Best Over-Ear Headphones
Unlike earbuds, over-ear headphones encapsulate your ears completely and allow larger drivers to deliver more bass and a wider soundstage. A majority of them feature Bluetooth technology and active noise cancellation.
The most recent Master & Dynamic MW65 update provides superior audio, multiple ANC modes, and an impressive battery life in an elegant and distinctive design.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Sony has upgraded an already fantastic pair of headphones by introducing the WH1000XM4 wireless. They are less heavy, more durable, and have a more balanced audio profile (though they are bass heavy). They also have an app for audio customization. Their active noise cancelling works better than it did before, removing the background noise, and they have a longer battery life than many competitors.
These headphones utilize Bluetooth 5.0 and support SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. The latter can transfer high-resolution audio, however you'll need compatible devices and streaming services. The WH-1000XM4s also allows you to connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and automatically switch between them when required. 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 more quickly to a tap on the panel, and this makes them easier to control during a call or to listen to music. Sony has also added a feature that helps voices sound more clear and precise on calls, which is evident and a nice feature.
The WH-1000XM4s might not be perfect, but they are among the best wireless headphones that we have ever test. They're comfortable, feel good to the touch, and have an excellent battery that lasts more than 30 hours continuously. They can be used in a passive manner by using an TRS cable. This is ideal to travel with or for storing energy.
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 sounds. They also come with a companion application that lets you adjust their audio performance, and their EQ settings are more flexible than the B&W's. However, the B&Ws have an improved design, and they can connect with two Bluetooth devices at once. Additionally, they support aptX HD and feature an AI-driven engine which tries to upscale compressed music to high-resolution. This is called DSEE Extreme, and it improves 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 recent version of a headset that has become a popular choice for commuters and passengers across the world. The new model does not reinvent the wheel. It uses the same formula that has made its predecessor so successful with the addition of USB-C and better noise cancellation.
Similar to the QC 35 II before them, these over-ear Bose headphones feature a luxurious look and feel that exudes quality. The headband is made of plastic, and is a solid feel, with metal hinges at pivot points and the ratcheting mechanism that is familiar when you open or retract the earcups. The cups have soft cushioned pads that fit comfortably over the ears and don't apply pressure on your head. When folded they weigh 238 grams. They can be paired with a sweater or coat since they can be worn even when not on the head.
Despite their reputation as comfortable headphones, the QC45s do not provide the best sound at this price. The frequencies are flat and lack the depth that more expensive headphones may be able bring out. The upper registers are boosted which is great for most music genres but can be a problem for more delicate and complex genres. The bass is decent but lacks punch.
One feature that's not present is the possibility of paused playback when you remove the headset. This is a standard in this price bracket and is something Bose's competitors have been offering for years. Another omission was the lack of an in-app EQ. Bose has preset EQs in the app, but it would be nice if there was an option to control the EQ manually.
You can connect to your tablet or smartphone via Bluetooth 5.0 with support for multipoint and the more advanced codecs like aptX Adaptive. Download the Bose Audio App to adjust your headset's voice and sound settings.
The QC45s come with four in-built microphones to listen to your voice during calls. The call quality is generally very good, but the headsets do not have the capability to turn off your voice during playback which is something other wireless headphones have. Update In February 2022, a firmware upgrade to the QC45s gave you manual EQ options within the audio app which is a welcome improvement.
3. Focal Bathys Wireless
Focal is a French audio company that makes high-performance headphones. They are well-known for their comfort and style which tell listeners that they're hearing something unique. Their first venture into wireless headphones that cancel out noise The Bathys, are stunning headphones that sound and look amazing. They also have a built in high performance USB DAC which means you can use them for both wireless and wired listening.
The Bathys have a very good battery performance with Focal promising 30 hours of continuous Bluetooth playtime. We actually got a little more out of them, with over 40 hours on average out of just one charge. If you have to charge your headphones, the indicator light on the right earcup will change red.
For a pair of headphones at this price, they offer many features. They can be used with multiple devices at once and feature automatic pairing. (You must select your source device manually every time you listen.) They also have a built-in mic that supports voice assistants like Siri or Alexa. The headphones come with an easy-to use interface that makes it simple to control music and make calls.
For over-ear wireless headphones for over-ear wireless headphones, the Bathys excel in our test of noise cancellation, which reduces the sound of the surrounding environment by about 9 decibels on average. It's not as impressive 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 sound tests. Their frequency response was mostly similar to the SoundGuys headphone curve with minor variations in the mids and bass. They have a deep, bass-filled sound profile that adds plenty of boom to the mix, however, they can make instruments and vocals such as cymbals sound veiled.
They also have very good leakage resistance, meaning you can wear them out in public without worrying about people hearing your music. Their mic has passable recording quality through Bluetooth with only slight distortion in the mid - to high treble frequency range.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless is a new update of the company's top Bluetooth headsets. The previous model, the Momentum 3, was a solid but unspectacular entry in the category. The new model improves on the previous model with more sleek design, better gesture controls and massive battery life.
The improvements are subtle, but can make for an over-ear set 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 also compatible with all devices, just like other Bluetooth headphones of recent times, like those from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. They are compatible with Apple iPhones as well as Android phones, but lack the AirPods' extra features like Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.
The most significant improvement is the battery that can play for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation turned on. This is more than the majority of the competitors offer and is enough for a long-distance trip without having to worry about finding an 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 their main strengths. The only thing he dislikes is that they lack a sense weight in the mids and the treble. This means that orchestral tracks tend to sound flat rather than grand. The bass is well-rounded, but can be overemphasized, which can cause fatigue in songs that have heavy bass lines, like the drum hits in As I Lay Dying’s Forever. The cymbals sound smoky rather than full and there's not a real sense of depth in the lows.
The Momentum 4s are a comfortable fit and aren't likely to put too much pressure on your ears or neck. However, they can be a bit difficult to wear around the house or during longer listening sessions, and can move around on your head with intense head movements. This could cause them to unexpectedly wake up which can be distracting during music or calls. Fortunately they shut down after 15 minutes of rest by default, and can be switched off using the power button.