Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
If you're in the market for a pair of wireless over-ear headphones take a look at these. These headphones aren't just comfortable, but they also have active noise cancellation which mutes background sounds so you can concentrate on the music.
Focal's debut wireless headphones are an audiophile's dream. They have a rich sound profile with enough thump to suit EDM but instruments and vocals aren't left out. They come with a companion application and ANC presets so you can customize the sound to meet your tastes.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 from Sony is the most recent version of the well-known headphones. It offers an automatic noise cancellation that can block out ambient noise. They're well-suited to commutes and long travel days with a staggering 27 hours of playback time. They also have a nifty feature that allows you to connect them to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously making it simple to switch between calls and music. The sleek, minimalist design and eco-friendly packaging (using recycled plastic that was specifically designed for Sony) make them an attractive option for anyone who is concerned about the environment.
The XM5s feature an easier and more comfortable headband that can be worn comfortably over your ears and places less pressure on your skull. They also look more fashionable, with a new stealthy style that is a perfect match with the majority of outfits. They're also available in a matte black that looks better than the glossy black of previous generations.
One of the best features of the WH1000XM5 is its intelligent noise cancellation function, which detects when you take off the headphones and then pauses the audio. When you put them back on the audio is automatically resumed. This is a great way to save battery, and it works.
The XM5s are an excellent option for audio quality due to their LDAC codec and DSEE Extreme upscaling. Rage against the Machine's brooding Bullet in the Head shows off the bass skills of Tim Commerford with real power as Billie Eilish's Bad Guy has a delicate but deliberate vocal fade.
A warning for those who exercise and who live in rainy climes The WH-1000XM5s aren't equipped with an IP rating, therefore they shouldn't be used in humidity. In the manual, it's explicitly stipulated that you shouldn't use the headset in the rain or if you sweat on it.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 represents a refreshing version of B&W's flagship wireless headphone, PX7. Instead of being merely an iterative upgrade the Series 2 delivers a substantial boost in both ANC and audio quality. The design is also a bit more refined. It's a more mature look as opposed to the glossy, modern design of Sony's XM5 or Apple's AirPods Max.
The headphones can be switched on and off using the slider switch. There are buttons that are specifically designed for volume, play/pause, and to navigate through your music library. There's a button that can be customized located on the left earcup that can be remapped to activate your voice assistant, and there's an ambient pass-through mode that lets you be aware of what's happening around you without taking off the headphones.
Streaming a 16-bit/44.1kHz master of Dennis Wilson's River Song from his Pacific Ocean Blue album through the S2s The soundstage is vast and clear, with layered harmonies and atmospheric textures that are clearly heard. There's a good amount of low-end extension too, and vocals stay in the center.
The S2s are not the best at EQ control. You can alter the bass and treble to 6dB, but there aren't any presets that will help you find the ideal balance. This isn't an issue for most listeners, but those who prefer to control their sound's tone themselves will need to look elsewhere.
Overall, the PX7 S2s make an excellent choice for those seeking a noise-canceling, active headphone with an elegant design and feel. They're not as flexible as the aforementioned XM5s however they're an excellent option for most listeners. You'll have to decide if superior ANC and audio is worth the slightly higher price.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of wireless headphones that offer excellent noise cancellation. They also come with a 24-hour battery life. They're also lightweight and comfortable enough to be worn throughout the house. They can be controlled via the built-in buttons or an app companion, but the ability to customize is limited (sorry, no equalizer). You can choose from different sound profiles depending on the circumstances, like when you're on the road or working at home. The QC45s also feature an Aware Mode which allows outside sounds in when using ANC which is useful for those who want to hear traffic and children while out and about.
The audio quality of the headphones isn't as high as that of the WH-1000XM5s but it's still pretty good. The bass isn't as intense, but it does provide decent depth and a good amount of texture. The mids and highs are nicely rounded and there is no shrillness or harshness.
The QC45s have a tendency to prefer higher frequencies. This can beats studio 3 wireless bluetooth noise cancelling headphones result in some slight sibilance when listening to certain songs. This is not a major issue and can be fixed by adjusting the headphone settings in software.
The controls are intuitive. The left earcup powers on and off the headphones as well as controls playback of music and manages Bluetooth pairing. A multi-functional Action Button is also included. It can be used as a power toggle and voice assistant in addition to controlling the volume. There's also a microphone to make phone calls and Siri or Alexa support.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The ATH M20x is a stylish pair of headphones that provide excellent sound quality at a reasonable price. The headphones are sturdy and well-constructed. The headband and earcups are made from plastic, but they are strong enough to last for a long time. The ear cups can rotate by up to 15 degrees so they will fit comfortably on most ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x has Bluetooth 5.0 that allows you to listen to your music wirelessly. They have an impressive battery life that can last up 30 hours of listening time. They come with a USB-C cable for charging.
Using the headphones is simple. There are three buttons on the the left ear cup that let you control playback as well as other functions. These buttons allow you to playback, pause, switch tracks, and even adjust the volume. The ATH-M20x comes with an integrated microphone for calls and voice commands. The headset features low-latency technology that makes it ideal for video calls and gaming.
Although the ATH-M20x headphones offer excellent audio quality they aren't ideal for all genres of music. Vocals can sound dull, and there's not much bass. The high frequencies are crisp and clear, however. The treble is a standout feature of these headphones. These headphones are great for pop, jazz, and classical music.
The ATH M20x is a light headphone that weighs just under 190g without the cord. They come with a lot of padding on the earcups but they are not foldable. They'll be heavy to carry around in a backpack and may not fit in a handbag. The cable is not removable. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better choice for those looking for an easier-to-transport set of headphones. It is more comfortable thanks to its folding design, swiveling ears that lie flat, and removable cables. It's more expensive, but offers better isolation, a bit more bass and a longer battery life.
Skullcandy Dime 2.
The Dime 2 is one of Skullcandy's best-sounding wireless earbuds. It comes with a compact, compact case that's easy to put in pockets or purses. It also comes with several sizes of earbuds to accommodate different ears. It's also a little lighter than some of the other wireless earbuds we've tested.
Dual microphones are great for picking up your voice in phone calls and also reducing background noise. They are not suitable for use in outdoor environments because noises from the environment can be a distraction to your voice. Earbuds can also be problematic in windy environments, and they can cut off specific portions of your speech.
The earbuds remain great sounding, despite these minor flaws. They have a crisp clean, clear high-end that doesn't spill over into the mids. They also have a nice amount mid-bass to give your music some punch.
The AirPod Pro has a dual-tap function that works well, but not as intuitive as Apple AirPod Pro. It is necessary to place your thumb on bottom stem to ensure stability and then press the logo for a command. It's a little inconvenient, and it isn't like a pinch-gear system.
The earbuds can last for around four hours with one charge. They also come with an option to charge them quickly that allows them to last two additional hours. The earbuds are also IPX4 certified for their resistance to sweat and water. The earbuds come with an carrying case with two openings that can accommodate the earbuds, and a loop for attaching them to clothing. The case is stylish and available in several colors, including red Doritos. On the internet, you can purchase the cases for less than $30 USD.