Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

If you're looking for a set of wireless headphones for over-ear take a look at these. They're not just comfortable to wear, but they come with excellent active noise cancellation that mutes background noises to allow you to focus on the music.

Focal's first wireless headphones are the ultimate dream of audiophiles. They feature a deep and full sound, with enough thump to support EDM however instruments and vocals aren't left out. They include an app companion to the music and ANC presets that allow you to tailor the sound to your preferences.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 by Sony is the latest version of the well-known Headphones Shop. It comes with an adaptive noise cancellation feature that will block out ambient noise. With a remarkable 27-hour playback duration, they are perfect for long commutes and long trips. They also have a neat feature that allows you to connect them to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and makes it simple to switch between calls and music. The WH1000XM5 will appeal to anyone who values sustainability due to its minimalist, sleek design and eco-friendly packaging.

Compared to their predecessors, the XM5s are lighter and more comfortable with a headband that fits snugly around your ears with less pressure on your head. They also look more fashionable with the new, sleek appearance that lets them blend into most outfits. They're now available in a luscious matte black that's more appealing than the previous generation's glossy black.

One of the best features is their smart noise cancellation feature. It senses when you've taken off the headphones and then pauses your audio. When you put them back on the audio is automatically resumed. This is a great way to save battery and it is effective.

For sound quality, the XM5s do a great job by combining LDAC codec support as well as DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Rage against the Machine's dark Bullet in the Head showcases the bass skills of Tim Commerford with real power, while Billie Eilish's Bad Guy has a subtle but deliberate vocal fade.

For those who exercise and living in humid climates Beware: the WH1000XM5s do not have an IP rating. They cannot be trusted near water. There's even a disclaimer within the manual that suggests you not sweat into the headset or use it in the rain.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 represents a refreshing upgrade of B&W's previous flagship wireless headphone, Headphones Shop PX7. The Series 2 is not just an iterative upgrade, but an incredibly improvement in audio quality and ANC. The design also gets more refined, with a look that is more mature than the glossy, tech-forward looks of Sony's XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.

A switch to turn off power makes it clear when the headphones are on, and dedicated buttons for play / pause and volume make it simple to navigate through your music collection. There's a programmable button located on the left earcup that can be changed to trigger your voice assistant, and there's also an ambient pass-through mode that allows you to hear what's going on around you without taking off the headphones.

The S2s can reproduce the 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. The vocals are focused and there's plenty of low-end amplitude.

One area where the S2s don't excel is in EQ control The S2s allow you to increase or decrease treble and bass by 6dB, however there aren't any EQ presets to help to find the perfect balance. Most listeners won't be affected by this however, those who want to alter their audio have to look elsewhere.

Overall all, the PX7 S2s are a great choice for those looking for a noise-canceling headphone that has an exquisite finish and feel. They're not quite as versatile as the aforementioned XM5s however they're a great option for most listeners. You'll have to decide if the better ANC and audio is worth the slightly more expensive price.

Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of wireless Premium Over Ear Wireless Headphones with Built-In Mic-ear headphones that provide excellent noise cancellation. They also have a battery life of 24 hours. The headphones are light and comfortable enough to wear around the home. They can be controlled via the built-in buttons and an accompanying app, however the ability to customize is restricted (sorry there's no equalizer). You can pick from various sound profiles depending on the circumstance, for instance when you're on the road or working from home. The QC45s also have an Aware Mode which allows outside sounds in when using ANC, which can be useful for those who want to hear kids and traffic when they are out and out and about.

The audio quality isn't as good with the WH-1000XM5s however it's still a good performance. The bass isn’t pounding however it does offer adequate richness and texture. The mids and highs are well-rounded and there's not a hint of shrillness or harshness.

One issue is that QC45s tend to favor the higher frequencies, which could result in an occasional sibilance while listening to certain songs. This isn't a major issue and can be easily corrected in software by tweaking the headphone's settings.

The controls are easy to use. A button on the left earcup turns off the headphones on and off, controls music playback, as well as the Bluetooth pairing. There's also a multi-function Action button that can also be used as a power switch, voice assistant, and volume control. There's a microphone to take phone calls as well as Siri or Alexa is supported.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

The ATH-M20x are a stylish pair of headphones that provide great sound for the price. They are built well and have a an incredibly solid feel. Although the headband and ear cups are constructed of plastic it is strong enough to make it robust enough for long-term use. The ear cups can rotate up to 15 degrees, so they can be positioned to fit most ears.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x comes with Bluetooth 5.0 which lets you enjoy your music wirelessly. The battery life is impressive, with up to 30hrs of listening time. They come with an USB cable to charge.

Using the headphones is simple. There are three buttons on the back of the left earcup which allow you to control playback as well as other functions. These buttons allow you to playback, pause, switch tracks, and alter the volume. The ATH M20x comes with built-in microphones for calls and voice commands. The headset is in low latency, which makes it ideal for video and gaming.

Although the ATH-M20x headphones offer excellent audio quality they aren't ideal for all genres of music. Vocals can sound flat and there is no real bass response. The high frequencies sound clear and clear. The treble is a standout feature of these headphones. These headphones are ideal for pop, jazz, and classical music.

The ATH M20x headphones are light at a mere 190 grams without the cord. They come with a lot of padding on the ear cups however they cannot be folded. They are bulky and will not fit into a bag or backpack. They don't come with a detachable cable either. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better choice for those who want a more compact set of headphones. It is more comfortable thanks to its fold-down design, swiveling ears that lay flat, and cable that can be removed. It is more expensive but it offers better isolation, more bass and longer battery life.

Skullcandy Dime 2.

The Dime 2 is one of Skullcandy's best-sounding wireless earbuds. It comes with a compact and compact case that is simple to slip into pockets or purses. It also comes with various ear gel sizes to fit different ears. It's also a little lighter than some of the other wireless earbuds we've tested.

The earbuds come with dual microphones, which are excellent to pick up your voice and reduce background noise when you make phone calls. However, they're not the best for use outdoors because environmental sounds can overtake your voice. The earbuds also struggle with winds and can cut some of your speech.

The earbuds remain good sounding despite these minor issues. They have a clear high-end that doesn't leak into the mids, and they feature a nice amount of mid-bass which adds some punch to your music.

The AirPod Pro has a dual-tap function that works well, but not as intuitive as Apple AirPod Pro. You must place your thumb on the stem's bottom to ensure stability, and then press the logo to execute an action. It's not as flexible as a pinch gesture, and is a bit inconvenient.

The earbuds can last for around four hours on one charge. They also have an option to charge them quickly that allows them to last two additional hours. They're also rated IPX4 for resistance to water and sweat. The earbuds come in an carrying case with two openings that can accommodate the earbuds, and an attachment loop to attach them to clothing. The case is stylish and available in a variety of colors, including Doritos red. You can find them on the internet for less than $30 USD.