Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
You should consider these if searching for wireless headsets. They’re not just comfortable to wear, but they have excellent active noise cancellation that blocks out background noises to allow you to focus on the music.
The first bt wireless headphones headphones by Focal are audiophiles’ dream. They feature a deep sound profile that has enough thump to fit EDM however vocals and instruments aren’t left out. They have a companion application and ANC presets that allow you to tailor the sound to suit your personal preferences.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony’s WH1000XM5 is the most recent generation of its popular headphones that offer adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) to cancel out ambient sounds. They’re ideal for commutes and long travel days with a staggering 27 hours of playback time. They also come with a handy feature that allows you to connect them to two Bluetooth devices at the same time, which makes it easy to switch between calls and music. The WH-1000XM5’s sleek and minimalist design and environmentally friendly packaging (using recycled plastic that was specifically designed for Sony) make them an attractive option for anyone who cares about the environment.
The XM5s feature an easier, more comfortable headband that is a perfect fit over your ear and puts less pressure on your skull. They’re also more stylish with an updated, subtle style that allows them to blend in with most outfits. And they’re now available in a luxurious matte black that’s even better-looking than the previous generation’s glossy black.
One of the most impressive features of the WH1000XM5 is its smart noise cancellation feature, which detects when you remove the headphones and then pauses the audio. When you put the headphones back on the audio will resume automatically. This is a fantastic way to conserve battery and it’s very effective.
In terms of sound quality, the XM5s do a great job in both LDAC codec support and DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Tim Commerford’s bass skills are evident in Rage against the Machine’s Bullet in the Head, a brooding track. Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy features subtle but deliberate vocal fade.
A cautionary note for gym rats and those who live in rainy climes The WH-1000XM5s do not have an IP rating, therefore they can’t be trusted around moisture. In the manual, it is stated that you shouldn’t use the headset in the rain or sweat into it.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 is a refreshing update to B&W’s previous flagship wireless headphone that was the PX7. Rather than a mere iterative upgrade the Series 2 delivers a substantial increase in both ANC and audio quality. The design also gets more refined, with a design that’s more mature than the glossy, tech-forward looks of Sony’s XM5 and Apple’s AirPods Max.
A switch to turn off power makes it clear whether the headphones are turned on, and dedicated buttons for play / pause and volume make it simple to navigate your music library. The left ear cup has a button that is customizable and can be remapped for your voice assistant. There’s also an ambient pass-through mode, which allows you to hear what’s happening around you.
streaming the 16-bit/44.1kHz master of Dennis Wilson’s River Song from his Pacific Ocean Blue tooth headphone album using the S2s The soundstage is large and rich with layered harmonies and atmospheric textures bursting through. There’s a lot of low-end extension, as well as vocals that stay in the center.
The S2s aren’t the best at EQ control. You can alter the bass and treble up to 6dB but there aren’t any presets that can aid you in finding your ideal balance. This isn’t a big issue for most listeners, but music fans who like to create their own audio will probably have to look elsewhere.
Overall, the PX7 S2s are a solid option for those who want an active noise-canceling headset with an elegant feel and a high-end finish. While they’re not as flexible like the XM5s mentioned earlier, they are still a great choice for most listeners. You’ll need to decide if superior ANC and audio quality is worth the slightly higher cost.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of wireless over-ear headphones that provide excellent noise cancellation. They also have a 24-hour battery life. They are light and comfortable enough to wear in the house. The built-in buttons can be controlled by an app that is included with the headphones, but the options for customization are restricted. (Sorry there’s no equalizer). You can pick from various sound profiles depending on the situation, such as when you’re on the road or working from home. The QC45s also come with an Aware Mode which allows outside sounds be heard when using ANC which is beneficial for those who wish to hear their children and traffic when they are out and about.
The audio quality isn’t quite as great with the WH-1000XM5s, but it’s still a solid performer. The bass isn’t as intense, but it does give decent depth and blue tooth Headphone a good amount of texture. The mids and the highs are nicely rounded and there is no shrillness or harshness.
The QC45s have a tendency to prefer higher frequencies. This can result in a slight sibilance during listening to certain music. This isn’t an issue that causes a huge issue and can be easily corrected by adjusting the headphone settings in software.
The controls are simple and easy to use. A button on the left ear cup powers the headphones on and off, controls the music playback, and manages Bluetooth pairing. A multi-function Action Button is also provided. It functions as a power toggle and voice assistant, as well as controlling the volume. There’s a microphone for phone calls, and Siri or Alexa is available.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The ATH M20x are a stylish pair of headphones that offer excellent sound quality for the price. They are well built with a sturdy feel to them. The headband and ear cups are made of plastic it is strong enough to be robust enough for long-term use. The ear cups can rotate up to 15 degrees, so they can be positioned to fit the majority of ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x features bluetooth wireless headphone 5.0 which lets you enjoy your music wirelessly. The battery longevity is impressive, with up to 30 hours of listening time. They come with a USB-C cord for charging.
The use of the headphones is easy. There are three buttons at the the left earcup which allow you to control playback as well as other functions. You can pause, switch tracks and even adjust the volume using these buttons. The ATH M20x comes with an integrated microphone for calls and voice commands. The headset features low-latency technology that makes it ideal for gaming and video calls.
The ATH-M20x headphones aren’t without excellent audio quality, they are not ideal for any genre of music. Vocals can sound flat, and there isn’t much bass. The high frequencies are crisp and clear however. They are well-known for their Treble. They’re a great choice for classical, pop and jazz.
The ATH-M20x headphones are lightweight at just under 190 grams without the cord. The ear cups are well cushioned, but they can’t be folded. They are bulky and won’t fit in the backpack or bag. The cable isn’t removable. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better choice for those that want a more compact set of headphones. It is more comfortable thanks to its fold-down design, swiveling earpieces that lie flat, and removable cables. It’s more expensive, but it offers more isolation, more bass and a longer battery life.
Skullcandy Dime 2.
The Dime 2 is Skullcandy’s best-sounding true wireless headphones. It comes with a small and Blue tooth headphone compact case that’s easy to slip into pockets or purses. It comes with a variety of ear gel sizes that can be adjusted to fit various sizes of ears. It’s also lighter than other true wireless buds we’ve test.
The earbuds have dual microphones that are good to pick up your voice and reduce background noise when you make phone calls. However, they’re not the best for outdoor use because environmental sounds can overtake your voice. The earbuds can also be unsuitable in windy environments and they could block certain portions of your speech.
The earbuds are excellent sounding despite these minor problems. They have a crisp clean, clear high-end that doesn’t spill over into the mids. They also have a decent amount of mid-bass to give your music some punch.
They also have a good dual-tap feature that allows you to execute voice commands, but they’re not as user-friendly as Apple’s AirPod Pro. You’ll need to place your thumb on the bottom stem for stability and then press the logo to trigger the command. It’s not as responsive as the pinch gesture system and can be a bit unwieldy.
The earbuds last for about four hours with a single charge. They also have an option to charge them quickly that lets them last for two additional hours. The earbuds are IPX4 tested for their resistance to water and sweat. The earbuds come with an carrying case with two openings to fit the buds, and a loop for attaching them to clothing. It’s a stylish case that’s available in several colors, including red Doritos. You can purchase them online for under $30 USD.