Best Over-Ear Headphones
Unlike earbuds, over-ear headphones cover your ears completely and allow larger drivers to provide greater bass and larger soundstages. Many of them also feature active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.
The latest Master & Dynamic MW65 update features superior audio, multiple ANC modes, and a long battery life in an elegant and distinctive design.
1. Best over ear wireless headphones -1000XM4 Wireless
Sony has made improvements to an already-great pair of headphones with the WH-1000XM4 Wireless. They are more lightweight, better constructed and have an audio profile that is more balanced (though they are bass heavy). They also come with an app for audio customization. They've upgraded their active noise cancellation, removing more ambient sounds, and have a longer battery life.
These headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible and Sony LDAC is also supported. This codec 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 when needed. This feature is accessible through the Sony Headphones Connect App and is very effective.
The touch panels are more sensitive than the XM3. They respond quicker to tapping on the panel and are much easier to control when making calls or listening to media. Sony has also added a feature that can make voices more precise and clear during calls. This is a distinct and pleasant addition.
While the WH1000XM4s aren't perfect, they are some of the most comfortable wireless headphones we've ever tried. They're comfortable, feel well made, and have an excellent battery that can last longer than 30 hours continuously. They can be used as a passive device by using a TRS cable. This is great for travel or preserving power.
The WH-1000XM4s are better over the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless over-ears. The Sonys are more comfortable and their ANC can block out more background noise. They also have a companion app that lets you alter their audio performance and EQ settings are more flexible than the B&W's. However, the B&Ws have a better-built design, and they can connect with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. They also support aptXHD, and they have an AI-driven engine that attempts to scale compressed music up to high resolution. This is called DSEE Extreme, and it improves the clarity of music when listening to lossless audio files.
2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The $329 Bose QuietComfort45 noise-canceling headset is the most recent version of a headset which has become a popular choice for commuters and passengers across the world. The new model doesn't reinvent the wheel. It uses the same formula that was the basis of its predecessor's success with the addition of the USB-C port and improved noise cancellation.
These over-ear Bose headsets have a premium feeling and look, much like the QC 35 II headphones that preceded them. The headband, constructed of plastic, offers a solid feel thanks to the hinges made of metal at pivot points. It also has the familiar ratcheting mechanism when you expand or retract your earcups. The cups are soft, cushioned pads that fit securely over the ears and do not apply pressure on your head. They weigh 238 grams and are compact when folded. They can be paired with a sweater or coat because they function even when not on your head.
Despite their reputation as comfortable headphones, the QC45s do not provide the best sound quality at this price point. The frequencies are fairly flat and lack details that headphones with higher prices might be capable of bringing out. The higher registers tend to be boosted and is suitable for most music, but could become a problem for more delicate or intricate genres of music. The bass is good but lacks the punch.
One feature that's not present is the ability to pause playback whenever you remove the headset. This is a standard in this price range and is something that Bose's rivals have offered for a long time. Another thing that was missing was the lack of an in-app EQ. Bose has preset EQs in the app, but it would be nice if there was an option to manually control.
Bluetooth 5.0 is supported, with multipoint as well as more advanced codecs, such as aptX Adaptive. Download the Bose Audio App to adjust your headsets voice and sound settings.
The QC45s also include four in-built microphones to hear your voice when you make calls. They have excellent call quality, however they don't let you muffle the sound during playback as other wireless headphones. Update: A firmware update for the QC45s in February 2022 added manual settings for EQ to the audio app. This is a welcome upgrade.
3. Focal Bathys Wireless
Focal is a French audio brand that is known for high-performance headphones with long lasting comfort and a design that let listeners know they're listening to something unique. The Bathys are their first wireless noise-cancelling headphones. They look and sound stunning. They have a high-performance USB DAC built in, making them suitable both for wired and wireless listening.
The Bathys are very efficient in terms of battery performance, with Focal claiming 30 hours of continuous Bluetooth playtime. We had more than 40 hours of playback on average from just one charge. If you have to charge the headphones then the indicator light on the right earcup will change red.
For a pair of headphones for this price, they come with lots of features. They can connect to multiple devices simultaneously and offer automatic pairing. (You will need to select the device you want to pair with each time you listen.) They also have a built-in mic that can be used to control voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones have an easy-to navigate 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 9 decibels on average. This isn't as impressive a result as the ANC in the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless, but it's still fairly effective.
The Bathys headphones did well in our headphone sound tests. Their frequency response was generally similar to the SoundGuys headphone curve, with only minor deviations in the mids and bass. The Bathys are bassy sound that can make vocals, instruments and cymbals look a bit veiled.
Wear them wherever you want without fearing that other people will listen to your music. Their microphone is of decent recording quality via Bluetooth with only slight distortion in the mid - to high treble frequency range.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless is a new version of the company's flagship Bluetooth headsets. The Momentum 3 was a solid but not an outstanding entry in this class. The latest pair is a step up from the previous model, sporting a an elegant design, enhanced gesture control, and a huge battery life.
Many of the improvements here are subtle, but they add up to create a pair of over-ears that appear to be an upgrade from the old one. The Momentum 4s lay flat and aren't foldable however they come with a nice hardshell case to protect them on the go. The Momentum 4s are also device-agnostic, like many other Bluetooth headphones from recent years, such as the ones from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. They can be used with Apple iPhones as well as Android phones, but lack the AirPods extra features, such as Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.
The most obvious improvement in this model is the huge battery, which promises up to 60 hours of playback with the noise cancellation feature enabled. This is more than what the majority of the competition can offer and enough for a long-distance trip without worrying about finding an outlet to charge it.
Engadget senior editor Billy Steele gave the headphones an 82 rating, citing their audio quality and ANC as two of their strengths. His only complaint is that they lack a sense of weight in the mids and the treble, which means that orchestral music tends to sound flat rather than grand. The bass is well-rounded however it can be too loud, which can cause to fatigue when songs have high-pitched bass lines, like the drum hits of As I Lay Dying’s Forever. The cymbals sound a bit hot, but not a lot. There's also no real depth to the lows.
The Momentum 4s are a comfortable fit and aren't likely to put too much pressure on your neck or ears. However they can be uncomfortable when worn around the house or during longer listening sessions. They will move about on your head, causing intense head movements. This could cause them to wake up at random times, which can be distracting when listening to music or making calls. Fortunately, they shut down after 15 minutes of slumber by default and can be switched off using the power button.