Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

If you're in the market for a set of wireless over-ear headphones take a look at these. These headphones are not just comfortable but also feature active noise cancellation that reduces background noise so that you can concentrate on your music.

Focal's first wireless headphones are an audiophile's dream. They feature a deep sound with enough thump to fit EDM however vocals and instruments aren't excluded. They come with a companion application and ANC presets that allow you to customize the sound to meet your personal preferences.

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's WH1000XM5 is the most recent generation of its bestselling headphones, that feature automatic adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) to block out ambient sounds. With a staggering 27-hour playback duration they are ideal for long commutes and long trips. The WH-1000XM5 also has an excellent feature that lets users to pair up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously which makes it simple to switch from calls and music. The WH-1000XM5's sleek, 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.

The XM5s feature an easier and more comfortable headband. It fits snugly over your ear and puts less pressure on your skull. They're also more stylish with a new, stealthy appearance that lets them blend into the majority of outfits. They're also available in a matte black that looks even better than the glossy black of previous generations.

One of the best features of the WH1000XM5 is its smart noise cancellation function, which detects when you remove the headphones and then pauses the audio. When you put them back on, they will automatically resume. This is a great way to save battery and it works.

The XM5s are an excellent 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, a brooding track. Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy features subtle but deliberate vocal fade.

For gym rats and those living in humid climates, a word of caution The WH1000XM5s do NOT have an IP rating. They cannot be trusted near moisture. There's even a disclaimer in the manual that suggests 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 wireless headphone, the PX7. Instead of being merely an iterative upgrade the Series 2 delivers a substantial improvement in both ANC and audio quality. The design is also more refined. It's more sophisticated as opposed to the glossy, modern appearance of Sony's XM5 or Apple's AirPods Max.

A switch to turn off power ensures that you know whether the headphones are turned on, and dedicated buttons for play / pause and volume make it simple to navigate through your music collection. There's a customizable button located on the left earcup that can be remapped 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 taking off the headphones.

Streaming the 16-bit/44.1kHz master of Dennis Wilson's River Song from his Pacific Ocean Blue album via the S2s, the soundstage is expansive and clear with layered harmonies as well as atmospheric textures bursting through. The vocals are centered and there's good low-end extension.

The S2s are not the best at EQ control. You can increase or reduce bass and treble up to 6dB but there aren't any presets to aid you in finding the ideal balance. This isn't a huge deal for most listeners, but those who prefer to control their sound's tone themselves will need to look elsewhere.

Overall, the PX7 S2s are a solid option for those who want an active noise-canceling headset with an elegant feel and a high-end finish. They're not as versatile as the aforementioned XM5s however they're an excellent choice for the majority of listeners. You'll just have to decide whether their superior ANC and audio quality are enough to cover the slightly higher price tag.

Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of wireless over-ear headphones that offers great noise cancellation. They also come with an extended battery life of 24 hours. They're also comfortable and lightweight enough to wear around the home. The built-in buttons can be controlled by an app that is included with the headphones, but the options for customization are restricted. (Sorry there's no equalizer). You can select from a range of sound profiles for different situations, like travelling or working at home. The QC45s come with a feature known as Aware Mode that allows outside sounds to be heard when using ANC. This is useful for people who want to hear traffic or children while out and about.

The audio quality of the headphones isn't as great as the WH-1000XM5s, but they're still decent. The bass isn't as intense, but it does offer decent depth and a decent amount of the sound's texture. The mids and highs are well rounded and there's no shrillness or harshness.

The QC45s are known to prefer higher frequencies. This can result in some slight sibilance when listening to certain music. This isn't a major issue and can be easily corrected in software by tweaking the headphone settings.

The controls are easy to use. A button on the left earcup turns the headphones on and off, controls music playback, as well as the cordless bluetooth Headphones pairing. There's also an multi-function Action button that can also be used as a power switch, voice assistant, and volume control. There's also a mic for phone calls and Siri or Alexa support.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

The ATH M20x is a stylish pair that delivers great sound at a reasonable cost. They are well-constructed and have a solid feel to them. The earcups and headband are made of plastic, but they are strong enough to last many years. The ears can rotate up to 15 degrees so they can be positioned to fit most ears.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x comes with bluetooth stereo headphones 5.0, which allows you to stream your music wirelessly. The battery lasts for a long time, offering up to 30 hours of listening time. They come with an USB cable to charge.

The headphones are simple to use. Three buttons are situated on the left ear cup and let you control the playback of music as other functions. These buttons allow you to playback, pause, switch tracks, cordless bluetooth headphones and even adjust the volume. The ATH-M20x also has an integrated microphone that can be used for calls and voice commands. The headset comes with a low latency mode which makes it ideal for video gaming and gaming.

The ATH-M20x headphones aren't without excellent audio quality, they aren't ideal for all music genres. Vocals might sound a little flat, and there's not much bass. The high frequencies sound crisp and clear. The treble is the most prominent feature of these headphones. These headphones are suitable for pop, jazz, and classical music.

The ATH M20x is a light headphone that weighs just under 190g without the cord. The ear cups are padded, but they cannot fold. They are heavy and won't fit in the backpack or bag. They do not have an untidy cable, either. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better choice for those that want an easier-to-transport set of headphones. It's more comfortable due to its folding design, swiveling ears that lay flat, and cables that can be removed. It is more expensive, but offers better isolation and more bass.

Skullcandy Dime 2.

The Dime 2 is Skullcandy’s best-sounding true wireless headphones. It has a small, compact case that's easy to put in pockets or purses. It also comes with various ear gel sizes to accommodate different ears. It's also lighter than other true wireless buds we test.

Dual microphones are great to pick up your voice during phone calls and reducing background noise. However, they're not ideal for outdoor use because environmental sounds can overtake your voice. The earbuds also struggle with windy environments and can clip parts of your speech.

The earbuds remain excellent sounding despite these minor flaws. They have a crisp, clear high end that doesn't spill over into the mids. They also have a nice amount mid-bass to give your music a little impact.

They also have a good dual-tap feature that allows you to execute voice commands, but they're not as intuitive as Apple's AirPod Pro. You have to place your thumb on the bottom of the stem for stability, and then press the logo to execute a command. It's not as flexible as a pinch gesture system, and is a bit inconvenient.

The earbuds are able to last for about four hours on a single charge and come with a quick-charge feature for two more hours. They're also classified as IPX4 for resistance to sweat and water. The Earbuds come with a carrying case with several openings to accommodate the buds and an attachment loop to clip them to your clothes. The case comes in several colors and styles, including Doritos red. Online, you can find them for under $30 USD.