Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
If you're looking for a pair of wireless over-ear headphones take a look at these. They're not just comfortable to wear, but they offer excellent active noise cancellation that mutes background noises to allow you to concentrate on the music.
The first wireless headphones from Focal are audiophiles' dream. They have a rich sound profile that has enough thump for EDM however vocals and instruments aren't excluded. They have an app companion to the music and ANC presets to customize the sound to your personal preferences.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 model from Sony is the latest version of its well-known headphones. It comes with automatic adaptive noise cancellation to block out ambient noise. With a staggering 27-hour playback time, they are perfect for commutes and long journeys. The WH-1000XM5 also comes with an excellent feature that lets you to pair them with up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously making it easy to switch from music and calls. The WH1000XM5 is attractive to anyone who cares for sustainability because of its sleek, minimalist design and environmentally friendly packaging.
The XM5s come with a softer, more comfortable headband that fits snugly over your ear and puts less pressure on your skull. They're also more stylish and have a sleek design that can be incorporated into all outfits. And they're now available in a gorgeous matte black that's more appealing than the previous generation's glossy black.
One of the most impressive features of the WH1000XM5 is its smart noise cancellation feature, which detects when you take off the headphones and pauses the audio. When you put them back on, they will automatically resume. This is a fantastic way to save battery, and it's a great option.
For sound quality, the XM5s are top of the line by combining LDAC codec support as well as DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Rage against the Machine's brooding Bullet in the Head shows off the bass skills of Tim Commerford with real power, while Billie Eilish's Bad Guy features a delicate but deliberate vocal fade.
For those who exercise and living in humid climates A word of caution The WH1000XM5s do NOT have an IP rating. They are not recommended near water. There's even a disclaimer in the manual that recommends you don't sweat into the headset or use it in the rain.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 represents a refreshing update of B&W's former flagship wireless headphone, PX7. The Series 2 is not just an iterative upgrade, but an incredibly improvement in audio quality and ANC. The design also gets a bit more refined, with a design that is more mature than the sleek, modern-day looks of Sony's XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.
The headphones can be switched on and off with the slider switch. There are buttons that are specifically designed for volume, play/pause and to navigate through your music collection. The left earcup has a customizable button that can be altered to work with your voice assistant. There's also an ambience pass-through mode that lets you hear what is happening around you.
streaming an 16-bit/44.1kHz master of Dennis Wilson's River Song from his Pacific Ocean Blue album using the S2s The soundstage is vast and detailed with layered harmonies as well as atmospheric textures coming through clearly. There's a good amount of low-end extension, as well as vocals that stay centered.
One area in which the S2s aren't as good is in EQ control You can increase or decrease bass and treble by 6dB, but there aren't any EQ presets to help you to find the perfect balance. The majority of listeners won't be affected by this, but those who like to tweak their audio will need to consider a different option.
Overall, the PX7 S2s are an excellent choice for those who are looking for a noise-canceling headphone that has an exquisite finish and feel. They're not quite as versatile as the XM5s mentioned above however they're an excellent option for most listeners. You'll have to decide if the superior ANC and audio quality is 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 have a battery life of 24 hours. They are light and comfortable enough to wear in the home. They can be controlled using the built-in buttons as well as a companion app, although the customization options are restricted (sorry there's no equalizer). You'll be able to choose from a variety of sound profiles for different scenarios, including travel or working from home. The QC45s come with an option called Aware Mode, which allows outside sounds to be heard using ANC. This is useful for those who want to hear traffic and children while out and about.
The audio quality of these headphones isn't as great as the WH-1000XM5s, but they're still quite good. The bass isn't overpowering, but it does provide decent depth and a good amount of texture. The highs and mids are well-rounded and there's no hint of harshness or shrillness.
The QC45s have a tendency to prefer higher frequencies. This can result in some slight sibilance when listening to certain music. This isn't an issue that causes a huge issue and can be easily corrected by changing the headphone settings in software.
The controls are simple to use. A button on the left earcup powers on and off the headphones controls music playback and manages Bluetooth pairing. A multi-functional Action Button is also included. It functions as a toggle for power and voice assistant in addition to controlling the volume. There's also a mic for phone calls and Siri or Alexa support.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The ATH-M20x are a stylish pair of headphones that give an excellent sound quality at a reasonable price. The headphones are durable and well-built. The headband and ear cups are constructed of plastic, they are strong enough that it will be robust enough for long-term use. The ears can rotate up to 15 degrees, so they can be positioned to fit the majority of ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x comes with Bluetooth 5.0 which lets you enjoy your music wirelessly. The battery life is impressive, with up to 30 hours of music listening time. They come with a USB-C cord to charge.
Utilizing beats studio3 wireless noise cancelling over ear headphones is simple. There are three buttons on the the left earcup that let you control playback and other functions. You can pause, switch tracks, and alter the volume with these buttons. The ATH M20x comes with a built-in microphone for voice commands and calls. The headset has low-latency technology that makes it ideal for gaming and video calls.
The ATH M20x headphones are fantastic for some styles of music, but not all. Vocals may sound a bit dull and there isn't any real bass response. The high frequencies are crisp and clear, however. The treble is a standout feature of these headphones. They are a great choice for classical, pop and jazz.
The ATH-M20x headphones are lightweight at just under 190 grams without the cord. The earcups are cushioned, but they are not able to fold. They are heavy and won't fit in bags or backpacks. They do not have an untidy cable, either. 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 folding design, swiveling ears that lay flat, as well as cable that can be removed. It is more expensive, but it provides 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 carrying case that is easy to slip into purses or pockets. It also comes with a variety of ear gel sizes to accommodate different ears. It's also lighter than other true wireless headphones we tested.
Dual microphones are excellent to pick your voice when you call and reducing background noise. They are not suitable for use outdoors, as environmental sounds can block out your voice. They also struggle with windy environments and can clip parts of your speech.
The earbuds are great sounding, despite these minor issues. They have a crisp high end that doesn't bleed into the mids, and they have a nice amount of mid-bass which adds some punch to your music.
They also have a good dual-tap feature to perform voice commands, although they're not as intuitive as Apple's AirPod Pro. You have to place your thumb on the bottom of the stem to ensure stability, and then press the logo to initiate a command. It's not as responsive as a pinch gesture system, and can be a bit unwieldy.
The earbuds last for about four hours on one charge. They also come with a quick-charge feature that lets them last another two hours. They're also classified as IPX4 for resistance to water and sweat. The earbuds come with a carrying case that features two openings to accommodate the buds, and a loop for attaching them to clothing. It's a stylish case that's available in several colors, including red Doritos. Online, you can find the cases for less than $30 USD.