Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
Take a look at these if you're searching for wireless headsets. These headphones are not just comfortable but also feature active noise cancellation which mutes background noise so that you can focus on your music.
Focal's first wireless headphones are an audiophile's dream. They feature a deep sound profile that has enough thump to fit EDM however vocals and instruments aren't excluded. They have an app companion to the music and ANC presets that allow you to customize the sound to your personal preferences.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 by Sony is the latest version of the popular headphones. It offers an automatic noise cancellation that can block out background noise. With a staggering 27-hour playback time, they are perfect for long journeys or commutes. The WH-1000XM5 also comes with an excellent feature that allows you to pair them with up to two Bluetooth devices at the same time making it easy to switch between calls and music. The sleek, minimalist design and eco-friendly packaging (using recycled plastic developed specifically for Sony) make an appealing choice for anyone who is concerned about sustainability.
In comparison to their predecessors the XM5s are a bit lighter and more comfortable with a headband that fits comfortably around your ears, with less pressure on your head. They're also more fashionable thanks to a new, stealthy appearance that lets them blend into most outfits. They're also now available in a gorgeous matte black that's better than the previous generation's glossy black.
One of the best features is their smart noise cancellation feature. It detects when you've removed the headphones and pauses the audio. When you put them back on, the audio resumes automatically. This is a great method to conserve battery power and it works.
As for wireless over the head headphones , the XM5s excel in both LDAC codec support as well as DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Rage Against the Machine's brooding Bullet in the Head shows off the bass work of Tim Commerford with real power as Billie Eilish's Bad Guy features a delicate but deliberate vocal fade.
A word of caution for those who exercise and who live in areas with rain: the WH-1000XM5s don't have an IP rating, which means they can't be trusted around humid conditions. In the manual, it is stated that you shouldn't wear the headset in the rain or when you sweat into it.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 is a refreshing upgrade to B&W's flagship wireless headphone, the PX7. The Series 2 is not just an incremental update, but a significant improvement in audio quality and ANC. The design is also a bit more refined. It's an older look as opposed to the glossy, modern appearance of Sony's XM5 or Apple's AirPods Max.
The headphones can be switched on and off by a slider switch. There are also dedicated buttons for volume, play/pause, and to navigate through your music library. The left earcup has a customizable button that can be remapped for your voice assistant. There's also an ambience pass-through mode, which lets you hear what's going on around you.
streaming an 16-bit/44.1kHz master of Dennis Wilson's River Song from his Pacific Ocean Blue album via the S2s, the soundstage is expansive and clear with layered harmonies as well as atmospheric textures coming through clearly. The vocals are well-centered and there's good low-end extension.
One area where the S2s fall short is in EQ control You can increase or decrease treble and bass by 6dB, but there aren't any EQ presets that can help you to find the perfect balance. Most listeners won't be concerned about this, but those who like to customize their audio will need to consider a different option.
Overall, the PX7 S2s are a great choice for those looking for an active noise-canceling headphones with the best feel and quality. They're not as flexible as the XM5s mentioned above however, they're still an excellent choice for the majority of listeners. You'll need to decide whether their superior ANC and audio quality are enough to justify the slightly higher cost.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of wireless over-ear headphones that offers great noise cancellation. They also come with a battery life of 24 hours. They're also lightweight and comfortable enough to wear around the home. The built-in buttons can be controlled by an app that is included with the headphones, but the options for customization are restricted. (Sorry, there's no equalizer). You can choose from different sound profiles depending on the circumstance, for instance when you're on the road or working at home. The QC45s also feature an Aware Mode that allows outside sounds in when using ANC which can be useful for those who want to hear their children and traffic while out and about.
The audio quality isn't quite on a par with the WH-1000XM5s however it's still a solid performer. The bass isn't as intense, but it does give decent depth and a good amount of sound quality. The mids and highs are well-rounded, and there's no sign of shrillness or harshness.
One issue is that the QC45s tend to prefer the higher frequencies, which may result in some sibilance to certain songs. This isn't a major issue and can be easily corrected by altering the headphone settings in the software.
The controls are simple and easy to use. A button on the left earcup turns the headphones on and off, controls music playback, as well as the Bluetooth pairing. A multi-function Action Button is also included. It functions as a power toggle and voice assistant, in addition to controlling the volume. There's a microphone for phone calls and Siri or Alexa is available.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The ATH M20x are a stylish pair of headphones that give excellent sound quality for the price. The headphones are durable and well-constructed. The headband and earcups are made of plastic, but they are strong enough to last for many years. The ear cups can be adjusted by as much as 15 degrees, so they can be positioned comfortably on most ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x has Bluetooth 5.0 which lets you enjoy your music wirelessly. The battery longevity is impressive, with up to 30hrs of listening time. They come with an USB cable to charge.
The headphones are easy to use. Three buttons are located on the left earcup and let you control the playing back of music as well as other functions. These buttons allow you to stop, change tracks, and even adjust the volume. The ATH-M20x also comes with an integrated microphone that can be used for voice calls and voice commands. The headset has low-latency technology that makes it ideal for video calls and gaming.
The ATH-M20x headphones are great for certain music genres however, not all. Vocals might sound a little flat, and there's not much bass. The high frequencies are crisp and clear however. They are well-known for their treble. They will be a good choice for classical, pop and jazz.
The ATH-M20x is a lightweight headphone, with a weight of just 190g without the cord. They are comfortable with plenty of padding on the earcups however they cannot be folded. They are heavy to carry around in a backpack and may not fit in the bag of a handbag. The cable cannot be removable. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better option for those that want a more portable set of headphones. It is more comfortable due to its folding design, swiveling ears that lay flat, and removable cables. It's more expensive but offers better isolation, more bass and longer battery life.
Skullcandy Dime 2.
The Dime 2 is one of Skullcandy's best-sounding wireless earbuds. It has a small, compact case that is easy to put in pockets or purses. It comes with a variety of sizes of ear gels that can be adjusted to fit different sizes of ears. It's also a bit lighter than other true wireless buds we've test.
The dual microphones are great for picking up your voice during phone calls and also reducing background noise. They are not suitable for use outdoors, as environmental sounds can drown out your voice. They also struggle with windy environments and can clip parts of your speech.
The earbuds are still very great sounding, despite these minor flaws. They have a clear high end that doesn't bleed into the mids, and they have an excellent amount of mid-bass which adds some punch to your music.
They also have a good dual-tap feature for executing voice commands, although they're not as user-friendly as Apple's AirPod Pro. You'll need to place your thumb on the stem's bottom to ensure stability, and then press the logo to trigger the command. It's not as quick as a pinch gesture, and it's a bit cumbersome.
The earbuds last around four hours on a single charge and can be charged quickly for two more hours. The earbuds are IPX4 rated for their resistance to sweat and water. The earbuds come with an included carrying case with a couple of openings for the earbuds as well as a loop to attach them to your clothing. It's a stylish case that's available in multiple colors, including the red color of Doritos. On the internet, you can purchase them for under $30 USD.