Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
Consider these if you are looking for wireless over-ear headsets. They’re not only comfortable to wear, but they come with excellent active noise cancellation that mutes background noises to allow you to concentrate on the music.
The first wireless headphones from Focal are the ultimate dream of audiophiles. They feature a deep, full sound with enough thump to support EDM however vocals and instruments are not excluded. They come with an app companion to the music and ANC presets that can adjust the sound to your preferences.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 model from Sony is the latest version of the popular headphones. It comes with an adaptive noise cancellation feature that will block out background noise. They’re ideal for long commutes and long journeys with a staggering 27 hours of playback time. They also have a neat feature that allows you to pair them with two Bluetooth devices at once and makes it simple to switch between calls and music. The WH-1000XM5’s sleek and minimalist design and environmentally friendly packaging (using recycled plastic developed specifically for Sony) make them an attractive option for those who are concerned about sustainability.
Comparatively to their predecessors, the XM5s are lighter and more comfortable thanks to the headband that is snugly around your ears with less pressure on your noggin. They also look more fashionable with an updated, subtle appearance that lets them blend into most outfits. They’re also available in a matte black that is better than the glossy black of previous generations.
One of the best features is their intelligent noise cancellation function, which detects when you’ve removed the wireles headphones and then pauses your audio. When you put them back on, they automatically resume. This is a great way to save battery, and it’s very effective.
The XM5s are a great option for audio quality due to their LDAC codec and DSEE Extreme upscaling. Rage against the Machine’s brooding Bullet in the Head shows off the bass work of Tim Commerford with real power and Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy features a delicate but deliberate vocal fade.
A word of caution for those who exercise and who live in areas with rain The WH-1000XM5s do not have an IP rating, which means they shouldn’t be used in humid conditions. In the manual, it is stated that you shouldn’t use the headset in the rain or sweat into it.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 represents a refreshing version of B uetooth headphones&W’s flagship wireless headphone, PX7. Rather than a mere iterative upgrade the Series 2 delivers a substantial boost in both ANC and audio quality. The design is also more refined. It’s an older look rather than the shiny, futuristic appearance of Sony’s XM5 or Apple’s AirPods Max.
A power slider leaves no doubt about whether the headphones are turned on, and dedicated buttons for play/pause and volume make it simple to navigate your music collection. There’s a button that can be customized on the left ear cup which can be altered to trigger your voice assistant, and there’s also an ambient pass-through mode that lets you listen to what’s happening around you without taking off the headphones.
The S2s can reproduce a 16-bit/44.1kHz Master of Dennis Wilson’s River Song, from his Pacific Ocean Blue Album, with its layered harmonies and atmospheric textures, and detailed soundstage. There’s a good amount of low-end extension too, and vocals stay focused.
One area where the S2s aren’t as good is in EQ control The S2s allow you to increase or decrease treble and bass by 6dB, however there aren’t any EQ presets to help you determine the right balance. The majority of listeners won’t feel bothered by this however those who prefer to tweak their audio will need to consider a different option.
Overall overall, the PX7 S2s are a good option for those who want an active noise-canceling headphones with the best feel and quality. They’re not quite as versatile as the XM5s mentioned above 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 cost.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of wireless over-ear headphones that provide excellent noise cancellation. They also come with a 24-hour battery life. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable enough to wear around the home. They can be controlled via the built-in buttons and an accompanying app, however the customization options are limited (sorry there’s no equalizer). You’ll be able to choose from a variety of sound profiles for different scenarios, including travel or working at home. The QC45s also come with a feature called Aware Mode which allows outside sounds in when using ANC which is beneficial for those who wish to hear kids and traffic when they are out and out and about.
The headphones’ audio quality isn’t quite as great with the WH-1000XM5s but it’s still a solid performance. The bass doesn’t sound booming, but it does provide an adequate amount of volume and depth. The mids and highs are well rounded and there is no shrillness or harshness.
One issue is that the QC45s tend to favor the higher frequencies, which can cause an occasional sibilance while listening to certain songs. This isn’t a big deal and can be easily corrected in software by tweaking the headphone’s settings.
The controls are intuitive and simple to use. The left earcup powers on and off the headphones controls 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 volume. There’s a microphone for phone calls and Siri or Alexa is supported.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The ATH-M20x are a chic pair of headphones that offer great sound for the price. The headphones are sturdy and well-built. The headband and ear cups are constructed of plastic it is strong enough to be robust enough for B uetooth Headphones long-term use. The earcups can be adjusted by 15 degrees which means they can be positioned comfortably on most ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x has bluetooth stereo headphones 5.0 which allows you to listen to your music wirelessly. They have an impressive battery life that can last up to 30 hours of music listening time. They come with a USB-C cord to charge.
The headphones are simple to use. Three buttons are located on the left earcup and let you control the playback of music as well in other functions. These buttons allow you to stop, change tracks, and even adjust the volume. The ATH-M20x also comes with a microphone that you can use for b Uetooth headphones calls and voice commands. The headset is in a low latency mode that makes it ideal for gaming and video calling.
The ATH-M20x headphones are great for some styles of music however, they are not for all. Vocals can sound flat, and there isn’t a real bass response. The high frequencies sound clear and clear. The treble is an outstanding feature of these headphones. They’re a great option for classical, pop and jazz.
The ATH-M20x headphones are lightweight at a mere 190 grams without the cord. They are comfortable with plenty of padding on the ear cups however they aren’t foldable. They will be bulky to carry around in backpacks and might not fit into the bag of a handbag. The cable is not detachable. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better option for those looking for a more compact set of headphones. It is more comfortable due to a folding design, swiveling ears that are flat and have removable cables. It is more expensive, however, it offers 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 small, compact carrying case that can easily be slipped into purses or pockets. It comes with a variety of sizes of earbuds that can be adjusted to fit different sizes of ears. It’s also a bit lighter than some of the other true wireless buds we tested.
Dual microphones are excellent for picking up your voice in phone calls and also reducing background noise. They are not suitable for use outdoors because noises from the environment can drown out your voice. They also struggle with conditions that are windy and can cut certain portions of your speech.
The earbuds are excellent sounding despite these minor issues. They have a crisp high-end that doesn’t leak into the mids, and they have a nice amount of mid-bass that adds some punch to your music.
The AirPod Pro has a dual-tap function that is decent however, it isn’t as intuitive as Apple AirPod Pro. You have to place your thumb on the bottom stem to ensure stability and then press the logo to initiate an instruction. It’s not as flexible as the pinch gesture system and it’s a bit cumbersome.
The earbuds last about four hours with just one charge. They also have a quick-charge feature that lets them last for two additional hours. They are IPX4 rated for their resistance to sweat and water. The Earbuds come with a carrying case that has a couple of openings for the earbuds as well as an attachment loop to clip them to your clothing. The case comes in a variety of colors including Doritos Red. You can find them on the internet for less than $30 USD.