Best Over the Ear Headphones
Wireless headphones let you listen to music and podcasts without the need to connect wires to your audio device. They are also a great choice for public transport, at work or at home.
Wireless over-ear cans are offered in a variety of styles and noise cancellation capabilities. They are typically packaged in a sleek case.
Soundcore Life Q30
A major upgrade over the Soundcore Life 2 from late-2018 The new over-ears appear better, feel stronger and are generally more polished. The hinges are tighter, and the soft leather cups are a bit larger. They're still made of plastic, however they're more polished. You can switch the 3.5mm cord for a high quality USB-C cable and connect them to portable Hi-Res devices and stationary players. They also have dual mics built in that worked well in our tests with FaceTime, Skype and Microsoft Teams calls.
The Soundcore app has a wide selection of EQ presets that can be saved and altered to listen to podcasts or music in the style you prefer. The Soundcore app is simple to use and makes these headphones stand out.
When ANC is turned on the Q30's 40mm drivers effectively cut out almost all ambient noise, and provide very pleasant listening. The Q30's sound signature is natural, but it's a bit harsh on the treble. Some may be disappointed by the bass response (we had better results using the Bass Booster Equalizer). You can fix this easily using the Soundcore App, which includes an 8-band Equalizer.
The left earcup features the power button and a pairing button and USB-C charging port. The right earcup features buttons for play/pause, volume control and volume up/down. Double-clicking on these buttons allows you to skip tracks or replay previous ones. You can also make use of voice commands to instruct them to change modes or set alarms. The right earcup can be covered with your hands to activate ambient mode so you can be aware of what is happening around you, without removing the headphones.
The battery life of these headphones is fantastic and the battery life is also excellent. In our tests with ANC switched on, the Q30 lasted nearly an hour longer than its rivals. This lets you enjoy an extended flight or a full day at work. They can be quickly recharged with the included USB-C cable and you'll be able to see an alert when they're getting empty.
Focal Bathys wifi wireless headphones
Focal's Bathys Wireless is a pair of powerful over-ear Bluetooth headphones that offers both active noise cancellation, as well as Bluetooth playback. They're designed to be an elite, high-end headphone that are ideal for listening to music and podcasts on the go, but sound amazing when used for audiophile home use as well. The headphones are a little higher priced than comparable headphones, but their exceptional sound is the reason they stand out.
The Focal Bathys are packaged in a slim, compact and attractive fabric-finished white retail box with all the accessories you'll need in. The package also includes a fold-flat carrying case for the headphones and a USB-C cable to USB C cable, 1.2mmSE cable and an audio converter.
The battery's 600mAh capacity can last for a full day of casual listening. They also come with an audio input that you can connect wired. Wirelessly, they are paired via Bluetooth. You can control their functions using an app (now named Focal and Naim in keeping with English Naim's network-aware products) or by pressing the button on the left earcup that scrolls through ANC profiles like silent, soft 'transparent,' and 'full.
The app lets you modify various settings, such as the brightness of the LEDs and the EQ presets (including a'music' profile which sounds brighter and neutraler than the other profiles) and the battery life. It also lets you to choose the ANC mode and its level, as well as setting an 'acoustic' setting which adjusts the sensitivity of your audio to simulate how it would sound like when used in a room with different soundproofing.
The Focal Bathys come with a bass-rich profile that adds additional warmth, punch and impact to your most loved tracks. This means that vocals and instruments can be muted, and details such as cymbals may be less prominent than on other headphones. The headphones are also less effective in active noise cancellation compared to other over-ears with more advanced technology, such as the Sony WH1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Max.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony headphones are renowned for their quality, and the WH1000XM5 is not an exception. It is at the top end of the mainstream over-ear headphone market, edging into the 'luxury lifestyle' area where the likes of Bang & Olufsen, Apple and Montblanc are a common sight. The XM5s come with a high cost, but if you can afford it, there are few better wireless over-ear headphones available.
The XM5s are loaded with features to make life easier for listeners and, in some instances, automate tasks they'd otherwise have to handle manually. Sony's DSEE Extreme engine (which upscales compressed music to near hi-res) is included and also support for bluetooth headphone's LDAC technology. That allows for streaming of high-quality audio with bitrates that are higher than standard bluetooth headphones wireless. It also has a built-in microphone for making hands-free phone calls.
The XM5 headphones are no different than the previous generation headphones from WH, in terms of noise cancellation. These headphones are among the top in reducing the continuous drones that can be heard in underground and train carriages. The XM5s are also excellent at isolating the listener from the noises of busy airports and streets.
