Over Ear Headphones Wireless Best Isn't As Tough As You Think
Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds can completely surround the ears. They also allow for larger drivers that deliver deeper bass and a bigger soundstage. Many of them also feature active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.
The most recent Master & 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 enhanced an already excellent pair of headphones with the introduction of the WH1000XM4 wireless. They're less heavy, feel better constructed, and have an improved sound profile that is more balanced (though still bass heavy) and come with an app that allows for some audio-related customization. Their active noise cancelling works even better than before, removing the background noise, and they have a longer battery life than a lot of competitors.
These headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible, and Sony LDAC is also compatible with. The latter can transfer high-resolution audio however, you'll need compatible equipment and streaming services. The WH-1000XM4s is also able to connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time and automatically switch between them when needed. This feature can be enabled via the Sony Headphones Connect App and works flawlessly.
One subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensitiveness of their touch panels. They respond faster to a tap on the panel, and this makes them easier to control during calls or to listen to media. Sony has also added a feature to make voices sound more precise and clear during calls. This is a noticeable and pleasant addition.
The WH-1000XM4s might not be perfect, but they are among the best wireless headphones that we have ever examined. They are comfortable and well-constructed, and come with a an energy-efficient battery that can last for more than 30 continuous hours. They can also be used in a passive manner using the TRS cable which is perfect for those who travel or want 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 background noise. The B&Ws come with an EQ that is more flexible, as well as an app companion to adjust the audio performance. The B&Ws are better built, and can pair with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. Additionally, they support aptX HD and feature an AI-driven engine that attempts to boost compressed music to high-resolution. This is referred to as DSEE Extreme and it does an excellent job of improving the clarity of music, particularly when listening to lossless audio files.
2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The $329 Bose QuietComfort45 sound cancelling headset is the most recent version of a headset which is a popular choice among commuters and passengers across the world. The new model does not reinvent the wheel. It uses the same formula that was the basis of its predecessor's success, while adding USB-C and better noise cancellation.
These over-ear Bose headsets have a premium feel and appearance, similar to the QC 35 II headphones that came before them. The headband is made of plastic, and has a sturdy feel with hinges made of metal at pivot points and the familiar ratcheting action that you experience when you retract or extend the earcups. The cups are cushioned, and have soft pads that fit over your ears without placing pressure on your head. They weigh 238 grams and are compact when folded. You can use them with a sweater or coat as the noise-canceling works even when they are not on your head.
Despite their reputation for comfort, the QC45s don't offer the most impressive sound quality for this price range. The frequencies are tinny and lack the detail that higher-end headphones might be able to bring out. The upper registers are amplified which is great for the majority of music but could be a problem for more delicate and intricate genres. The bass is good but lacks punch.
One feature that's not present is the ability to pause playback when you take off the headset. This is a standard feature in this price range and is something that Bose's rivals have been offering for years. Another thing that was missing was the lack of an in-app EQ. Bose offers preset EQ settings within the app, but it would be nice to have a manual control.
Bluetooth 5.0 is supported, with multipoint as well as more advanced codecs, such as aptX Adaptive. You can download the Bose Audio app to adjust the volume and voice assistant settings.
The QC45s also come with four microphones built into the headset to listen to your voice during calls. The call quality is generally very good however, the headphones do not have the capability to muffle your voice during playback which is a feature that other wireless headphones have. Update: beats wireless headphones update for the QC45s came out in February 2022 added manual adjustments to the audio app. This is a welcome upgrade.
3. Focal Bathys Wireless
Focal is a French audio brand known for its high-performance headphones with long lasting comfort and a design that lets listeners know they're listening to something unique. The Bathys are their first wireless noise-cancelling headphones. They look and sound stunning. They also have a built-in high-performance USB DAC which means you can use them for both wired and wireless listening.
Focal claims that the Bathys can play Bluetooth music for up to 30 hours. We actually got a little more out of them and got over 40 hours on average of just one charge. If you need to charge your headphones, the indicator light on the right earcup will change red.
They have a decent amount of features for headphones of this price point, including support for multiple devices at once and automatic pairing (though you'll have to select the source device each time you need to listen). The headphones come with a built in microphone that can be used with voice assistants, such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones come with an easy-to use interface that makes it easy to control music and make calls.
For over-ear wireless headphones The Bathys are very good in our tests of noise cancellation. They cut down the background sound by around 9 decibels on average. This isn't as impressive a result as the ANC in the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless, but it's still quite effective.
The Bathys headphones performed well in our headphone tests. Their frequency response was generally similar to the headphone curve of SoundGuys, with only minor deviations in the mids and bass. The Bathys are bassy sound profile that can make vocals, instruments and cymbals look a bit unreal.
They also have very good leakage resistance, meaning you can wear them in public without worrying about other people hearing your music. Their mic is passable for recording via Bluetooth with only a 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 previous model, called the Momentum 3, was a decent, but not the most impressive entry into the category. The new model improves on the previous model with modern design, better gesture controls, and a huge battery life.
The improvements are subtle, but add up to a pair of over ear headphones that feel like an upgrade. The Momentum 4s are flat and don't fold. They come with a hardshell case that protects them when moving. They also follow the trend of many other recent Bluetooth headphones, including the ones from Sony and Bowers & Wilkins, to be beautifully device agnostic. This means they can work with both Android phones and Apple iPhones, however they don't have the extra features (like Find My support and head-tracked spatial audio) that are available on the AirPods.
The most significant difference is the massive battery that can play for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation turned on. This is easily twice as much as most of the competitors and sufficient to allow you to travel for a longer period of time without worrying about finding an outlet.
Engadget senior editor Billy Steele gave the headphones an 82-point score, citing their audio quality and ANC as particular strengths. He has only one complaint that they lack of gravitas in the mids and the treble. This means that orchestral tracks sound dull instead of grand. The bass is well-rounded, but it's easy to over-emphasize and cause fatigue in songs with strong bass lines, like the drum hits in As I Lay Dying's Forever. The cymbals sound bubbly, but not full. There's also no real depth to the lows.
The Momentum 4s are a comfortable fit and aren't likely to put too much pressure on your neck or ears. They can be fidgety if you wear them at home or for long listening sessions. They can move on your head and make a lot of head movements. This could cause them to unexpectedly wake up and can cause distraction during calls or music. They stop automatically after 15 minutes and can be shut off manually with the power button.