Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
If you're in the market for a pair of wireless headphones for over-ear look into these. These headphones are not just comfortable but also feature active noise cancellation, which reduces background noises so that you can concentrate on your music.
Focal's wireless headphones debut are an audiophile's dream. They have a full sound profile that has enough thump to suit EDM however vocals and instruments aren't excluded. They include a companion app and ANC presets so you can tailor the sound to suit your personal preferences.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 by Sony is the most recent version of the well-known headphones. It comes with an automatic noise cancellation that can block out ambient noise. They're well-suited to commutes and long travel days, with an impressive 27 hours of playback time. The WH-1000XM5 also has an excellent feature that allows you to pair it with up to two Bluetooth devices at the same time making it easy to switch between music and calls. The sleek, minimalist design and eco-friendly packaging (using recycled plastic specifically developed for Sony) make them a desirable option for anyone who cares about sustainability.
In comparison to their predecessors the XM5s are lighter and more comfortable thanks to a headband that fits comfortably around your ears and puts less pressure on your nose. They also look more fashionable, with a new stealthy design that can be incorporated into most outfits. They're also available in a matte black that looks even better than the glossy black of previous generations.
One of the most impressive features of the WH1000XM5 is the smart noise cancellation feature, which detects when you remove the headphones and pauses the audio. When you put the headphones back on, they automatically resume. This is a fantastic way to conserve battery and it works well.
The XM5s make a great choice for audio quality thanks to their LDAC codec and DSEE Extreme upscaling. Tim Commerford's bass skills are evident in Rage against the Machine’s Bullet in the Head which is a dark track. Billie Eilish's Bad Guy has a subtle but deliberate vocal fade.
A warning for gym rats and those who live in areas with rain The WH-1000XM5s aren't equipped with an IP rating, so they shouldn't be used in humidity. In the manual, it is stated that you shouldn't wear the headset in the rain or sweat into it.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 is a refreshing upgrade to B&W's flagship wireless headphone that was the PX7. Rather than a mere iterative upgrade it is a significant upgrade. Series 2 delivers a substantial boost in both ANC and audio quality. The design is also more refined. It's more sophisticated than the glossy, techy looks of Sony's XM5 or Apple's AirPods Max.
The headphones can be switched off and on by a slider switch. There are buttons that are specifically designed for volume, play/pause, and to navigate through your music collection. There's a programmable button on the left ear cup which can be altered to activate your voice assistant, and there's an ambient pass-through mode that lets you listen to what's happening around you without removing the headphones.
The S2s can reproduce a 16-bit/44.1kHz Master of Dennis Wilson's River Song, from his Pacific Ocean Blue Album, with its multi-layered harmonies, atmospheric textures, and an impressive soundstage. The vocals are centered and there's good low-end extension.
One area where the S2s aren't as good is in EQ control The S2s allow you to increase or decrease the bass and treble by 6dB, but there aren't any EQ presets to help determine the right balance. This isn't a huge deal for most listeners, however those who prefer to self-sculpt their audio will need to look for a different model.
Overall overall, the PX7 S2s are a solid option for those who want an active noise-canceling headphones with the best feel and quality. beats wireless headphones cheap 're not quite as versatile as the aforementioned XM5s, but they're still an excellent option for most listeners. You'll need to decide if superior ANC and audio quality is worth the slightly higher price.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of wireless over-ear headphones that provide excellent noise cancellation. They also have a 24-hour battery life. They are light and comfortable enough to wear in the home. They can be controlled via the built-in buttons as well as an app companion, but customization is restricted (sorry, no equalizer). You'll be able to select from a range of sound profiles for different scenarios, including travel or working from home. The QC45s also have an Aware Mode that allows outside sounds be heard when using ANC, which can be useful for those who want to hear kids and traffic when they are out and about.
The sound quality of the headphones isn't as good as that of the WH-1000XM5s but it's still decent. The bass isn't as intense but it does provide adequate volume and depth. The mids and the highs are nicely rounded and there's no shrillness or harshness.
The QC45s have a tendency to prefer higher frequencies. This can cause some slight sibilance when listening to certain songs. This is not a major issue and can be easily corrected by adjusting the headphone settings within software.
The controls are easy to use and easy to use. The button on the left earcup turns the headphones on and off, controls music playback and manages Bluetooth pairing. A multi-function Action Button is also provided. It can be used as a toggle for power and voice assistant, in addition to controlling volume. There's a microphone for phone calls and Siri or Alexa is supported.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The ATH-M20x are a stylish pair of headphones that offer excellent sound quality for the price. The headphones are sturdy and well-built. The earcups and headband are made from plastic, but they are strong enough to last many years. The ear cups can rotate by up to 15 degrees so they can be positioned to fit the majority of ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x features Bluetooth 5.0 which allows you to stream your music wirelessly. They boast a long battery life with up 30 hours of listening time. They come with a USB-C cable for charging.
Utilizing the headphones is simple. There are three buttons at the back of the left ear cup that let you control playback as well as other functions. These buttons let you playback, pause, switch tracks, and even adjust the volume. The ATH-M20x also comes with an integrated microphone that can be used for calls and voice commands. The headset comes with a low-latency mode that makes it ideal for gaming and video calls.
While the ATH-M20x headphones have excellent audio quality, they are not ideal for all music genres. Vocals can sound a little flat and there is no real bass response. The high frequencies are crisp and clear though. The treble is a standout feature of these headphones. They are a great choice for pop, classical and jazz.
The ATH-M20x headphones weigh light at a mere 190 grams without the cord. They have a good amount of padding around the ear cups however they aren't foldable. They are heavy and will not fit into a bag or backpack. They do not have a detachable cable. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better option for those looking for an easier-to-transport set of headphones. It's more comfortable due to its fold-down design, swiveling earpieces that lay flat, as well as removable cables. It is more expensive, however, it offers better isolation and a bit more bass.
Skullcandy Dime 2.
The Dime 2 is Skullcandy’s best-sounding true wireless headphones. It comes with a small, compact case that is simple to slip into pockets or purses. It comes with a range of sizes of earbuds that can be adjusted to fit different sizes of ears. It's also lighter than other true wireless headphones we test.
The dual microphones are great for picking your voice in phone calls and also reducing background noise. They are not suitable for use in outdoor environments because noises from the environment can be a distraction to your voice. They also struggle with winds and can cut some of your speech.
Despite these minor issues the earbuds are solid in bass and other sound qualities. 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 some punch.
They also come with a great dual-tap feature to perform voice commands, but they're not as intuitive as Apple's AirPod Pro. You must place your thumb on the bottom stem for stability and then press the logo to initiate the command. It's not the most convenient, and it doesn't feel as responsive as a pinch-gear system.
The earbuds can last about four hours on a single charge and have a quick-charge capability for two additional hours. They're also certified IPX4 for resistance to sweat and water. The Earbuds come with a carrying case with a couple of openings for the buds and an attachment loop to clip them to your clothes. The case is available in various colors, including Doritos Red. On the internet, you can purchase them for under $30 USD.