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 only comfortable, but they also have active noise cancellation that reduces background noises so that you can concentrate on your music.

The first wireless headphones by Focal are the ultimate dream of audiophiles. They offer a full and full sound, with enough thump to support EDM, but instruments and vocals aren't left out. They include a companion app and ANC presets so you can tailor the sound to suit your preferences.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 by Sony is the most recent version of the popular headphones. It comes with an adaptive noise cancellation feature that will block out background noise. With an impressive 27-hour playback duration, they are perfect for long commutes and long trips. The WH-1000XM5 also comes with an excellent feature that lets users to pair up to two Bluetooth devices at the same time making it easy to switch between calls and music. The WH-1000XM5's sleek, minimalist design and eco-friendly packaging (using recycled plastic developed specifically for Sony) make an appealing choice for anyone who cares about the environment.

The XM5s come with an easier, more comfortable headband that can be worn comfortably over your ear and puts less pressure on your skull. They also look more fashionable, with a new stealthy style that is a perfect match with most outfits. They're also available in a matte black that looks even better than the glossy black of the previous generations.

One of the most impressive 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 your headphones back on the audio will resume automatically. This is a great method to save battery and it works.

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

For those who exercise and blue tooth headphones who live in areas with rain Beware: the WH1000XM5s don't have an IP rating. They are not recommended in areas with moisture. There's even a disclaimer within 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. The Series 2 is not just an incremental update, but it's a major improvement in the quality of audio and ANC. The design also gets more refined, with a style that is more mature than the sleek, modern-day looks of Sony's XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.

The headphones can be turned on and off with a slider switch. There are also dedicated buttons for volume, play/pause and to navigate through your music collection. The left ear cup has a button that is customizable and can be changed to match your voice assistant. There's also an ambience pass-through mode that allows you to hear what's happening around you.

Streaming a 16-bit/44.1kHz master of Dennis Wilson's River Song from his Pacific Ocean blue tooth headphones album through the S2s, the soundstage is expansive and rich, with layered harmonies and atmospheric textures that are clearly heard. There's a lot of low-end extension too, and vocals stay focused.

One area in which the S2s aren't as good is in EQ control: you can increase or decrease the bass and treble by 6dB, but there aren't any EQ presets to help find your preferred balance. Most listeners won't be bothered by this however those who prefer to customize their audio will have to look elsewhere.

Overall 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 quite as versatile as the aforementioned XM5s however, they're still an excellent choice for the majority of listeners. You'll have to decide if the better ANC and audio is worth the slightly higher price.

Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 wireless headphone bluetooth

The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of wireless over-ear headphones that provide excellent noise cancellation. They also have a battery life of 24 hours. They're also lightweight and comfortable enough to wear around the home. The built-in buttons can be controlled using an app that is included with the headphones, however the options for customization are restricted. (Sorry, there's no equalizer). You can select from a range of sound profiles for different scenarios, including travel or working at home. The QC45s also have an Aware Mode that lets outside sounds be heard when using ANC which can be useful for those who want to hear their children and traffic while out and about.

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

One issue is that QC45s are more inclined to use higher frequencies, which may result in a slight sibilance when listening to certain songs. This is not a major issue and can be fixed by altering the headphone settings in software.

The controls are simple and easy to use. The left earcup turns the headphones on and off, controls music playback, as well as the Bluetooth pairing. There's also an multi-function Action button that doubles as a power toggle as well as a voice assistant and volume control. There's also a mic to make phone calls and Siri or Alexa support.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

The ATH-M20x is a chic pair of headphones that provide excellent sound quality at a reasonable cost. The headphones are durable and well-constructed. The headband and earcups are made of plastic however, they are sturdy enough to last a long time. The ear cups can be adjusted by 15 degrees and can be put in the most comfortable position for most ears.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x has Bluetooth 5.0 which allows you to listen to your music wirelessly. The battery lasts for a long time, offering up to 30hrs of listening time. They come with a USB-C cable for charging.

The headphones are simple to use. There are three buttons on the the left earcup that let you control playback and other functions. These buttons let you stop, change tracks, and adjust the volume. The ATH-M20x comes with a built-in microphone for voice commands and calls. The headset has a low latency mode that makes it ideal for gaming and video calling.

The ATH-M20x headphones are great for some genres of music, but not all. Vocals may sound a bit flat, and there isn't much bass. The high frequencies are clear and clear though. The treble is a standout feature of these headphones. These headphones are ideal for jazz, pop and classical music.

The ATH-M20x is a lightweight headphone, with a weight of just 190g without the cord. The ear cups are well cushioned, but they are not able to fold. They are heavy and won't fit in a bag or backpack. The cable cannot be removable. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better choice for those who want headphones that is more portable. It is more comfortable with an adjustable design that folds, swiveling the ear cups, which lay flat, and a removable cable. It's more expensive but it provides better isolation and a bit more bass.

Skullcandy Dime 2

The Dime 2 is one of Skullcandy's better-sounding true wireless earbuds. It comes in a compact, compact carrying case that is easy to put in purses or pockets. It comes with a variety of ear gel sizes that can be adjusted to fit different sizes of ears. It's also lighter than wireless earbuds that we tried.

The earbuds have dual microphones that are good for capturing your voice and reducing background noise during phone calls. They are not suitable for outdoor use, as environmental sounds can drown out your voice. Earbuds also struggle in conditions that are windy and can cut some of your speech.

The earbuds are still very great sounding, despite these minor issues. They have a crisp, clear high end that doesn't spill into the mids. They also have a good amount of mid-bass to give your music a little impact.

They also come with a great dual-tap feature to perform voice commands, though they're not as intuitive as Apple's AirPod Pro. You have to place your thumb on the bottom stem to ensure stability, and then press the logo to trigger an instruction. It's not as quick as a pinch gesture system, and can be a bit unwieldy.

The earbuds can last about four hours on a single charge and have a quick-charge capability for two more hours. They're also certified IPX4 for resistance to sweat and water. The earbuds come with a carrying case that has two openings for the earbuds as well as an elastic loop to secure them to your clothing. It's a great-looking case that's available in multiple colors, including the red color of Doritos. On the internet, you can purchase the cases for less than $30 USD.