Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds encapsulate the ears completely. They also permit larger drivers that deliver deeper bass and a wider soundstage. Many of them also feature active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.
The latest Master & Dynamic MW65 update offers excellent audio, a variety of ANC modes, and an impressive battery life in an elegant and distinct design.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Sony has redesigned an already excellent pair of headphones with the WH-1000XM4 Wireless. They're less heavy, feel better constructed, and have an improved sound profile that is more balanced (though still bass-heavy) and include an app that allows for some audio customization. Their active noise cancelling performs better than ever before, eliminating any background noise. Additionally, they have a longer continuous battery life than other models.
These headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible and Sony LDAC is also supported. This codec 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 then automatically switch between the two when required. You can enable this feature via the Sony Headphones Connect app and it works flawlessly.
One of the major improvements over the XM3 is the sensitivity of their touch panels. They respond faster to a tap on the panel and are much easier to control when making calls or listening to media. Sony also added a feature that makes voice sound clearer and more precise during calls, which is noticeable and a nice touch.
The WH-1000XM4s aren't perfect, but they are among the best wireless headphones we've ever examined. They're comfortable, feel good to the touch, and have an impressive battery that can last longer than 30 hours continuously. They can be used as a passive device by using an TRS cable. This is ideal for traveling or conserving energy.
The WH1000XM4s provide a superior alternative to the Bowers & Wilkins Wireless Over-Ears PX7 S2. The Sonys are more comfortable and their ANC can block out more ambient noise. The B&Ws come with a more flexible EQ and an app companion to adjust the audio quality. The B&Ws are built better, and can pair with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. Additionally, they support aptX HD, and they have an AI-driven engine which attempts to boost compressed music to high-resolution. This is called DSEE Extreme and it does a good job of improving the clarity of music, particularly when listening to lossless audio files.
2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The $329 Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones are the latest iteration of a headset that became an essential for commuters and travelers from all over the world. The new model does not reinvent the wheel. It retains the same formula which has made its predecessor so successful, while adding USB-C and better noise cancellation.
Similar to the QC 35 II before them, these over-ear Bose headphones feature a premium look and feel that exudes quality. The headband, made of plastic, has a firm feel thanks to the hinges made of metal at pivot points. They also have the ratcheting mechanism that is familiar when you extend or retract your earcups. The cups are cushioned, and have soft pads that are comfortable to wear over your ears without putting pressure on your head. When folded they weigh 238g. They can be worn with a sweater or coat because they function even when not on your head.
Despite their reputation for comfort, the QC45s do not provide the best sound quality in this price range. The frequencies are flat and lack the depth that more expensive headphones may be able to bring out. The upper registers are boosted which is great for most music genres but could be a problem for more delicate and intricate genres. The bass is decent, but lacks the punch.
The ability to pause the playback when you remove the headset is a feature that's missing. This is a standard in this price range and something that Bose's rivals have long offered. Another omission was the lack of an in-app EQ. Bose offers preset EQ settings within the app however it would be nice to have manual control.
You can connect to your tablet or smartphone via Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint support as well as more advanced codecs such as aptX Adaptive. Download the Bose Audio App to adjust your headset's sound and voice settings.
The QC45s have four microphones that are built-in to hear your voice when you are on the phone. The headsets have a good call quality, however they don't let you muffle the sound during playback like other wireless headphones. Update: A firmware upgrade for the QC45s was released 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 brand that produces high-performance headphones. They are known for their style and comfort that let listeners know that they're listening something special. The Bathys are their first wireless noise-cancelling headphones. They are stunning in appearance and sound. They also have a built in high performance USB DAC which means you can use them for wireless and wired listening.
The Bathys come with a great battery performance, with Focal claims of 30 hours of continuous Bluetooth playtime. We were able to get more than 40 hours of playback time on average from just one charge. If you are required to charge the headphones then the indicator light on the right earcup will go red.
For a pair of headphones at this price, they have a lot of features. They can be used with multiple devices simultaneously and offer automatic pairing. (You have to select your device source each time you listen.) The headphones come with an inbuilt microphone that can be used with voice assistants, such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones also feature an easy-to-use interface that makes it easy to control your music and take calls.
For over-ear wireless headphones, the Bathys perform very well in our test of noise cancellation, reducing the background sound by around 9 decibels in average. They aren't as good as the ANC found in the Sony WH1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless but it is still effective.
In our tests of the quality of sound from headphones, the Bathys did well overall, with a the frequency response which generally corresponds to the SoundGuys preference curve, with just minor deviations in the mids and bass. They have a deep, bass-filled sound profile that adds a lot of boom to the mix, however, it can make instruments and vocals such as cymbals sound veiled.
They also have very good leakage resistance, which means you can wear them in public without worrying about people listening to your music. Their mic is passable to record via Bluetooth, with only slight distortion between the mid-treble as well as the treble.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless are a new update to the company's flagship Bluetooth headphones. The Momentum 3 was a solid but not a great entry in this class. The latest pair improves on the previous generation with modern design, better gesture controls, and a huge battery life.
The improvements are subtle, but can make for a pair of over ear headphones that feel like an upgrade. The Momentum 4s lay flat and do not fold however they come with a sturdy hardshell case that protects them while on the go. They also follow the trend of a number of other recent Bluetooth headphones, such as the ones from Sony and Bowers & Wilkins, to be completely device-independent. They are compatible with Apple iPhones and Android phones, but do not have the AirPods extra features, such as Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.
The most obvious difference in this model is the huge battery that promises up to 60 hours of playback with noise cancellation turned on. This is more than the majority of the competitors can provide and enough for a trip of a lifetime without having to worry about finding an outlet to charge them.
on ear wireless headphones gave the headphones an 82 score with a focus on their audio quality and ANC as two of their strengths. He has only one complaint: they lack a sense gravitas in the mids and treble. This makes orchestral pieces sound dull instead of grand. The bass is smooth and well-rounded however, it can be overemphasized and cause fatigue in songs that have heavy bass lines like the drums that are pounding in As I Lay Dying's Forever. The cymbals sound bubbly, but not full. There's also not much depth to the lows.
The Momentum 4s are comfortable and shouldn't put too much pressure on your neck or ears. However, they can be a bit fidgety when wearing them around the house or for longer listening sessions, and will move about on your head with intense head movements. This can cause them unexpectedly wake up which can be distracting when you are listening to music or calls. They will shut down automatically after 15 minutes, and can be switched off manually with the power button.