Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
If you’re looking for a pair of wireless headphones for over-ear take a look at these. These headphones aren’t just comfortable but also feature active noise cancellation that reduces background noise so that you can focus on your music.
The first wireless headphones from Focal are a dream for audiophiles. They have a full sound with enough thump for EDM but vocals and instruments aren’t excluded. They include a companion app and ANC presets that can customize the sound to your personal preferences.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 by Sony is the most recent version of the well-known headphones. It comes with an automatic noise cancellation that can block out ambient noise. With an impressive 27-hour playback time they are ideal for commutes and long journeys. The WH-1000XM5 also comes with an excellent feature that allows you to pair them with up to two Bluetooth devices at the same time which makes it simple to switch between music and calls. The WH1000XM5 is attractive to anyone who cares for sustainability due to its minimalist, sleek design and environmentally friendly packaging.
The XM5s feature a lighter and more comfortable headband. It is a perfect fit over your ears and puts less pressure on your skull. They’re also more fashionable thanks to the new, sleek appearance that lets them blend in 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 WH-1000XM5’s best features is their smart noise cancellation function, which senses when you’ve taken off the headphones and stops the audio. When you put them back on, they automatically resume. This is a great method to save battery, and it’s a great option.
The XM5s are an excellent option for audio quality due to their LDAC codec and DSEE Extreme upscaling. Tim Commerford’s bass skills are featured in Rage against the Machine’s Bullet in the Head which is a dark track. Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy has a subtle but deliberate vocal fade.
For gym rats and those living in humid climates Beware: the WH1000XM5s do not have an IP rating. They are not recommended near moisture. There’s even a disclaimer in the manual that suggests you don’t sweat into the headset or wear it in the rain.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 represents a refreshing version of B&W’s flagship wireless headphone, PX7. Instead of a simple upgrade, the Series 2 delivers a substantial boost in both ANC and audio quality. The design also gets a bit 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 switched off and on with an adjustable slider switch. There are also dedicated buttons for volume, play/pause and to navigate through your music collection. There’s a programmable button on the left earcup that can be remapped 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 removing the headphones bluetooth.
The S2s are able to reproduce a 16-bit/44.1kHz Master of Dennis Wilson’s River Song, from his Pacific Ocean Blue Album, with its layered harmonies, atmospheric textures, and an impressive soundstage. There’s plenty of low-end extension, and the vocals remain focused.
The S2s are not the most effective in EQ control. You can increase or reduce bass and treble to 6dB, but there aren’t any presets that will aid you in finding the ideal balance. The majority of listeners won’t feel affected by this however, those who want to alter their audio need to look elsewhere.
Overall all, the PX7 S2s are a solid option for those seeking an active noise-canceling headphones with a premium feel and finish. While they’re not as flexible like the XM5s mentioned earlier, they are still an excellent option for most listeners. You’ll have to decide if their superior ANC and audio quality is enough to justify the slightly higher price.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 are a solid pair of over-ear wireless headphones that provide excellent noise cancellation and a 24-hour battery life. They’re also light and comfortable enough to be worn throughout the house. The built-in buttons can be controlled with an app that comes with the headphones, however the customization options are only limited. (Sorry there’s no equalizer). You’ll be able to choose from a range of sound profiles that are suitable for various scenarios, including travel or working at home. The QC45s have an Aware Mode that allows outside sounds to be heard using ANC. This is useful for those who want to hear traffic or children when out and out and about.
The headphones’ audio quality isn’t as good with the WH-1000XM5s however it’s still a good performance. The bass isn’t pounding but it does provide decent depth and a decent amount of the sound’s texture. The highs and mids are nicely balanced and there’s not a hint of shrillness or harshness.
One issue is that QC45s are more inclined to use higher frequencies, which could result in a slight sibilance when listening to certain songs. This is not a major issue and can be easily fixed by adjusting the headphone settings in software.
The controls are easy to use. A button on the left earcup turns on and off the headphones as well as controls playback of music and manages Bluetooth pairing. There’s also a multi-function Action button that doubles as a power toggle as well as a voice assistant and volume control. There’s also a mic for phone calls as well as Siri or Alexa support.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The ATH M20x is a stylish pair of headphones that provide great sound at a reasonable cost. The headphones are durable and well-constructed. The earcups and headband are made from plastic, but they are strong enough to last an extended period of time. The ear cups can be adjusted by as much as 15 degrees, so they can be positioned comfortably on most ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x comes with Bluetooth 5.0 which lets you listen to your music wirelessly. They come with a remarkable battery life that can last up to 30 hours of listening time. They come with an USB cable to charge.
The headphones are easy to use. Three buttons are located on the left earcup and allow you to control the playback of music as as other functions. These buttons allow you to pause, change tracks, and adjust the volume. The ATH-M20x also comes with an integrated microphone that can be used for calls and voice commands. The headset has low-latency modes that make it ideal for gaming and video calls.
The ATH M20x headphones are fantastic for certain styles of music however, not all. Vocals may sound a bit dull, and there’s not much bass. The high frequencies sound clear and clear. The treble is an outstanding feature of these headphones. These headphones are ideal for pop, jazz and classical music.
The ATH M20x is a light headphone, with a weight of just 190g without the cord. The ear cups are well cushioned, but they are not able to be folded. They’ll be heavy to carry around in a backpack and may not fit easily into a handbag. They don’t come with a detachable cable either. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are a good option for those looking for headphones that are more mobile. It is more comfortable due to the ability to fold, swivel ear cups that lay flat, and a removable cable. It’s more expensive but offers better isolation and a bit more bass.
Skullcandy Dime 2
The Dime 2 is one of the best-sounding earbuds from Skullcandy’s true wireless headphones price. It has a small, compact case that is easy to slip into pockets or purses. 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 headphones that we tried.
The earbuds have dual microphones, which are excellent for capturing your voice and reduce background noise when you make phone calls. They are not suitable for use outdoors, as environmental sounds can be a distraction to your voice. The earbuds are also problematic in windy environments, and they can block certain portions of your speech.
The earbuds are still very good sounding despite these minor flaws. They have a crisp high end that doesn’t bleed into the mids, and they’ve got a nice amount of mid-bass which adds some punch to your music.
They also have a decent dual-tap feature to perform voice commands, though they’re not as intuitive as Apple’s AirPod Pro. It is necessary to place your thumb on the bottom stem to ensure stability and then press the logo to initiate a command. It’s a little inconvenient and isn’t as responsive as a pinch-gesture system.
The earbuds last about four hours with just one charge. They also have the ability to charge quickly, which allows them to last another two hours. They’re also classified as IPX4 for audiophiles resistance to water and sweat. The earbuds come with an carrying case with two openings that can accommodate the earbuds, as well as an attachment loop to attach them to clothing. The case comes in several colors and styles, including Doritos red. You can purchase them on the internet for less than $30 USD.