Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds, encapsulate the ears completely. They also permit larger drivers that deliver deeper bass and a wider soundstage. Many include Bluetooth technology and active noise cancellation.

The latest Master and Dynamic MW65 update provides superior audio, multiple ANC modes, and an impressive battery life with a stylish and distinct design.

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

Sony has redesigned an already-great pair of headphones with the WH-1000XM4 Wireless. They're lighter, feel more built, feature an improved sound profile that is more balanced (though still bass heavy) and include an app that allows some audio-related customization. They've improved their active noise cancellation, which eliminates more background noises, and iphone have a longer battery life.

These headphones use 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 to use compatible devices and streaming services. 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 works very well.

One subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensitivity of their touch panels. They respond faster to the touch of the panel and are much easier to control when making a call or listening to music. Sony also included a feature that makes voice sound clearer and more precise on calls which is evident and a nice feature.

While the WH1000XM4s aren't perfect, they're one of the top wireless headphones we've ever tested. They are comfortable and well-constructed, and come with a a battery that can last for more than 30 continuous hours. They can also be used with a 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 comfortable, and their ANC can block out more background noise. They also come with a companion app that lets you alter their audio performance and EQ settings are more flexible than B&W's. The B&Ws are built better and can be paired with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. They also support aptXHD and feature an AI-driven engine that attempts to scale compressed music up to high-resolution. This is called DSEE Extreme, and it improves the clarity of music when listening to lossless audio files.

2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The $329 Bose QuietComfort45 sound cancelling headset is the most current version of a headset that has become a popular choice for commuters and passengers all over the world. Instead of reinventing the wheel the new model follows the same formula that made the predecessor Iphone so popular, but adds the USB-C port, which is better at cancelling noise and longer battery life.

These over-ear Bose headsets have a premium feeling and appearance, similar to the QC 35 II headphones that preceded them. The headband is constructed of plastic, and is a solid feel, with metal hinges at the pivot points, and the familiar ratcheting action that you experience when you extend or retract the ear cups. The cups are soft cushioned pads that fit comfortably over the ears and don't put pressure on your head. When folded, they weigh 238 grams. 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 they do not provide the best sound quality at this price point. The frequencies are flat and lack the details that higher-end headphones might be able to bring out. The upper registers are boosted which is acceptable for most music genres but can be problematic for more delicate and intricate genres. The bass is great, but it lacks the punch.

One thing that's not included is the ability to pause playback when you take off the headset. This is standard in this price bracket and is something that Bose's rivals have long offered. Another omission is the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose offers preset EQ settings within the app, but it would be nice to have manual control.

Bluetooth 5.0 is supported, iphone including multipoint and more advanced codecs like aptX Adaptive. You can download the Bose Audio app to adjust your headset's sound and voice assistant settings.

The QC45s come with four microphones inbuilt to pick up your voice while on the phone. They have excellent call quality, but they don't permit you to muffle the sound during playback like other wireless headphones. Update: A firmware upgrade for the QC45s came out in February 2022 introduced manual adjustments to the audio app. This is a great upgrade.

3. Focal Bathys Wireless

Focal is a French audio brand that produces high-performance headphones. They are renowned for their comfort and style which tell listeners that they're hearing something unique. Their first attempt at wireless headphones that block noise the Bathys, are stunning cans that look and sound fantastic. They have a high-performance USB DAC built in, which means you can use them both for wired and wireless listening.

Focal claims that the Bathys can play Bluetooth music for 30 hours. We actually got a bit more and got over 40 hours on average of one charge. If you require a recharge, there's an indicator light on the right earcup that will change to red when the headphone has to be charged.

For a pair of headphones at this price, they offer a lot of features. They can connect to multiple devices simultaneously and have automatic pairing. (You have to select your source device by hand each time you listen.) They also have a built-in mic that works with voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones come with an easy-to navigate interface that makes it easy to control music and make calls.

Bathys over-ear headphones do well in our noise cancellation test, reducing ambient noise by an average of 9 decibels. It's not as good as the ANC found in the Sony WH1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless but 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 minor differences in the bass and mids. The Bathys are bassy sound that can make instruments, vocals and cymbals appear veiled.

They also have very good leakage resistance, meaning you can wear them in public without worrying about people listening to your music. Their microphone is of decent recording quality through Bluetooth with only slight distortion in the mid - to the treble range.

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4

The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless is a new version of the company's flagship Bluetooth headsets. The Momentum 3 was a solid but not an outstanding entry in this category. The new pair is an improvement on the previous model, featuring an elegant design, enhanced gesture control and an enormous battery life.

The improvements are subtle but can make for an over-ear pair of headphones that feels like an upgrade. The Momentum 4s lie flat and don't fold however they do come with a sturdy hardshell case to protect them on the go. They also follow the style of several other recent Bluetooth headphones, like those from Sony and Bowers & Wilkins, to be completely device-independent. This means they work well with both Android phones and Apple iPhones, but do not have the additional features (like Find My support and head-tracked Spatial Audio) that are available on the AirPods.

The biggest difference is the massive battery that can run for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation turned on. This is more than the majority of the competition can offer and is enough for a multi-day trip without having to worry about finding an outlet to charge them up.

Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget, gave the headphones an 82-point score. He noted their sound quality and ANC features as their strengths. The only thing he dislikes is that they lack a sense of weight in the mids and the treble, which means that orchestral pieces tend to sound flat instead of grand. The bass is well rounded but it can sound overemphasized, which can lead to fatigue in songs with high-pitched bass lines, like the drum hits in As I Lay Dying’s Forever. The cymbals sound bubbly, but not full. There's also no real depth to the lows.

The Momentum 4s should not cause pressure on your neck or ears. However, they can be a bit uncomfortable when worn in the house or during longer listening sessions, and will move about on your head in a flurry of head movements. This can cause them to wake up at random which can be distracting during calls or music. Fortunately they will shut down after 15 minutes of slumber by default and can be manually switched off by pressing the power button.