Best Over-Ear Headphones
In contrast to earbuds, headphones over-ear are a complete encapsulation of your ears and allow for larger drivers to deliver greater bass and larger soundstages. They also have active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.
The latest Master and Dynamic MW65 update provides high-quality audio, numerous ANC modes and impressive battery life with a stylish and distinctive design.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Sony has upgraded an already great pair of headphones with the introduction of the WH1000XM4 wireless. They're lighter, feel better built, feature more balanced sound profiles (though still bass heavy) and come with an app that allows for some audio customization. Their active noise cancelling performs better than it did before, eliminating any background noise. Additionally, they have a longer battery life than other models.
These headphones utilize Bluetooth 5.0 which supports SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. The latter is able to transfer high-resolution audio, however you'll need compatible devices and streaming services. The WH-1000XM4s is also able to connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and automatically switch between them when needed. This feature can be enabled via the Sony Headphones Connect App and is very effective.
One of the major improvements over the XM3 is the sensibility of their touch panels. They respond more quickly to the touch of a panel, and this makes them easier to control during a call or to listen to music. Sony also included a feature that makes voice sound clearer and more precise during calls which is noticeable and a nice addition.
The WH-1000XM4s might not be perfect, but they're among the best wireless headphones that we have ever test. They're comfortable, well-made, and come with an excellent battery that lasts for more than 30 hours continuously. They can be used as a passive device using the TRS cable. This is perfect for traveling or conserving energy.
The WH1000XM4s offer a better alternative to the Bowers & Wilkins Wireless Over-Ears PX7 S2. The Sonys are more comfy, and their ANC is able to block out more background noise. The B&Ws have a more flexible EQ and an app that allows you to tweak the audio quality. The B&Ws are built better, and can pair with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. In addition, they support aptX HD, and they have an AI-driven engine which tries to upscale compressed music to high-resolution. This is referred to as DSEE Extreme and it does an excellent job of improving the clarity of music, particularly 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 headphone that became a standard for commuters as well as travelers around the globe. The new model does not reinvent the wheel. It is based on the same formula that was the basis of its predecessor's success but it also includes USB-C and better noise cancellation.
Similar to the QC 35 II before them, these over-ear Bose headphones have a luxurious look and feel that oozes quality. The headband is made 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 ear cups. The cups are soft, cushioned pads that are securely positioned over your ears and don't apply pressure to your head. When folded they weigh 238g. They can be worn with a sweater or coat since they can be worn even when not on the head.
Despite their reputation for comfort, the QC45s can't offer the best sound in this price range. The frequencies are relatively flat and lack details that headphones with higher prices might be capable of bringing out. The upper registers are amplified which is fine for most music genres but can be a problem for more delicate and intricate genres. The bass is good but it lacks punch.
The possibility of pauseing the playback when you remove the headset is a feature absent. This is standard in this price range and is something Bose's competitors have long offered. Another omission is the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose offers preset EQ settings within the app however it would be nice to have manual control.
Bluetooth 5.0 is supported, including multipoint and more advanced codecs, such as aptX Adaptive. You can download the Bose Audio app to adjust your headset's sound and voice assistant settings.
The QC45s have four microphones inbuilt to hear your voice while on the phone. The quality of calls is generally good but the headphones don't come with the handy ability to mute your voice during playback which is something other wireless headphones do. Update: A firmware update 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 company that makes high-performance headphones. They are renowned for their comfort and style that let listeners know that they're listening to something special. The Bathys are their first wireless noise cancelling headphones. They are stunning in appearance and sound. They come with a high-performance USB DAC built in, making them suitable both for wireless and wired listening.
Focal claims that the Bathys can play Bluetooth music for up to 30 hours. We actually got a bit more out of them with more than 40 hours on average out of a single charge. If you need to charge the headphones, the indicator light on the right earcup will go red.
They offer a good amount of features for a pair of headphones at this price with support for multiple devices at once and automatic pairing (though you'll need to select the source device every time you want to listen). They come with a built-in microphone that works with voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones also have an easy-to-use interface, making it simple to control your music and take calls.
Bathys over-ear headphones perform 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 however it's still effective.
In our tests of headphone sound quality, the Bathys did well overall, with a an overall frequency response that is in line with the SoundGuys headphone preference curve with only minor differences in the bass and mids. They have a bass-rich sound profile that adds plenty of boom to mixes however, they can make vocals and instruments such as cymbals sound veiled.
They also have excellent leakage resistance, so you can wear them out in public without worrying about other people listening to your music. Their mic has passable recording quality via Bluetooth with just a little distortion in the mid to high treble frequency range.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless are a new version of 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 more sleek design, better gesture control and a massive battery life.
The improvements are subtle but make for an over-ear pair of headphones that feel like an upgrade. The Momentum 4s are flat and do not fold. They come with an outer case that protects them when on the move. They also follow the pattern of several other recent Bluetooth headphones, like those from Sony and Bowers & Wilkins, to be beautifully device agnostic. They work with both Apple iPhones and Android phones, but lack the AirPods additional features such as Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.
The most notable change is the huge battery that can play for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation on. beats wireless headphones is easily twice the amount of the other brands and enough to take a multi-day journey without having to search for an outlet.
Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget The headphones were rated by Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget a score of 82. He highlighted their audio quality and ANC features as the top strengths. The only issue he has is: they lack a sense gravitas in the mids and treble. This means that orchestral music sounds flat instead of grand. The bass is rounded, however, it can be overemphasized and cause fatigue in songs with strong bass lines such as the drum hits in As I Lay Dying's Forever. The cymbals sound smoky rather than full, and there's no real sense of depth in the lows.
The Momentum 4s are a comfortable fit and shouldn't put too much pressure on your ears or neck. They can be fidgety if you wear them at home or for long listening sessions. They can move on your head, and make rapid head movements. This could cause them to wake up unexpectedly, which can be distracting while listening to music or making calls. They shut down automatically after 15 minutes, and can be shut off manually by pressing the power button.