Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
If you're in the market for a set of wireless headphones for over-ear, consider these. These headphones are not just comfortable, but they also have active noise cancellation that reduces background noises so that you can concentrate on your music.
The first wireless headphones by Focal are a dream for audiophiles. They feature a deep, full sound with enough thump to support EDM however vocals and instruments are not excluded. They have a companion application and ANC presets so you can tailor the sound to suit your personal preferences.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 model from Sony is the latest version of the popular headphones. It offers an automatic noise cancellation that can block out background noise. With an impressive 27-hour playback time they are great for commutes and long journeys. They also have a neat feature that allows you to connect them to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and makes it simple to switch between calls and music. The WH1000XM5 is appealing to anyone who is interested in sustainability because of its sleek, minimalistic design and environmentally friendly packaging.
The XM5s come with an easier, more comfortable headband that fits snugly over your ears and puts less pressure on your skull. They're also more stylish and have a sleek design that blends in with most outfits. They're 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 its smart noise cancellation function, which detects when you take off the headphones and pauses the audio. When you put them back on, they will automatically resume. This is an excellent way to save battery, and it is effective.
In terms of sound quality, the XM5s are top of the line in both LDAC codec support as well as DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Tim Commerford's bass skills are evident in Rage Against the Machine’s Bullet in the Head, a brooding track. Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy has a subtle but deliberate vocal fade.
For those who exercise and who live in areas with rain, a word of caution: the WH1000XM5s do not have an IP rating. They are not recommended 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 is a refreshing upgrade to B&W's flagship wireless headphone, the PX7. Instead of a simple upgrade the Series 2 delivers a substantial improvement in both ANC and audio quality. The design also gets a little more refined, with a style that's more mature than the sleek, modern-day looks of Sony's XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.
A switch to turn off power leaves no doubt about whether the headphones are turned on, and the dedicated buttons for play / pause and volume make it simple to navigate through your music library. There's a button that can be customized located on the left earcup that can be remapped to activate your voice assistant, and there's an ambient pass-through mode that allows you to listen to what's happening around you, without having to take off the headphones.
Streaming an 16-bit/44.1kHz master of Dennis Wilson's River Song from his Pacific Ocean Blue album through the S2s The soundstage is vast and rich with layered harmonies and atmospheric textures coming through clearly. There's a lot of low-end extension, as well as vocals that stay focused.
One area where the S2s fall short is in EQ control The S2s allow you to increase or decrease treble and bass by 6dB, but there aren't any EQ presets to help you to find the perfect balance. The majority of listeners won't be concerned about this, but those who like to tweak their audio will have to look elsewhere.
Overall overall, the PX7 S2s are a good option for those who want an active noise-canceling headset with the best feel and quality. They're not quite as versatile as the XM5s that are mentioned however, they're still a great option for most listeners. You'll need to decide if superior ANC and audio are worth the slightly more expensive price.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of wireless headphones that offers great noise cancellation. They also come with a battery life of 24 hours. The headphones are light and comfortable enough to wear throughout the house. The built-in buttons can be controlled using an app that is included with the headphones, however the options for customization 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 situations, like travelling or working at home. The QC45s also feature an Aware Mode which allows outside sounds in when using ANC which is beneficial for those who wish to hear their children and traffic when they are out and about.
The headphones' audio quality isn't quite on a par with the WH-1000XM5s, but it's still a solid performance. The bass isn't pounding but it does offer decent depth and a decent amount of sound quality. The mids and highs are well-rounded and there's not a hint of shrillness or harshness.
The QC45s tend to favor higher frequencies. This can result in some slight sibilance when listening to certain songs. This is not a major issue and can be easily corrected by adjusting the headphone settings in software.
The controls are intuitive and easy to use. headphones wireless turns off the headphones on and off, controls music playback, as well as the Bluetooth pairing. There's also an multi-function Action button that doubles as a power toggle, 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 that delivers excellent sound quality at a reasonable price. The headphones are durable and well-constructed. The earcups and headband are made of plastic but they are strong enough to last for an extended period of time. The ears can rotate up to 15 degrees, so they can be positioned to fit most ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x comes with Bluetooth 5.0 which lets you listen to your music wirelessly. The battery longevity is impressive, with up to 30hrs of listening time. They include a USB-C cable for charging.
The headphones are simple to use. There are three buttons on the back of the left ear cup that allow you to control playback as well as other functions. These buttons allow you to pause, change tracks, and even adjust the volume. The ATH M20x comes with a built-in microphone for voice commands and calls. The headset comes with a low-latency mode that makes it ideal for gaming and video calls.
The ATH M20x headphones are fantastic for some genres of music however, not all. Vocals may sound a bit dull and there isn't any real bass response. The high frequencies are crisp and clear though. These headphones are renowned for their high-frequency treble. 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 cushioned, but they are not able to be folded. They are heavy to carry around in the backpack and will not fit into a handbag. The cable cannot be removable. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better option for those looking for an audio system that are more mobile. It is more comfortable thanks to the ability to fold, swivel ears that lay flat, and a removable cable. It is more expensive but provides better isolation, a bit 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 is easy to put in pockets or purses. It also comes with a variety of sizes of earbuds to fit different ears. It's also lighter than other wireless earbuds we tested.
Dual microphones are excellent to pick your voice during phone calls and also reducing background noise. However, they're not the best for use outdoors because environmental sounds can overtake your voice. Earbuds can also be unsuitable in windy environments and they may cut off certain areas of your speech.
The earbuds remain 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 little impact.
They also have a decent dual-tap feature for executing voice commands, though they're not as user-friendly 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 not as flexible as a pinch gesture system, and is a bit inconvenient.
The earbuds are able to last for about four hours on a single charge. They also come with a quick-charge feature for two additional hours. They are IPX4 certified for their resistance to water and sweat. The earbuds come with a carrying case that has two openings for the buds and a loop to attach them to your clothes. The case is stylish and available in several colors, including red Doritos. You can find them online for under $30 USD.