Best Over-Ear Headphones
In contrast to earbuds, headphones over-ear encapsulate your ears completely and allow for larger drivers to provide deeper bass and wider soundstages. Many also include active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.
The most recent Master & Dynamic MW65 update features superior audio, multiple ANC modes and impressive battery life in an elegant and distinct design.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Sony has enhanced an already fantastic pair of headphones by introducing the WH1000XM4 wireless. They are more lightweight, better constructed and have an audio profile that is more balanced (though bass-heavy). They also have an app to adjust the sound. They've improved their active noise cancellation, eliminating the background noise and have a longer battery life.
These headphones are Bluetooth 5.0, with support for SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. This codec can transfer high-resolution audio, however you'll need to use compatible devices and streaming services. The WH-1000XM4s is also able to connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and automatically switch between them when required. This feature is enabled through the Sony Headphones Connect App and is very effective.
The touch panels are more sensitive than the XM3. They respond faster to a tap on the panel, and this makes them easier to control during a call or listen to media. Sony has also added a feature that helps voices sound more clear and precise on calls which is noticeable and
wireless headphones bluetooth headphones a nice addition.
While the WH1000XM4s aren't perfect, they are some of the most comfortable
wireless headphones Bluetooth headphones headphones we've ever tried. They're comfortable and well-made. They also have an energy-efficient battery that can last for more than 30 continuous hours. They can be used in a passive manner with an TRS cable. This is great for traveling or conserving power.
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 background noise. They also come with a companion application that lets you adjust their audio performance and EQ settings are more flexible than the B&W's. However, the B&Ws come with a better-built design, and they're able to connect with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. They also support aptXHD and feature an AI-driven engine that tries to up-scale compressed music to high-resolution. This is known as DSEE Extreme and it does well in improving the clarity of music, especially when listening to lossless music.
2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The $329 Bose QuietComfort45 sound cancelling headset is the most current version of a headset which has become a favorite among commuters and passengers all over the world. Instead of reinventing the wheel the new model uses the same formula that made the predecessor so popular, adding the USB-C port, which is better at cancelling noise and a longer battery lifespan.
Like the QC 35 II before them, these over-ear Bose headphones sport a premium look and feel that oozes quality. The headband, constructed of plastic, offers a solid feel thanks to the hinges made of metal at pivot points. It also has the familiar ratcheting mechanism whenever you retract or extend your ear cups. The cups have soft, cushioned pads that fit securely over the ears and do not apply pressure to your head. They weigh 238 grams and are fairly compact when folded. You can wear them with an overcoat or sweater since the noise cancelling function works even when they are not on your head.
Despite their reputation as comfortable
wirelss headphones, the QC45s do not provide the best sound quality at this price point. The frequencies are tinny and lack the depth that more expensive headphones may be able to bring out. The upper registers tend to be amplified which is great for most music, but could become a problem for more delicate or intricate music genres. The bass is decent, but lacks power.
One thing that's not included is the ability to pause playback when you remove the headset. This is standard in this price bracket and is something Bose's competitors have been offering for years. Another oversight was the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose provides preset EQ settings in the app however it would be nice to have manual control.
Bluetooth 5.0 is supported, with multipoint as well as more advanced codecs such as aptX Adaptive. You can download the Bose Audio app to adjust your headset's audio and voice assistant settings.
The QC45s come with four microphones that are built-in to hear your voice while on the phone. The headsets have a good call quality, however they don't permit you to muffle the sound during playback as other wireless headphones. Update: A firmware upgrade for the QC45s was released in February 2022 added manual adjustments 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 renowned for their comfort and style 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 come with an inbuilt high-performance USB DAC which means you can use them for both wireless and wired listening.
Focal claims that the Bathys can play Bluetooth music for 30 hours. We had more than 40 hours of playback on average from just one charge. If you do require a recharge, there's a light on the right ear cup that will turn red when the headphone needs to be charged.
For a pair of headphones for this price, they offer a lot of features. They support multiple devices simultaneously and offer automatic pairing. (You must select your source device by hand each time you listen.) The headphones come with built-in microphones that works with voice assistants, such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones come with an easy-to use interface that makes it simple to control music and make calls.
Bathys over-ear headphones do well in our noise cancellation test, reducing ambient sound by an average of 9 decibels. It's not as effective as the ANC found in the Sony WH1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless however it's still effective.
The Bathys headphones performed well in our headphone sound tests. Their frequency response was largely similar to the headphone curve of SoundGuys, with only minor deviations on the bass and mids. They have a bass-rich sound profile which adds plenty of boom to the mix, however, it can make vocals and instruments like cymbals seem a bit veiled.
You can wear them wherever without fearing that other people will listen to your music. Their microphone is suitable for recording using Bluetooth, with only slight distortion between the mid-treble as well as the treble.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless is a new version of the company's top Bluetooth headsets. The last pair, the Momentum 3, was a solid but unspectacular entry in the class. The new pair is a significant improvement over the previous model, sporting a a sleeker look, improved gesture control and an enormous battery life.
The improvements aren't that obvious, but they make a pair that appear to be an upgrade from the previous model. The Momentum 4s are flat and don't fold however they do come with a sturdy hardshell case that protects them when on the move. The Momentum 4s are also compatible with all devices, just like other Bluetooth headphones of recent times, like those from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. They can be used with Apple iPhones and Android phones, but lack the AirPods' extra features like Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.