Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
You should consider these if searching for wireless headsets. These headphones aren't just comfortable, but they also have active noise cancellation that reduces background noises so that you can focus on your music.
The first wireless headphones from Focal are a dream for audiophiles. They feature a deep, full sound with enough thump to support EDM,
headphones but instruments and vocals aren't excluded. They have an app companion to the music and ANC presets that can customize the sound to your preferences.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 model from Sony is the most recent version of the well-known
headphones blutooth. It features automatic adaptive noise cancellation to cancel out ambient sound. They're well-suited to long commutes and long journeys with a staggering 27 hours of playback time. The WH-1000XM5 also comes with an excellent feature that allows you to pair them with up to two Bluetooth devices at the same time which makes it simple to switch from music and calls. The sleek, minimalist design and eco-friendly packaging (using recycled plastic developed specifically for Sony) make an appealing choice for anyone who cares about sustainability.
In comparison to their predecessors the XM5s are lighter and more comfortable, with the headband that is snugly around your ears with less pressure on your head. They're also more stylish with a new, stealthy look that helps them blend into most outfits. They're also available in a matte black that looks better than the glossy black of the previous generations.
One of the best features is their intelligent noise cancellation feature, which detects when you've removed the headphones and pauses the audio. When you put the headphones back on, they will automatically resume. This is an excellent way to save battery, and it works.
As for audio quality, the XM5s are top of the line by combining LDAC codec support and DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Tim Commerford's bass work is evident in Rage against the Machine's Bullet in the Head, a brooding track. Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy has a subtle, but deliberate vocal fade.
A word of caution for gym rats and those who live in a rainy climate: the WH-1000XM5s don't have an IP rating, which means they can't be trusted around humidity. In the manual, it's clearly stipulated that you shouldn't use the headset in the rain or when you sweat into it.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 is a refreshing upgrade to B&W's flagship wireless headphone model, the PX7. Instead of a simple upgrade the Series 2 delivers a substantial increase in both ANC and audio quality. The design is also more refined. It's a more mature look than the glossy, techy appearance of Sony's XM5 or Apple's AirPods Max.
The
headphones can be switched on and off with an adjustable slider switch. There are buttons on the side for volume, play/pause and to navigate through your music collection. The left earcup features a button that is customizable and can be remapped for your voice assistant. There's also an ambience pass-through mode, which allows you to hear what's going on around you.
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 expansive and detailed with layered harmonies as well as atmospheric textures coming through clearly. There's a lot of low-end extension, too, and vocals stay focused.
The S2s aren't the most effective in EQ control. You can increase or reduce bass and treble by up to 6dB but there are no presets that will allow you to find your ideal balance. Most listeners won't be concerned about this however those who prefer to tweak their audio will need to consider a different option.
Overall all, the PX7 S2s are a good choice for those looking for an active noise-canceling headphone with an elegant feel and a high-end finish. Although they're not as versatile as the XM5s discussed above, they are still a great choice for most listeners. You'll need to decide if the superior ANC and audio are worth the slightly higher cost.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 are a solid pair of over-ear wireless headphones that feature great noise cancellation and a 24-hour battery life. They're also lightweight and comfortable enough to wear around the home. They can be controlled with the built-in buttons and a companion app, although the customization options are limited (sorry, no equalizer). You'll be able to select from a range of sound profiles that are suitable for various situations, such as travelling or working at home. The QC45s also feature a feature called Aware Mode that allows outside sounds be heard when using ANC, which can be useful for people who want to hear traffic and children while out and out and about.
The headphones' audio quality isn't quite on a par with the WH-1000XM5s but it's still a solid performance. The bass doesn't sound booming but it does provide an adequate amount of volume and depth. The mids and the highs are smooth and there is no harshness or shrillness.
The QC45s have a tendency to favor higher frequencies. This can cause some slight sibilance when listening to certain music. This isn't a major issue and can be fixed with software by adjusting the headphone settings.
The controls are easy to use and simple to use. The button on the left earcup turns the headphones on and off as well as controls playback of music and manages Bluetooth pairing. A multi-functional Action Button is also provided. It functions as a toggle for power and voice assistant, as well as controlling the volume. There's also a microphone for phone calls as well as Siri or Alexa support.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The ATH-M20x are a chic pair of headphones that give great sound for the price. The headphones are durable and well-constructed. The headband
headphones and earcups are made of plastic, but they're strong enough to last for an extended period of time. The ear cups can be adjusted by 15 degrees, so they can be put in the most comfortable position for the majority of ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x has Bluetooth 5.0 which lets you listen to your music wirelessly. They come with a remarkable battery life of up to 30 hours of music listening time. They come with a USB-C cable to charge.
Utilizing the headphones is simple. There are three buttons along the the left ear cup that allow you to control playback as well as other functions. You can pause, change tracks and even adjust the volume using these buttons. The ATH-M20x also has a microphone that you can use for calls and voice commands. The headset has low-latency technology that makes it ideal for gaming and video calls.
Although the ATH-M20x headphones offer excellent audio quality, they aren't ideal for any genre of music. Vocals can sound dull, and there's not much bass. The high frequencies sound clear and clear. These headphones are renowned for their Treble. They are a great option for classical, pop and jazz.
The ATH M20x headphones are light at just under 190 grams without the cord. They come with a lot of padding around the ear cups but they are not foldable. They are large and cannot fit into a bag or backpack. They don't come with an untidy cable, either. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are a good choice for those who want a set of headphones that are more portable. It is more comfortable thanks to a folding design, swiveling the ear cups, which lay flat, and a removable cable. It's more expensive, but offers more isolation, more bass and a longer battery life.
Skullcandy Dime 2.
The Dime 2 is Skullcandy’s best-sounding true wireless headphones. It comes in a compact carry case that can easily be slipped into purses or pockets. It comes with a range of sizes of earbuds that can be adjusted to fit various sizes of ears.