Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds are a complete encapsulation of your ears and allow larger drivers to provide greater bass and larger soundstages. Many include Bluetooth technology and active noise cancellation.

The most recent Master & Dynamic MW65 update features superior audio, multiple ANC modes, and a long battery life with a stylish and distinctive design.

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

Sony has enhanced an already excellent pair of headphones by introducing the WH1000XM4 wireless. They are more lightweight, better constructed and have an audio profile that is more balanced (though bass-heavy). They also include an app for audio customization. Their active noise cancelling performs better than ever before, removing any background noise. Additionally, they have a longer battery life than other models.

These headphones utilize Bluetooth 5.0 which supports SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. The latter can transfer high-resolution music, but you'll need to use compatible devices and streaming services. The WH-1000XM4s is also able to connect two buy bluetooth Headphones devices simultaneously and then automatically switch between them as required. This feature can be enabled through the Sony Headphones Connect app and it works flawlessly.

The touch panels are more sensitive than the XM3. They respond faster to a tap on the panel and are much easier to control when making calls or listening to music. Sony also included an option that makes voices sound clearer and more precise on calls, which is evident and a nice feature.

The WH-1000XM4s aren't perfect, but they're among the top wireless headphones we've ever test. They're comfortable, well made, and have an excellent battery that lasts for more than 30 hours continuously. They can also be used passively with the TRS cable, which is ideal for those who travel or want to conserve power.

The WH-1000XM4s are a better choice than the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless over-ears. The Sonys are more comfortable, and their ANC can block out more background noise. They also come with a companion app that lets you alter their audio performance and EQ settings are more flexible than the B&W's. However, the B&Ws have a better-built design, and they're able to pair with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. In addition, they support aptX HD and have a unique AI-driven engine that attempts to boost compressed music to high-resolution. This is known as DSEE Extreme and it does a good job of improving the clarity of music, particularly when listening to lossless audio files.

2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The $329 Bose QuietComfort45 Noise-Canceling headset is the most current version of a headset that has become a popular choice for Buy Bluetooth Headphones commuters and passengers all over the world. The new model does not reinvent the wheel. It uses the same formula which made its predecessor so successful but it also includes USB-C and better noise cancellation.

These over-ear Bose headsets have a premium feeling and look, just like the QC 35 II headphones that came before them. The headband is constructed of plastic, and has a sturdy feel with hinges made of metal at pivot points and the ratcheting mechanism that is familiar when you retract or extend the earcups. The cups are cushioned and have soft pads that fit over your ears without pressing your head. When folded they weigh 238 grams. You can wear them with a coat or sweater as the noise-canceling works even when they're not on your head.

Despite their reputation for comfort, the QC45s can't offer the most impressive sound quality for this price range. The frequencies are tinny and lack the depth that headphones with higher prices might be able to bring out. The upper registers are boosted which is acceptable for the majority of music but can be problematic for more delicate and complex genres. The bass is good, but it lacks punch.

One thing that's not included is the ability to pause playback whenever you take the headset off. This is a standard feature in this price range and is something that Bose's competitors have long offered. Another thing that was missing was the lack of an in-app EQ. Bose offers preset EQs within the app but it would be nice if there was an option to manually control.

bluetooth stereo headphones 5.0 is supported, including multipoint and more advanced codecs such as aptX Adaptive. You can download the Bose Audio app to adjust the volume and voice assistant settings.

The QC45s come with four built-in microphones that listen to your voice during calls. The headphones have good call quality, however they don't allow you to mute the voice during playback as other wireless headphones. Update: A firmware upgrade for the QC45s was released in February 2022 added manual adjustments to the audio app. This is a great upgrade.

3. Focal Bathys Wireless

Focal is a French audio brand known for its high-performance headphones that provide long-lasting comfort and a style that makes listeners feel like they're listening to something truly special. The Bathys are their first wireless noise-cancelling headphones. They look and sound stunning. They come with a high-performance USB DAC built in, which means you can use them both for wired and wireless listening.

Focal claims that the Bathys can play Bluetooth music for 30 hours. We actually got more out of them, with over 40 hours on average out of a single charge. If you have to charge your headphones, the indicator light on the right earcup will go red.

They come with a wide range of features for a pair of headphones of this price, including support for multiple devices at the same time and automatic pairing (though you'll need to select your source device each time you need to listen). They also have a built-in mic that supports voice assistants like Siri or Alexa. The headphones feature an easy to navigate interface that makes it easy to control music and make calls.

For bt wireless headphones headphones that are over-ear The Bathys excel in our test of noise cancellation. They cut down the background sound by around 9 decibels in average. It's not as effective as the ANC found in the Sony WH1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless however it is still effective.

In our tests of headphone sound quality in our tests of headphone sound quality, the Bathys did well overall, with a an overall frequency response that matches the SoundGuys headphone preference curve with only minor differences in the bass and mids. They have a bass-rich sound profile that adds a lot of boom to the mix, but can sometimes make vocals and instruments like cymbals sound dull.

You can wear them wherever without fearing that other people will listen to your music. The microphone is able to be used for recording using Bluetooth with just a little distortion between the mid-treble as well as the treble.

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4

The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless are a new version of the company's top-of-the-line Bluetooth headphones. The Momentum 3 was a solid but not a great entry in this category. The new model improves on the previous model with a sleeker design, improved gesture controls, and a huge battery life.

The improvements here are subtle, but they make a pair of over-ears that feel like an upgrade to the old one. The Momentum 4s are flat and do not fold. They come with an outer case that protects them while traveling. They also follow the pattern of several other recent Bluetooth headphones, including those from Sony and Bowers & Wilkins, to be completely device-independent. This means they can work with both Android phones and Apple iPhones, but do not have the additional features (like Find My support and head-tracked spatial audio) that you'll find on the AirPods.

The most obvious improvement here is the massive battery that promises up to 60 hours of playback with the noise cancellation option activated. That's easily double what most of the competitors offer and is enough for a trip of a lifetime without worrying about finding a power outlet to charge it.

Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget and Engadget, gave the headphones an 82 percent score. He noted their sound quality and ANC features as the top strengths. He has only one complaint that they lack gravitas in the mids and treble. This makes orchestral tracks sound flat instead of grand. The bass is well-rounded but it can sound overemphasized, which can lead fatigue in songs that have high-pitched bass lines, like the drum beats of As I Lay Dying’s Forever. The cymbals sound bubbly, but not full. There's no real depth to the lows.

The Momentum 4s are comfy and aren't likely to put too much pressure on your ears or neck. However they can be uncomfortable when worn around the house or for longer listening sessions. They can move around on your head with intense head movements. This can cause them suddenly wake up and can cause distraction during calls or music. They shut down automatically after 15 minutes, and can be switched off manually by pressing the power button.