Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

If you're in the market for a set of wireless headphones for over-ear, consider these. These headphones aren't just comfortable, but they also have active noise cancellation which mutes background sounds so you can focus on the music.

The first wireless headphones from Focal are a dream for audiophiles. They have a rich and full sound, with enough thump for EDM, but instruments and vocals aren't left out. They come with a companion application and ANC presets, allowing you to modify the sound to fit your preferences.

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's WH-1000XM5 is the latest generation of its bestselling headphones, that feature automatic adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) to cancel out background noise. With a staggering 27-hour playback time, they are perfect for long commutes and long trips. They also have a neat feature that lets you pair them with two Bluetooth devices at once, which makes it easy to switch between music and calls. The WH1000XM5 is appealing to anyone who cares for sustainability due to its minimalist, sleek design and eco-friendly packaging.

The XM5s have a softer and more comfortable headband that fits snugly over your ears and places less pressure on your skull. They also look more fashionable with an updated, subtle style that allows them to blend into most outfits. They're now available in a luscious matte black that's more appealing than the previous generation's glossy black.

One of the best features is their intelligent noise cancellation feature, which senses when you've taken off the headphones and then pauses your audio. When you put them back on the audio is automatically resumed. This is a great way to conserve battery and it's very effective.

In terms of sound quality, the XM5s are top of the line by combining LDAC codec support and DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Rage Against the Machine's eerie Bullet in the Head showcases the bass skills of Tim Commerford with real power as Billie Eilish's Bad Guy has a delicate but deliberate vocal fade.

For those who are gym-goers and living in humid climates, a word of caution The WH1000XM5s do NOT have an IP rating. They shouldn't be used near water. In the manual, it's clearly stated that you shouldn't use the headset in the rain or if you sweat into it.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is a refreshing upgrade to B&W's prior flagship wireless headphone that was the 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, with a design that is more mature than the shiny, tech-forward appearance of Sony's XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.

The headphones can be switched on and off by an adjustable slider switch. There are buttons that are specifically designed for volume, play/pause, and to navigate through your music library. The left earcup features a button that is customizable and can be changed to match your voice assistant. There's also an ambient pass-through mode, which lets you hear what is happening around you.

The S2s are able 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 an impressive soundstage. The vocals are centered and there's a good low-end extension.

One area in which the S2s don't excel is in EQ control: you can increase or decrease bass and treble by 6dB, however there aren't any EQ presets that can help you to find the perfect balance. The majority of listeners won't feel concerned about this however those who prefer to alter their audio need to look elsewhere.

Overall all, the PX7 S2s make a great choice for those who are looking for a noise-canceling active headphone with an exquisite finish and feel. They're not quite as versatile as the XM5s that are mentioned however, they're still an excellent choice for the majority of listeners. You'll have 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 headphone bluetooth over-ear Headphones Bluetooth that offers great noise cancellation. They also come with a battery life of 24 hours. They're also light and comfortable enough to be worn around the home. The built-in buttons can be controlled with an app that comes with the headphones, however customization is limited. (Sorry there's no equalizer). You'll be able to select from a range of sound profiles for different situations, like travelling or working from home. The QC45s also have an Aware Mode which allows outside sounds be heard when using ANC, which can be useful for those who want to hear kids and traffic when out and out and about.

The audio quality of the headphones isn't as good as that of the WH-1000XM5s but it's still quite good. The bass isn’t pounding however it does offer a decent amount of depth and texture. The mids and highs are well rounded and there is no shrillness or harshness.

The QC45s have a tendency to prefer higher frequencies. This can result in a slight sibilance while listening to certain music. This isn't an issue that causes a huge issue and can be easily corrected by changing the headphone settings in the software.

The controls are simple and easy to use. The left earcup turns on and off the headphones bluetooth wireless as well as controls playback of music and manages Bluetooth pairing. A multi-function Action Button is also provided. It functions as a toggle for power and voice assistant in addition to controlling the volume. There's also a microphone for phone calls and Siri or Alexa support.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

The ATH M20x are a stylish pair of headphones that give great sound for the price. The headphones are sturdy and well-constructed. Although the headband and ear cups are constructed of plastic it is strong enough to make it long-lasting and durable for use. The ear cups can rotate by up to 15 degrees, so they will fit comfortably on the majority of ears.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x comes with Bluetooth 5.0 which allows you to enjoy your music wirelessly. They boast a long battery life that can last up 30 hours of listening time. They come with a USB cable to charge.

Using the headphones is simple. Three buttons are situated on the left ear cup and let you control the playback of music as in other functions. These buttons let you stop, change tracks, and even adjust the volume. The ATH M20x also features a microphone you can use for calls and voice commands. The headset comes with a low latency mode that makes it ideal for gaming and video calling.

While the ATH-M20x headphones have excellent audio quality they are not the best choice for all music genres. Vocals may sound a bit dull, and there's not much bass. The high frequencies sound crisp and clear. The treble is the most prominent feature of these headphones. They are a great choice for pop, classical and jazz.

The ATH-M20x headphones weigh light at just under 190 grams without the cord. They are comfortable with plenty of padding on the ear cups however they aren't foldable. They are large and cannot fit into bags or backpacks. The cable cannot be detachable. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are a better option for those who need headphones that is more portable. It is more comfortable with the ability to fold, swivel the ear cups, which are flat and have removable cables. It is more expensive, but offers better isolation and more bass.

Skullcandy Dime 2.

The Dime 2 is one of the best-sounding earbuds from Skullcandy's true wireless. It comes with a compact and compact case that's easy to slip into pockets or purses. It also comes with various sizes of earbuds to accommodate different ears. It's also a little lighter than some of the other true wireless buds we've tested.

Dual microphones are great for Headphones bluetooth picking up your voice when you call and reducing background noise. However, they're not ideal for use outdoors because the ambient noise can drown out your voice. The earbuds also struggle with windy environments and can clip certain portions of your speech.

The earbuds are still very excellent sounding despite these minor flaws. They have a crisp clean, clear high-end that doesn't spill over into the mids. They also have a good amount of mid-bass to give your music some impact.

They also have a decent dual-tap feature to perform voice commands, though they're not as intuitive as Apple's AirPod Pro. You have to place your thumb on bottom stem to ensure stability and then press the logo for the command. It's not as quick as a pinch gesture system, and it's a bit cumbersome.

The earbuds last about four hours with one charge. They also have an option to charge them quickly that lets them last two more hours. The earbuds are IPX4 certified for their resistance to water and sweat. The earbuds come in an carrying case with two openings to accommodate the earbuds, and a loop for attaching them to clothing. The case is stylish and available in multiple colors, including the red color of Doritos. You can purchase them online for under $30 USD.