Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear headphones, unlike earbuds encapsulate the ears completely. They also permit bigger drivers that provide deeper bass and a wider soundstage. Many come with Bluetooth technology and active noise cancellation.
The latest Master & Dynamic MW65 update provides superior audio, multiple ANC modes and impressive battery life in an elegant and distinctive design.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Sony has improved on an already great pair of headphones with the WH-1000XM4 Wireless. They're less heavy, feel better constructed, and have more balanced sound profiles (though still bass-heavy) and include an app that allows for some audio-related customization. Their active noise cancelling performs better than it did before, removing any background noise. Additionally, they have a longer continuous battery life than many competitors.
These headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 and support SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. This codec can transfer high-resolution audio, but you'll need compatible devices and streaming service. The WH-1000XM4s is also able to connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and automatically switch between them when required. This feature can be enabled through the Sony Headphones Connect app and it works flawlessly.
The touch panels are more sensitive than the XM3. They respond more quickly to the touch of a panel, and this makes them easier to control during a phone call or to listen to media. Sony has added a feature to make voices sound more clear and precise during calls. This is a noticeable and pleasant addition.
While the WH-1000XM4s aren't perfect, they're one of the top wireless headphones we've ever tried. They're comfortable, well-made, and come with an outstanding battery that lasts more than 30 hours continuously. They can be used in a passive manner using an TRS cable. This is perfect to travel with or for storing energy.
The WH-1000XM4s make a better choice over the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless over-ears. The Sonys are more comfortable, and their ANC can block out more background noise. They also have an app that lets you tweak their audio performance and EQ settings are more flexible than the B&W's. The B&Ws are built better and can connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. They also support aptXHD and have an AI-driven engine that tries to increase the size of compressed music to high-resolution. This is known as DSEE Extreme and it does well in improving the clarity of music, particularly when listening to lossless files.
2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The $329 Bose QuietComfort 45 noise-canceling headphones are the latest iteration of a headphone that became a staple for commuters and passengers around the world. The new model doesn't reinvent the wheel. It retains the same formula which was the basis of its predecessor's success with the addition of USB-C and better noise cancellation.
Similar to the QC 35 II before them, these over-ear Bose headphones feature a premium look and feel that exudes quality. The headband is made from plastic, but is a solid feel, with hinges made of metal at the pivot points, and the ratcheting mechanism that is familiar when you retract or extend the earcups. The cups are cushioned, and have soft pads that fit over your ears without placing pressure on your head. They weigh 238 grams and are compact when folded. You can use them while wearing a sweater or coat as the noise-canceling works even when they're not on your head.
Despite their reputation for comfort, the QC45s don't provide the best sound quality in this price range. The frequencies are relatively flat and lack the depth that higher-end headphones may be capable of bringing out. The higher registers tend to be more boosted and is suitable for most music but can cause problems for more delicate or intricate music genres. The bass is good but it lacks power.
One feature that's missing is the possibility of paused playback when you take off the headset. This is a feature Bose's rivals have provided for several years. Another oversight 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 smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth 5.0 with support for multipoint and the 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 come best wireless over ear headphones with four microphones that are built-in to pick up your voice when on the phone. The headphones have good call quality, however they don't permit you to silence the voice when playing back as other wireless headphones. Update In February 2022, a firmware update to the QC45s offered manual EQ options within 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 renowned for their style and comfort, which let listeners know that they're hearing something unique. The Bathys are their first wireless noise-cancelling headphones. They look and sound stunning. They come with a high-performance USB DAC built in, so you can use them both for wireless and wired listening.
The Bathys have a very good battery performance, with Focal claims of 30 hours of continuous Bluetooth playtime. We got more than 40 hours of playback time on average from a single charge. If you do need to recharge, there's an indicator light on the right earcup that will change to red when the earphone needs to be charged.
They have a decent amount of features for a pair of headphones of this price point, including support for multiple devices at once and automatic pairing (though you'll need to manually select your source device every time you would like to listen). The headphones have a built in microphone that works with voice assistants, such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones also feature an intuitive interface that makes it easy to control your music as well as make calls.
For headphones with over-ear connectivity The Bathys are very good in our test of noise cancellation, reducing the background sound by around 9 decibels per hour on average. It's not as impressive as the ANC in the Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless, however it's still pretty effective.
The Bathys headphones performed well in our headphone sound tests. Their frequency response was generally similar to the SoundGuys headphone curve with minor differences on the bass and mids. The Bathys have a booming sound profile that can make instruments, vocals and cymbals seem veiled.
You can wear them anywhere without worrying that others will hear your music. The microphone is able to be used to record via Bluetooth with only a slight distortion between the mid-treble and treble.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless is a new version of the company's flagship Bluetooth headsets. The last pair, the Momentum 3, was a decent, but not the most impressive entry in the category. The latest pair is a significant improvement over the previous generation, with more sleek design, better gesture control, and a huge battery life.
Many of the improvements here are subtle, but they add up to make a pair that feel like an upgrade to the previous model. The Momentum 4s are flat and don't fold. They come with a hardshell case that protects them while traveling. The Momentum 4s are also non-device-specific, similar to other Bluetooth headphones from recent times, like the ones from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. They are compatible with Apple iPhones as well as Android phones, but lack the AirPods additional features such as Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.
The most obvious change in this model is the huge battery that promises up to 60 hours of playback with noise cancellation enabled. This is more than what the majority of the competitors can provide and enough for a long-distance trip without worrying about finding a power outlet to charge them up.
Engadget senior editor Billy Steele gave the headphones an 82-point score, citing their audio quality and ANC as two of their strengths. The only issue he has is that they lack a sense of gravitas in the mids as well as treble, meaning that orchestral pieces tend to sound flat instead of grand. The bass is well-rounded however it can be overemphasized, which can cause fatigue in songs that have strong bass lines, such as the drum beats of As I Lay Dying’s Forever. The cymbals sound bubbly, but not full. There's no real depth to the lows.
The Momentum 4s are comfortable and shouldn't put too much pressure on your neck or ears. However they can be fidgety when wearing them in the house or during longer listening sessions, and can move around on your head with intense head movements. This can cause them wake up at random times, which can be distracting while listening to music or making calls. Fortunately they shut down after 15 minutes of slumber by default and can be turned off manually off using the power button.