once and switch between them when required. This feature can be enabled via the Sony Headphones Connect App and is very effective.

The touch panels are more sensitive than the XM3. They respond quicker to a tap on a panel and are easier to control when making calls or listening to media. Sony has also added a feature to make voice calls clearer and more precise during calls. This is a noticeable and pleasant addition.

Although the WH-1000XM4s may not be perfect, they're one of the top wireless headphones we've ever tested. They're comfortable, well-made, and come with an impressive battery that lasts for more than 30 hours continuously. They can be used passively with a TRS cable. This is ideal to travel with or for storing energy.

The WH1000XM4s offer a better alternative to the Bowers & Wilkins Wireless Over-Ears PX7 S2. The Sonys are more comfortable and their ANC can block out more ambient noise. They also have an app that lets you alter their audio performance and EQ settings are more flexible than the B&W's. However, the B&Ws come with more robust design and they're able to pair with two Bluetooth devices at once. They also support aptXHD, and they have an AI-driven engine which tries to increase the size of compressed music to high resolution. This is known as DSEE Extreme, and it improves the clarity of music when listening to lossless audio files.

2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The $329 Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones are the most recent version of a headphone that became a staple for commuters and travelers from all over the world. The new model does not reinvent the wheel. It is based on the same formula that made its predecessor so successful but it also includes the USB-C port and improved noise cancellation.

Like the QC 35 II before them, these over-ear Bose headphones have a luxurious look and feel that exudes quality. The headband is constructed of plastic, but has a sturdy feel with metal hinges at the pivot points and the ratcheting mechanism that is familiar when you retract or extend the ear cups. The cups are soft cushions that fit comfortably over the ears and don't put pressure to your head. When folded they weigh 238 grams. They can be worn with a coat or sweater as they work even when not on your blue tooth Head Phones.

Despite their reputation as comfortable headphones they do not provide the best sound quality at this price point. The frequencies are fairly flat and lack the depth that more expensive headphones might be able to bring out. The higher registers tend to be amplified and is suitable for most music, but could become a problem for more delicate or intricate genres of music. The bass is decent, but is lacking punch.

The ability to pause playback when you remove the headset is a feature that's not available. This is standard in this price range and is something that Bose's rivals have been offering for years. Another thing that was missing was the lack of an in-app EQ. Bose has preset EQs available in the app, but it would be nice to have a manual control.

You can connect to your tablet or blue tooth head phones smartphone via Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint support and more advanced codecs such as aptX Adaptive. Download the Bose Audio App to adjust your headsets audio and voice settings.

The QC45s have four microphones inbuilt to hear your voice while on the phone. The quality of calls is generally very good, but the headsets don't come with the handy capability to turn off your voice during playback, which is something that other wireless headphones have. Update In February 2022, a firmware update to the QC45s provided manual EQ options in the audio app, which is a welcome improvement.

3. Focal Bathys Wireless

Focal is a French audio brand known for its high-performance headphones that provide long-lasting comfort and a design that lets listeners know they're listening to something truly special. The Bathys are their first wireless noise cancelling headphones. They look and sound stunning. They come with a top-quality USB DAC built in, which means you can use them both for wireless and wired listening.

Focal claims that the Bathys can play Bluetooth music for 30 hours. We actually got a little more out of them, with over 40 hours of playtime on average of one charge. If you have to charge the headphones in the future, the indicator light on the right earcup will go red.

They come with a wide range of features for headphones at this price that include support for multiple devices at once and automatic pairing (though you'll have to select your source device every time you would like to listen). They also have a built-in mic that can be used to control voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones come with an easy-to use interface that makes it easy to control music and make calls.

For cordless headphones with over-ear connectivity, the Bathys perform very well in our test of noise cancellation, reducing the ambient sound by about 9 decibels in average. It's not as effective as the ANC found in the Sony WH1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless but it is still effective.

In our tests of headphone sound quality The Bathys were a good overall performer with an overall frequency response that is in line with the SoundGuys headphone preference curve, with just minor deviations in the mids and bass. They have a bass-rich sound profile that adds a lot of boom to the mix, however, they can make instruments and vocals like cymbals seem a bit veiled.

You can wear them wherever without worrying that others will listen to your music. Their mic has passable recording quality through Bluetooth with just a little distortion in the mid - to treble range.

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4

The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless are a new update to the company's top-of-the-line Bluetooth headphones. The previous model, the Momentum 3, was a solid but unspectacular entry Immerse into Music with KVIDIO Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones the category. The latest pair improves on the previous model by having a sleeker design, improved gesture controls and massive battery life.

The improvements are subtle, but add up to an over-ear set of headphones that feel like an upgrade. The Momentum 4s are flat and don't fold. They come with a hardshell case that protects them while on the move. They also follow the pattern of many other recent Bluetooth headphones, such as the ones from Sony and Bowers & Wilkins, to be completely device-independent. They work with both Apple iPhones as well as Android phones, but lack the AirPods extra features, such as Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.

The most significant change is the huge battery that can last for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation on. This is more than the majority of the competitors can provide and enough for a long-distance trip without having to worry about finding an outlet to charge it.

Engadget senior editor Billy Steele gave the headphones an 82 score with a focus on their audio quality and ANC as their main strengths. The only thing he dislikes is that they lack a sense of gravitas in the mids and the treble. This means that orchestral tracks tend to sound flat rather than grand. The bass is well-rounded, but can be overemphasized, which can lead to fatigue in songs with strong bass lines, such as the drum beats of As I Lay Dying’s Forever. The cymbals sound sizzled, not full. There's also not much depth to the lows.

The Momentum 4s are comfortable and aren't likely to put too much pressure on your neck or ears. However they can be a bit uncomfortable when worn around the house or for longer listening sessions. They will move about on your head with intense head movements. This can cause them wake up unexpectedly, which can be distracting when listening to music or making calls. Fortunately they shut down after 15 minutes of slumber by default, and can be manually switched off by pressing the power button.