Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds can completely surround the ears. They also permit bigger drivers that provide deeper bass and a larger soundstage. Many include Bluetooth technology and active noise cancellation.
The Master & Dynamic MW65 is updated with superior audio and multiple ANC modes, and a long battery life.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Sony has improved an already fantastic pair of headphones with the introduction of the WH1000XM4 wireless. They are less heavy, more durable and feature an audio profile that is more balanced (though they are bass heavy). They also include an app to adjust the sound. They've improved their active noise cancellation, which eliminates more ambient sounds and extending the battery life.
These headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 and support SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. The latter can transfer high-resolution music, though you'll need compatible devices and streaming services. The WH-1000XM4s can also allow you to connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and automatically switch between them when required. This feature is enabled through the Sony Headphones Connect App and works well.
One subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensibility of their touch panels. They respond faster to the touch of the panel and are much easier to manage when making a phone call or listening to music. Sony also included a feature that helps voices sound more clear and precise when calling, which is noticeable and a nice addition.
While the WH1000XM4s aren't perfect, they're one of the most comfortable wireless headphones we've ever tested. They're comfortable, well-made, and have an energy-efficient battery that can last for more than 30 continuous hours. They can also be used with a TRS cable which is great for those who travel or want to conserve power.
The WH-1000XM4s are better than the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless over-ears. The Sonys are more comfortable, and their ANC can block out more ambient noise. The B&Ws feature a more flexible EQ and a companion app to tweak the audio quality. But the B&Ws have an improved design, and they're able to pair with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. Additionally, they support aptX HD and feature an AI-driven engine which is attempting to boost compressed music to high-resolution. This is referred to as DSEE Extreme and it does well in improving the clarity of music, particularly when listening to lossless files.
2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The $329 Bose QuietComfort45 Noise-Canceling headset is the latest version of a headset which has become a favorite among commuters and passengers all over 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 the USB-C port and improved noise cancellation.
These over-ear Bose headsets come with a premium feel and appearance, similar to the QC 35 II headphones that preceded them. The headband, constructed of plastic, has a solid feel thanks to the metal hinges at pivot points. They also have the familiar ratcheting mechanism when you extend or retract your ear cups. The cups are cushioned and have soft pads that can be worn over your ears without pressing your head. When folded they weigh 238g. They can be paired with a coat or sweater because they function even when not on the head.
Despite their reputation as comfortable headphones, the QC45s do not provide the best sound quality at this price. The frequencies are flat and lack the depth that headphones with higher prices might be able to bring out. The upper registers are boosted which is acceptable for most music genres but can be problematic for more delicate and intricate genres. The bass is good but lacks the punch.
One thing that's not included is the possibility of paused playback when you remove the headset. This is a standard feature in this price range and is something that Bose's competitors have long offered. Another omission is the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose has preset EQs available in the app, but it would be nice if there was an option to control the EQ manually.
You can connect to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint support as well as more advanced codecs such as aptX Adaptive. You can download the Bose Audio app to adjust your headset's sound and voice assistant settings.
The QC45s also include four in-built microphones to listen to your voice during calls. The headphones have good call quality, but they don't let you mute the voice during playback as other wireless headphones. Update: A firmware update for the QC45s in February 2022 introduced manual EQ options to the audio app. This is a very welcome change.
3. Focal Bathys Wireless
Focal is a French audio company that makes high-performance headphones. They are known for their comfort and style, which let listeners know that they're listening to something special. Their first foray into wireless noise cancelling headphones, the Bathys, are a stunning set of headphones that look and sound amazing. They also come with a built in high performance USB DAC which means you can use them for both wired and wireless listening.
The Bathys have a very good battery performance with Focal claims of 30 hours of continuous Bluetooth playtime. We had more than 40 hours of playback time on average from a single charge. If you have to charge your headphones, the indicator light on the right earcup will go red.
For a pair of headphones for this price, they offer many features. They can connect to multiple devices at once and feature automatic pairing. (You have to select your source device by hand each time you listen.) The headphones have built-in microphones that works with voice assistants, such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones feature an easy to use interface that makes it simple to control music and make calls.
For headphones with over-ear connectivity for over-ear wireless headphones, the Bathys excel in our test of noise cancellation. They cut down the sound of the surrounding environment by about 9 decibels per hour on average. This isn't as impressive as the ANC in the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless, but it's still quite effective.
In our tests of headphone sound quality The Bathys performed well overall with a frequency response that mostly matches the SoundGuys headphone preference curve with only minor deviations in the mids and bass. They have a bass-rich sound pattern which adds plenty of boom to mixes, but can sometimes make instruments and vocals like cymbals sound dull.
They also have very good leakage resistance, meaning you can wear them in public without worrying about people listening to your music. The microphone has a decent recording quality via Bluetooth with only slight distortion in the mid - to high treble frequency range.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless is a new version of the company's flagship Bluetooth headsets. The Momentum 3 was a solid but not an outstanding entry in this category. The new model is a step up from the previous model, sporting a a sleeker look, improved gesture control and a massive battery life.
The improvements are subtle but make for an over-ear pair of headphones that feel like an upgrade. The Momentum 4s lie flat and don't fold however they do come with a nice hardshell case to keep them safe on the go. The Momentum 4s are non-device-specific, similar to other Bluetooth headphones of recent years, such as the ones from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. They can be used with Apple iPhones as well as Android phones, but do not have the AirPods' extra features like Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.
The most obvious difference in this model is the huge battery, which claims up to 60 hours of playback time with the noise cancellation option turned on. This is more than twice as much as most of the competitors and sufficient to go on a long-distance trip without having to search for an outlet.
Engadget senior editor Billy Steele gave the headphones an 82-point score and cited their sound quality and ANC as their main strengths. He has only one complaint that they lack of gravitas in the mids and the treble. This means that orchestral pieces sound dull instead of grand. The bass is rounded, however, it can be overemphasized and cause fatigue in songs with heavy bass lines, like the drum hits in As I Lay Dying's Forever. The cymbals sound a bit hot, but not a lot. There's best gym headphones wireless to the lows.
The Momentum 4s shouldn't put pressure on your neck or ear. However, they can be a bit difficult to wear around the house or for longer listening sessions, and can move around on your head, causing intense head movements. This can cause them to wake up at random times, which can be distracting when listening to music or making calls. They will shut down automatically after 15 minutes, and can be switched off manually using the power button.