Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
If you're looking for a set of wireless headphones for over-ear take a look at these. These headphones aren't just comfortable, but they also have active noise cancellation, which reduces background sounds so you can concentrate on the music.
Focal's wireless headphones debut are an audiophile's dream. They feature a deep sound with enough thump for EDM however vocals and instruments aren't left out. They have a companion app and ANC presets that can customize the sound to your personal preferences.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony's WH-1000XM5 is the latest generation of its bestselling headphones that offer adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) to block out background noise. With a staggering 27-hour playback duration they are great for long commutes and long trips. The WH-1000XM5 also has a handy feature that allows you to pair it with up to two Bluetooth devices at the same time, making it easy 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 a desirable option for those who are concerned about sustainability.
Compared to their predecessors, the XM5s are a bit lighter and more comfortable, with headbands that fit snugly around your ears with less pressure on your head. They're also more fashionable thanks to a new, stealthy style that allows them to blend into the majority of outfits. They're also available in a matte black that looks even better than the glossy black of previous generations.
One of the WH-1000XM5's best features is their smart noise cancellation function, which senses when you've taken off the headphones and stops the audio. When you put them back on, they will automatically resume. This is a great method to conserve battery and it's very effective.
The XM5s make a great option for audio quality due to their LDAC codec and DSEE Extreme upscaling. Rage Against the Machine's dark Bullet in the Head shows off the bass skills of Tim Commerford with real power and Billie Eilish's Bad Guy has a subtle but deliberate vocal fade.
For those who exercise and living in humid climates, a word of caution The WH1000XM5s do NOT have an IP rating. They are not recommended near water. There's even a disclaimer within the manual that advises you to not sweat into the headset, or use it in the rain.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 is a refreshing update to B&W's previous flagship wireless headphone model, the PX7. The Series 2 is not just an iterative upgrade, but an incredibly improvement in audio quality and ANC. The design is also a little more refined, with a design which is more mature than sleek, modern-day looks of Sony's XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.
The headphones can be switched on and off by the slider switch. There are buttons that are specifically designed for volume, play/pause, and to navigate through your music collection. The left ear cup has a customizable button that can be remapped for your voice assistant. There's also an ambient pass-through mode that allows you to hear what's going on around you.
Streaming a 16-bit/44.1kHz master of Dennis Wilson's River Song from his Pacific Ocean Blue album using the S2s The soundstage is large and detailed, with layered harmonies and atmospheric textures that are clearly heard. There's plenty of low-end extension, and the vocals remain in the center.
One area where the S2s fall short is in EQ control The S2s allow you to increase or decrease the bass and treble by 6dB, but there aren't any EQ presets to help to find the perfect balance. The majority of listeners won't feel concerned about this however those who prefer to alter their audio need to look elsewhere.
Overall all, the PX7 S2s are a great option for those seeking an active noise-canceling headset with a premium feel and finish. They're not quite as versatile as the aforementioned XM5s however they're a great option for most listeners. You'll have to decide if the better ANC and audio is worth the slightly higher price.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 are a solid pair of over-ear wireless headphones that offer great noise cancellation and a 24-hour battery life. The headphones are light and comfortable enough to wear in the home. The built-in buttons can be controlled using an app that is included with the headphones, however the customization options are restricted. (Sorry there's no equalizer). You can pick from various sound profiles based on circumstance, for instance when you're traveling or working at home. The QC45s also feature an Aware Mode which allows outside sounds be heard when using ANC, which can be useful for those who want to hear kids and traffic while out and out and about.
The audio quality of these headphones isn't as good as the WH-1000XM5s but it's still decent. The bass isn't pounding but it does provide decent depth and a decent amount of sound quality. The mids and highs are nicely rounded and there's no harshness or shrillness.
The QC45s tend to prefer higher frequencies. This can cause a slight sibilance while listening to certain music. This is not a major issue and can be fixed by changing the headphone settings within software.
The controls are intuitive and easy to use. The button on the left earcup powers the headphones on and off controls music playback and manages Bluetooth pairing. A multi-function Action Button is also included. It functions as a toggle for power and voice assistant, in addition to controlling volume. There's also a microphone for phone calls and Siri or Alexa is available.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The ATH M20x are a stylish pair of headphones that provide excellent sound quality for the price. The headphones are sturdy and well-built. The headband and ear cups are constructed from plastic, it is durable enough that it will be long-lasting and durable for use. The ears can rotate up to 15 degrees so they can be positioned to fit the majority of ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x comes with Bluetooth 5.0, which allows you to stream your music wirelessly. They come with a remarkable battery life that can last up to 30 hours of music listening time. They come with a USB cable to charge.
Utilizing the headphones is simple. Three buttons are located on the left ear cup and let you control the playing back of music as well as other functions. You can pause, switch tracks, and alter the volume using these buttons. The ATH-M20x also comes with an integrated microphone that can be used to make calls or voice commands. The headset has low-latency modes that make it ideal for video calls and gaming.
The ATH-M20x headphones are excellent for some music genres, but not all. Vocals might sound a little dull, and there's not much bass. The high frequencies sound crisp and clear. These headphones are renowned for their Treble. These headphones are ideal for pop, jazz and classical music.
The ATH-M20x is a lightweight headphone, weighing just under 190g without the cord. The earcups are cushioned, but they can't be folded. They are heavy to carry in backpacks and might not fit in the bag of a handbag. They don't come with a detachable cable either. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better choice for those looking for an easier-to-transport set of headphones. best over ear headphones wireless under 100 is more comfortable due to an adjustable design that folds, swiveling the ear cups, which are flat and have removable cables. It's more expensive but it provides better isolation and more bass.
Skullcandy Dime 2.
The Dime 2 is one of Skullcandy's better-sounding true wireless earbuds. It has a small and compact case that's easy to put in pockets or purses. It also comes with a variety of sizes of ear gels to accommodate different ears. It's also lighter than wireless headphones that we tested.
The dual microphones are great to pick up your voice when you call and also reducing background noise. However, they're not ideal for outdoor use since environmental sounds can overtake your voice. Earbuds also struggle in windy environments and can clip some of your speech.
Despite these minor issues the earbuds provide solid bass and other sound quality. They have a clear high-end that doesn't spill into the mids, and they have a nice amount of mid-bass which adds some punch to your music.
The AirPod Pro has a dual-tap function that is decent but not as intuitive as Apple AirPod Pro. You'll need to place your thumb on the bottom stem to ensure stability, and then press the logo to execute a command. It's not as responsive as the pinch gesture system and can be a bit unwieldy.
The earbuds last about four hours with just one charge. They also have a quick-charge feature that lets them last for two additional hours. They're also rated IPX4 for resistance to water and sweat. The earbuds come with a carrying case with two openings for the buds and an elastic loop to secure them to your clothing. The case is stylish and available in several colors, including red Doritos. On the internet, you can buy the case for less than $30 USD.