Best Over-Ear Headphones
In contrast to earbuds, headphones over-ear are a complete encapsulation of your ears and allow for bigger drivers to deliver greater bass and larger soundstages. Many also include active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.
The latest Master and Dynamic MW65 update features high-quality audio, numerous ANC modes, and an impressive battery life, all in a sleek and distinctive design.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Sony has redesigned an already-great pair of headphones with the WH-1000XM4 Wireless. They are lighter, better built, and have a more balanced audio profile (though bass heavy). They also have an app for audio customization. Their active noise cancelling performs better than it did before, eliminating more ambient sound, and they have a longer continuous battery life than many competitors.
These headphones use Bluetooth 5.0 and support SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. The latter can transfer high-resolution audio however, you'll need compatible devices and a streaming service. The WH-1000XM4s also allows you to connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and then automatically switch between the two when required. You enable this feature through the Sony Headphones Connect app and it is extremely effective.
The touch panels are more sensitive than the XM3. They respond quicker to tapping on panels and are simpler to control when making calls or listening to music. Sony has also added a feature that can make voices sound clearer and more precise during calls. This is a noticeable and pleasant addition.
The WH-1000XM4s may not be perfect, but they're among the top wireless headphones we've ever tested. They're comfortable, feel well-made, and come with an excellent battery that lasts for more than 30 hours continuously. They can also be used in a passive manner with an TRS cable, which is ideal when you're on the road or need to conserve power.
The WH1000XM4s offer a better alternative to the Bowers & Wilkins Wireless Over-Ears PX7 S2. The Sonys are more comfy, and their ANC can block out more ambient sound. The B&Ws have a more flexible EQ and an app companion to adjust the audio performance. However, the B&Ws have more robust design and they're able to connect with two Bluetooth devices at once. Additionally, they support aptX HD, and they have a unique 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 QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones are the latest iteration of a headset that has become an essential for commuters and passengers around the world. The new model doesn't reinvent the wheel. It is based on the same formula that was the basis of its predecessor's success but it also includes USB-C and better noise cancellation.
Similar to the QC 35 II before them, these over-ear Bose headphones have a premium look and feel that oozes quality. The headband is constructed of plastic, yet it is sturdy and comfortable with hinges made of metal at the pivot points and the familiar ratcheting action that you experience when you extend or retract the earcups. The cups are cushioned and feature soft pads that are comfortable to wear over your ears without pressing your head. When folded they weigh 238 grams. They can be worn with a coat or sweater because they function even when they are not on the head.
Despite their reputation as comfortable headphones however, the QC45s don't offer the best sound at this price point. The frequencies are fairly flat and lack the details that more expensive headphones might be capable of bringing out. The upper registers are amplified which is acceptable for the majority of music but can be a problem for more delicate and intricate genres. The bass is decent, but lacks punch.
One thing that's not included is the possibility of paused playback when you take the headset off. This is a feature that Bose's rivals have offered for many years. Another issue is the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose offers preset EQs within the app but it would be nice if there was a manual control.
You can connect to your tablet or smartphone via Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint support and more advanced codecs like aptX Adaptive. You can download the Bose Audio app to adjust the volume and voice assistant settings.
The QC45s also come with four built-in microphones that hear your voice when you make calls. The headsets have a good call quality, however they don't allow you to silence the voice when playing back as other wireless headphones. Update as of February 2022, a firmware upgrade to the QC45s provided 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 known for their style and comfort that 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, so you can use them both for wireless and wired listening.
Focal claims that the Bathys can play Bluetooth music for 30 hours. We actually got a bit more out of them with more than 40 hours on average of one charge. If you have to charge your headphones then the indicator light on the right earcup will change red.
They offer a good amount of features for a pair of headphones at this price with support for multiple devices at the same time and automatic pairing (though you'll have to select the source device every time you need to listen). The headphones have a built in microphone that works with voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones also feature an easy-to-use interface that makes it easy to manage your music and make calls.
For headphones with over-ear connectivity, the Bathys excel in our tests of noise cancellation, which reduces the ambient sound by about 9 decibels in average. They aren't as good as the ANC found in the Sony WH1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless, but it is still effective.
The Bathys headphones did well in our headphone tests. Their frequency response was generally similar to the headphone curve of SoundGuys, with only minor deviations in the mids and bass. best wireless over ear headphones have a bassy sound that can make instruments, vocals and cymbals appear obscure.
You can wear them anywhere and not worry about whether others listen to your music. Their microphone is of decent quality of recording 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 update of the company's top Bluetooth headsets. The previous model, called the Momentum 3, was a decent but not a standout in the class. The new pair is an improvement on the previous model, featuring an elegant design, enhanced gesture control and an enormous battery life.
Many of the improvements here are subtle, but they make a pair that appear to be an upgrade from the old one. The Momentum 4s are flat and don't fold. They come with a hardshell case that protects them while moving. They also follow the style of several other recent Bluetooth headphones, including those from Sony and Bowers & Wilkins, to be completely device-independent. They work with both Apple iPhones and Android phones, but lack the AirPods' extra features like Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.
The most obvious difference here is the massive battery that promises up to 60 hours of playback when the noise cancellation option enabled. That's easily double what most of the competition can offer and enough for a long-distance trip without having to worry about finding a power outlet to charge them up.
Engadget senior editor Billy Steele gave the headphones an 82-point score, citing their audio quality and ANC as their main strengths. His only complaint is that they lack a sense of gravitas in the mids and treble, meaning that orchestral tracks tend to sound flat, not 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 beats of As I Lay Dying’s Forever. The cymbals sound sizzled, not full. There's no real depth to the lows.
The Momentum 4s should not put pressure on your neck or ear. They can be fidgety if you wear them around the home or during long listening sessions. They will move around on your head and make a lot of head movements. This could cause them to suddenly wake up and can cause distraction when you are listening to music or calls. Fortunately they shut down after 15 minutes of slumber by default, and can be turned off manually off using the power button.