Best Over-Ear Headphones
In contrast to earbuds, headphones over-ear encapsulate your ears completely and allow larger drivers to provide more bass and a wider soundstage. Many of them also feature active noise cancellation and Bluetooth technology.
The latest Master and Dynamic MW65 update offers excellent audio, a variety of ANC modes and impressive battery life, all in a sleek and distinctive design.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Sony has enhanced an already great pair of headphones by introducing the WH1000XM4 wireless. They're lighter, feel more built, have an improved sound profile that is more balanced (though still bass heavy), and come with an app that allows some audio adjustments. Their active noise cancelling performs even better than before, removing more ambient sound, and they have a longer battery life than a lot of competitors.
These headphones use Bluetooth 5.0, with support for SBC, AAC, and Sony's own LDAC codec. This codec can transfer high-resolution audio, however, you'll need compatible devices and streaming service. Additionally, the WH-1000XM4s can connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and automatically switch between them when required. This feature can be enabled through the Sony Headphones Connect app and it is extremely effective.
One subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensitivity of their touch panels. They respond more quickly to the touch of the panel, which makes them easier to control during a phone call or to listen to music. Sony also added a feature that makes voice sound clearer and more precise during calls, which is evident and a nice feature.
The WH-1000XM4s might not be perfect, but they are among the top wireless headphones that we have ever tested. They are comfortable and well-made. They also have an energy-efficient battery that can last for more than 30 continuous hours. They can be used as a passive device with a TRS cable. This is great for traveling or conserving energy.
The WH-1000XM4s are a better choice over the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless over-ears. The Sonys are more comfy, and their ANC can block out more ambient sound. The B&Ws come with an EQ that is more flexible and a companion app to tweak the audio quality. The B&Ws are built better and can connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. They also support aptX HD, and they have an AI-driven engine that tries to upscale compressed music to high-resolution. This is known as DSEE Extreme and it does well in improving the clarity of music, especially 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 headset that became a staple for commuters and passengers around the world. The new model doesn't reinvent the wheel. It uses the same formula that made its predecessor so successful but it also includes the USB-C technology and improved noise cancellation.
These over-ear Bose headsets have a premium feeling and look, just like the QC 35 II headphones that preceded them. The headband, constructed of plastic, offers a firm feel thanks to the hinges made of steel at pivot points. It also has the familiar ratcheting mechanism when you retract or extend your earcups. The cups have soft, cushioned pads that fit comfortably over the ears and do not apply pressure on your head. They weigh 238 grams and are fairly compact when folded. You can use them when you're wearing a sweater or coat as the noise cancelling function works even when you aren't on your head.
Despite their reputation as comfortable headphones however, the QC45s don't offer the best sound at this price. The frequencies are dull and lack the depth that headphones with higher prices might be able bring out. The upper registers are boosted which is acceptable for most music genres but could be a problem for more delicate and intricate genres. The bass is good, but it lacks the punch.
The possibility of pauseing the playback after removing the headset is a feature missing. This is standard in this price range and something that Bose's rivals have long offered. Another oversight was the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose offers preset EQ settings within the app, but it would be nice to have a manual control.
Bluetooth 5.0 is supported, including multipoint and more advanced codecs, such as aptX Adaptive. Download the Bose Audio App to adjust your headsets audio and voice settings.
The QC45s also come with four built-in microphones that hear your voice when you make calls. The headphones have good call quality, however they don't let you muffle the sound during playback like other wireless headphones. Update: A firmware update for the QC45s in February 2022 added manual settings for EQ to the audio app. This is a very welcome change.
3. Focal Bathys Wireless
Focal is a French audio company known for high-performance headphones that last for a long time, comfort and a design that makes listeners feel like they're listening to something unique. The Bathys are their first wireless noise cancelling headphones. They look and sound stunning. They have a high-performance USB DAC built in, so you can use them both for wired and wireless listening.
The Bathys have a very good battery life, with Focal claiming 30 hours of continuous Bluetooth playtime. We actually got more with more than 40 hours on average of one charge. If you need to charge your headphones, the indicator light on the right earcup will change red.
best over ear headphones wireless under 100 offer a good amount of features for a pair of headphones at this price that include support for multiple devices at the same time and automatic pairing (though you'll have to select the source device each time you would like to listen). The headphones have a built in microphone that can be used with voice assistants such as Siri or Alexa. The headphones come with an easy-to navigate interface that makes it easy to control music and make calls.
For wireless headphones that are over-ear, the Bathys perform very well in our tests of noise cancellation, which reduces 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 and Bose QuietComfort45/QC45 Wireless but it's still effective.
In our tests of headphone sound quality, the Bathys did well overall, with a the frequency response which generally matches the SoundGuys headphone preference curve, with only minor deviations in the mids and bass. The Bathys are bassy sound profile that can make vocals, instruments and cymbals look a bit obscure.
They also have very good leakage resistance, so you can wear them in public without worrying about other people listening to your music. Their mic is passable for recording via Bluetooth, with only slight distortion between the mid-treble and treble.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless is a new update of the company's flagship Bluetooth headsets. The Momentum 3 was a solid but not a great entry in this category. The latest pair improves on the previous model by having a sleeker design, improved gesture controls, and an enormous battery life.
The improvements are subtle, but add up to an over-ear pair of headphones that feels like an upgrade. The Momentum 4s are flat and do not fold. They come with an outer case that protects them when moving. The Momentum 4s are also device-agnostic, like many other Bluetooth headphones of recent times, like those from Bowers & Wilkins and Sony. They can be used with Apple iPhones and Android phones, but they do not have the AirPods extra features, such as Find My Support and head-tracked spatial audio.
The most significant difference is the massive battery that can play for up to 60 hours with noise cancellation on. This is more than the majority of the competitors offer and is enough for a multi-day trip without having to worry about finding a power outlet to charge them.
Engadget senior editor Billy Steele gave the headphones an 82-point score and cited their sound quality and ANC as particular strengths. He has only one complaint they lack gravitas in the mids and treble. This means that orchestral tracks sound flat, not grand. The bass is well-rounded but it can sound too loud, which can cause fatigue in songs that have high-pitched bass lines, like the drum hits 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 not designed to cause pressure on your neck or ear. However they can be uncomfortable when worn around the house or during longer listening sessions. They will move about on your head in a flurry of head movements. This can cause them suddenly wake up which can be distracting during calls or music. Fortunately they stop working after 15 minutes of rest by default, and can be turned off manually off using the power button.
