Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
You should consider these if seeking wireless headphones for your ears. These headphones are not just comfortable, but they also have active noise cancellation, which reduces background noise so that you can concentrate on your music.
Focal's debut wireless headphones are an audiophile's dream. They have a rich sound profile with enough thump for EDM but vocals and instruments aren't excluded. They include a companion app and ANC presets that allow you to modify the sound to fit your tastes.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 from Sony is the most recent version of the well-known headphones. It offers an adaptive noise cancellation feature that will cancel out ambient sound. With an impressive 27-hour playback time, they are perfect for long commutes and long trips. 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 environmentally friendly packaging (using recycled plastic specifically developed for Sony) make them a desirable option for those who are concerned about sustainability.
In comparison to their predecessors the XM5s are lighter and more comfortable, with the headband that is comfortably around your ears, with less pressure on your head. They're also more stylish and have a sleek design that can be incorporated into all outfits. They're also available in a matte black that looks even better than the glossy black of previous generations.
One of the most impressive features of the WH1000XM5 is its smart noise cancellation feature, which detects when you remove the headphones and pauses 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.
In terms of sound quality, the XM5s do a great job in both LDAC codec support and DSEE Extreme audio upscaling. Tim Commerford's work on bass is featured in Rage against the Machine’s Bullet in the Head which is a dark track. Billie Eilish's Bad Guy has a subtle, but deliberate vocal fade.
A word of caution for gym-goers and those who live in a rainy climate The WH-1000XM5s do not have an IP rating, therefore they aren't able to be used in humidity. There's even a disclaimer in the manual that recommends you avoid sweating into the headset or use it in the rain.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 represents a refreshing upgrade of B&W's previous flagship wireless headphone, PX7. The Series 2 is not just an incremental update, but a significant improvement in audio quality and ANC. The design also gets more refined, with a design that's more mature than the shiny, tech-forward appearance of Sony's XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.
The headphones can be switched off and on using an adjustable slider switch. There are buttons that are specifically designed for volume, play/pause, and to navigate through your music library. The left earcup features an adjustable button that can be changed to match your voice assistant. There's also an ambience pass-through mode, which allows you to hear what's happening around you.
The S2s are able 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 a detailed soundstage. There's plenty of low-end extension, and the vocals remain centered.
The S2s are not the best in EQ control. You can adjust bass and treble up to 6dB but there aren't any presets available that will help you find the perfect balance. This isn't an issue for the majority of listeners, but music fans who like to control their sound's tone themselves will likely need to look for a different model.
Overall, the PX7 S2s are a great option for those who want an active noise-canceling headset with the best feel and quality. They're not as flexible as the XM5s mentioned above, but they're still a great option for most listeners. You'll have to decide if the superior ANC and audio is worth the slightly higher price.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 are a solid pair of over-ear wireless headphones that provide excellent noise cancellation and a 24-hour battery life. The headphones are light and comfortable enough to wear in the house. They can be controlled via the built-in buttons or a companion app, although customization is restricted (sorry, no equalizer). You'll be able to select from a range of sound profiles that are suitable for various situations, such as travelling or working from home. The QC45s come with a feature known as Aware Mode, which allows outside sounds to be heard using ANC. This can be useful for people who want to hear children and traffic while out and out and about.
The headphones' audio quality isn't as good with the WH-1000XM5s however it's still a good performance. The bass isn't overpowering, but it does give decent depth and a decent amount of sound quality. The mids and highs are well rounded and there's no harshness or shrillness.
The QC45s have a tendency to prefer higher frequencies. This can cause a slight sibilance while listening to certain music. This isn't a major issue and can be easily corrected by altering the headphone settings in the software.
The controls are intuitive. A button on the left earcup powers on and off the headphones, controls music playback and manages Bluetooth pairing. There's also a multi-function Action button that can also be used as a power switch and voice assistant as well as volume control. There's also a microphone for phone calls and Siri or Alexa is supported.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The ATH-M20x is a stylish pair that offers excellent sound quality at a reasonable price. They are well built with an incredibly solid feel. Although the headband and ear cups are made of plastic it is strong enough to be robust enough for long-term use. The ear cups can rotate by up to 15 degrees. This means they will fit comfortably on the majority of ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x comes with Bluetooth 5.0 which lets you enjoy your music wirelessly. The battery lasts for a long time, offering up to 30hrs of listening time. They come with an USB cable for charging.
The use of the headphones is easy. There are three buttons on the the left ear cup that let you control playback as well as other functions. You can pause, change tracks and even adjust the volume using these buttons. The ATH-M20x comes with built-in microphones for calls and voice commands. The headset is in low latency, which makes it ideal for video and gaming.
While the ATH-M20x headphones have excellent audio quality, they aren't ideal for all music genres. Vocals can sound a little flat and there is no real bass response. The high frequencies are clear and clear though. The treble is an outstanding feature of these headphones. They will be a good option for classical, pop and jazz.
The ATH-M20x is a lightweight headphone, weighing just under 190g without the cord. The ear cups are cushioned, but they are not able to fold. They are bulky and will not fit into bags or backpacks. The cable isn't removable. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better option for those who want a more compact set of headphones. wireless bluetooth headphones is more comfortable thanks to an adjustable design that folds, swiveling ear cups that are flat and have removable cables. It's more expensive, but offers better isolation and a bit more bass.
Skullcandy Dime 2
The Dime 2 is Skullcandy’s best-sounding true wireless headphones. It comes in a compact and compact case that can easily be slipped into pockets or purses. It comes with a variety of sizes of ear gels that can be adjusted to fit different sized ears. It's also lighter than other true wireless buds that we test.
The earbuds come with dual microphones that are good for capturing your voice and reduce background noise during phone calls. However, they're not the best for use outdoors because environmental sounds can overtake your voice. The earbuds also struggle with conditions that are windy and can cut some of your speech.
Despite these minor flaws, the earbuds are solid in bass and other quality of sound. They have a crisp, clear high end that doesn't bleed into the mids. They also have a nice amount mid-bass to give your music a bit of impact.
The AirPod Pro has a dual-tap function that is decent however, it isn't as intuitive as Apple AirPod Pro. You must place your thumb on the bottom of the stem for stability, and then press the logo to initiate the command. It's not as flexible as a pinch gesture system, and is a bit inconvenient.
The earbuds are able to last for about four hours on a single charge. They can be charged quickly for an additional two hours. The earbuds are IPX4 tested for their resistance to water and sweat. The earbuds are packaged with the case for carrying them, which has two openings to accommodate the earbuds, as well as an elastic loop for securing them to clothing. The case is available in several colors and styles, including Doritos red. They are available online for under $30 USD.