Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
If you're in the market for a pair of wireless headphones for over-ear, consider these. They're not just comfortable to wear, but they have excellent active noise cancellation that blocks out background noises, allowing you to concentrate on your music.
Focal's first wireless headphones are the ultimate dream of audiophiles. They have a rich sound with enough thump for EDM but instruments and vocals aren't left out. They come with a companion application and ANC presets, allowing you to tailor the sound to suit your preferences.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 model from Sony is the latest version of the popular headphones. It comes with automatic adaptive noise cancellation to block out ambient noise. They're well-suited to commutes and long travel days with a whopping 27 hours of playback time. The WH1000XM5 also features an excellent feature that lets you to pair them with up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously making it easy to switch between music and calls. The sleek, minimalist design and environmentally friendly packaging (using recycled plastic developed specifically for Sony) make them a desirable option for anyone who cares about sustainability.
The XM5s have an easier, more comfortable headband that fits snugly over your ears and places less pressure on your skull. They're also more stylish with the new, sleek style that allows them to blend into the majority of outfits. They're also available in a matte black that is better than the glossy black of previous generations.
One of the best features is their intelligent noise cancellation feature. It senses when you've taken off the headphones and stops the audio. When you put your headphones back on the audio will resume automatically. This is a great way to conserve battery and it's very effective.
In terms of audio quality, the XM5s excel by combining LDAC codec support as well as DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Rage against the Machine's brooding Bullet in the Head showcases the bass skills of Tim Commerford with real power as Billie Eilish's Bad Guy has a subtle but deliberate vocal fade.
For those who are gym-goers and living in rainy climates A word of caution The WH1000XM5s do NOT have an IP rating. They cannot be trusted near moisture. In the manual, it's clearly stated that you shouldn't use the headset in the rain or if you sweat on it.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 is a refreshing upgrade to B&W's prior flagship
wireless headphone bluetooth headphone, the PX7. The Series 2 is not just an incremental update, but it's a major improvement in audio quality and ANC. The design is also a bit more refined. It's an older look as opposed to the glossy, modern looks of Sony's XM5 or Apple's AirPods Max.
The headphones can be turned on and off by the slider switch. There are buttons on the side for volume, play/pause, and to navigate through your music collection. The left earcup has a customizable button that can be altered to work with your voice assistant. There's also an ambience pass-through mode that allows you to hear what's going on around you.
The S2s are able to reproduce the 16-bit/44.1kHz Master of Dennis Wilson's River Song, from his Pacific Ocean Blue Album, with its layered harmonies, atmospheric textures, and an impressive soundstage. There's a good amount of low-end extension, and the vocals remain focused.
The S2s aren't the best at EQ control. You can increase or reduce bass and treble to 6dB but there aren't any presets that will help you find the perfect balance. This isn't an issue for most listeners, however music fans who like to create their own audio will probably have to look for a different model.
Overall overall, the PX7 S2s make a great choice for those seeking a noise-canceling, active headphone with a premium finish and feel. Although they aren't as versatile as the XM5s discussed above however, they're still an excellent option for most listeners. You'll need to decide if the better ANC and audio are worth the slightly higher cost.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of wireless headphones that offers great noise cancellation. They also come with a 24-hour battery life. They're also light and comfortable enough to be worn around the home. They can be controlled via the built-in buttons or an accompanying app, however customization is limited (sorry there's no equalizer). You can choose from different sound profiles based on the circumstance, for instance when you're traveling or working from home. The QC45s feature a feature known as Aware Mode that allows outside sounds to be heard using ANC. This is useful for those who want to hear children and traffic while out and out and about.
The audio quality of these headphones isn't as good as the WH-1000XM5s, but it's still decent. The bass isn't as intense, but it does give decent depth and a decent amount of the sound's texture. The mids and highs are nicely rounded and there's no shrillness or harshness.
The QC45s tend to prefer higher frequencies. This can cause some slight sibilance when listening to certain songs. It's not a huge issue and can be fixed with software by adjusting the headphone settings.
The controls are intuitive. The left earcup powers on and off the headphones controls music playback and manages Bluetooth pairing. There's also an multi-function Action button that doubles as a power toggle, voice assistant, and volume control. There's a microphone to take phone calls as well as Siri or Alexa is supported.
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-constructed. The headband and earcups are made from plastic, but they're strong enough to last for an extended period of time. The ear cups can rotate by up to 15 degrees so they will fit comfortably on most ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x comes with
bluetooth headphones uk 5.0 which allows you to enjoy your music wirelessly. They have an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours of music listening time. They come with a USB-C cord for charging.
The headphones are easy to use. There are three buttons on the the left earcup which let you control playback and other functions. You can pause,
bluetooth headphones uk switch tracks and adjust the volume using these buttons. The ATH-M20x has an integrated microphone for calls and voice commands. The headset comes with a low-latency mode that makes it ideal for gaming and video calls.
While the ATH-M20x headphones have excellent audio quality, they are not the best choice for any genre of music. Vocals may sound a bit flat, and there's not much bass. The high frequencies are crisp and clear though. These headphones are known for their Treble. These headphones are ideal for pop, jazz, and classical music.
The ATH M20x headphones are light at just under 190 grams without the cord. They come with a lot of padding on the ear cups but they are not foldable. They are large and won't fit in bags or backpacks. They do not have a detachable cable either. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better option for those that want a more compact set of headphones. It is more comfortable due to an adjustable design that folds, swiveling ear cups that lay flat, and a removable cable. It is more expensive but provides better isolation, a bit more bass and longer battery life.
Skullcandy Dime 2.
The Dime 2 is Skullcandy’s best-sounding true wireless headphones. It comes in a compact, compact carrying case that is easy to slip into purses or pockets. It comes with a range of sizes of earbuds that can be adjusted to fit various sizes of ears. It's also lighter than wireless headphones that we've test.
The earbuds come with dual microphones that are good for capturing your voice and lessening background noise during phone calls.