Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
If you're looking for a pair of wireless headphones for over-ear look into these. These headphones are not just comfortable but also feature active noise cancellation, which reduces background noises so that you can concentrate on your music.
The first
wireless headphones from Focal are a dream for audiophiles. They have a rich, full sound with enough thump to support EDM, but vocals and instruments are not left out. They have an app companion to the music and ANC presets that can customize the sound to your preferences.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony's WH-1000XM5 is the latest generation of its bestselling headphones that offer adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) to cancel out the background sounds. With a staggering 27-hour playback time, they are perfect for long journeys or commutes. They also have a neat feature that allows you to pair them with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and makes it simple to switch between calls and music. The WH1000XM5 is attractive to anyone who values sustainability due to its sleek, minimalistic design and environmentally friendly packaging.
Compared to their predecessors, the XM5s weigh less and are more comfortable with headbands that fit comfortably around your ears, with less pressure on your noggin. They're also more fashionable thanks to the new, sleek appearance that lets them blend into the majority of outfits. They're also available in a matte black that looks better than the glossy black of previous generations.
One of the best features of the WH1000XM5 is its smart noise cancellation function, which detects when you remove the headphones and stops the audio. When you put the headphones back on, they will automatically resume. This is a great method to save battery and it is effective.
In terms of sound quality, the XM5s are top of the line by combining LDAC codec support as well as DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Tim Commerford's bass skills are featured 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.
For those who are gym-goers and who live in areas with rain A word of caution The WH1000XM5s do NOT have an IP rating. They are not recommended in areas with moisture. In the manual, it's explicitly stated that you shouldn't wear the headset in the rain or when you sweat into it.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 represents a refreshing upgrade of B&W's previous flagship wireless headphone, 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 a little more refined, with a style that is more mature than the sleek, modern-day looks of Sony's XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.
The headphones can be switched on and off with the slider switch. There are buttons that are specifically designed for volume, play/pause and to navigate through your music collection. There's a customizable button on the left earcup which can be altered to trigger your voice assistant, and there's also an ambient pass-through mode that lets you listen to what's happening around you without removing the headphones.
streaming the 16-bit/44.1kHz master of Dennis Wilson's River Song from his Pacific Ocean Blue album via the S2s The soundstage is vast and rich, with layered harmonies and atmospheric textures coming through clearly. The vocals are focused and there's plenty of low-end amplitude.
The S2s aren't the most effective in EQ control. You can increase or reduce bass and treble up to 6dB, however there are no presets that will aid you in finding the ideal balance. The majority of listeners won't feel concerned about this however, those who want to alter their audio have to look elsewhere.
Overall overall, the PX7 S2s are a solid option for those seeking an active noise-canceling headset with an elegant feel and a high-end finish. While they're not as flexible like the XM5s mentioned earlier but they're an excellent option for most listeners. You'll need to decide if their superior ANC and audio quality is enough to justify the slightly higher cost.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of
buy wireless headphones over-ear headphones that offer excellent 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 app companion, but the customization options are restricted (sorry, no equalizer). You'll be able to choose from a range of sound profiles that are suitable for various situations,
Wireless such as travelling or working from home. The QC45s feature an Aware Mode that allows outside sounds to be heard when using ANC. This can be useful for those who want to hear traffic or children while out and about.
The sound quality of the headphones isn't as good as the WH-1000XM5s but it's still pretty good. The bass isn't as intense but it does provide an adequate amount of volume and depth. The mids and the highs are well rounded and there is no shrillness or harshness.
One issue is that the QC45s tend to favor the higher frequencies, which can result in some sibilance to certain songs. This isn't an issue that causes a huge issue and can be easily corrected by adjusting the headphone settings in software.
The controls are intuitive and simple to use. The left earcup turns the headphones on and off, controls music playback, and manages Bluetooth pairing. There's also an multi-function Action button that can also be used as a power switch as well as a voice assistant and volume control. There's also a mic for phone calls as well as Siri or Alexa support.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The ATH-M20x is a stylish pair of headphones that provide amazing sound at a low price. They are well built with solid feel to them. The earcups and headband are made from plastic, but they're strong enough to last a long time. The ear cups 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 enjoy your music wirelessly. The battery lasts for a long time, offering up to 30hrs of listening time. They come with a USB-C cable for charging.
The use of the headphones is easy. Three buttons are located on the left ear cup and let you control the playback of music as in other functions. You can pause, change tracks and adjust the volume using these buttons. The ATH M20x also features a microphone that you can use for voice calls and voice commands. The headset is in low latency, which makes it ideal for gaming and video calling.
The ATH M20x headphones are fantastic for certain genres of music, but not all. Vocals can sound flat, and there's not much bass. The high frequencies sound clear and clear. The treble is the most prominent feature of these headphones. They will be a good option for classical, pop and jazz.
The ATH-M20x headphones are lightweight at just under 190 grams without the cord. The earcups are cushioned, but they can't be folded. They are heavy to carry in a backpack and may not fit easily into the bag of a handbag. They don't have a detachable cable. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better choice for those looking for a more compact set of headphones. It is more comfortable thanks to a folding design, swiveling ears that lay flat, and a removable cable. It's more expensive, but it offers better isolation, more bass and longer battery life.
Skullcandy Dime 2.
The Dime 2 is Skullcandy’s best-sounding true wireless headphones. It comes with a small and compact case that can easily be slipped into pockets or
wireless purses. It comes with a variety of ear gel sizes that can be adjusted to fit different sizes of ears.