Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
If you're in the market for a pair of wireless headphones for over-ear look into these. They're not only comfortable to wear, they offer excellent active noise cancellation that mutes background noises so you can concentrate on the music.
The first wireless headphones from Focal are audiophiles' dream. They have a rich and full sound, with enough thump to support EDM however vocals and instruments are not left out. They come with a companion app and ANC presets to adjust the sound to your preferences.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony's WH-1000XM5 is the latest generation of its popular headphones, that feature automatic adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) to cancel out ambient sounds. With a remarkable 27-hour playback time they are ideal for long journeys or commutes. The WH1000XM5 also features a handy feature that allows you to pair them with up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch from calls and music. The WH-1000XM5's sleek and minimalist design and environmentally friendly packaging (using recycled plastic developed specifically for Sony) make them an attractive option for those who are concerned about the environment.
The XM5s come with an easier and more comfortable headband. It fits snugly over your ear and puts less pressure on your skull. They also look more fashionable and sleek, with a brand new style that is a perfect match with the majority of 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 feature, which senses when you've taken off the headphones and stops the audio. When you put the headphones back on, they automatically resume. This is a great method to save battery and it is effective.
The XM5s are a great choice for audio quality thanks to their LDAC codec and DSEE Extreme upscaling. Tim Commerford's work on bass is exhibited in Rage against the Machine's Bullet in the Head track, a dark track. Billie Eilish's Bad Guy features subtle but deliberate vocal fade.
A cautionary note for gym rats and those who live in a rainy climate: the WH-1000XM5s don't have an IP rating, so they shouldn't be used in humidity. There's even a disclaimer in the manual that recommends you not sweat into the headset or use it in the rain.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 is a refreshing upgrade to B&W's flagship wireless headphone, the PX7. Instead of a simple upgrade, the Series 2 delivers a substantial increase in both ANC and audio quality. The design is also a bit more refined, with a style that's 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 a slider switch. There are buttons on the side for volume, play/pause and to navigate through your music collection. The left ear cup has an adjustable button that can be changed to match your voice assistant. There's also an ambient pass-through mode that allows you to hear what's 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 expansive and clear with layered harmonies as well as atmospheric textures coming through clearly. jbl headphones wireless are well-centered and there's a good low-end extension.
The S2s aren't the best at EQ control. You can adjust bass and treble up to 6dB, but there aren't any presets that will help you find the ideal balance. The majority of listeners won't feel concerned about this, but those who like to alter their audio have to look elsewhere.
Overall, the PX7 S2s are a solid choice for those looking for an active noise-canceling headphones with an elegant feel and a high-end finish. They're not as flexible as the aforementioned XM5s, but they're still an excellent choice for the majority of listeners. You'll have to decide if their superior ANC and audio quality are enough to offset the slightly higher price.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 are a excellent pair of over-ear wireless headphones that provide excellent noise cancellation and 24 hour battery life. They're also light and comfortable enough to be worn around the house. The built-in buttons can be controlled with an app that comes with the headphones, but the options for customization are limited. (Sorry there's no equalizer). You can pick from various sound profiles based on circumstances, like when you're on the road or working at home. The QC45s feature an option called Aware Mode which permits outside sounds to be heard when using ANC. This is useful for those who want to hear traffic or children while out and about.
The audio quality isn't as good with the WH-1000XM5s, but it's still a solid performer. The bass isn't overpowering, but it does provide decent depth and a decent amount of texture. The mids and the highs are well rounded and there's no harshness or shrillness.
The QC45s have a tendency to prefer higher frequencies. This can result in a slight sibilance during listening to certain songs. This isn't a major issue and can be easily fixed by adjusting the headphone settings within software.
The controls are easy to use and simple to use. A 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 functions as a toggle for power and voice assistant, in addition to controlling volume. There's a microphone for phone calls as well as Siri or Alexa is available.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The ATH M20x is a stylish pair that delivers amazing sound at a low cost. The headphones are durable and well-built. The earcups and headband are made of plastic, but they're strong enough to last a long time. The ear cups can be adjusted by 15 degrees which means they can be placed in a comfortable position on most ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x features Bluetooth 5.0 which allows you to enjoy your music wirelessly. The battery longevity is impressive, with up to 30hrs of listening time. They come with a USB-C cord to charge.
The headphones are simple to use. There are three buttons at the back of the left ear cup that allow you to control playback and other functions. You can pause, switch tracks and adjust the volume with these buttons. The ATH M20x comes with built-in microphones for calls and voice commands. The headset has a low latency mode which makes it ideal for video and gaming.
The ATH M20x headphones are fantastic for certain styles of music, but not all. Vocals may sound a bit dull, and there's not much bass. The high frequencies sound clear and clear. The treble is an outstanding feature of these headphones. They are a great option for classical, pop and jazz.
The ATH-M20x is a light headphone that weighs just under 190g without the cord. The earcups are cushioned, but they are not able to fold. They will be bulky to carry in the backpack and will not fit easily into bags. The cable cannot be detachable. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are a good option for those who need an audio system that are more mobile. It is more comfortable with the ability to fold, swivel the ear cups, which are flat and have removable cables. It's more expensive but it provides more isolation and more bass.
Skullcandy Dime 2.
The Dime 2 is Skullcandy’s best-sounding true wireless headphones. It comes with a compact, compact case that is simple to slip into pockets or purses. It also comes with a variety of sizes of ear gels to fit different ears. It's also lighter than other true wireless buds that we tested.
Dual microphones are great to pick up your voice in phone calls and reducing background noise. They are not suitable for use in outdoor environments, as environmental sounds can drown out your voice. The earbuds also struggle with conditions that are windy and can cut some of your speech.
Despite these minor issues, the earbuds provide solid bass and other sound quality. They have a clear clean, clear high-end that doesn't spill over into the mids. They also have a decent amount of mid-bass to give your music a bit of punch.
They also have a decent dual-tap feature that allows you to execute voice commands, but they're not as user-friendly as Apple's AirPod Pro. You have to place your thumb on the bottom stem to ensure stability, and then press the logo to initiate a command. It's a little inconvenient, and it does not feel as responsive as a pinch-gear system.
The earbuds are able to last for about four hours on a single charge. They also come with a quick-charge feature for two additional hours. The earbuds are IPX4 certified for their resistance to sweat and water. The earbuds are packaged with a carrying case that features two openings that can accommodate the buds, and a loop for attaching them to clothing. The case is available in various colors including Doritos Red. Online, you can find them for under $30 USD.