15 Facts Your Boss Wishes You'd Known About Over Ear Headphones W…

Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds, can completely surround the ears. They also allow for bigger drivers that provide deeper bass and local a bigger soundstage. They also have active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.

The latest Master & Dynamic MW65 update offers superior audio, headphones wireless headphones multiple ANC modes and impressive battery life with a stylish and distinct design.

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

Sony has enhanced an already great pair of headphones by introducing the WH1000XM4 wireless. They're less heavy, feel better built, feature more balanced sound profiles (though still bass-heavy) and come with an app that lets you do some audio-related customization. Their active noise cancelling performs even better than before, removing any background noise. Additionally, they have a longer battery life than other models.

These headphones utilize Bluetooth 5.0 and support SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. These headphones can transmit high-resolution audio, however, you'll need compatible devices and streaming service. Additionally, the WH-1000XM4s can connect to two Bluetooth devices at once and automatically switch between them as needed. You enable this feature through the Sony Headphones Connect app and it works flawlessly.

One subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensitivity of their touch panels. They respond quicker to the touch of the panel and are much easier to control when making calls or listening to music. Sony also included a feature that helps voices sound clearer and more precise on calls which is noticeable and a nice addition.

While the WH1000XM4s aren't perfect, they are some of the best wireless headphones we've ever tried. They're comfortable, good to the touch, and have an excellent battery that can last more than 30 hours continuously. They can be used in a passive manner by using the TRS cable. This is perfect to travel with or for storing power.

The WH-1000XM4s are better over the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless over-ears. The Sonys are more comfortable, and their ANC is able to block out more background noise. They also come with a companion app that lets you alter their audio performance and EQ settings are more flexible than B&W's. The B&Ws are more robust, and can pair with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. They also support aptXHD, and they have an AI-driven engine that tries to increase the size of compressed music to high-resolution. This is referred to as DSEE Extreme and it does a good job of improving the clarity of music, particularly when listening to lossless files.

2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The $329 Bose QuietComfort45 sound cancelling headset is the most recent version of a headset which has become a popular choice for commuters and travelers all over the world. Rather than reinventing the wheel the new model follows the same formula that made the predecessor so popular, adding the USB-C port, which is better at cancelling noise and longer battery life.

Similar to 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, but is a solid feel, with hinges made of metal at the pivot points and the familiar ratcheting action when you extend or retract the ear cups. The cups are soft cushions that fit comfortably over the ears and don't put pressure to your head. When folded, they weigh 238 grams. 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 don't offer the most impressive sound quality for this price range. The frequencies are relatively flat and lack details that higher-end headphones may be able to bring out. The upper registers are boosted which is fine for most music genres but can be problematic for more delicate and complex genres. The bass is decent but is lacking power.

The ability to pause the playback when removing the headset is a feature not available. This is a standard feature in this price bracket and is something that Bose's competitors have long offered. Another oversight is the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose provides preset EQ settings in the app, but 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 your headset's audio and voice assistant settings.

The QC45s also include four built-in microphones that hear your voice when you make calls. The quality of calls is generally good however, the headphones do not have the capability to muffle your voice while playing back which is something that other wireless headphones do. Update: As of February 2022, a firmware update to the QC45s gave you an option to adjust the volume manually in the audio app which is a welcomed improvement.

3. Focal Bathys Wireless

Focal is a French audio brand that is known for high-performance headphones with long lasting comfort and a design that makes listeners feel like they're listening to something unique. Their first foray into wireless headphones that block noise, the Bathys, are a stunning set of headphones that look and sound amazing. They come with a high-performance USB DAC built in, en.acus.kr which means you can use them both for wireless and wired listening.

Focal claims that the Bathys can play premium bluetooth headphones music for 30 hours. We actually got more from them with more than 40 hours on average of one charge. If you need to recharge, there's an indicator light on the right earcup that will turn red when the headphone has to be charged.

For a pair of headphones for this price, they have many features. They can connect to multiple devices at once and feature automatic pairing. (You must select your source device manually every time you listen.) They have a built-in microphone that works 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 noise by an average of 9 decibels. This isn't as impressive a result as the ANC in the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless, however it's still pretty effective.

The Bathys headphones did well in our headphone tests. Their frequency response was generally similar to the headphone curve of SoundGuys with minor variations on the bass and mids. The Bathys have a bassy sound that can make vocals, instruments and cymbals seem veiled.

They also have excellent leakage resistance, meaning you can wear them in public without worrying about others hearing your music. Their mic has passable recording quality via Bluetooth with only a slight distortion in the mid - to high treble frequency 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 a great entry in this class. The latest pair improves on the previous model with a sleeker design, improved gesture controls, and an enormous battery life.

The improvements are subtle, but add up to an over-ear pair of headphones that feels 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 style of several other recent Bluetooth headphones, including those from Sony and Bowers & Wilkins, to be incredibly device-agnostic. They are compatible with Apple iPhones as well as Android phones, but they do not have the AirPods extra features, such as 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 on. This is more than the majority of the competitors offer and enough for a multi-day trip without having to worry about finding an outlet to charge it.

Engadget senior editor Billy Steele gave the headphones an 82 rating with a focus on their audio quality and ANC as two of their strengths. He only has one complaint that they lack of gravitas in the mids and treble. This means that orchestral pieces sound flat, not grand. The bass is well rounded, but can be too loud, which can cause to fatigue in songs with strong bass lines, such as the drum beats of As I Lay Dying’s Forever. The cymbals sound a bit bubbly, but not full. There's also not much depth to the lows.

The Momentum 4s are not designed to put pressure on your neck or ears. However, they can be a bit difficult to wear in the house or during longer listening sessions, and can move around on your head with intense head movements. This can cause them to wake up at random which can be distracting during calls or music. They shut down automatically after 15 minutes and can be switched off manually with the power button.