Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
Take a look at these if you're searching for wireless headsets. They're not only comfortable to wear, they offer excellent active noise cancellation that mutes background noises, allowing you to focus on the music.
Focal's first wireless headphones are audiophiles' dream. They feature a deep sound profile with enough thump for EDM but vocals and instruments aren't left out. They have a companion application and ANC presets, allowing you to tailor the sound to suit your personal preferences.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony's WH-1000XM5 is the newest generation of its bestselling headphones, that feature automatic adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) to block out ambient sounds. With a staggering 27-hour playback duration they are ideal for long commutes and long trips. The WH-1000XM5 also has a handy feature that allows you to pair it with up to two Bluetooth devices at the same time, making it easy to switch from music and calls. The sleek, minimalist design and environmentally friendly packaging (using recycled plastic specifically developed for Sony) make them an attractive option for anyone who cares about sustainability.
The XM5s come with a lighter, more comfortable headband that can be worn comfortably over your ears and places less pressure on your skull. They also look more fashionable with an updated, subtle look that helps them blend in with most outfits. They're also available in a matte black that is better than the glossy black of previous generations.
One of the best features is their intelligent noise cancellation feature. It detects when you've removed the headphones and stops the audio. When you put the headphones back on the audio is automatically resumed. This is a great method to conserve battery and it's very effective.
For sound quality, the XM5s are top of the line by combining LDAC codec support as well as DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Tim Commerford's bass work is exhibited in Rage against the Machine's Bullet in the Head track, a dark track. Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy has subtle but deliberate vocal fade.
A warning for gym rats and those who live in a rainy climate The WH-1000XM5s aren't equipped with an IP rating, so they aren't able to be used in humid conditions. In the manual, it's clearly stipulated that you shouldn't use the headset in the rain or sweat on it.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 represents a refreshing upgrade of B&W's previous flagship wireless headphone, PX7. Instead of a simple upgrade the Series 2 delivers a substantial improvement in both ANC and audio quality. The design also gets more refined, with a design which is more mature than glossy, tech-forward looks of Sony's XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.
The headphones can be switched on and off by the slider switch. There are buttons on the side for volume, play/pause and to navigate through your music collection. The left earcup has a customizable button that can be altered to work with your voice assistant. There's also an ambience pass-through mode, which lets you hear what's going on around you.
The S2s can reproduce a 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 an impressive soundstage. The vocals are well-centered and there's plenty of low-end amplitude.
The S2s are not the best in EQ control. You can adjust bass and treble up to 6dB, however there aren't any presets that will help you find the ideal balance. This isn't a huge deal for most listeners, but those who want to create their own audio will need to look elsewhere.
Overall overall, the PX7 S2s make a great choice for those who are seeking a noise-canceling, active headphone with an elegant design and feel. Although they're not as versatile as the XM5s discussed above however, they're still a great choice for most listeners. You'll have to decide if their superior ANC and audio quality is enough to offset the slightly higher price tag.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 are a excellent pair of over-ear wireless headphones that feature great noise cancellation and a 24-hour battery life. The headphones are light and comfortable enough to wear throughout the home. They can be controlled with the built-in buttons or an app companion, but customization is limited (sorry there's no equalizer). You can select from a variety of sound profiles depending on the circumstances, like when you're traveling or working at home. The QC45s also feature an Aware Mode that allows outside sounds in when using ANC, which can be beneficial for those who wish to hear their children and traffic when they are out and out and about.
The headphones' audio quality isn't quite as great with the WH-1000XM5s but it's still a good performance. The bass isn't overpowering, but it does offer decent depth and a decent amount of texture. The highs and mids are well-rounded and there's no hint of shrillness or harshness.
wireless on ear headphones is that the QC45s are more inclined to use higher frequencies, which can result in an occasional sibilance while listening to certain songs. This isn't a major issue and can be easily corrected by changing the headphone settings in the software.
The controls are intuitive and simple to use. The left earcup turns the headphones on and off, controls music playback and manages Bluetooth pairing. A multi-function Action Button is also available. It functions as a power switch and voice assistant in addition to controlling 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 great sound for the price. The headphones are durable and well-constructed. Although the headband and ear cups are made from plastic, it is durable enough that it will be durable for long use. The ear cups can rotate up to 15 degrees so they can fit comfortably on most ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x comes with Bluetooth 5.0, which allows you to stream your music wirelessly. They have an impressive battery life that can last up 30 hours of listening time. They come with a USB-C cord for charging.
The use of the headphones is easy. Three buttons are situated on the left ear cup and allow you to control the playing back of music as well in other functions. These buttons allow you to stop, change tracks, and adjust the volume. The ATH-M20x comes with a built-in microphone for calls and voice commands. The headset has low-latency modes that make it ideal for gaming and video calls.
While the ATH-M20x headphones have excellent audio quality, they are not the best choice for all genres of music. Vocals may sound a bit dull, and there's not much bass. The high frequencies sound clear and clear. The treble is an outstanding feature of these headphones. They will be a good choice for classical, pop and jazz.
The ATH M20x is a light headphone that weighs just under 190g without the cord. They have a good amount of padding on the earcups however they aren't foldable. They are large and won't fit in bags or backpacks. They don't come with an untidy cable, either. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are a better option for those looking for headphones that is more portable. It is more comfortable thanks to an adjustable design that folds, swiveling ear cups that lay flat and removable cables. It's more expensive, but provides more isolation, more bass and longer battery life.
Skullcandy Dime 2
The Dime 2 is one of the best-sounding earbuds from Skullcandy's true wireless. It has a small, compact case that's simple to slip into pockets or purses. It also comes with several ear gel sizes to fit different ears. It's also lighter than other true wireless buds we tried.
The earbuds have dual microphones that are good to pick up your voice and reduce background noise when you make phone calls. They are not suitable for use in outdoor environments since noises from the outside can block out your voice. The earbuds are also problematic in windy environments, and they may cut off certain areas of your speech.
Despite these minor issues the earbuds are solid in bass and other quality of sound. They have a clear high-end that doesn't spill into the mids, and they feature a nice amount of mid-bass to add some punch to your music.
They also have a good dual-tap feature to perform voice commands, although they're not as intuitive as Apple's AirPod Pro. You have to place your thumb on the bottom stem for stability and then press the logo to execute an action. It's not as responsive as a pinch gesture system, and it's a bit cumbersome.
The earbuds can last about four hours on a single charge and have a quick-charge capability for an additional two hours. They're also rated IPX4 for resistance to water and sweat. The earbuds come in an carrying case with two openings that can accommodate the earbuds, as well as a loop for attaching them to clothing. The case comes in a variety of colors, including Doritos Red. On the internet, you can purchase the cases for less than $30 USD.