Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds, encapsulate the ears completely. They also permit larger drivers, which deliver greater bass and a larger soundstage. Many of them also feature active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.
The Master & Dynamic MW65 is updated with better audio, multiple ANC modes, and a long battery life.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Sony has made improvements to an already excellent pair of headphones with the WH-1000XM4 Wireless. They're less heavy, feel better built, have more balanced sound profiles (though still bass-heavy) and include an app that lets you do some audio-related customization. Their active noise cancelling works better than ever before, removing any background noise. Additionally, they have a longer continuous battery life than many competitors.
These headphones use Bluetooth 5.0, with support for SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. This codec can transfer high-resolution audio, however, you'll need compatible equipment and streaming service. The WH-1000XM4s is also able to connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time and automatically switch between them as required. This feature is enabled through the Sony Headphones Connect App and works flawlessly.
A subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensitiveness of their touch panels. They respond quicker to a tap on panels and are simpler to manage when making a phone call or listening to music. Sony also included a feature that helps voices sound clearer and more precise on calls, which is noticeable and a nice touch.
Although the WH-1000XM4s may not be perfect, they're some of the best wireless headphones we've ever tried. They are comfortable, well-made, and have an energy-efficient battery that can last for more than 30 continuous hours. They can be used passively using the TRS cable. This is great for travel or preserving power.
The WH-1000XM4s are 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 have an EQ that is more flexible and an app companion to adjust the audio quality. However, the B&Ws come with more robust design and they're able to connect with two Bluetooth devices at once. They also support aptXHD, and they have an AI-driven engine that tries to up-scale compressed music to high resolution. This is known as DSEE Extreme and it does well in 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 became a staple for commuters and travelers from all over the world. The new model doesn't reinvent the wheel. It is based on the same formula which made its predecessor so successful, while adding the USB-C port and improved noise cancellation.
Similar to the QC 35 II before them, these over-ear Bose headphones sport a luxurious look and feel that oozes quality. The headband, constructed of plastic, provides an incredibly solid feel due to the hinges made of steel at pivot points. It also features the familiar ratcheting mechanism when you extend or retract the ear cups. The cups have soft cushions that are securely positioned over your ears and don't apply pressure to your head. They weigh 238 grams and are compact when folded. They can be paired with a sweater or coat since they can be worn even when not on the head.
Despite their reputation as comfortable headphones, the QC45s do not provide the best sound quality at this price point. beats wireless headphones are dull and lack the depth that headphones with higher prices might be able bring out. The upper registers are boosted which is great for the majority of music but can be problematic for more delicate and intricate genres. The bass is decent but it lacks power.
One feature that's not present is the ability to pause playback when you take the headset off. This is a standard feature in this price range and something that Bose's rivals have long offered. Another oversight was the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose offers preset EQs within the app but it would be nice if there was an option to manually control.
You can connect to your tablet or smartphone via Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint support as well as more advanced codecs such as aptX Adaptive. Download the Bose Audio App to adjust your headset's audio and voice settings.
The QC45s have four microphones that are built-in to hear your voice while on the phone. The quality of calls is generally good but the headphones don't come with the handy capability to turn off your voice during playback, which is something other wireless headphones have. Update: As of February 2022, a firmware update to the QC45s provided an option to adjust the volume manually 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 comfort and style, 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 have a high-performance USB DAC built in, so you can use them both for wired and wireless listening.
Focal claims that the Bathys can play Bluetooth music for up to 30 hours. We were able to get more than 40 hours of playback time on average from just one charge. If you do require a recharge, there's an indicator light on the right ear cup that will change to red when the earphone needs to be charged.
They offer a good amount of features for a pair of headphones of this price point that include support for multiple devices at the same time and automatic pairing (though you'll need to select the source device each time you need to listen). The headphones come with built-in microphones that works with voice assistants like Siri or Alexa. They also come with an intuitive interface that makes it easy to manage your music and make calls.
Bathys over-ear headphones are able to perform in our noise cancellation test, reducing ambient sound by an average of 9 decibels. It's not as effective as the ANC found in the Sony WH1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless however it's still very effective.
In our tests of the quality of sound from headphones The Bathys performed well overall with an overall frequency response that corresponds to the SoundGuys preference curve with only slight differences in the bass and mids. The Bathys are bassy sound profile which can make instruments, vocals and cymbals look a bit unreal.
They also have excellent leakage resistance, so you can wear them in public without worrying about people listening to your music. The microphone is able to be used for recording via Bluetooth with just a little distortion between the mid-treble as well as the treble.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless are a new update to the company's flagship Bluetooth headphones. The last pair, the Momentum 3, was a decent, but not the most impressive entry into the category. The latest model is improved over the previous model with more sleek design, better gesture controls and massive battery life.
The improvements aren't that obvious, but they add up to make a pair of over-ears that feel like an upgrade to the previous model. The Momentum 4s lay flat and aren't foldable however they do come with a nice hardshell case to keep them safe when on the move. The Momentum 4s are also device-agnostic, like many other Bluetooth headphones from recent times, like the ones from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. They work with both Apple iPhones and Android phones, but do not have the AirPods' extra features like Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.
The most significant improvement is the battery that can last for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation on. This is easily twice as much as most of the competitors and sufficient to allow you to travel for a longer period of time without having to search for an outlet.
Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget, gave the headphones an 82-point score. He noted their sound quality and ANC features as the top strengths. The only issue he has is that they lack gravitas in the mids and the treble. This makes orchestral music sounds flat, not grand. The bass is well-rounded, but it can be overemphasised, which can lead to fatigue in songs with heavy bass lines such as the drums that are pounding in As I Lay Dying's Forever. The cymbals sound bubbly, but not full. There's also not much depth to the lows.
The Momentum 4s are a comfortable fit and should not 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 can move around on your head with intense head movements. This could cause them to unexpectedly wake up which can be distracting during calls or music. They shut down automatically after 15 minutes, and can be turned off manually using the power button.