Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds encapsulate the ears completely. They also permit larger drivers, which deliver greater bass and a larger soundstage. Many of them also feature active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.
The latest Master and Dynamic MW65 update features superior audio, multiple ANC modes and impressive battery life in an elegant and distinct design.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Sony has improved on an already excellent pair of headphones with the WH-1000XM4 Wireless. They're lighter, feel better constructed, and have more balanced sound profiles (though still bass-heavy) and come with an app that lets you do some audio-related customization. Their active noise cancelling works even better than before, removing more ambient sound, and they have a longer continuous battery life than a lot of competitors.
These headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible, and Sony LDAC is also supported. The latter can transfer high-resolution music, but you'll need compatible devices and streaming services. The WH-1000XM4s is also able to connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time and automatically switch between them when required. You can enable this feature via the Sony Headphones Connect app and it is extremely effective.
A subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensibility of their touch panels. They respond more quickly to the tap of a panel, and this makes them easier to control during a call or listen to media. Sony has also added a feature to make voices sound more clear and precise during calls. This is an obvious and a nice addition.
While the WH-1000XM4s aren't perfect, they're one of the best wireless headphones we've ever tested. They're comfortable, well-made, and come with an impressive battery that can last more than 30 hours continuously. They can also be used with an TRS cable which is great when you're on the road or need to save power.
The WH1000XM4s are a better alternative to the Bowers & Wilkins Wireless Over-Ears PX7 S2. The Sonys are more comfortable, and their ANC can block out more ambient noise. The B&Ws feature a more flexible EQ and an app that allows you to tweak the audio performance. The B&Ws are more robust and can connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. They also support aptXHD, and they have an AI-driven engine which tries to scale compressed music up to high resolution. This is referred to as DSEE Extreme and it does a good job of improving the clarity of music, especially when listening to lossless files.
2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The $329 Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones are the most recent version of a headset that became an essential for commuters and travelers from all over the world. The new model doesn't reinvent the wheel. It retains the same formula which was the basis of its predecessor's success but it also includes the USB-C technology and improved noise cancellation.
Similar to the QC 35 II before them, these over-ear Bose headphones feature a luxurious look and feel that exudes quality. The headband is made of plastic, but is sturdy and comfortable with hinges made of metal at the pivot points, and the familiar ratcheting action that you experience when you extend or retract the ear cups. The cups are cushioned and feature soft pads that fit over your ears without pressing your head. They weigh 238 grams and are fairly compact when folded. They can be worn with a coat or sweater since they can be worn even when not on the head.
Despite their reputation as comfortable headphones however, the QC45s don't provide the best sound quality at this price. The frequencies are dull and lack the detail that more expensive headphones may be able bring out. The upper registers tend to be amplified, which is fine for most music genres but could cause problems for more delicate or intricate music genres. The bass is decent, but lacks power.
The ability to pause playback when removing the headset is a feature not available. This is a feature Bose's rivals have offered for several years. Another oversight is the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose has preset EQs in the app, but it would be nice to have a manual control.
You can connect to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint support as well as more advanced codecs like aptX Adaptive. You can download the Bose Audio app to adjust the volume and voice assistant settings.
The QC45s also come with four in-built microphones to listen to your voice during calls. The headphones have good call quality, but they don't allow you to muffle the sound during playback like other wireless headphones. Update: A firmware update for the QC45s in February 2022 introduced manual EQ options to the audio app. This is a great upgrade.
3. Focal Bathys Wireless
Focal is a French audio company known for high-performance headphones that provide long-lasting comfort and a style that let listeners know they're listening to something unique. The Bathys are their first wireless noise cancelling headphones. They look and sound stunning. They come with a top-quality USB DAC built in, making them suitable both for wired and wireless listening.
Focal claims that the Bathys can play Bluetooth music for up to 30 hours. We got more than 40 hours of playback on average on a single charge. If you are required to charge the headphones, the indicator light on the right earcup will turn red.
They come with a wide range of features for a pair of headphones of this price that include support for multiple devices simultaneously and automatic pairing (though you'll need to select your source device every time you would like to listen). They also have a built-in mic that works with voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones also have an easy-to-use interface that makes it easy to manage your music and make calls.
For wireless headphones that are over-ear for over-ear wireless headphones, the Bathys perform very well in our test of noise cancellation. They cut down the sound of the surrounding environment by about 9 decibels on average. It's not as good as the ANC found in the Sony WH1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless however it is still effective.
The Bathys headphones did well in our headphone tests. Their frequency response was mostly similar to the headphone curve of SoundGuys, with only minor deviations in the mids and bass. The Bathys have a booming sound profile that can make instruments, vocals and cymbals look a bit unreal.
You can wear them anywhere without worrying that others will hear your music. Their mic is passable for recording using Bluetooth, with only slight distortion between the mid-treble and the treble.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless is a new update of the company's most popular Bluetooth headsets. The Momentum 3 was a solid, but not spectacular entry in this class. The latest pair improves on the previous model by having modern design, better gesture controls and massive battery life.
A lot of the improvements aren't that obvious, but they create a pair of over-ears that appear to be an upgrade from the previous model. The Momentum 4s are flat and do not fold. They come with a hardshell case to protect them when traveling. They also follow the style of a number of other recent Bluetooth headphones, including the ones from Sony and Bowers & Wilkins, to be beautifully device agnostic. They are compatible with Apple iPhones and Android phones, but do not have the AirPods extra features, such as Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.
The most notable difference is the massive battery that can play for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation turned on. This is more than twice the amount of the competitors and sufficient to go on a long-distance trip without having to search for an outlet.
Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget, gave the headphones a score of 82. He noted their sound quality and ANC features as their strengths. The only issue he has is: they lack a sense gravitas in the mids and the treble. This makes orchestral music sounds dull instead of grand. The bass is well-rounded but it can sound overemphasized, which can lead fatigue in songs that have high-pitched bass lines, like the drum hits of As I Lay Dying’s Forever. The cymbals sound a bit bubbly, but not full. There's no real depth to the lows.
The Momentum 4s should not put pressure on your neck or ears. However they can be a bit fidgety when wearing them in the house or during longer listening sessions, and can move around on your head in a flurry of head movements. best over ear wireless headset can cause them suddenly wake up which can be distracting when you are listening to music or calls. Fortunately, they will shut down after 15 minutes of slumber by default and can be switched off with the power button.