Over-Ear Wireless Headphones Review

A good pair of wireless headphones will block out the background noise and let you listen to your favorite tunes without worrying about cables. Our reviewers put the most recent headphones on the market, evaluating sound quality as well as comfort and features.

The Marshall Major IIIs are simple and sleek and their earcups are large. They hold large batteries, which allows them to last for up to 30 hours (playtime is dependent on volume). They also support high-res audio through a carrying case.

Comfort

The best headphones should be comfortable enough to listen for long periods of time without causing soreness, or pain in the head or ears. The degree of comfort is subjective but the individual user will need to try different headphones to determine what is most comfortable for them. Over-ear headphones are typically more comfortable than in-ear headphones, because they don't put too much pressure on the ears. They also tend to have thicker padding and are often smaller than in-ear headphones.

Over-ear wireless headphones can also feature larger drivers that enable them to cover a wider spectrum of frequencies. They are able to reproduce more of the details of your music and provide a more realistic sound and make it appear as if you're listening to music in a real-world setting. They may also have more active noise cancellation capabilities, which will help you stay isolated from the outside world.

There are many amazing wireless over-ear headphones available. Sony WH1000XM5 headphones are our current top picks. They have a sleeker, more modern look and superior noise cancellation over their predecessors. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones are a great alternative with top-quality materials and a stunning sound quality which puts them at the top of the line of wireless headphones. The Sivga Oriole headphones are another great option, with distinctive geometric design that's elegantly subtle and surprisingly affordable for the features that they pack in.

Earbuds are also a popular option, especially for those who don't want to feel their music ringing in their ears. They tend to be more portable than headphones that are over-ear, and they can be used with Bluetooth devices such as smartphones. You can find earbuds that are IP-rated for use in sports, as well as models that work with a gym-friendly jogging clip. High-end studio models are available. They're not the most comfortable, but they are made to be durable and have excellent sound quality. If you're planning to purchase headphones that are wireless, it's best to try them on in person prior to making any decisions.

Design

As the name implies, over-ear headphones completely enclose the ears of the user. They usually are larger than earbuds. This allows for larger drivers, and advanced technology such as active noise cancellation. However this also means that they can be more bulky and difficult to put away.

Over-ear headphones can be worn for longer periods than on-ear headphones because the headband doesn't press as hard against the head. The earcups are slightly larger, which makes them more comfortable to sit on the ears without pushing back against the head. Because of this, over-ear wireless headphones are a favorite choice for long flights or commutes.

They are also a great option for those who want to block out the outside world, but still be able to be able to hear what's happening around them. Earbuds can perform a good bit of passive noise cancellation however they're not able to block out all ambient sounds because they're only in the ear canal. Some of our top wireless headphones for over-ear use also have active noise cancelling technology that makes use of the microphones to analyse ambient sound and generate additional waves to counteract the sound.

Premium headphones should feature outstanding sound quality with a comfortable fit and a good noise cancellation. Some models are capable of playing music for up to 40 hours on one battery charge. They also support multiple devices. Certain models are made for audiophiles, and come with an expansive soundstage and rich detail.

If you're on a tight budget but still want to buy some of our top picks for over-ear wireless headphones. We've chosen models with a comfortable and secure fit, as well as exceptional battery life for their price. Some models are lightweight and fold up into a compact case to fit comfortably into a bag or backpack.

For an impressive mix of sound quality, comfort and function we recommend the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless. These upscale headphones offer a 60-hour power life, a user-friendly app, numerous features, and powerful noise cancellation. Their closed-back design prevents bleeding of the surrounding audio and their large high-quality drivers deliver an impressive sound that can take you to your personal private musical space.

Sound

Over-ear wireless headphones do as their name suggests they are positioned over the ears, not within the canal. They are able to block out background noise better than earbuds which do not feature active noise cancellation. They also usually provide a fuller soundstage than headphones that are on-ear and provide more comfort. Premium brands like Focal and Marshall are among the top headphones that can be worn over the ear. These headphones are made of premium materials and are built for longevity. These headphones are perfect for long listening sessions, or for use in studios.

Over-ear Bluetooth headsets tend to have larger earcups and slightly more rounded design than earbuds. They can create an airtight seal around your ears. This reduces noise leakage and is perfect to listen on the go in noisy settings, or while at work. The downside is that they aren't as portable as earbuds, and they may feel more bulky on the head phone.

Earbuds are smaller and lighter to carry around in your bag or jacket pocket, however, they aren't always able to create a tight seal around your ears. They can suffer from sound leakage at higher volumes. They also exert pressure on your ear canal and can become uncomfortable when worn for long periods.

Wireless over-ear headphones are the best option for those who want comfortable, portable headphones that will last for a long time. They typically come with a built-in rechargeable battery, which can give you up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge. Models that feature wireless Bluetooth technology are available in a broad variety of prices, ranging from less than $100 to more than $700.

Some headphones include extra features like voice assistants, noise cancellation, and hi-res audio support. You can pick between open and closed back styles depending on your preferences in music. Closed-back headphones are ideal for audio applications that are professional because they can isolate the sound from the noise of other people in the room. Open-back headphones are more flexible, however they might not be as comfortable listening to music in public.

The Focal Bathys Wireless are a top-quality pair of Bluetooth over-ear headphones that are designed for audiophiles. They have an ear-shaped sound profile that provides more bass and brightens vocals and the lead instruments. They can be customised to your liking using the companion app's graphic EQ and presets. 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 move.

Battery life

Typically over-ear headphones cost more than wireless earbuds, with the top options costing around $250 / PS200/ AU$450. There are lower-cost models available, but they may have a shorter battery life or lower sound quality. When it comes to choosing headphones for your everyday use you want to get the most of your investment. that means finding a great-sounding pair of headphones that have a long battery life.

Over-ear headphones have longer battery lives however, they'll require recharging periodically depending on the volume of music you play, and whether you have active noise cancelling enabled. For example, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones provide up to 60 hours of playback with no active noise cancellation and up to 28 hours with active noise cancellation.

This can be determined by a range of factors including the design and build, the comfort level and any additional features. Some models have an inbuilt microphone for hands-free calls, which is great for business travelers or commuters. They also come with a USB port to charge which is useful if you need to keep them charged while on the move.

Other models come with smart features that can automatically adjust the audio settings according to the activity you're engaged in which is particularly helpful for busy office workers. For instance the Sony WH1000XM5s can detect when you're using them to make calls and automatically switch the audio profile to acoustic mode to increase clarity. They also have a noise cancellation mode that is designed to cut down background noise in conference room.

Some wireless over-ear headphones come with a 3.5mm plug to plug them in when the batteries are empty. It's important to check product descriptions to make sure your pair has this feature.

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is another model that comes with Bluetooth support, which includes multi-device pairing and an app that allows for simple access to your audio files. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is slightly more expensive than Sonys but their premium design and quality of build will entice many. They're also comfortable to wear for long periods of time and Head Phone can provide a good seal for glasses-wearers. Their default equaliser is skewed more towards bass-heavy music, but they can be customised with the help of the headphone app.