Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds cover your ears completely and allow for larger drivers to deliver more bass and a wider soundstage. They also have 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. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

Sony has improved an already fantastic pair of headphones by introducing the WH1000XM4 wireless. They are less heavy, more durable and feature a more balanced audio profile (though bass heavy). They also have an app to adjust the sound. They've upgraded their active noise cancellation, removing more background noises and have a longer battery life.

These headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 and support SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. The latter is able to transfer high-resolution music, but you'll need compatible devices and streaming services. In addition, the WH1000XM4s can connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time and automatically switch between them when required. This feature is enabled through the Sony Headphones Connect App and is very effective.

A subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensitivity of their touch panels. They respond faster to tapping on the panel and are much easier to control when making calls or listening to media. Sony also added an option that makes voices sound clearer and more precise on calls, which is evident and a nice feature.

The WH-1000XM4s might not be perfect, but they are among the top wireless headphones we've ever examined. 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 the TRS cable. This is ideal for traveling or conserving energy.

The WH1000XM4s are a better alternative to the Bowers & Wilkins Wireless Over-Ears PX7 S2. The Sonys are more comfortable and their ANC can block out more ambient sounds. They also come with a companion app that lets you alter their audio performance, and their EQ settings are more flexible than B&W's. The B&Ws are built better and can connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. They also support aptXHD and have an AI-driven engine which tries to increase the size of compressed music to high resolution. This is known as DSEE Extreme, and it enhances 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 current version of a headset which has become a favorite among commuters and travelers all over the world. The new model doesn't reinvent the wheel. It retains the same formula that made its predecessor so successful but it also includes the USB-C technology and improved noise cancellation.

Similar to the QC 35 II before them, these over-ear Bose headphones sport an elegant design and feel that exudes quality. The headband, which is made of plastic, offers a solid feel thanks to the hinges made of steel at pivot points. It also features the ratcheting mechanism that is familiar when you expand or retract your earcups. The cups are cushioned and feature soft pads that can be worn over your ears without putting pressure on your head. When folded, they weigh 238 grams. They can be worn with a sweater or coat because they function even when not on your head.

Despite their reputation for comfort, the QC45s do not offer the most impressive sound quality for this price range. The frequencies are relatively flat and lack the depth that higher-end headphones may be able to bring out. The upper registers are boosted which is great for the majority of music but can be a problem for more delicate and intricate genres. The bass is decent but is lacking the punch.

The ability to pause the playback when you remove the headset is a feature not available. This is a feature Bose's rivals have provided for many years. Another oversight was the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose provides preset EQ settings in the app, but it would be nice to have a manual control.

Bluetooth 5.0 is supported, including multipoint and more advanced codecs like aptX Adaptive. Download the Bose Audio App to adjust the voice and sound settings.

The QC45s also include four microphones built into the headset to hear your voice when you make calls. The headphones have good call quality, however they don't let you silence the voice when playing back like other wireless headphones bluetooth headphones headphones. Update: As of February 2022, the firmware update to the QC45s offered an option to adjust the volume manually in the audio app, which is a welcome improvement.

3. Focal Bathys Wireless

Focal is a French audio company known for high-performance headphones that provide long-lasting comfort and a style that makes listeners feel like they're listening to something unique. Their first venture into wireless noise cancelling headphones the Bathys, are a stunning set of headphones that look and sound great. They also have a built in high performance USB DAC which means you can use them for both wireless and wired listening.

The Bathys are very efficient in terms of battery performance, with Focal promising 30 hours of continuous Bluetooth playtime. We had more than 40 hours of playback time on average from a single charge. If you have to charge your headphones then the indicator light on the right earcup will change red.

For a pair of headphones at this price, they have a lot of features. They can connect to multiple devices at once and feature automatic pairing. (You will need to select your device source manually every time you listen.) The headphones come with a built in microphone that works with voice assistants, such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones come with an easy-to use interface that makes it simple to control music and make calls.

For over-ear wireless headphones The Bathys perform very well in our test of noise cancellation, reducing the sound of the surrounding environment by about 9 decibels in average. They aren't as good as the ANC found in the Sony WH1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless, but it's still effective.

The Bathys headphones did well in our headphone tests. Their frequency response was mostly similar to the SoundGuys headphone curve with minor variations in the mids and bass. They have a bass-rich sound profile that adds plenty of boom to mixes however, it can make vocals and instruments such as cymbals sound veiled.

They also have excellent leakage resistance, meaning you can wear them out in public without worrying about people listening to your music. Their microphone is suitable for recording using bluetooth Stereo headphones with just a little distortion between the mid-treble and treble.

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4

The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless are a new version of the company's flagship Bluetooth headphones. The Momentum 3 was a solid but not a great entry in this class. The latest pair improves on the previous model by having modern design, better gesture controls and massive battery life.

A lot of the improvements here are subtle but they create 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 when moving. They also follow the trend of many other recent Bluetooth headphones, like the ones from Sony and Bluetooth Stereo headphones Bowers & Wilkins, to be beautifully device agnostic. They can be used with Apple iPhones and Android phones, but lack the AirPods additional features such as Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.

The most significant improvement is the battery that can run for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation on. This is more than what the majority of the competitors offer and enough for a trip of a lifetime without having to worry about finding an outlet to charge them.

Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget The headphones were rated by Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget an 82-point score. He cited their audio quality and ANC features as their strengths. The only issue he has is: they lack a sense gravitas in the mids and the treble. This makes orchestral music sounds dull instead of grand. The bass is well-rounded however it can be too loud, which can cause to fatigue when songs have heavy bass lines, like the drum hits in As I Lay Dying’s Forever. The cymbals sound hot, but not a lot. There's also no real depth to the lows.

The Momentum 4s are comfy and aren't likely to put too much pressure on your ears or neck. However they can be a bit difficult to wear around the house or during longer listening sessions. They will move about on your head in a flurry of head movements. This can cause them to unexpectedly wake up which can be distracting during calls or music. They shut down automatically after 15 minutes and can be shut off manually with the power button.