Best Over-Ear Headphones

Unlike earbuds, over-ear headphones encapsulate your ears completely and allow larger drivers to produce deeper bass and wider soundstages. They also have active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.

The latest Master and Dynamic MW65 update offers excellent audio, a variety of ANC modes, and an impressive battery life in an elegant and distinct design.

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

Sony has upgraded an already fantastic pair of headphones with the introduction of the WH1000XM4 wireless headphones uk. They're less heavy, feel better built, have an improved sound profile that is more balanced (though still bass-heavy), and include an app that lets you do some audio-related customization. They've improved their active noise cancellation, which eliminates more ambient sounds and extending the battery life.

These headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible, and Sony LDAC is also compatible with. The latter is able to transfer high-resolution music, but you'll need compatible devices and streaming services. The WH-1000XM4s can also allow you to connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time and automatically switch between them when needed. You enable this feature through the Sony Headphones Connect app and it is extremely effective.

The touch panels are more sensitive than the XM3. They respond faster to a tap on a panel and are easier to control when making calls or listening to music. Sony has added a feature to make voice calls more precise and clear during calls. This is a distinct and nice touch.

The WH-1000XM4s aren't perfect, but they are among the best wireless headphones we've ever test. They're comfortable, feel well made, and have an outstanding battery that lasts for longer than 30 hours continuously. They can be used in a passive manner using the TRS cable. This is great to travel with or for storing power.

The WH1000XM4s offer a better alternative to the Bowers & Wilkins Wireless Over-Ears PX7 S2. The Sonys are more comfortable and their ANC can block out more background noise. The B&Ws feature an EQ that is more flexible, as well as an app that allows you to tweak the audio quality. However, the B&Ws have more robust design and they're able to pair with two Bluetooth devices at once. They also support aptX HD and have an AI-driven engine that attempts to boost compressed music to high-resolution. This is called DSEE Extreme and it does well in improving the clarity of music, especially when listening to lossless files.

2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The $329 Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones are the latest iteration of a headset that has become a standard for commuters as well as passengers around the world. The new model doesn't reinvent the wheel. It is based on the same formula which made its predecessor so successful but it also includes USB-C and better noise cancellation.

Like the QC 35 II before them, these over-ear Bose headphones feature a premium look and feel that exudes quality. The headband is constructed of plastic, and is sturdy and comfortable with metal hinges at the pivot points and the familiar ratcheting action when you retract or extend the earcups. The cups are cushioned and have soft pads that can be worn over your ears without pressing your head. When folded they weigh 238 grams. You can use them while wearing an overcoat or sweater since the noise cancellation function is functional even when you aren't on your head.

Despite their reputation as comfortable headphones, the QC45s do not provide the best sound at this price point. The frequencies are dull and lack the detail that more expensive headphones may be able bring out. The upper registers are boosted which is acceptable for most music genres but can be problematic for more delicate and complex genres. The bass is good but it lacks the punch.

The ability to pause the playback when you remove the headset is a feature absent. This is a standard in this price range and something that Bose's rivals have offered for a long time. Another omission was the lack of an in-app EQ. Bose offers preset EQ settings in the app however it would be nice to have manual control.

Bluetooth 5.0 is supported, including multipoint and more advanced codecs like aptX Adaptive. Download the Bose Audio App to adjust your headsets sound and voice settings.

The QC45s come with four microphones built-in to pick up your voice when you are on the phone. The headsets have a good call quality, however they don't let you muffle the sound during playback as other wireless headphones. Update: A firmware update for the QC45s in February 2022 added manual adjustments to the audio app. This is a very welcome change.

3. Focal Bathys Wireless

Focal is a French audio brand that produces high-performance headphones. They are well-known for their style and comfort which tell listeners that they're hearing something unique. Their first foray into wireless noise cancelling headphones the Bathys are stunning cans that look and sound amazing. They come with a high-performance USB DAC built in, which means you can use them both for wired and iphone wireless listening.

Focal claims that the Bathys can play Bluetooth music for 30 hours. We actually got a bit more out of them, with over 40 hours of playtime on average of just one charge. If you need to recharge, there's a light on the right ear cup that turns red when the earphone needs to be charged.

They have a decent amount of features for headphones of this price that include support for multiple devices at once and automatic pairing (though you'll have to select your source device each time you want to listen). They have a built-in microphone that works with voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa. They also come with an easy-to-use interface, making it easy to control your music as well as make calls.

For headphones with over-ear connectivity The Bathys perform very well in our tests of noise cancellation. They cut down the background sound by around 9 decibels per hour on average. This isn't as impressive as the ANC in the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless, however it's still pretty effective.

In our tests of the quality of sound from headphones in our tests of headphone sound quality, the Bathys were a good overall performer with a frequency response that mostly matches the SoundGuys headphone preference curve with only slight differences in the mids and bass. The Bathys have a booming sound profile that can make instruments, vocals and cymbals seem unreal.

They also have excellent leakage resistance, meaning you can wear them in public without worrying about others hearing your music. Their microphone is suitable for recording via Bluetooth, with only slight distortion between the mid-treble as well as the treble.

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4

The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless is a new version of the company's most popular Bluetooth headsets. The previous model, the Momentum 3, was a decent, but not the most impressive entry in the category. The latest model is improved over the previous model with modern design, better gesture controls and massive battery life.

The improvements are subtle, but can make for an over-ear set of headphones that feel like an upgrade. The Momentum 4s lie flat and aren't foldable however they do come with a nice hardshell case to keep them safe while on the go. They also follow the pattern of many other recent Bluetooth headphones, including the ones from Sony and Bowers & Wilkins, iphone to be completely device-independent. They are compatible with Apple iPhones and Android phones, but do not have the AirPods extra features, such as Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.

The most obvious change here is the massive battery that promises up to 60 hours of playback with noise cancellation turned on. This is more than what the majority of the competition can offer and is enough for a multi-day trip without worrying about finding an outlet to charge it.

Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget, gave the headphones an 82-point score. He cited their audio quality and ANC features as the top strengths. The only issue he has is that they lack a sense gravitas in the mids and treble, meaning that orchestral tracks tend to sound flat, not grand. The bass is well-rounded however it can be too loud, which can cause fatigue in songs that have strong bass lines, such as the drum hits in As I Lay Dying’s Forever. The cymbals sound sizzled, not full. There's also no real depth to the lows.

The Momentum 4s are a comfortable fit and aren't likely to put too much pressure on your ears or neck. However they can be difficult to wear around the house or during longer listening sessions. They will move about on your head in a flurry of head movements. This can cause them wake up in a sudden manner, which could be distracting when listening to music or making calls. They will shut down automatically after 15 minutes and can be switched off manually using the power button.