Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

You should consider these if searching for wireless headsets. These headphones aren't just comfortable but also feature active noise cancellation, which reduces background noise so that you can focus on the music.

Focal's first wireless headphones are an audiophile's dream. They feature a deep, full sound with enough thump for EDM however instruments and vocals aren't excluded. They include a companion app and ANC presets so you can customize the sound to meet 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. With an impressive 27-hour playback time they are ideal for long commutes and long trips. They also have a neat feature that allows you to connect them to two Bluetooth devices at the same time making it simple to switch between music and calls. The WH-1000XM5's sleek, minimalist design and environmentally friendly packaging (using recycled plastic that was specifically designed for Sony) make them an attractive option for anyone who cares about sustainability.

The XM5s have an easier, more comfortable headband that fits snugly over your ears and puts less pressure on your skull. They are also more stylish and have a sleek design that blends in with all outfits. And they're now available in a luxurious matte black that's more appealing than the previous generation's glossy black.

One of the WH-1000XM5's best features is their smart noise cancellation feature, which senses when you've taken off the headphones and pauses the audio. When you put the headphones back on, they automatically resume. This is a fantastic way to save battery, and it's very effective.

The XM5s make a great option for audio quality due to their LDAC codec and DSEE Extreme upscaling. Tim Commerford's bass work is evident in Rage against the Machine's Bullet in the Head which is a dark track. Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy features subtle but deliberate vocal fade.

A cautionary note for gym-goers and those who live in a rainy climate The WH-1000XM5s aren't equipped with an IP rating, which means they can't be trusted around humidity. There's even a disclaimer within the manual that recommends you don't sweat into the headset or use it in the rain.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is a refreshing update to B&W's previous flagship Mobitek Pink Wireless Headphones - Bluetooth - AUX headphone model, the PX7. Instead of a simple upgrade it is a significant upgrade. Series 2 delivers a substantial improvement in both ANC and audio quality. The design is also more refined. It's more sophisticated than the glossy, techy appearance of Sony's XM5 or Apple's AirPods Max.

The headphones can be switched on and HeadphonesShop off by a slider switch. There are also dedicated buttons for volume, play/pause, and HeadphonesShop to navigate through your music collection. There's a customizable button located on the left earcup that can be changed to trigger your voice assistant, and there's an ambient pass-through mode that allows you to be aware of what's happening around you, without having to take off the headphones.

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

One area in which the S2s don't excel is in EQ control The S2s allow you to increase or decrease the bass and treble by 6dB, but there aren't any EQ presets to help to find the perfect balance. The majority of listeners won't feel bothered by this however those who prefer to tweak their audio will need to consider a different option.

Overall overall, the PX7 S2s are a great choice for those looking for a noise-canceling active headphone that has an exquisite finish and feel. Although they aren't as versatile as the XM5s discussed above, they are still a great choice for most listeners. You'll need to decide if their superior ANC and audio quality are enough to cover the slightly higher price.

Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The Bose QuietComfort 45 are a solid pair of Premium Over Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones ear wireless headphones that feature great noise cancellation and a 24-hour battery life. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable enough to wear in the home. The built-in buttons can be controlled with an app that comes with the headphones, however the options for customization are restricted. (Sorry there's no equalizer). You'll be able to choose from a range of sound profiles to suit different situations, such as travelling or working at home. The QC45s feature an Aware Mode which permits outside sounds to be heard when using ANC. This is beneficial for those who wish to hear children and traffic while out and out and about.

The sound quality of the headphones isn't as great as that of the WH-1000XM5s, but it's still decent. The bass isn't pounding but it does give decent depth and a decent amount of the sound's texture. The mids and highs are smooth and there is no shrillness or harshness.

One issue is that QC45s are more inclined to use higher frequencies, which may cause some sibilance to certain songs. This isn't a big deal and is easily fixed in software by adjusting the headphone settings.

The controls are intuitive. The button on the left earcup powers the headphones on and off controls music playback and manages Bluetooth pairing. A multi-function Action Button is also included. It functions as a power toggle and voice assistant, as well as controlling volume. There's also a mic to make phone calls and Siri or Alexa support.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

The ATH-M20x is a stylish pair that delivers excellent sound quality at a reasonable price. The headphones are sturdy and well-built. The earcups and headband are made of plastic, but they're strong enough to last for many years. The ear cups are adjustable by 15 degrees which means they can be put in the most comfortable position for the majority of ears.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x has Bluetooth 5.0 which allows you to enjoy your music wirelessly. They boast a long battery life of up 30 hours of listening time. They include 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 in other functions. These buttons allow you to stop, change tracks, and even adjust the volume. The ATH-M20x also has an integrated microphone that you can use for voice calls and voice commands. The headset has a low latency mode that makes it ideal for video gaming and gaming.

The ATH-M20x headphones are great for some styles of music however, not all. Vocals may sound a bit dull and there isn't any real bass response. The high frequencies are crisp and clear though. The treble is the most prominent feature of these headphones. They are a great choice for pop, classical and jazz.

The ATH-M20x is a lightweight headphone, with a weight of just 190g without the cord. The ear cups are cushioned, but they are not able to be folded. They'll be heavy to carry in backpacks and might not fit into bags. They do not have a detachable cable. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better choice for those that want a more portable set of headphones. It is more comfortable thanks to its folding design, swiveling ears that lie flat, and cables that can be removed. It is more expensive but provides better isolation, more bass and a longer battery life.

Skullcandy Dime 2.

The Dime 2 is Skullcandy’s best-sounding true wireless headphones. It has a small and compact case that's simple to slip into pockets or purses. It also comes with various sizes of earbuds to accommodate different ears. It's also a little lighter than other true wireless headphones we've tried.

The earbuds feature dual microphones that are good to pick up your voice and reducing background noise during phone calls. They are not suitable for use in outdoor environments, as environmental sounds can be a distraction to your voice. Earbuds can also be difficult to use in windy conditions, and they may cut off specific areas of your speech.

The earbuds remain excellent sounding despite these minor problems. They have a crisp high-end that doesn't spill into the mids, and they feature an excellent amount of mid-bass which adds some punch to your music.

The AirPod Pro has a dual-tap function that is decent however, it isn't as intuitive as the Apple AirPod Pro. You have to place your thumb on bottom stem to ensure stability, and then press the logo to trigger a command. It's not as flexible as the pinch gesture system and is a bit inconvenient.

The earbuds can last about four hours on a single charge and have a quick-charge capability for an additional two hours. They are IPX4 certified for their resistance to water and sweat. The earbuds are packaged with the case for carrying them, which has two openings that can accommodate the earbuds, and an attachment loop to attach them to clothing. The case comes in a variety of colors, including Doritos Red. Online, you can find them for under $30 USD.