Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds, can completely surround the ears. They also permit bigger drivers that provide deeper bass and a bigger soundstage. They also have active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.
The latest Master & Dynamic MW65 update features excellent audio, a variety of ANC modes, and a long battery life in an elegant and distinct 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, have more balanced sound profiles (though still bass heavy), and come with an app that lets you do some audio adjustments. Their active noise cancellation works better than ever before, removing more ambient sound, and they have a longer continuous battery life than many competitors.
These headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible and Sony LDAC is also supported. This codec can transfer high-resolution audio, however, you'll need compatible devices and streaming service. Additionally, the WH-1000XM4s can connect to two Bluetooth devices at once and switch between them as needed. This feature can be enabled via the Sony Headphones Connect App and works flawlessly.
One subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensitivity of their touch panels. They respond faster to a tap on a panel, and this makes them easier to control during calls or to listen to music. Sony has added a feature to make voices sound more precise and clear during calls. This is a distinct and a nice addition.
Although the WH-1000XM4s may not be perfect, they're one of the top wireless headphones we've ever tested. They're comfortable and well-constructed, and come with a an energy-efficient battery that can last for more than 30 continuous hours. They can also be used in a passive manner using a TRS cable which is perfect when you're on the road or need to save power.
The WH1000XM4s are a better alternative to the Bowers & Wilkins Wireless Over-Ears Px7 S2. The Sonys are more comfy and their ANC can block out more ambient sound. They also come with a companion app that lets you alter their audio performance and EQ settings are more flexible than the B&W's. However, the B&Ws come with more robust design and they're able to pair with two Bluetooth devices at once. Additionally, they support aptX HD and feature an AI-driven engine which is attempting to boost compressed music to high-resolution. This is called 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 is a popular choice among commuters and travelers all over the world. Instead of reinventing the wheel the new model follows the same formula that made the predecessor so popular, and adds the USB-C port, which is better at cancelling noise and a longer battery life.
Similar to the QC 35 II before them, these over-ear Bose headphones sport an elegant design and feel that oozes quality. The headband, constructed of plastic, provides an incredibly solid feel due to the hinges made of metal at pivot points. It also features the familiar ratcheting mechanism whenever you extend or retract the ear cups. The cups are cushioned and have soft pads that can be worn over your ears without placing pressure on your head. When folded they weigh 238g. They can be used with an overcoat or sweater since the noise cancelling function works even when they're not on your head.
Despite their reputation as comfortable headphones they do not provide the best sound at this price. The frequencies are flat and lack the details that higher-end headphones might be able to bring out. The upper registers are amplified which is acceptable for most music genres but can be a problem for more delicate and intricate genres. The bass is good, but is lacking power.
The ability to pause the playback after removing the headset is a feature that is absent. This is a feature that Bose's rivals have provided for many years. Another thing that was missing was the lack of an in-app EQ. Bose provides preset EQ settings within the app, but it would be nice to have manual control.
You can connect to your tablet or smartphone via Bluetooth 5.0 with support for multipoint and the more advanced codecs such as aptX Adaptive. Download the Bose Audio App to adjust your headsets audio and voice settings.
The QC45s come with four microphones built into the headset to listen to your voice during calls. The quality of calls is generally good however, the headphones do not have the capability to turn off your voice during playback which is a feature that other wireless headphones do. Update as of February 2022, the firmware update to the QC45s offered manual EQ options within the audio app which is a welcomed improvement.
3. Focal Bathys Wireless
Focal is a French audio brand that produces high-performance headphones. They are known for their comfort and style that let listeners know that they're listening something special. The Bathys are their first wireless noise cancelling headphones. They look and sound stunning. They also have a built-in high-performance USB DAC which means you can use them for both wired and wireless listening.
Focal claims that the Bathys can play Bluetooth music for 30 hours. We actually got a bit more, with over 40 hours on average out of one charge. If you have to charge the headphones, the indicator light on the right earcup will go red.
They come with a wide range of features for a pair of headphones at this price, including support for multiple devices at the same time and automatic pairing (though you'll need to select the source device every time you need to listen). They have a built-in microphone that supports voice assistants like Siri or Alexa. The headphones come with an easy-to navigate interface that makes it simple to control music and make calls.
For headphones with over-ear connectivity, the Bathys perform very well in our tests of noise cancellation, which reduces the sound of the surrounding environment by about 9 decibels in average. It's not as impressive as the ANC in the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless, but it's still pretty effective.
The Bathys headphones performed well in our headphone sound tests. Their frequency response was mostly similar to the SoundGuys headphone curve, with only minor deviations on the bass and mids. The Bathys have a bassy sound profile which can make vocals, instruments and cymbals look a bit veiled.
You can wear them wherever without worrying that others will hear your music. Their mic has passable recording quality through Bluetooth with just a little distortion in the mid to high treble frequency range.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless is a new version of the company's most popular Bluetooth headsets. The last pair, the Momentum 3, was a decent, but not the most impressive entry into the category. The new model is an improvement on the previous model, sporting a 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 are flat and do not fold. They come with a hardshell case that protects them when moving. They also follow the style of many other recent Bluetooth headphones, like the ones from Sony and Bowers & Wilkins, to be completely device-independent. They work with both Apple iPhones as well as Android phones, but do not have the AirPods additional features such as Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.
The most obvious difference here is the massive battery, which promises up to 60 hours of playback when the noise cancellation feature turned on. This is more than the majority of the competitors offer and enough for a multi-day trip without worrying about finding a power outlet to charge it.
Engadget senior editor Billy Steele gave the headphones an 82 score with a focus on their audio quality and ANC as particular strengths. His only complaint is that they lack a sense weight in the mids and the treble, which means that orchestral pieces tend to sound flat rather than grand. The bass is rounded, but it's easy to over-emphasize and cause fatigue in songs that have heavy bass lines, like the drum hits in As I Lay Dying's Forever. The cymbals can sound smoky rather than full, and there's no real sense of depth in the lows.
The Momentum 4s are comfortable and should not put too much pressure on your ears or neck. However they can be difficult to wear around the house or during longer listening sessions. They will move about on your head, causing intense head movements. This can cause them to wake up in a sudden manner, which could be distracting when listening to music or making calls. They shut down automatically after 15 minutes, and can be shut off manually by pressing the power button.