Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
If you're looking for a set of wireless headphones for over-ear, consider these. These headphones are not only comfortable but also feature active noise cancellation that reduces background noises so that you can focus on the music.
Focal's wireless headphones debut are an audiophile's dream. They have a rich and full sound, with enough thump for EDM however instruments and vocals aren't left out. They come with an app companion to the music and ANC presets that can customize the sound to your preference.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony's WH-1000XM5 is the newest generation of its popular headphones that offer adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) to block out the background sounds. They're ideal for commutes and long travel days, with an impressive 27 hours of playback time. They also have a nifty feature that allows you to pair them with two Bluetooth devices at the same time making it simple to switch between music and calls. The WH1000XM5 will appeal to anyone who cares for sustainability because of its sleek, minimalistic design and eco-friendly packaging.
The XM5s feature a lighter, more comfortable headband that fits snugly over your ears and puts less pressure on your skull. They're also more fashionable thanks to a new, stealthy appearance that lets them blend into most outfits. They're also now available in a luscious matte black that's better than the previous generation's glossy black.
One of the most appealing features of the WH1000XM5 is the smart noise cancellation feature, which detects when you take off the headphones and stops the audio. When you put your headphones back on the audio will resume automatically. This is a great method to conserve battery, and it's a great option.
For sound quality, the XM5s excel in both LDAC codec support as well as DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Tim Commerford's bass work is exhibited in Rage against the Machine’s Bullet in the Head track, a dark track. Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy has subtle but deliberate vocal fade.
For those who are gym-goers 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 recommends you don't sweat into the headset or wear it in the rain.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 represents a refreshing update of B&W's former flagship wireless headphone, PX7. Instead of being merely an iterative upgrade the Series 2 delivers a substantial increase in both ANC and audio quality. The design is also a bit more refined, with a design which is more mature than glossy, tech-forward looks of Sony's XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.
The headphones can be turned on and off using a slider switch. There are buttons that are specifically designed for volume, play/pause, and to navigate through your music library. There's a button that can be customized located on the left earcup that can be changed to trigger your voice assistant, and there's an ambient pass-through mode that lets you hear what's going on around you without taking off the headphones.
Streaming the 16-bit/44.1kHz master of Dennis Wilson's River Song from his Pacific Ocean Blue album using the S2s The soundstage is large and detailed with layered harmonies and atmospheric textures that are clearly heard. The vocals are focused and there's good low-end extension.
The S2s aren't the best in EQ control. You can alter the bass and treble to 6dB, but there aren't any presets available to aid you in finding the ideal balance. Most listeners won't be affected by this, but those who like to alter their audio have to look elsewhere.
Overall all, the PX7 S2s are a good choice for those looking for an active noise-canceling headset with an elegant feel and a high-end finish. They're not quite as versatile as the aforementioned XM5s, but they're still an excellent choice for the majority of listeners. You'll need to decide if their superior ANC and audio quality is enough to offset the slightly higher price.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of wireless headphones that offer excellent noise cancellation. They also come with an extended battery life of 24 hours. They're also light and comfortable enough to wear around the home. The built-in buttons can be controlled by an app that comes with the headphones, but customization is limited. (Sorry, there's no equalizer). You can pick from various sound profiles based on circumstances, like when you're travelling or working at home. The QC45s have a feature known as Aware Mode which permits outside sounds to be heard using ANC. This can be useful for people who want to hear children and traffic while out and about.
The audio quality of these headphones isn't as high as that of the WH-1000XM5s, but they're still quite good. The bass isn't as intense, but it does provide decent depth and a good amount of the sound's texture. The highs and mids are nicely balanced, and there's no sign of harshness or shrillness.
One issue is that the QC45s tend to prefer the higher frequencies, which can cause an occasional sibilance while listening to certain songs. This isn't a major issue and can be easily fixed by changing the headphone settings within software.
The controls are intuitive. A button on the left earcup turns the headphones on and off, controls the music playback, and manages Bluetooth pairing. A multi-functional Action Button is also available. It functions as a power switch and voice assistant, in addition to controlling the volume. There's also a microphone for phone calls as well as Siri or Alexa support.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The ATH-M20x are a chic pair of headphones that provide great sound for the price. The headphones are sturdy and well-built. While the headband and earcups are made from plastic, it is durable enough to make it durable for long use. The ear cups can rotate by up to 15 degrees. This means they can be positioned to fit the majority of ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x has Bluetooth 5.0 which allows you to listen to your music wirelessly. They boast a long battery life that can last up 30 hours of listening time. They come with an USB cable for charging.
The use of the headphones is easy. There are three buttons at the the left earcup that allow you to control playback and other functions. You can pause, switch tracks and even adjust the volume using these buttons. The ATH-M20x also comes with a microphone can be used to make calls or voice commands. The headset has low latency, which makes it ideal for video gaming and gaming.
The ATH-M20x headphones aren't without excellent audio quality, they are not ideal for any genre of music. Vocals can sound a little dull and there isn't any real bass response. The high frequencies sound crisp and clear. The treble is an outstanding feature of these headphones. They're a great choice for classical, pop and jazz.
The ATH-M20x headphones weigh light at just under 190 grams without the cord. The ear cups are well padded, but they cannot fold. They'll be heavy to carry in the backpack and will not fit into a handbag. They don't come with a detachable cable either. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better choice for those who want a more portable set of headphones. It is more comfortable thanks to its folding design, swiveling ears that lay flat, and removable cables. It's more expensive however, it offers better isolation and more bass.
Skullcandy Dime 2
The Dime 2 is Skullcandy’s best-sounding true wireless headphones. It has a small, compact case that is easy to put in pockets or purses. It comes with a variety of sizes of earbuds that can be adjusted to fit various sizes of ears. It's also lighter than some of the other true wireless buds we've test.
beats studio3 wireless over ear headphones feature dual microphones that are good for capturing your voice and reduce background noise when you make phone calls. They are not suitable for use outdoors since noises from the outside can block out your voice. The earbuds are also unsuitable in windy environments and they can cut off certain areas of your speech.
Despite these minor issues the earbuds are solid in bass and other quality of sound. They have a clear and clear high-end that doesn't bleed into the mids. They also have a nice amount mid-bass to give your music a little punch.
The AirPod Pro has a dual-tap function that works well but not as intuitive as the Apple AirPod Pro. You'll need to place your thumb on the bottom stem for stability and then press the logo to trigger a command. It's a little inconvenient and does not feel as responsive as a pinch-gear system.
The earbuds last around four hours on a single charge. They also can be charged quickly for an additional two hours. They're also classified as IPX4 for resistance to sweat and water. The earbuds come with a carrying case that features two openings that can accommodate the buds, and a loop for attaching them to clothing. It's a stylish case that's available in multiple colors, including red Doritos. You can purchase them on the internet for less than $30 USD.