Wireless over-ear headset Headphones Roundup
Wireless headphones remove the restriction of wires in your listening experience. They are more comfortable for long periods of time, and some fold up into a compact shape to store them when not when not in use.
Sony's WH-1000XM5s are an excellent pair of Bluetooth headphones that tick all the boxes, including top-of-the-line audio quality, noise cancellation, a stylish design and supreme comfort. They also support the lossless LDAC hi-res codec for high-quality audio playback.
Sound Quality
If you're a fan of big, full-size wireless headphones that are worn over your ear and are connected by the headband to block out and amplify audio there's a wide range of options. In our roundup of the best Bluetooth over-ear headphones you'll find UC certified headsets that can be used with communication platforms like Microsoft Teams. You'll also discover premium models from Sony, Sennheiser and Bose that are as luxurious as well as durable.
One of our top picks is the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, which have improved on their multi-award winning predecessor in the shape of slimmer design and more refined noise cancellation. The headphones can be used for up to 37 hours on a single charge. They can also be charged fast to provide an additional 8 hours in just 15 minutes. They offer a balanced, enjoyable sound and can support the lossless Sony LDAC high-res codec to stream music in stunning HD.
They are sultry, with twinkling highs, as well as distinctive mids and bass. You can also alter the audio's signature with the headphones mobile app, adding a bit more emphasis to the bass and [Redirect-302] treble to suit your personal taste. In our tests, bgmcd.co.uk the headphones were incredibly accurate and clear. Vocals and orchestral sounds were recorded in great detail.
One of our top-rated over-ear Bluetooth headphones is the Logitech G HUB beats studio3 wireless noise cancelling over ear headphones (www.ligra.cloud) Headphones, which have an incredibly balanced sound right straight out of the box and deliver clear audio. The sound is consistent and has a lot of bass, which helps to emphasize the sound effects and music from games. They're compatible with Logitech HUB software, which comes with an equalizer graphic and presets that can be customized to enhance the sound.
If you're willing to spend a bit more you can go for the Bowers & Wilkins premium Danish-made Px7S2 headphones are a top Bluetooth over ear headphone. They're more expensive than the Sonys but they look and sound like the real deal, with a hard aluminium casing and lambskin leather earcups filled with memory foam. The headphones are comfortable to wear, and they support the aptX audio codecs and SBC audio codes. This allows you to listen to high-quality wireless music. They're also well-crafted and feature a stylish minimalist design that is suitable for all tastes.
Noise Cancellation
If you're looking to hush the world and completely immerse yourself in your music or podcasts Noise cancellation is an important feature. Wireless headphones that have noise cancellation features typically come with Ear cups that fit tightly over your ears to block out background sound and help you focus on the music. Active noise cancellation (ANC) which is used by most akg over ear headphones-ear headphones to reduce ambient noise it works by observing your surroundings and then creating an opposing sound to cancel the sound. This means that they don't transform your surroundings into tranquil zen-like peace, but they will quieten the rumble of train engines and other sounds that are common to the environment.
ANC uses tiny microphones that listen for ambient sounds. These are then compared with the audio you're listening to. Small differences between the two are then used to create an equal and opposing sound that is then fed into your ear cups and effectively blocks out the ambient noise. Apps or dedicated hardware controls can be used to adjust the most effective noise cancelling headsets. This allows you to select a certain level of noise cancellation to suit the situation you're in.
The majority of the headphones we test include various other features that go beyond the ability to control ANC. For instance, a lot of pairs incorporate a microphone to make hands-free phone calls and can be used with voice assistants like Siri and Alexa. Some models come with built-in speakers for audio streaming.
Noise cancellation has improved significantly in the last few years. For example, Focal has thrown itself into the top wireless ANC headphone market with its Bathys which we adore for their outstanding comfort, slick features and dazzling audio quality. The Bathys are able to reduce background noise by up to 30dB. You can adjust ANC levels using an app, and set three favorite settings that you can switch using the physical button on the left earcup.