The sound quality is very good. The XM5s may not be as detailed in the low frequencies as the XM4, however, they have a higher level of clarity and transparency also. For instance, the bass on Rage Against the Machine's Bullet in the Head flexes the Sonys' muscles with real force and definition, while not sagging everything else. In the same way, Massive Attack's grooving Angel showcases the XM5's' ability to deliver tight and precise bass notes.
The battery life is fantastic, with up to 30 hours of listening time when ANC is active and 40 hours if off. This is enough to last the weekend or a few days of heavy usage.
The only drawback is that the XM5s lack any water resistance or dust resistance protection. In fact, Sony recommends that you not sweat on them or take them out in the rain. This might not be a major issue for most people however for those who spend a lot of time in the gym or live in a humid region this could be a significant issue.
Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max is a pair of wireless headphones over-ear which feature Bluetooth technology and noise cancellation. Apple created dynamic drivers measuring 40mm with a neutral audio profile that focuses on highs and mids, but not going overboard. They are ideal for movies and music. They also offer superior fidelity compared to most rival headphones.
The headphones are light in build that feels comfortable on the blue tooth head phones. The earcups, which are made of memory foam covered with woven fabric and sit comfortably over the ear, do not put pressure on the sides or forehead. The ear cups can tilt and rotate to accommodate various head phone wireless shapes. The spring-loaded hinges offer an incredibly firm, yet not too strong clamping force to ensure that the ear cups remain in place during listening sessions.
Toggle noise cancelling mode by pressing a small button located at the top of the right earcup. There's also a button that can be pushed, jog-dial-like button, similar to the digital crown on the Apple Watch, that you can turn to control volume and press the button once, twice or thrice to control playback. Pressing and holding the button will activate Siri. These buttons are placed well and simple to use, Wifi wireless headphones however I would have liked a power button to turn the headphones off when not in use. The headphones automatically switch to standby mode when removed from your ears or put in their case, and they only come back on when you put them on your head once more.
Spatial audio is a cool feature. It utilizes gyroscopes, accelerometers, and iPhones or iPads to determine where you are moving. Then, it alters the position of the sound so that they appear to come from the location you are in. This creates a cinema-like experience for movies and videos recorded in 5.1, 7.1 or Dolby Atmos. Only iOS devices can be used to listen to spatial audio.
The AirPods Max are a decent pair of headphones, but I'd feel a bit ripped off entering an Apple Store and spending $549 on them if I knew they'd be outdone next year by the new model. The AirPods Pro have more advanced features and better battery life, making it difficult to justify the expense for most people.
Wireless headphones let you listen to music and podcasts without the need to connect wires to your audio device. They are also a great choice for public transport, at work or at home.
Wireless over-ear cans are offered in a variety of styles and noise cancellation capabilities. They are typically packaged in a sleek case.
Soundcore Life Q30
A major upgrade over the Soundcore Life 2 from late-2018 The new over-ears appear better, feel stronger and are generally more polished. The hinges are tighter, and the soft leather cups are a bit larger. They're still made of plastic, however they're more polished. You can switch the 3.5mm cord for a high quality USB-C cable and connect them to portable Hi-Res devices and stationary players. They also have dual mics built in that worked well in our tests with FaceTime, Skype and Microsoft Teams calls.
The Soundcore app has a wide selection of EQ presets that can be saved and altered to listen to podcasts or music in the style you prefer. The Soundcore app is simple to use and makes these headphones stand out.
When ANC is turned on the Q30's 40mm drivers effectively cut out almost all ambient noise, and provide very pleasant listening. The Q30's sound signature is natural, but it's a bit harsh on the treble. Some may be disappointed by the bass response (we had better results using the Bass Booster Equalizer). You can fix this easily using the Soundcore App, which includes an 8-band Equalizer.
The left earcup features the power button and a pairing button and USB-C charging port. The right earcup features buttons for play/pause, volume control and volume up/down. Double-clicking on these buttons allows you to skip tracks or replay previous ones. You can also make use of voice commands to instruct them to change modes or set alarms. The right earcup can be covered with your hands to activate ambient mode so you can be aware of what is happening around you, without removing the headphones.
The battery life of these headphones is fantastic and the battery life is also excellent. In our tests with ANC switched on, the Q30 lasted nearly an hour longer than its rivals. This lets you enjoy an extended flight or a full day at work. They can be quickly recharged with the included USB-C cable and you'll be able to see an alert when they're getting empty.
Focal Bathys wifi wireless headphones
Focal's Bathys Wireless is a pair of powerful over-ear Bluetooth headphones that offers both active noise cancellation, as well as Bluetooth playback. They're designed to be an elite, high-end headphone that are ideal for listening to music and podcasts on the go, but sound amazing when used for audiophile home use as well. The headphones are a little higher priced than comparable headphones, but their exceptional sound is the reason they stand out.
