20 Up-And-Comers To Follow In The Over Ear Headphones Wireless Best In…

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 wider soundstage. Many include Bluetooth technology and active noise cancellation.

The Master & Dynamic MW65 has been upgraded with improved audio and numerous ANC modes, and a long battery life.

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

Sony has improved an already great pair of headphones with the introduction of the WH1000XM4 wireless. They're lighter, feel more built, headphone wireless Bluetooth have an improved sound profile that is more balanced (though still bass heavy), and include an app that allows for some audio customization. They have improved their active noise cancellation, eliminating more background noises and extending the battery life.

These headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 which supports SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. The latter can transfer high-resolution music, though you'll need compatible devices and streaming services. In addition, the WH-1000XM4s can connect to two Bluetooth devices at the same time and automatically switch between them as needed. You enable this feature through the Sony Headphones Connect app and it works flawlessly.

A subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensitiveness of their touch panels. They respond faster to a tap on a panel, and this makes them easier to control during a call or to listen to media. Sony also included a feature that makes voice sound more clear and precise during calls, which is noticeable and a nice touch.

While the WH-1000XM4s aren't perfect, they're one of the best wireless headphones we've tested. They're comfortable, feel good to the touch, and have an outstanding battery that lasts for longer than 30 hours continuously. They can be used as a passive device using a TRS cable. This is great for traveling or conserving energy.

The WH1000XM4s are a better alternative to the Bowers & Wilkins Wireless Over-Ears PX7 S2. The Sonys are more comfortable and their ANC can block out more ambient sound. They also have a companion app that lets you tweak their audio performance, and their EQ settings are more flexible than the B&W's. The B&Ws are more robust and can be paired with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. In addition, they support aptX HD, and they have a unique AI-driven engine that tries to upscale 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 that is a popular choice among commuters and passengers all over the world. Rather than reinventing the wheel the new model uses the same formula that made its predecessor so popular, but adds the USB-C port, which is better at cancelling noise and a longer battery lifespan.

Similar to the QC 35 II before them, these over-ear Bose headphones feature an elegant design and feel that exudes quality. The headband is constructed of plastic, but has a sturdy feel with metal hinges at the pivot points and the ratcheting mechanism that is familiar when you open or retract the ear cups. The cups are cushioned and have soft pads that are comfortable to wear over your ears without pressing your head. They weigh 238 grams and are compact when folded. They can be worn with a sweater or coat because they function even when not on your head.

Despite their reputation for comfort, the QC45s can't offer the best sound in this price range. The frequencies are dull and lack the depth that headphones with higher prices might be able to bring out. The upper registers are amplified which is acceptable for most music genres but could be a problem for more delicate and complex genres. The bass is good, but it lacks power.

One feature that's missing is the ability to pause playback when you take the headset off. This is a feature that Bose's rivals have provided for several years. Another omission is the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose provides preset EQ settings in the app however it would be nice to have a manual control.

Bluetooth 5.0 is supported, with multipoint as well as more advanced codecs such as aptX Adaptive. Download the Bose Audio App to adjust your headsets sound and voice settings.

The QC45s have four microphones inbuilt to pick up your voice while on the phone. The quality of calls is generally good, but the headsets do not have the capability to muffle your voice during playback, which is a feature that other wireless headphones have. Update: As of February 2022, the firmware update to the QC45s provided an option to adjust the volume manually in the audio app, which is a welcome improvement.

3. Focal Bathys Wireless

Focal is a French audio brand that produces high-performance headphones. They are well-known for their style and comfort, which let listeners know that they're listening to something special. The Bathys are their first wireless noise-cancelling headphones. They look and sound stunning. They also have an inbuilt high-performance USB DAC which means you can use them for both wireless and wired listening.

Focal claims that the Bathys can play Bluetooth music for up to 30 hours. We actually got more out of them with more than 40 hours on average of a single charge. If you require a recharge, there's an indicator light on the right earcup that turns red when the earphone needs to be charged.

They come with a wide range of features for headphones of this price point that include support for multiple devices at the same time and automatic pairing (though you'll need to manually select your source device each time you would like to listen). The headphones come with an inbuilt microphone that works with voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa. They also come with an intuitive interface that makes it simple to control your music as well as make calls.

Bathys over-ear headphones are able to perform in our noise cancellation test, reducing ambient noise by 9 decibels on average. This isn't as impressive as the ANC in the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless, but it's still pretty effective.

In our tests of the quality of sound from headphones The Bathys were a good overall performer with an overall frequency response that corresponds to the SoundGuys preference curve with only minor deviations in the mids and bass. The Bathys are bassy sound profile which can make vocals, instruments and cymbals seem veiled.

You can wear them anywhere without fearing that other people will listen to your music. The microphone is able to be used for recording via Bluetooth with only a slight distortion between the mid-treble and treble.

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4

The Sennheiser Momentum Headphone Wireless Bluetooth are a new update to the company's flagship cordless bluetooth headphones headphones. The previous model, the Momentum 3, was a solid but unspectacular entry in the class. The new model is a step up from the previous model, featuring an elegant design, enhanced gesture control and an enormous battery life.

The improvements are subtle, but make for an over-ear set of headphones that feel like an upgrade. The Momentum 4s are flat and do not fold. They come with an outer case that protects them while traveling. They also follow the pattern of a number of other recent Bluetooth headphones, such as the ones from Sony and Bowers & Wilkins, to be beautifully device agnostic. They are compatible with Apple iPhones and Android phones, but lack the AirPods additional features such as Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.

The most significant improvement is the battery that can last for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation turned on. This is nearly double the amount of the competitors and sufficient to take a multi-day journey without worrying about finding an outlet.

Engadget senior editor Billy Steele gave the headphones an 82 rating with a focus on their audio quality and ANC as their main strengths. He has only one complaint they lack of gravitas in the mids and the treble. This means that orchestral pieces sound dull instead of grand. The bass is well rounded, but can be overemphasized, which can cause to fatigue when songs have strong bass lines, such as the drum beats of As I Lay Dying’s Forever. The cymbals sound sizzled, not full. There's 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. However, they can be uncomfortable when worn in the house or during longer listening sessions, and can move around on your head, causing 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 switched off using the power button.