Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
You should consider these if searching for wireless headsets. These headphones aren't just comfortable, but they also have active noise cancellation that reduces background sounds so you can concentrate on your music.
Focal's first wireless headphones are an audiophile's dream. They have a rich sound with enough thump to suit EDM but instruments and vocals aren't excluded. They have an app companion and ANC presets to tailor the sound to your personal preferences.
copyright WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 from copyright is the most recent version of its popular headphones. It offers an adaptive noise cancellation feature that will block out background noise. They're ideal for commutes and long days of travel, with an impressive 27 hours of playback time. They also come with a handy feature that allows you to connect them to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and makes it simple to switch between music and calls. The WH-1000XM5's sleek, minimalist design and eco-friendly packaging (using recycled plastic specifically developed for copyright) make an appealing choice for those who are concerned about sustainability.
In comparison to their predecessors the XM5s weigh less and are more comfortable thanks to a headband that fits snugly around your ears with less pressure on your nose. They are also more stylish, with a new stealthy style that is a perfect match with the majority of outfits. They're also available in a matte black that looks even better than the glossy black of the previous generations.
One of the WH-1000XM5's best features is their smart noise cancellation feature, which detects when you've removed the headphones and pauses the audio. When you put them back on, they will automatically resume. This is a great way to save battery, and it is effective.
As for sound quality, the XM5s do a great job by combining LDAC codec support and DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Rage Against the Machine's dark Bullet in the Head showcases the bass skills of Tim Commerford with real power and Billie Eilish's Bad Guy has a subtle but deliberate vocal fade.
For gym rats and those living in humid climates A word of caution: the WH1000XM5s do not have an IP rating. They are not recommended near moisture. In the manual, it's clearly stated that you shouldn't use the headset in the rain or when you sweat on it.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 is a refreshing upgrade to B&W's prior flagship wireless headphone that was the PX7. Rather than a mere iterative upgrade, the Series 2 delivers a substantial improvement in both ANC and audio quality. The design is also a bit more refined, with a look that is more mature than the shiny, tech-forward appearance of copyright's XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.
A slider switch for power ensures that you know whether the headphones are turned on, and dedicated buttons for play / pause and volume make it easy to navigate through your music library. The left earcup features an adjustable button that can be remapped for your voice assistant. There's also an ambient pass-through mode that allows you to hear what's going on around you.
The S2s can reproduce the 16-bit/44.1kHz Master of Dennis Wilson's River Song, from his Pacific Ocean Blue Album, with its layered harmonies and atmospheric textures, and detailed soundstage. The vocals are well-centered and there's a good low-end extension.
The S2s aren't the best at EQ control. You can alter the bass and treble by up to 6dB, but there aren't any presets available that can allow you to find your ideal balance. Most listeners won't be affected by this however those who prefer to tweak their audio will need to look elsewhere.
Overall all, the PX7 S2s are a great choice for those looking for an active noise-canceling headset with a premium feel and finish. While they're not as flexible as the XM5s discussed above but they're an excellent option for most listeners. You'll need to decide if the superior ANC and audio are worth the slightly more expensive price.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of wireless best overhead headphones wireless over-ear headphones that provide excellent noise cancellation. They also have a 24-hour battery life. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable enough to wear throughout the house. They can be controlled using the built-in buttons and an accompanying app, however the ability to customize is limited (sorry there's no equalizer). You can select from a variety of sound profiles based on the circumstance, for instance when you're traveling or working at home. The QC45s come with an Aware Mode, which allows outside sounds to be heard using ANC. This is useful for those who want to hear children and traffic while out and about.
The audio quality isn't as good with the WH-1000XM5s but it's still a solid performer. The bass isn’t pounding but it does provide a decent amount of volume and depth. The mids and highs are nicely rounded and there's no harshness or shrillness.
One issue is that the QC45s tend to prefer the higher frequencies, which may result in some sibilance to certain songs. It's not a huge issue and can be fixed with software by adjusting the headphone settings.
The controls are easy to use. The left earcup powers on and off the headphones, controls music playback and manages Bluetooth pairing. A multi-functional Action Button is also provided. It can serve as a power switch and voice assistant, as well as controlling the volume. There's also a microphone for phone calls, and Siri or Alexa is supported.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The ATH M20x are a stylish pair of headphones that give an excellent sound quality at a reasonable price. They are well built with solid feel to them. The headband and earcups are made of plastic, but they're strong enough to last an extended period of time. The ear cups can rotate by up to 15 degrees. This means they will fit comfortably on most ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x has Bluetooth 5.0 which lets you listen to your music wirelessly. The battery life is impressive, with up to 30 hours of listening time. They come with a USB-C cord for charging.
The headphones are simple to use. There are three buttons on the the left ear cup that allow you to control playback and other functions. These buttons let you stop, change tracks, and adjust the volume. The ATH-M20x has built-in microphones for calls and voice commands. The headset is in a low latency mode that makes it ideal for gaming and video calling.
The ATH-M20x headphones are excellent for certain music genres however, not all. Vocals can sound flat, and there's not much bass. The high frequencies are crisp and clear however. These headphones are renowned for their Treble. They're a great choice for pop, classical and jazz.
The ATH M20x headphones are light at a mere 190 grams without the cord. The ear cups are cushioned, but they are not able to be folded. They are large and cannot fit into a bag or backpack. The cable cannot be removable. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are a better option for those who need a set of headphones that is more portable. It is more comfortable with an adjustable design that folds, swiveling ears that lay flat, and a removable cable. It's more expensive but offers better isolation and more bass.
Skullcandy Dime 2.
The Dime 2 is one of Skullcandy's best-sounding wireless earbuds. It has a small and compact case that's simple to slip into pockets or purses. It also comes with several sizes of ear gels to fit different ears. It's also lighter than other true wireless headphones we've tested.
The earbuds come with dual microphones, which are excellent for picking up your voice and reduce background noise when you make phone calls. They are not suitable for use outdoors because noises from the environment can be a distraction to your voice. They also struggle with winds and can cut certain portions of your speech.
The earbuds are excellent sounding despite these minor issues. They have a clear, high-end that doesn't spill into the mids, and they have an excellent amount of mid-bass which adds some punch to your music.
They also have a decent dual-tap feature that allows you to execute voice commands, but they're not as user-friendly as Apple's AirPod Pro. You must place your thumb on the bottom stem to ensure stability and then press the logo for a command. It's a bit awkward, and it isn't as responsive as a pinch-gear system.
The earbuds last for about four hours on just one charge. They also have a quick-charge feature that allows them to last two more hours. They're also rated IPX4 for resistance to water and sweat. The earbuds come with an included carrying case that has several openings to accommodate the earbuds as well as an elastic loop to secure them to your clothing. The case comes in a variety of colors, including Doritos Red. They are available on the internet for less than $30 USD.