Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
If you're looking for a set of wireless headphones for over-ear take a look at these. These headphones are not just comfortable, but they also have active noise cancellation that reduces background noises so that you can focus on the music.
Focal's first wireless headphones are an audiophile's dream. They have a full sound profile that has enough thump for EDM but instruments and vocals aren't left out. They come with a companion app and ANC presets to adjust the sound to your preference.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony's WH-1000XM5 is the newest generation of its well-loved headphones that offer adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) to block out background noise. They're well-suited to commutes and long days of travel with a staggering 27 hours of playback time. The WH1000XM5 also features a handy feature that allows you to pair it with up to two Bluetooth devices at the same time making it easy to switch between calls and music. The WH-1000XM5's sleek and minimalist design and eco-friendly packaging (using recycled plastic developed specifically for Sony) make them a desirable option for anyone who is concerned about sustainability.
The XM5s come with an easier, more comfortable headband that can be worn comfortably over your ears and places less pressure on your skull. They're also more fashionable thanks to a new, stealthy look that helps them blend into the majority of 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 appealing features of the WH1000XM5 is its intelligent noise cancellation feature, which detects when you take off the headphones and pauses the audio. When you put the headphones back on the audio will resume automatically. This is a great method to conserve battery, and it works well.
The XM5s make a great choice for audio quality thanks to their LDAC codec and DSEE Extreme upscaling. Tim Commerford's bass work is exhibited in Rage against the Machine’s Bullet in the Head which is a dark track. Billie Eilish's Bad Guy has a subtle but deliberate vocal fade.
A cautionary note for those who exercise and who live in a rainy climate The WH-1000XM5s do not have an IP rating, therefore they shouldn't be used in moisture. There's even a disclaimer in the manual that advises you to avoid sweating into the headset, or use it in the rain.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 is a refreshing upgrade to
B Uetooth Headphones&W's flagship wireless headphone that was the PX7. Instead of being merely an iterative upgrade the Series 2 delivers a substantial boost in both ANC and audio quality. The design is also more refined, with a design that is more mature than the glossy, tech-forward looks of Sony's XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.
A switch to turn off power ensures that you know whether the headphones are turned on, and the dedicated buttons for play / pause and volume make it easy to navigate through your music library. There's a customizable button on the left ear cup that can be changed to activate your voice assistant, and there's also an ambient pass-through mode that allows you to hear what's going on around you without removing the headphones.
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 rich, with layered harmonies and atmospheric textures that are clearly heard. There's a good amount of low-end extension, as well as vocals that stay in the center.
One area where the S2s fall short is in EQ control You can increase or decrease treble and bass by 6dB, but there aren't any EQ presets to help you determine the right balance. This isn't a huge deal for the majority of listeners, but those who prefer to create their own audio will likely need to look elsewhere.
Overall all, the PX7 S2s are a great choice for those looking for an active noise-canceling headphone with a premium feel and finish. They're not as flexible as the XM5s mentioned above however they're a great option for most listeners. You'll need to decide if the superior ANC and audio are worth the slightly more expensive price.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 are a excellent pair of over-ear wireless
headphones bluetooth that provide excellent noise cancellation and 24-hour battery life. They are light and comfortable enough to wear throughout the house. The built-in buttons can be controlled using an app that is included with the headphones, however the options for customization are restricted. (Sorry there's no equalizer). You'll be able to choose from a range of sound profiles for different scenarios, including travel or working from home. The QC45s have a feature known as Aware Mode which permits outside sounds to be heard when using ANC. This is useful for those who want to hear children and traffic when out and out and about.
The audio quality isn't quite as great with the WH-1000XM5s, but it's still a solid performer. The bass doesn't sound booming but it does provide a decent amount of depth and texture. The mids and the highs are well rounded and there's no harshness or shrillness.
One issue is that QC45s are more inclined to use higher frequencies, which could result in some sibilance to certain songs. This isn't a major issue and can be fixed with software by adjusting the headphone settings.
The controls are easy to use and easy to use. The button on the left earcup powers on and off the headphones, controls music playback and manages Bluetooth pairing. A multi-function Action Button is also provided. It can be used as a toggle for power and voice assistant, in addition to controlling volume. There's a microphone to take phone calls as well as Siri or Alexa is supported.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The ATH-M20x are a chic pair of headphones that give excellent sound quality for the price. They are well built with an incredibly solid feel. The earcups and headband are made from plastic, but they are strong enough to last for many years. The ears can rotate up to 15 degrees so they will fit comfortably on most ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x has Bluetooth 5.0 which allows you to listen to your music wirelessly. They come with a remarkable battery life of up to 30 hours of listening time. They come with a USB-C cable for charging.
The use of the headphones is easy. There are three buttons along the the left ear cup that let you control playback and other functions. You can pause,
b uetooth Headphones switch tracks, and alter the volume with these buttons. The ATH-M20x comes with built-in microphones for voice commands and calls. The headset is in a low latency mode that makes it ideal for video and gaming.
Although the ATH-M20x headphones offer great audio quality, they are not the best choice for all music genres. Vocals might sound a little dull, and there's not much bass. The high frequencies sound crisp and clear. The treble is the most prominent feature of these headphones. They are a great choice for classical, pop and jazz.
The ATH M20x headphones are light at just 190 grams without the cord. The ear cups are cushioned, but they are not able to fold. They are bulky and won't fit in the backpack or bag. They don't have an untidy cable, either. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better option for those looking for a more portable set of headphones. It's more comfortable due to its folding design, swiveling earpieces that lie flat, and cables that can be removed. It is more expensive, however, it offers better isolation and more bass.
Skullcandy Dime 2.
The Dime 2 is one of Skullcandy's better-sounding true wireless earbuds. It comes with a small, compact case that's simple to slip into pockets or purses. It also comes with various ear gel sizes to fit different ears.