Noise cancellation should be the main thing you consider when buying a new pair. The quality of the sound is essential but noise cancellation should be top of the line. The most well-known ANC headphones are expensive but they're worth the cost because of their build quality and long battery life. For those with a smaller budget Sony WF-1000XM5s are our top choice because they provide excellent noise cancellation and smooth audio quality at a reasonable price.
Battery Life
Wireless headphones are designed to last for as long as they possibly. This is because they drain their own battery and the audio device playing music through them, so it's important to choose headphones with a sufficient amount of storage in the event that you fail to get a charge or get power out. Many companies now offer headphones with a substantial capacity of storage and some even incorporate solar charging to top up their storage automatically when you're not listening to them.
Over-ear headphones are typically larger and cover more of your ears. This allows them to hold larger batteries, allowing for longer playtimes as well as more advanced features. They also offer better noise-cancelling because their larger size provides a better seal to the outside environment.
The top brand Bang & Olufsen makes some of the most premium headphones for over-ear with its flagship H95 wireless headphones offering a soaring listening experience. They are a luxury design with aluminum details and Nappa Leather, making them the perfect choice for audiophiles who want to listen for hours on end.
For more affordable headphones that are more affordable, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro has an outstanding battery life of 50 hours with ANC activated and 65 hours without it. This is a significant improvement over the competition and is a testimony to the headphones' impressive quality of construction and features a comfortable fit and a durable headband that can withstand an abuse.
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless headphones are a great budget-friendly option. They can be used up to 44 hours when the active noise cancellation feature is activated, and they feature an earpiece that blocks out ambient sounds with impressive efficiency. The sound quality of the headphones is good and has a V-shaped profile that packs lots of bass and brightens up vocals and instruments for a balanced and natural sound which is easy to adjust by using the app's graphic EQ and presets.
The Sony WF1000XM5 wireless headsets aren't cheap but at less than $100, they have excellent isolation with foam ear headphones over tips and noise cancellation that's solid, even if it's not the most advanced model on this list. They also support Bluetooth 5.3, which supports the most recent LDAC codec that provides high-quality audio. They can also be recharged using the supplied cord or USB to your computer.
Portability
The amount of space a pair of headphones take up once folded into their most compact format is a crucial aspect of their portability. The smaller the fold down size the more convenient it is to slip them into a backpack or bag to take on the go without getting in your way.
The Audio-Technica Bluetooth ATH-M50xBT wireless headphones is a great choice when you're looking for a wireless headphone that is simple to use and comes with plenty of features for everyday listening. They're light and fold up easily, offer 44 hours of playback, and are incredibly compact. They support multi-devices pairing and have an excellent microphone for phone calls.
If you're not going to use your headphones for calls that are hands-free The Audio-Technica headphones ATH-S200BT are a better choice since they are more comfortable and come with an impressive 50 hours of playback. The headphones also have an elongated cord that can be pulled out for wired use and a hard case.
A five-star performer that is a favorite with What Hi-Fi?'s staff, the Sony WF-C700N and JBL Live Pro 2 TWS are two other top pairs of wireless, over-ear headphones. Both headphones cost around $100, PS100 or 150 AU$ and have active noise cancelling, but they're not as well-made as some of our higher-end selections.
For something more upscale The Focal Bathys Wireless are a premium pair of headphones with impressive sound quality for their price. The Focal Bathys Wireless have a V shaped sound profile with plenty of bass that compliments EDM, rock and hip-hop. The vocals and instruments are bright and you can alter the sound to your taste by using the graphic EQ feature in their companion application. They also support aptX Adaptive codec for high-res streaming and have an optional USB-DAC mode that allows wired over ear headphones listening.
Check out the Sony WH1000XM5 It's not only more expensive, but also worthy to receive our five-star seal. The Sony WH-1000XM5 may not be expensive, but it comes with an extremely long battery life, superb noise cancellation and allows you to enjoy music for a long time without worrying about running out of battery or charging.
