Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds are able to completely encapsulate your ears. They also allow for bigger drivers that provide deeper bass and a larger soundstage. They also have active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.
The latest Master & Dynamic MW65 update provides excellent audio, a variety of ANC modes, and a long battery life in an elegant and distinctive design.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Sony has redesigned an already excellent pair of headphones with the WH-1000XM4 Wireless. They are lighter, better built and have a more balanced audio profile (though bass-heavy). They also come with an app to adjust the sound. Their active noise cancelling performs better than ever before, removing any background noise. Additionally, they have a longer continuous battery life than a lot of competitors.
These headphones utilize Bluetooth 5.0 which supports SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. This codec can transfer high-resolution audio, however, you'll need compatible equipment and streaming services. The WH-1000XM4s is also able to connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time and automatically switch between the two when needed. This feature can be enabled through the Sony Headphones Connect app and it works very well.
A subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensibility of their touch panels. They respond more quickly to a tap on the panel, which makes them easier to control during a phone call or to listen to media. Sony has also added a feature that helps voices sound clearer and more precise when calling which is evident and a nice feature.
While the WH1000XM4s aren't perfect, they're one of the most comfortable wireless headphones we've ever tried. They're comfortable, good to the touch, and have an impressive battery that lasts for longer than 30 hours continuously. They can be used as a passive device using the TRS cable. This is perfect for travel or preserving energy.
The WH1000XM4s provide a superior alternative to the Bowers & Wilkins Wireless Over-Ears Px7 S2. The Sonys are more comfortable and their ANC can block out more ambient sounds. The B&Ws have a more flexible EQ and an app that allows you to tweak the audio quality. The B&Ws are better built, and can pair with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. They also support aptXHD and feature an AI-driven engine that attempts to increase the size of 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 music.
2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The $329 Bose QuietComfort45 Noise-Canceling headset is the most current version of a headset that has become a favorite among commuters and passengers all over the world. best budget over ear wireless headphones doesn't reinvent the wheel. It retains the same formula which was the basis of its predecessor's success but it also includes the USB-C technology and improved noise cancellation.
Like the QC 35 II before them, these over-ear Bose headphones sport an elegant design and feel that oozes quality. The headband is made of plastic, and is a solid feel, with hinges made of metal at the pivot points, and the familiar ratcheting action when you retract or extend the ear cups. The cups are cushioned, and have soft pads that can be worn over your ears without pressing your head. When folded they weigh 238g. You can wear them while wearing a sweater or coat as the noise-canceling works even when you aren't on your head.
Despite their reputation for comfort, the QC45s can't provide the best sound quality in this price range. The frequencies are flat and lack the details that higher-end headphones might be able bring out. The upper registers are boosted which is acceptable for most music genres but can be a problem for more delicate and complex genres. The bass is decent, but is lacking power.
One feature that's not present is the ability to pause playback whenever you take the headset off. This is a feature that Bose's rivals have offered for several years. Another oversight was the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose offers preset EQ settings in the app, but it would be nice to have a manual control.
Bluetooth 5.0 is supported, with multipoint as well as more advanced codecs like aptX Adaptive. You can download the Bose Audio app to adjust the volume and voice assistant settings.
The QC45s have four microphones inbuilt to hear your voice while on the phone. The headphones have good call quality, however they don't let you mute the voice during playback like other wireless headphones. Update as of February 2022, a firmware upgrade to the QC45s provided manual EQ options within the audio app which is a welcomed improvement.
3. Focal Bathys Wireless
Focal is a French audio company known for high-performance headphones with long lasting comfort and a design that lets listeners know they're listening to something unique. Their first attempt at wireless noise cancelling headphones, the Bathys are stunning headphones that sound and look great. They also come with a built-in high-performance USB DAC which means you can use them for wireless and wired listening.
The Bathys have a very good battery performance with Focal claims of 30 hours of continuous Bluetooth playtime. We had more than 40 hours of playback time on average from a single charge. If you are required to charge your headphones in the future, the indicator light on the right earcup will go red.
For headphones at this price, they offer many features. They can connect to multiple devices simultaneously and offer automatic pairing. (You must select the device you want to pair with by hand each time you listen.) The headphones come with an inbuilt microphone that can be used with voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones feature an easy to navigate interface that makes it simple to control music and make calls.
Bathys over-ear headphones do well in our noise cancellation test, reducing ambient sound by 9 decibels on average. This isn't as impressive a result as the ANC in the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless but it's still quite effective.
The Bathys headphones performed well in our headphone tests. Their frequency response was generally similar to the SoundGuys headphone curve with minor differences on the bass and mids. The Bathys are bassy sound profile that can make vocals, instruments and cymbals seem obscure.
You can wear them anywhere without fearing that other people will hear your music. Their microphone is suitable for recording using Bluetooth with only a slight distortion between the mid-treble as well as the treble.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless is a new update of the company's top Bluetooth headsets. The Momentum 3 was a solid, but not spectacular entry in this class. The latest pair improves on the previous model with more sleek design, better gesture controls, and a huge battery life.
The changes are subtle but make for an over-ear pair of headphones that feels like an upgrade. The Momentum 4s are flat and don't fold. They come with a hardshell case to protect them when on the move. The Momentum 4s are device-agnostic, like many other Bluetooth headphones from recent years, such as those from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. This means they work well with both Android phones and Apple iPhones, however they do not have the additional features (like Find My support and head-tracked Spatial Audio) that you'll find on AirPods.
The most notable change is the huge battery that can last for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation turned on. That's easily double what most of the competitors can provide and is enough for a long-distance trip without worrying about finding a power outlet to charge them.
Engadget senior editor Billy Steele gave the headphones an 82 rating, citing their audio quality and ANC as two of their strengths. The only thing he dislikes is that they lack a sense of gravitas in the mids as well as treble, meaning that orchestral tracks tend to sound flat, not grand. The bass is rounded, however, it can be overemphasized and can cause fatigue in songs that have heavy bass lines, like the drums that are pounding in As I Lay Dying's Forever. The cymbals sound sizzled, not full. There's also no real depth to the lows.
The Momentum 4s are a comfortable fit and aren't likely to put too much pressure on your neck or ears. However, they can be a bit fidgety when wearing them around the house or during longer listening sessions. They will move about on your head with intense head movements. This can cause them wake up unexpectedly, which can be distracting when listening to music or making calls. Fortunately, they will shut down after 15 minutes of sleep by default and can be manually switched off with the power button.
