Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
If you're looking for a pair of wireless headphones for over-ear, consider these. They're not only comfortable to wear, they come with excellent active noise cancellation that blocks out background noises so you can focus on the music.
Focal's wireless headphones debut are an audiophile's dream. They have a rich sound profile that has enough thump to fit EDM however vocals and instruments aren't left out. They come with an app companion and ANC presets that can customize the sound to your preference.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony's WH-1000XM5 is the latest generation of its well-loved headphones, which offer automatic adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) to cancel out the background sounds. With an impressive 27-hour playback duration they are great for commutes and long journeys. The WH-1000XM5 also has an excellent feature that lets you to pair them with up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch from music and calls. The WH1000XM5 is attractive to anyone who cares for sustainability because of its minimalist, sleek design and eco-friendly packaging.
In comparison to their predecessors the XM5s weigh less and are more comfortable with headbands that fit comfortably around your ears, with less pressure on your head. They're also more stylish and have a sleek design that blends in with all outfits. They're now available in a luscious matte black that's even better-looking than the previous generation's glossy black.
One of the best features is their smart noise cancellation feature, which detects when you've removed the headphones and then pauses the audio. When you put them back on the audio will resume automatically. This is a great method to conserve battery power and it works.
As for audio quality, the XM5s excel by combining LDAC codec support and DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Tim Commerford's bass skills are exhibited in Rage Against the Machine’s Bullet in the Head, a brooding track. Billie Eilish's Bad Guy features a subtle, but deliberate vocal fade.
For gym rats and those living in rainy climates A word of caution The WH1000XM5s do NOT have an IP rating. They are not recommended in areas with moisture. There's even a disclaimer within the manual that recommends you don't sweat into the headset or use 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 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 shiny, tech-forward appearance of Sony's XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.
A power slider leaves no doubt about whether the headphones are turned on, and buttons for play/pause and volume make it simple to navigate through your music library. There's a customizable button on the left ear cup which can be altered to activate your voice assistant, and there's also an ambient pass-through mode that allows you to listen to what's happening around you, without having to take off the headphones.
Streaming the 16-bit/44.1kHz master of Dennis Wilson's River Song from his Pacific Ocean Blue album via the S2s The soundstage is vast and clear with layered harmonies and atmospheric textures bursting through. beats wireless in ear headphones are focused and there's a good low-end extension.
One area in which the S2s aren't as good is in EQ control: you can increase or decrease treble and bass by 6dB, however there aren't any EQ presets to help determine the right balance. This isn't an issue for the majority of listeners, but those who want to self-sculpt their audio will probably have to look elsewhere.
Overall, the PX7 S2s are a great option for those who want an active noise-canceling headset with a premium feel and 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 have to decide if their superior ANC and audio quality is enough to cover the slightly higher price.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 are a excellent pair of over-ear wireless headphones that offer great noise cancellation and 24-hour battery life. They are light and comfortable enough to wear in the house. The built-in buttons can be controlled by an app that is included with the headphones, however customization is only limited. (Sorry, there's no equalizer). You'll be able to select from a range of sound profiles that are suitable for various situations, like travelling or working from home. The QC45s come with a feature known as Aware Mode which permits outside sounds to be heard using ANC. This can be useful for those who want to hear children and traffic when out and about.
The headphones' audio quality isn't as good with the WH-1000XM5s, but it's still a solid performance. The bass isn't as intense however it does offer adequate volume and depth. The mids and highs are well-rounded, and there's no sign of shrillness or harshness.
The QC45s are known to prefer higher frequencies. This can cause a slight sibilance during listening to certain songs. This isn't an issue that causes a huge issue and can be fixed by altering the headphone settings in software.
The controls are intuitive. A button on the left earcup turns the headphones on and off, controls the music playback, and controls 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 a microphone to take phone calls and Siri or Alexa is supported.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The ATH-M20x are a stylish pair of headphones that provide great sound for the price. They are well-constructed and have a a sturdy feel to them. The earcups and headband are made of plastic, however, they are sturdy enough to last for a long time. The ear cups can be adjusted by 15 degrees which means they can be placed in a comfortable position on the majority of ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x comes with Bluetooth 5.0 which lets you listen to your music wirelessly. The battery life is impressive, with up to 30hrs of listening time. They come with an USB cable for charging.
The use of the headphones is easy. There are three buttons on the the left earcup which 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 you can use for calls and voice commands. The headset comes with a low-latency mode that makes it ideal for gaming and video calls.
The ATH M20x headphones are fantastic for certain music genres however, not all. Vocals might sound a little dull, and there's not much bass. The high frequencies are crisp and clear, however. The treble is a standout feature of these headphones. These headphones are ideal for jazz, pop and classical music.
The ATH-M20x is a light headphone, weighing just under 190g without the cord. The ear cups are well cushioned, but they can't fold. They are heavy and cannot fit into a bag or backpack. They don't have a detachable cable either. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better option for those who want a more compact set of headphones. It is more comfortable due to its folding design, swiveling ears that lay flat, and cable that can be removed. It is more expensive but it offers more isolation, more bass and a longer battery life.
Skullcandy Dime 2
The Dime 2 is Skullcandy’s best-sounding true wireless headphones. It comes with a compact and compact case that's simple to slip into pockets or purses. It comes with a range of ear gel sizes that can be adjusted to fit different sizes of ears. It's also lighter than wireless headphones that we've tried.
Dual microphones are excellent to pick up your voice in phone calls and reducing background sound. However, they're not ideal for outdoor use since the ambient noise can drown out your voice. Earbuds also struggle in windy environments and can clip parts of your speech.
The earbuds are still very excellent sounding despite these minor flaws. They have a clear 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 a bit of impact.
The AirPod Pro has a dual-tap function that is good but not as intuitive as the Apple AirPod Pro. It is necessary to place your thumb on bottom stem to ensure stability, and then press the logo to initiate an instruction. It's not the most convenient, and it does not feel as responsive as a pinch-gear system.
The earbuds can last for around four hours on just one charge. They also have an option to charge them quickly that lets them last for another two hours. They're also rated IPX4 for resistance to sweat and water. The earbuds come with an carrying case with two openings to fit the earbuds, and a loop for attaching them to clothing. The case comes in several colors including Doritos Red. You can find them on the internet for less than $30 USD.