Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds encapsulate the ears completely. They also permit bigger drivers that provide deeper bass and wiresless headphones a larger soundstage. Many of them also feature active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.

The Master & Dynamic MW65 has been updated with superior audio and features, including numerous ANC modes and a huge battery life.

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

Sony has improved an already fantastic pair of headphones with the introduction of the WH1000XM4 wireless. They're lighter, feel more built, feature more balanced sound profiles (though still bass heavy), and include an app that allows for some audio-related customization. Their active noise cancellation works even better than before, removing any background noise. Additionally, they have a longer continuous battery life than a lot of competitors.

These headphones utilize Bluetooth 5.0, with support for SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. The latter can transfer high-resolution music, though you'll need to use compatible devices and streaming services. In addition, the WH1000XM4s can connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time and automatically switch between them if needed. You can enable this feature via the Sony Headphones Connect app and it is extremely effective.

One subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensibility of their touch panels. They respond more quickly to a tap on a panel, and this makes them easier to control during a call or to listen to music. Sony also added an option that makes voices sound clearer and more precise on calls, which is noticeable and a nice addition.

The WH-1000XM4s might not be perfect, but they are among the top wireless headphones we've ever test. They're comfortable, feel well made, and have an impressive battery that can last longer than 30 hours continuously. They can also be used passively using the TRS cable, which is ideal if you're traveling or need to conserve power.

The WH-1000XM4s are better over the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless over-ears. The Sonys are more comfy and their ANC is able to block out more ambient sounds. The B&Ws have an EQ that is more flexible and an app companion to adjust the audio performance. However, the B&Ws have an improved design, and they can connect with two Bluetooth devices at once. They also support aptXHD and have an AI-driven engine which tries to scale compressed music up to high resolution. This is known as DSEE Extreme and it does an excellent job of improving the clarity of music, especially 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 a staple for commuters and travelers from all over the world. Rather than reinventing the wheel, the new model retains the same formula that made its predecessor so popular, adding USB-C, better noise cancellation and longer battery life.

These over-ear Bose headsets have a premium feeling and look, just like the QC 35 II headphones that were before them. The headband is constructed of plastic, but has a sturdy feel with hinges made of metal at the pivot points and the familiar ratcheting action when you open or retract the earcups. The cups are soft, cushioned pads that fit comfortably over the ears and don't apply pressure on your head. They weigh 238 grams and are fairly compact when folded. You can use them when you're wearing a sweater or coat as the noise-canceling works even when they are not on your head.

Despite their reputation as comfortable headphones, the QC45s do not offer the best sound at this price. The frequencies are flat and lack the detail that bt headphones wireless with higher prices might be able bring out. The upper registers are amplified which is acceptable for the majority of music but can be a problem for more delicate and complex genres. The bass is decent, but lacks punch.

The ability to pause the playback when you remove the headset is a feature not available. This is a feature that Bose's rivals have offered for many years. Another omission was the lack of an in-app EQ. Bose offers preset EQs within 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 such as aptX Adaptive. You can download the Bose Audio app to adjust the volume and voice assistant settings.

The QC45s also include four microphones built into the headset to pick up your voice during calls. The headsets have a good call quality, but they don't allow you to muffle the sound 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 known for its high-performance headphones with long lasting comfort and a style that lets listeners know they're listening to something truly special. Their first foray into wireless headphones that block noise, the Bathys, are stunning cans that look and sound fantastic. They also come with a built-in high-performance USB DAC which means you can use them for both wireless and wired listening.

Focal claims that the Bathys can play Bluetooth music for 30 hours. We actually got more from them, with over 40 hours of playtime on average of one charge. If you have to charge the headphones, the indicator light on the right earcup will turn red.

For headphones at this price, they offer a lot of features. They support multiple devices at once and feature automatic pairing. (You have to select your device source by hand each time you listen.) They come with a built-in microphone that supports voice assistants like Siri or Alexa. The headphones also have an intuitive interface that makes it simple to manage your music and make calls.

For over-ear wireless headphones for over-ear wireless wiresless headphones, the Bathys excel in our test of noise cancellation. They cut down the sound of the surrounding environment by about 9 decibels per hour on average. They aren't as good as the ANC found in the Sony WH1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless but it's still effective.

In our tests of headphone sound quality The Bathys did well overall, with a an overall frequency response that matches the SoundGuys headphone preference curve, with only slight differences in the mids and bass. They have a bass-rich sound profile that adds a lot of boom to mixes however, it can make vocals and instruments 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 just a little 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 a great entry in this class. The latest pair is a step up from the previous generation, with an elegant design, enhanced gesture control and an enormous battery life.

A lot of the improvements aren't that obvious, but they make a pair of over-ears that seem like a step up from the previous model. The Momentum 4s are flat and don't fold. They come with an outer case that protects them while moving. They also follow the trend of many other recent Bluetooth headphones, including those from Sony and Bowers & Wilkins, to be beautifully device agnostic. 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 obvious difference here is the massive battery that promises up to 60 hours of playback with noise cancellation turned on. This is more than double the amount of the competitors and sufficient to take a multi-day journey without worrying about finding an outlet.

Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget The headphones were rated by Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget an 82 percent score. He noted their sound quality and ANC features as the top strengths. He has only one complaint that they lack gravitas in the mids and the treble. This makes orchestral music sounds flat instead of grand. The bass is well-rounded, however, it can be overemphasized, which can lead to fatigue in songs that have heavy bass lines like the drums in As I Lay Dying's Forever. The cymbals sound a bit sizzled, not full. There's no real depth to the lows.

The Momentum 4s are comfortable and shouldn't put too much pressure on your neck or ears. However they can be difficult to wear in the house or during longer listening sessions. They will move about on your head with intense head movements. This can cause them wake up in a sudden manner, which could be distracting while listening to music or making calls. Fortunately, they stop working after 15 minutes of rest by default and can be manually switched off by pressing the power button.