Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds encapsulate the ears completely. They also permit larger drivers that deliver deeper bass and a larger soundstage. noise cancelling headphones wireless have active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.
The Master & Dynamic MMW65 has been updated with superior audio, numerous ANC modes, and a long battery life.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Sony has enhanced 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 they are bass heavy). They also come with an app to adjust the sound. They have improved their active noise cancellation, removing more background noises, and have a longer battery life.
These headphones utilize Bluetooth 5.0, with support for SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. The latter can transfer high-resolution audio, however, you'll need compatible devices and streaming services. The WH-1000XM4s also allows you to connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and then automatically switch between them as required. This feature can be enabled via the Sony Headphones Connect App and works well.
One subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensitivity of their touch panels. They respond more quickly to the tap of the panel, which makes them easier to control during a phone call or listen to media. Sony also added an option that makes voices sound more clear and precise on calls which is noticeable and a nice touch.
The WH-1000XM4s might not be perfect, but they're among the best wireless headphones we've ever tested. They're comfortable, feel well made, and have an impressive battery that lasts more than 30 hours continuously. They can be used in a passive manner by using an TRS cable. This is great for traveling or conserving power.
The WH-1000XM4s make a better choice than the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless over-ears. The Sonys are more comfy and their ANC can block out more ambient sound. They also come with a companion application that lets you adjust their audio performance and EQ settings are more flexible than the B&W's. However, the B&Ws have an improved design, and they're able to pair with two Bluetooth devices at once. Additionally, they support aptX HD and have an AI-driven engine that is attempting to boost compressed music to high-resolution. This is referred to as DSEE Extreme and it does an excellent job of improving the clarity of music, particularly when listening to lossless files.
2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The $329 Bose QuietComfort45 noise-canceling headset is the latest version of a headset which is a popular choice among commuters and passengers all over the world. Rather than reinventing the wheel, the new model retains the same formula that made the predecessor so popular, and adds USB-C, improved noise cancellation and longer battery life.
These over-ear Bose headsets have a premium feel and look, just like the QC 35 II headphones that preceded them. The headband, constructed of plastic, provides an incredibly solid feel due to the hinges made of steel at pivot points. It also has the familiar ratcheting mechanism whenever you retract or extend your earcups. The cups are cushioned, and have soft pads that can be worn over your ears without placing pressure on your head. They weigh 238 grams and are compact when folded. They can be paired with a coat or sweater because they function even when not on your head.
Despite their reputation for comfort, the QC45s can't offer the best sound in this price range. The frequencies are dull and lack the depth that more expensive headphones may be able to bring out. The upper registers tend to be more boosted which is great for most music, but could cause problems for more delicate or intricate music genres. The bass is decent but it lacks punch.
One feature that's not present is the ability to pause playback whenever you remove the headset. This is a standard feature in this price bracket and is something that Bose's rivals have long offered. Another oversight was the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose has preset EQs available in the app but it would be nice to have a manual control.
Bluetooth 5.0 is supported, with multipoint as well as more advanced codecs like aptX Adaptive. You can download the Bose Audio app to adjust the volume and voice assistant settings.
The QC45s come with four microphones built into the headset to listen to your voice during calls. The headsets have a good call quality, however they don't let you mute the voice during playback like other wireless headphones. Update: As of February 2022, the firmware update to the QC45s offered manual EQ options in the audio app which is a welcomed improvement.
3. Focal Bathys Wireless
Focal is a French audio brand that produces high-performance headphones. They are well-known for their comfort and style, which let listeners know that they're listening to 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, which means you can use them both for wireless and wired listening.
The Bathys come with a great battery performance, with Focal promising 30 hours of continuous Bluetooth playtime. We had more than 40 hours of playback time on average from a single charge. If you need to recharge, there's a light on the right earcup that will change to red when the earphone needs to be charged.
For a pair of headphones for this price, they have lots of features. They can be used with multiple devices at once and feature automatic pairing. (You will need to select your device source manually every time you listen.) The headphones have built-in microphones that works with voice assistants like Siri or Alexa. They also come with an easy-to-use interface, making it easy to manage your music and make calls.
Bathys over-ear headphones perform well in our noise cancellation test, reducing ambient noise by 9 decibels on average. It's not as good as the ANC found in the Sony WH1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless but it's still effective.
In our tests of the quality of sound from headphones The Bathys did well overall, with a the frequency response which generally matches the SoundGuys headphone preference curve with only minor deviations in the bass and mids. They have a bass-rich sound pattern that adds a lot of boom to mixes, however, it can make instruments and vocals like cymbals seem a bit veiled.
You can wear them anywhere without fearing that other people will listen to your music. The microphone is able to be used to record via Bluetooth, with only slight distortion between the mid-treble and the treble.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless are a new update to the company's top-of-the-line Bluetooth headphones. The Momentum 3 was a solid, but not spectacular entry in this category. The latest pair improves on the previous model with a sleeker design, improved gesture controls, and an enormous battery life.
The improvements here are subtle but they create a pair of over-ears that seem like a step up from the old one. The Momentum 4s lay flat and do not fold however they come with a nice hardshell case that protects them while on the go. They also follow the pattern of a number of other recent Bluetooth headphones, including those from Sony and Bowers & Wilkins, to be incredibly device-agnostic. This means they work well with both Android phones and Apple iPhones, however they do not come with the extra features (like Find My support and head-tracked spatial audio) that are available on the AirPods.
The biggest improvement is the battery that can last for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation on. This is more than the majority of the competitors can provide and is enough for a long-distance trip without having to worry about finding a power outlet to charge them.
Engadget senior editor Billy Steele gave the headphones an 82 rating, citing their audio quality and ANC as particular strengths. His only complaint is that they lack a sense of gravitas in the mids and the treble. This means that orchestral tracks tend to sound flat instead of grand. The bass is smooth and well-rounded but it's easy to over-emphasize, which can lead to fatigue in songs that have heavy bass lines such as the drums that are pounding in As I Lay Dying's Forever. The cymbals sound sizzled, not full. There's also not much depth to the lows.
The Momentum 4s are comfortable and shouldn't put too much pressure on your ears or neck. However, they can be difficult to wear in the house or during longer listening sessions, and can move around on your head in a flurry of head movements. This can cause them to suddenly wake up which can be distracting during calls or music. Fortunately they shut down after 15 minutes of sleep by default and can be turned off manually off using the power button.