Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds, encapsulate the ears completely. They also have larger drivers that deliver deeper bass and a larger soundstage. Many come with Bluetooth technology and active noise cancellation.
The Master & Dynamic MMW65 has been updated with superior audio and numerous ANC modes, and a long battery life.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Sony has improved an already excellent pair of headphones by introducing the WH1000XM4 wireless. They are lighter, better built and feature an audio profile that is more balanced (though bass heavy). They also come with an app to adjust the sound. Their active noise cancellation works even better than before, removing the background noise, and they have a longer battery life than other models.
These headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 and support SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. This codec can transfer high-resolution music, though you'll need compatible devices and streaming services. The WH-1000XM4s is also able to connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and then automatically switch between them when required. This feature can be enabled through the Sony Headphones Connect app and it is extremely effective.
One of the major improvements over the XM3 is the sensitivity of their touch panels. They respond more quickly to the touch of the panel, which makes them easier to control during a call or listen to media. Sony also added a feature that helps voices sound more clear and precise when calling, which is evident and a nice feature.
While the WH-1000XM4s aren't perfect, they're some of the top wireless headphones we've ever tested. They're comfortable, feel well-made, and come with an excellent battery that lasts longer than 30 hours continuously. They can be used as a passive device using the TRS cable. This is ideal to travel with or for storing power.
The WH-1000XM4s make a better choice over the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless over-ears. The Sonys are more comfortable and their ANC can block out more background noise. The B&Ws feature a more flexible EQ and a companion app to tweak the audio performance. However, the B&Ws come with more robust design and they can connect with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. They also support aptXHD and feature an AI-driven engine that attempts to up-scale compressed music to high resolution. This is known as DSEE Extreme and it does an excellent job of improving the clarity of music, especially when listening to lossless files.
2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The $329 Bose QuietComfort45 Noise-Canceling headset is the most recent version of a headset that is a popular choice among commuters and passengers across the world. Instead of reinventing the wheel the new model uses the same formula that made the predecessor so popular, and adds USB-C, better noise cancellation and longer battery life.
Like the QC 35 II before them, these over-ear Bose headphones sport a luxurious look and feel that exudes quality. The headband is made from plastic, and is sturdy and comfortable with metal hinges at the pivot points, and the ratcheting mechanism that is familiar when you retract or extend the ear cups. The cups have soft, cushioned pads that fit comfortably over the ears and don't put pressure to your head. When folded, they weigh 238 grams. You can use them when you're wearing a sweater or coat as the noise cancellation function is functional even when they are not on your head.
Despite their reputation as comfortable headphones they do not provide the best sound quality at this price point. The frequencies are relatively flat and lack the depth that higher-end headphones may be capable of bringing out. The upper registers are amplified which is fine for most music genres but can be a problem for more delicate and intricate genres. beats wireless in ear headphones is good but it lacks the punch.
One thing that's not included is the ability to pause playback whenever you take the headset off. This is a standard in this price range and something Bose's competitors have been offering for years. Another oversight is the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose offers preset EQ settings in the app however it would be nice to have a manual control.
You can connect to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint support as well as more advanced codecs like aptX Adaptive. Download the Bose Audio App to adjust the voice and sound settings.
The QC45s come with four microphones that are built-in to pick up your voice when on the phone. The headsets have a good call quality, however they don't let you silence the voice when playing back as other wireless headphones. Update: A firmware update for the QC45s in February 2022 added manual EQ options to the audio app. This is a welcome upgrade.
3. Focal Bathys Wireless
Focal is a French audio company that makes high-performance headphones. They are renowned for their style and comfort, which let listeners know that they're listening something special. The Bathys are their first wireless noise cancelling headphones. They look and sound stunning. They come with a high-performance USB DAC built in, making them suitable both for wired and wireless listening.
The Bathys have a very good battery performance, with Focal claims of 30 hours of continuous Bluetooth playtime. We actually got a bit more from them, with over 40 hours on average of one charge. If you need to charge the headphones then the indicator light on the right earcup will turn red.
They come with a wide range of features for headphones of this price with support for multiple devices simultaneously and automatic pairing (though you'll have to manually select your source device every time you need to listen). The headphones come with a built in microphone that can be used with voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones have an easy-to use interface that makes it easy to control music and make calls.
Bathys over-ear headphones perform well in our noise cancellation test, reducing ambient noise by an average of 9 decibels. They aren't as good as the ANC found in the Sony WH1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless but it is still effective.
The Bathys headphones performed well in our headphone tests. Their frequency response was mostly similar to the headphone curve of SoundGuys, with only minor deviations in the mids and bass. They have a bass-rich sound profile that adds a lot of boom to mixes however, they can make vocals and instruments like cymbals seem a bit veiled.
They also have excellent leakage resistance, which means you can wear them in public without worrying about people hearing your music. Their mic has passable recording quality via Bluetooth with only slight distortion in the mid to the treble range.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless are a new version of the company's flagship Bluetooth headphones. The last pair, the Momentum 3, was a decent but not a standout in the class. The latest pair is a significant improvement over the previous model, featuring a sleeker look, improved gesture control and an enormous battery life.
The changes are subtle but can make for an over-ear pair of headphones that feels like an upgrade. The Momentum 4s are flat and don't fold. They come with a 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 years, including the ones from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. They can be used with Apple iPhones and Android phones, but they do not have the AirPods extra features, such as Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.
The most significant change is the huge battery that can last for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation on. This is more than the majority of the competition can offer and is enough for a multi-day trip without worrying about finding an outlet to charge it.
Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget, gave the headphones an 82-point score. He cited their audio quality and ANC features as strengths. He has only one complaint that they lack of gravitas in the mids and treble. This makes orchestral music sounds flat instead of grand. The bass is well rounded, but can be overemphasized, which can lead fatigue in songs that have strong bass lines, such as the drum hits in As I Lay Dying’s Forever. The cymbals sound hot, but not a lot. There's also not much depth to the lows.
The Momentum 4s are comfy and shouldn't put too much pressure on your ears or neck. However they can be uncomfortable when worn around the house or for longer listening sessions. They will move about on your head with intense head movements. This can cause them to unexpectedly wake up which can be distracting when you are listening to music or calls. Fortunately they will shut down after 15 minutes of sleep by default, and can be manually switched off using the power button.