Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds can completely surround the ears. They also permit larger drivers, which deliver greater bass and a larger soundstage. best overhead headphones wireless come with Bluetooth technology and active noise cancellation.
The Master & Dynamic MW65 has been updated with better audio, multiple ANC modes, and a long battery life.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Sony has redesigned an already excellent pair of headphones with the WH-1000XM4 Wireless. They're less heavy, feel better built, have a more balanced sound profile (though still bass heavy), and include an app that allows for some audio adjustments. They've upgraded their active noise cancellation, which eliminates the background noise and have a longer battery life.
These headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible, and Sony LDAC is also compatible with. These headphones can transfer high-resolution audio however, you'll need compatible equipment and a streaming service. The WH-1000XM4s also allows you to connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and then automatically switch between the two when required. You enable this feature through the Sony Headphones Connect app and it works very well.
One subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensitiveness of their touch panels. They respond more quickly to the touch of a panel, and this makes them easier to control during calls or to listen to media. Sony has also added a feature that can make voices sound more precise and clear during calls. This is a distinct and pleasant addition.
While the WH-1000XM4s aren't perfect, they're some of the best wireless headphones we've ever tested. They're comfortable and well-made. They also have batteries that last for more than 30 continuous hours. They can also be used in a passive manner using an TRS cable which is great if you're traveling or need to conserve power.
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 background noise. The B&Ws feature a more flexible EQ and an app that allows you to tweak the audio performance. The B&Ws are better built and can be paired with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. They also support aptXHD, and they have an AI-driven engine which tries to up-scale 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 QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones are the most recent version of a headphone that became an essential for commuters and travelers around the globe. Instead of reinventing the wheel the new model uses the same formula that made the predecessor so popular, adding the USB-C port, which is better at cancelling noise and a longer battery lifespan.
These over-ear Bose headsets come with a premium feel and appearance, similar to the QC 35 II headphones that came before them. The headband, constructed of plastic, has a solid feel thanks to the metal hinges at pivot points. They also have the familiar ratcheting mechanism when you expand or retract your ear cups. The cups are cushioned, and have soft pads that fit over your ears without placing 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 they are not on the head.
Despite their reputation for comfort, the QC45s do not provide the best sound quality in this price range. The frequencies are flat and lack the depth that higher-end headphones might be able bring out. The upper registers are boosted which is acceptable for most music genres but can be problematic for more delicate and intricate genres. The bass is decent but it lacks the punch.
The possibility of pauseing the playback when you remove the headset is a feature that's missing. This is a standard in this price range and something Bose's competitors have long offered. Another issue is the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose offers preset EQ settings in the app however it would be nice to have a manual control.
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 headsets audio and voice settings.
The QC45s have four microphones that are built-in to hear your voice when you are on the phone. The headphones have good call quality, but they don't permit you to mute the voice during playback like other wireless headphones. Update In February 2022, a firmware update to the QC45s offered manual EQ options in 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 listening something special. Their first attempt at wireless headphones that block noise the Bathys, are a stunning set of headphones that look and sound amazing. They come with a top-quality USB DAC built in, making them suitable both for wireless and wired listening.
Focal claims that the Bathys can play Bluetooth music for up to 30 hours. We had more than 40 hours of playback time on average on a single charge. If you require a recharge, there's a light on the right earcup that will turn red when the headphone has to be charged.
They have a decent amount of features for a pair of headphones at this price that include support for multiple devices simultaneously and automatic pairing (though you'll have to manually select your source device every time you need to listen). They come with a built-in microphone that works with voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones have an easy-to navigate interface that makes it simple to control music and make calls.
For wireless headphones that are over-ear The Bathys excel in our test of noise cancellation. They cut down the sound of the surrounding environment by about 9 decibels on average. They aren't as good as the ANC found in the Sony WH1000XM4 or Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless however it's still very effective.
The Bathys headphones did well in our headphone sound tests. Their frequency response was mostly similar to the SoundGuys headphone curve, with only minor deviations on the bass and mids. They have a bass-rich sound pattern that adds plenty of boom to the mix, however, it can make vocals and instruments like cymbals seem a bit veiled.
Wear them wherever you want without worrying that others will listen to your music. Their microphone is suitable for recording via Bluetooth with only a slight distortion between the mid-treble and treble.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless is a new update of the company's most popular Bluetooth headsets. The Momentum 3 was a solid but not a great entry in this class. The new model improves on the previous model with modern design, better gesture controls, and an enormous battery life.
The improvements here are subtle but they make a pair of over-ears that seem like a step up from the old one. The Momentum 4s are flat and do not fold. They come with an outer case that protects them while on the move. The Momentum 4s are non-device-specific, similar to other Bluetooth headphones of recent times, like the ones from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. This means they can work with both Android phones and Apple iPhones, however they do not have the additional features (like Find My support and head-tracked Spatial Audio) that you'll find on AirPods.
The biggest difference is the massive battery that can last for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation turned on. That's easily double what most of the competitors can provide and is enough for a long-distance trip without worrying about finding an outlet to charge it.
Billy Steele, senior editor at Engadget, gave the headphones a score of 82. He highlighted their audio quality and ANC features as their strengths. He has only one complaint: they lack a sense gravitas in mids and treble. This makes orchestral tracks sound dull instead of grand. The bass is well-rounded, however, it can be overemphasized and can cause fatigue in songs that have heavy bass lines such as the drum hits in As I Lay Dying's Forever. The cymbals sound a bit sizzled, not full. There's also not much depth to the lows.
The Momentum 4s are not designed to cause pressure on your neck or ears. However, they can be uncomfortable when worn in the house or during longer listening sessions, and will move about on your head in a flurry of head movements. This can cause them to unexpectedly wake up and can cause distraction when you are listening to music or calls. They shut down automatically after 15 minutes and can be switched off manually with the power button.