Best Over-Ear Headphones
In contrast to earbuds, headphones over-ear cover your ears completely and allow for bigger drivers to produce deeper bass and wider soundstages. They also have active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.
The latest Master and Dynamic MW65 update features high-quality audio, numerous ANC modes and impressive battery life in an elegant and distinct design.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Sony has upgraded an already great pair of headphones by introducing the WH1000XM4 wireless. They're less heavy, feel better built, have a more balanced sound profile (though still bass heavy) and come with an app that allows for some audio customization. They've improved their active noise cancellation, which eliminates the background noise and extending the battery life.
These headphones are Bluetooth 5.0, with support for SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. The latter can transfer high-resolution music, but you'll need to use compatible devices and streaming services. Additionally, the WH-1000XM4s can connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time and automatically switch between them as needed. This feature can be enabled via the Sony Headphones Connect App and is very effective.
The touch panels are more sensitive than the XM3. They respond faster to the tap of the panel, which makes them easier to control during a phone call or to listen to music. Sony also included a feature that helps voices sound more clear and precise when calling which is noticeable and a nice addition.
The WH-1000XM4s might not be perfect, but they are among the top wireless headphones that we have ever examined. They're comfortable, well made, and have an impressive battery that lasts longer than 30 hours continuously. They can be used as a passive device using the TRS cable. This is great for traveling or conserving power.
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 background noise. The B&Ws feature an EQ that is more flexible, as well as a companion app to tweak the audio quality. The B&Ws are built better and can be paired with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. They also support aptXHD, and they have an AI-driven engine that tries to up-scale compressed music to high-resolution. This is known as DSEE Extreme, and it enhances the clarity of music when listening to lossless audio files.
2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The $329 Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones are the most recent version of a headset that has become an essential for commuters and passengers around the world. Rather than 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 have an elegant design and feel that exudes quality. The headband, made of plastic, has a solid feel thanks to the hinges made of metal at pivot points. They also have the familiar ratcheting mechanism when you extend or retract your earcups. The cups feature soft cushioned pads that fit comfortably over the ears and do not apply pressure to your head. They weigh 238 grams and are fairly compact when folded. You can use them with a coat or sweater as the noise cancellation function is functional even when you aren't on your head.
Despite their reputation for comfort, the QC45s do not offer the most impressive sound quality for this price range. The frequencies are relatively flat and lack the details that more expensive headphones might be able to bring out. The higher registers tend to be amplified and is suitable for most music genres but could become a problem for more delicate over the ear headphones wireless or intricate music genres. The bass is decent, but it lacks power.
One thing that's not included is the possibility of paused playback when you take off the headset. This is a standard in this price bracket and is something that Bose's rivals have offered for a long time. Another thing that was missing was the lack of an in-app EQ. Bose provides preset EQ settings within the app however it would be nice to have manual control.
Bluetooth 5.0 is supported, with multipoint as well as more advanced codecs such as aptX Adaptive. You can download the Bose Audio app to adjust the volume and voice assistant settings.
The QC45s have four microphones inbuilt to pick up your voice when on the phone. The headsets have a good call quality, but they don't permit you to mute the voice during playback as other wireless headphones. Update: A firmware upgrade for the QC45s came out in February 2022 included manual EQ options to the audio app. This is a welcome upgrade.
3. Focal Bathys Wireless
Focal is a French audio company known for high-performance headphones with long lasting comfort and a design that makes listeners feel like they're listening to something special. Their first foray into wireless headphones that block noise the Bathys are stunning cans that look and sound great. They come with a top-quality USB DAC built in, so 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 little more out of them, with over 40 hours on average of one charge. If you do require a recharge, there's an indicator light on the right ear cup that will change to red when the headphone needs to be charged.
For a pair of headphones for this price, they have lots 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 come with a built-in microphone that supports voice assistants like Siri or Alexa. The headphones have an easy-to use interface that makes it simple to control music and make calls.
Bathys over-ear headphones perform well in our noise cancellation test, reducing ambient noise by an average of 9 decibels. This isn't as impressive as the ANC in the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless, however it's still pretty effective.
In our tests of headphone sound quality, the Bathys performed well overall with a frequency response that mostly matches the SoundGuys headphone preference curve, with just minor deviations in the bass and mids. The Bathys have a booming sound profile which can make vocals, instruments and cymbals appear obscure.
You can wear them anywhere and not worry about whether others hear your music. Their microphone is of decent recording quality via Bluetooth with only slight distortion in the mid - to treble range.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless are a new update to the company's flagship Bluetooth headphones. The Momentum 3 was a solid, but not spectacular entry in this class. The new pair is a step up from the previous generation, with an elegant design, enhanced gesture control and an enormous battery life.
Many of the improvements here are subtle but they create a pair of over-ears that appear to be an upgrade from the old one. The Momentum 4s are flat and don't fold. They come with a hardshell case that protects them when on the move. The Momentum 4s are also device-agnostic, like many other Bluetooth headphones from recent years, such as those from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. They work with both Apple iPhones as well as Android phones, but they do not have the AirPods additional features such as Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.
The biggest difference is the massive battery that can run for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation on. This is more than what the majority of the competitors can provide and enough for a trip of a lifetime without worrying about finding a power outlet to charge them.
Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget The headphones were rated by Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget an 82-point score. He noted their sound quality and ANC features as the top strengths. He has only one complaint they lack of gravitas in the mids and treble. This makes orchestral pieces sound dull instead of grand. The bass is rounded, however, it can be overemphasized and cause fatigue in songs with heavy bass lines, like the drum hits in As I Lay Dying's Forever. The cymbals sound a bit hot, but not a lot. There's also no real depth to the lows.
The Momentum 4s are a comfortable fit and should not put too much pressure on your neck or ears. They can be a bit fidgety when you wear them at home or for long listening sessions. They will move around on your head and make a lot of head movements. This can cause them to wake up unexpectedly, which can be distracting while listening to music or making calls. Fortunately, they will shut down after 15 minutes of sleep by default and can be manually switched off using the power button.