Wireless headphones remove the restriction of wires in your listening experience. They are more comfortable for long periods of time, and some fold up into a compact shape to store them when not when not in use.Sony's WH-1000XM5s are an excellent pair of Bluetooth headphones that tick all the boxes, including top-of-the-line audio quality, noise cancellation, a stylish design and supreme comfort. They also support the lossless LDAC hi-res codec for high-quality audio playback.
Sound Quality
If you're a fan of big, full-size wireless headphones that are worn over your ear and are connected by the headband to block out and amplify audio there's a wide range of options. In our roundup of the best Bluetooth over-ear headphones you'll find UC certified headsets that can be used with communication platforms like Microsoft Teams. You'll also discover premium models from Sony, Sennheiser and Bose that are as luxurious as well as durable.
One of our top picks is the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, which have improved on their multi-award winning predecessor in the shape of slimmer design and more refined noise cancellation. The headphones can be used for up to 37 hours on a single charge. They can also be charged fast to provide an additional 8 hours in just 15 minutes. They offer a balanced, enjoyable sound and can support the lossless Sony LDAC high-res codec to stream music in stunning HD.
They are sultry, with twinkling highs, as well as distinctive mids and bass. You can also alter the audio's signature with the headphones mobile app, adding a bit more emphasis to the bass and [Redirect-302] treble to suit your personal taste. In our tests, bgmcd.co.uk the headphones were incredibly accurate and clear. Vocals and orchestral sounds were recorded in great detail.
One of our top-rated over-ear Bluetooth headphones is the Logitech G HUB beats studio3 wireless noise cancelling over ear headphones (www.ligra.cloud) Headphones, which have an incredibly balanced sound right straight out of the box and deliver clear audio. The sound is consistent and has a lot of bass, which helps to emphasize the sound effects and music from games. They're compatible with Logitech HUB software, which comes with an equalizer graphic and presets that can be customized to enhance the sound.
If you're willing to spend a bit more you can go for the Bowers & Wilkins premium Danish-made Px7S2 headphones are a top Bluetooth over ear headphone. They're more expensive than the Sonys but they look and sound like the real deal, with a hard aluminium casing and lambskin leather earcups filled with memory foam. The headphones are comfortable to wear, and they support the aptX audio codecs and SBC audio codes. This allows you to listen to high-quality wireless music. They're also well-crafted and feature a stylish minimalist design that is suitable for all tastes.
Noise Cancellation
If you're looking to hush the world and completely immerse yourself in your music or podcasts Noise cancellation is an important feature. Wireless headphones that have noise cancellation features typically come with Ear cups that fit tightly over your ears to block out background sound and help you focus on the music. Active noise cancellation (ANC) which is used by most akg over ear headphones-ear headphones to reduce ambient noise it works by observing your surroundings and then creating an opposing sound to cancel the sound. This means that they don't transform your surroundings into tranquil zen-like peace, but they will quieten the rumble of train engines and other sounds that are common to the environment.
ANC uses tiny microphones that listen for ambient sounds. These are then compared with the audio you're listening to. Small differences between the two are then used to create an equal and opposing sound that is then fed into your ear cups and effectively blocks out the ambient noise. Apps or dedicated hardware controls can be used to adjust the most effective noise cancelling headsets. This allows you to select a certain level of noise cancellation to suit the situation you're in.
The majority of the headphones we test include various other features that go beyond the ability to control ANC. For instance, a lot of pairs incorporate a microphone to make hands-free phone calls and can be used with voice assistants like Siri and Alexa. Some models come with built-in speakers for audio streaming.
Noise cancellation has improved significantly in the last few years. For example, Focal has thrown itself into the top wireless ANC headphone market with its Bathys which we adore for their outstanding comfort, slick features and dazzling audio quality. The Bathys are able to reduce background noise by up to 30dB. You can adjust ANC levels using an app, and set three favorite settings that you can switch using the physical button on the left earcup.