The Focal Bathys are packaged in a slim, compact and attractive fabric-finished white retail box with all the accessories you'll need in. The package also includes a fold-flat carrying case for the headphones and a USB-C cable to USB C cable, 1.2mmSE cable and an audio converter.
The battery's 600mAh capacity can last for a full day of casual listening. They also come with an audio input that you can connect wired. Wirelessly, they are paired via Bluetooth. You can control their functions using an app (now named Focal and Naim in keeping with English Naim's network-aware products) or by pressing the button on the left earcup that scrolls through ANC profiles like silent, soft 'transparent,' and 'full.
The app lets you modify various settings, such as the brightness of the LEDs and the EQ presets (including a'music' profile which sounds brighter and neutraler than the other profiles) and the battery life. It also lets you to choose the ANC mode and its level, as well as setting an 'acoustic' setting which adjusts the sensitivity of your audio to simulate how it would sound like when used in a room with different soundproofing.
The Focal Bathys come with a bass-rich profile that adds additional warmth, punch and impact to your most loved tracks. This means that vocals and instruments can be muted, and details such as cymbals may be less prominent than on other headphones. The headphones are also less effective in active noise cancellation compared to other over-ears with more advanced technology, such as the Sony WH1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Max.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony headphones are renowned for their quality, and the WH1000XM5 is not an exception. It is at the top end of the mainstream over-ear headphone market, edging into the 'luxury lifestyle' area where the likes of Bang & Olufsen, Apple and Montblanc are a common sight. The XM5s come with a high cost, but if you can afford it, there are few better wireless over-ear headphones available.
The XM5s are loaded with features to make life easier for listeners and, in some instances, automate tasks they'd otherwise have to handle manually. Sony's DSEE Extreme engine (which upscales compressed music to near hi-res) is included and also support for bluetooth headphone's LDAC technology. That allows for streaming of high-quality audio with bitrates that are higher than standard bluetooth headphones wireless. It also has a built-in microphone for making hands-free phone calls.
The XM5 headphones are no different than the previous generation headphones from WH, in terms of noise cancellation. These headphones are among the top in reducing the continuous drones that can be heard in underground and train carriages. The XM5s are also excellent at isolating the listener from the noises of busy airports and streets.
The sound quality is very good. The XM5s may not be as detailed in the low frequencies as the XM4, however, they have a higher level of clarity and transparency also. For instance, the bass on Rage Against the Machine's Bullet in the Head flexes the Sonys' muscles with real force and definition, while not sagging everything else. In the same way, Massive Attack's grooving Angel showcases the XM5's' ability to deliver tight and precise bass notes.
The battery life is fantastic, with up to 30 hours of listening time when ANC is active and 40 hours if off. This is enough to last the weekend or a few days of heavy usage.
The only drawback is that the XM5s lack any water resistance or dust resistance protection. In fact, Sony recommends that you not sweat on them or take them out in the rain. This might not be a major issue for most people however for those who spend a lot of time in the gym or live in a humid region this could be a significant issue.
Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max is a pair of wireless headphones over-ear which feature Bluetooth technology and noise cancellation. Apple created dynamic drivers measuring 40mm with a neutral audio profile that focuses on highs and mids, but not going overboard. They are ideal for movies and music. They also offer superior fidelity compared to most rival headphones.
The headphones are light in build that feels comfortable on the blue tooth head phones. The earcups, which are made of memory foam covered with woven fabric and sit comfortably over the ear, do not put pressure on the sides or forehead. The ear cups can tilt and rotate to accommodate various head phone wireless shapes. The spring-loaded hinges offer an incredibly firm, yet not too strong clamping force to ensure that the ear cups remain in place during listening sessions.
Toggle noise cancelling mode by pressing a small button located at the top of the right earcup. There's also a button that can be pushed, jog-dial-like button, similar to the digital crown on the Apple Watch, that you can turn to control volume and press the button once, twice or thrice to control playback. Pressing and holding the button will activate Siri. These buttons are placed well and simple to use, Wifi wireless headphones however I would have liked a power button to turn the headphones off when not in use. The headphones automatically switch to standby mode when removed from your ears or put in their case, and they only come back on when you put them on your head once more.
Spatial audio is a cool feature. It utilizes gyroscopes, accelerometers, and iPhones or iPads to determine where you are moving. Then, it alters the position of the sound so that they appear to come from the location you are in. This creates a cinema-like experience for movies and videos recorded in 5.1, 7.1 or Dolby Atmos. Only iOS devices can be used to listen to spatial audio.
The AirPods Max are a decent pair of headphones, but I'd feel a bit ripped off entering an Apple Store and spending $549 on them if I knew they'd be outdone next year by the new model. The AirPods Pro have more advanced features and better battery life, making it difficult to justify the expense for most people.