Looking For Inspiration? Check Out Best Over Ear Wireless Headphones
Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
If you're in the market for a pair of wireless over-ear headphones look into these. These headphones aren't just comfortable, but they also have active noise cancellation which mutes background noises so that you can focus on your music.
The first wireless headphones by Focal are a dream for audiophiles. They offer a full and full sound that has enough thump to support EDM however instruments and vocals aren't left out. They have a companion application and ANC presets, allowing you to modify the sound to fit your tastes.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony's WH-1000XM5 is the latest generation of its well-loved headphones, that feature automatic adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) to cancel out background noise. With an impressive 27-hour playback time they are great for long commutes and long trips. They also have a neat feature that allows you to pair them with two Bluetooth devices at the same time, which makes it easy to switch between music and calls. The WH-1000XM5's sleek, minimalist design and environmentally friendly packaging (using recycled plastic that was specifically designed for Sony) make an appealing choice for those who are concerned about the environment.
Comparatively to their predecessors, the XM5s are a bit lighter and more comfortable thanks to headbands that fit snugly around your ears with less pressure on your noggin. They're also more stylish, with a new stealthy design that blends 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 intelligent noise cancellation function, which detects when you've removed the headphones and pauses the audio. When you put the headphones back on, they will automatically resume. This is a great way to conserve battery, and it's a great option.
As for sound quality, the XM5s are top of the line in both LDAC codec support and DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Tim Commerford's work on bass is evident in Rage against the Machine’s Bullet in the Head, a brooding track. Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy has subtle but deliberate vocal fade.
A warning for those who exercise and who live in rainy climes The WH-1000XM5s do not have an IP rating, so they aren't able to be used in humid conditions. In the manual, it's explicitly stated that you shouldn't use the headset in the rain or sweat on it.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 represents a refreshing upgrade of B&W's previous flagship wireless headphone, 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 turned on and off by the slider switch. There are also dedicated buttons for volume, play/pause and to navigate through your music collection. The left earcup has an adjustable button that can be remapped for your voice assistant. There's also an ambience pass-through mode that lets you hear what's going on 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 detailed soundstage. The vocals are centered and there's good low-end extension.
The S2s aren't the best in EQ control. You can adjust bass and treble to 6dB, but there aren't any presets to help you find your ideal balance. This isn't an issue for most listeners, but those who prefer to control their sound's tone themselves will need to look for a different model.
Overall all, the PX7 S2s make the perfect choice for those seeking a noise-canceling, active headphone that has a premium finish and feel. While they're not as flexible as the XM5s mentioned above but they're a great choice for most listeners. You'll just have to decide if their superior ANC and audio quality is enough to offset the slightly higher cost.
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. The headphones are light and comfortable enough to wear around the house. The built-in buttons can be controlled with an app that is included with the headphones, but the customization options are only limited. (Sorry there's no equalizer). You can choose from different sound profiles based on the situation, such as when you're traveling or working from home. The QC45s also come with a feature called Aware Mode that lets outside sounds in when using ANC which can be useful for people who want to hear their children and traffic when out and about.
The sound quality of the headphones isn't as good as that of the WH-1000XM5s, but they're still pretty good. The bass isn't overpowering, but it does offer decent depth and a good amount of texture. The mids and highs are nicely rounded and there is no shrillness or harshness.
One issue is that the QC45s tend to favor the higher frequencies, which may result in some sibilance to certain songs. This isn't a big deal and is easily fixed in software by tweaking the headphone's settings.
The controls are simple to use. A button on the left earcup turns the headphones on and off, controls the music playback, and manages Bluetooth pairing. There's also a multi-function Action button that doubles as a power toggle, 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 is a stylish pair that offers excellent sound quality at a reasonable price. They are built well and have a solid feel to them. While the headband and earcups are made from plastic, it is durable enough that it will be long-lasting and durable for use. The ears can rotate up to 15 degrees. This means they can be positioned to fit most ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x comes with Bluetooth 5.0, which allows you to stream your music wirelessly. The battery longevity is impressive, with up to 30 hours of listening time. They come with a USB-C cord to charge.
Utilizing the headphones is simple. There are three buttons along the back of the left earcup which allow you to control playback and other functions. These buttons let you pause, change tracks, and even adjust the volume. The ATH-M20x has a built-in microphone for voice commands and calls. The headset features a low-latency mode that makes it ideal for video calls and gaming.
The ATH M20x headphones are fantastic for some music genres however, they are not for all. Vocals may sound a bit flat, and there isn't a real bass response. The high frequencies sound crisp and clear. The treble is an outstanding feature of these headphones. These headphones are great for jazz, pop and classical music.
The ATH-M20x headphones are lightweight at just 190 grams without the cord. The ear cups are cushioned, but they can't be folded. They will be bulky to carry in the backpack and will not fit in bags. The cable cannot be removable. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better option for those that want a more portable set of headphones. It is more comfortable with a folding design, swiveling ears that are flat and have removable cables. It's more expensive but provides more isolation, more bass and longer battery life.
Skullcandy Dime 2.
The Dime 2 is one of Skullcandy's better-sounding true wireless earbuds. It comes with a compact, compact case that is easy to put in pockets or purses. It comes with a variety of ear gel sizes that can be adjusted to fit various sizes of ears. It's also lighter than true wireless buds that we've tested.
The dual microphones are great to pick your voice when you call and also reducing background noise. However, they're not ideal for outdoor use since environmental noises can overwhelm your voice. The earbuds also struggle with windy environments and can clip parts of your speech.
Despite these minor flaws, the earbuds provide solid bass and other quality of sound. best wireless over ear headset have a crisp high end that doesn't bleed into the mids, and they've got a good amount of mid-bass to add some punch to your music.
They also have a good dual-tap feature to perform voice commands, although they're not as user-friendly as Apple's AirPod Pro. You'll need to place your thumb on the stem's bottom to ensure stability, and then press the logo to execute an action. It's not as responsive as a pinch gesture, and it's a bit cumbersome.
The earbuds are able to last for about four hours on a single charge. They also can be charged quickly for an additional two hours. They're also certified IPX4 for resistance to sweat and water. The earbuds come with an carrying case with two openings that can accommodate the earbuds, and an attachment loop to attach them to clothing. The case is available in several colors including Doritos Red. You can purchase them on the internet for less than $30 USD.