Noise cancellation should be the main thing you consider when buying a new pair. The quality of the sound is essential but noise cancellation should be top of the line. The most well-known ANC headphones are expensive but they're worth the cost because of their build quality and long battery life. For those with a smaller budget Sony WF-1000XM5s are our top choice because they provide excellent noise cancellation and smooth audio quality at a reasonable price.
Battery Life
Wireless headphones are designed to last for as long as they possibly. This is because they drain their own battery and the audio device playing music through them, so it's important to choose headphones with a sufficient amount of storage in the event that you fail to get a charge or get power out. Many companies now offer headphones with a substantial capacity of storage and some even incorporate solar charging to top up their storage automatically when you're not listening to them.
Over-ear headphones are typically larger and cover more of your ears. This allows them to hold larger batteries, allowing for longer playtimes as well as more advanced features. They also offer better noise-cancelling because their larger size provides a better seal to the outside environment.
The top brand Bang & Olufsen makes some of the most premium headphones for over-ear with its flagship H95 wireless headphones offering a soaring listening experience. They are a luxury design with aluminum details and Nappa Leather, making them the perfect choice for audiophiles who want to listen for hours on end.
For more affordable headphones that are more affordable, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro has an outstanding battery life of 50 hours with ANC activated and 65 hours without it. This is a significant improvement over the competition and is a testimony to the headphones' impressive quality of construction and features a comfortable fit and a durable headband that can withstand an abuse.
The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless headphones are a great budget-friendly option. They can be used up to 44 hours when the active noise cancellation feature is activated, and they feature an earpiece that blocks out ambient sounds with impressive efficiency. The sound quality of the headphones is good and has a V-shaped profile that packs lots of bass and brightens up vocals and instruments for a balanced and natural sound which is easy to adjust by using the app's graphic EQ and presets.
The Sony WF1000XM5 wireless headsets aren't cheap but at less than $100, they have excellent isolation with foam ear headphones over tips and noise cancellation that's solid, even if it's not the most advanced model on this list. They also support Bluetooth 5.3, which supports the most recent LDAC codec that provides high-quality audio. They can also be recharged using the supplied cord or USB to your computer.
Portability
The amount of space a pair of headphones take up once folded into their most compact format is a crucial aspect of their portability. The smaller the fold down size the more convenient it is to slip them into a backpack or bag to take on the go without getting in your way.
The Audio-Technica Bluetooth ATH-M50xBT wireless headphones is a great choice when you're looking for a wireless headphone that is simple to use and comes with plenty of features for everyday listening. They're light and fold up easily, offer 44 hours of playback, and are incredibly compact. They support multi-devices pairing and have an excellent microphone for phone calls.
If you're not going to use your headphones for calls that are hands-free The Audio-Technica headphones ATH-S200BT are a better choice since they are more comfortable and come with an impressive 50 hours of playback. The headphones also have an elongated cord that can be pulled out for wired use and a hard case.
A five-star performer that is a favorite with What Hi-Fi?'s staff, the Sony WF-C700N and JBL Live Pro 2 TWS are two other top pairs of wireless, over-ear headphones. Both headphones cost around $100, PS100 or 150 AU$ and have active noise cancelling, but they're not as well-made as some of our higher-end selections.
For something more upscale The Focal Bathys Wireless are a premium pair of headphones with impressive sound quality for their price. The Focal Bathys Wireless have a V shaped sound profile with plenty of bass that compliments EDM, rock and hip-hop. The vocals and instruments are bright and you can alter the sound to your taste by using the graphic EQ feature in their companion application. They also support aptX Adaptive codec for high-res streaming and have an optional USB-DAC mode that allows wired over ear headphones listening.
Check out the Sony WH1000XM5 It's not only more expensive, but also worthy to receive our five-star seal. The Sony WH-1000XM5 may not be expensive, but it comes with an extremely long battery life, superb noise cancellation and allows you to enjoy music for a long time without worrying about running out of battery or charging.