Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
Take a look at these if you're seeking wireless headphones for your ears. They're not just comfortable to wear, they offer excellent active noise cancellation that mutes background noises, allowing you to concentrate on the music.
The first wireless headphones from Focal are a dream for audiophiles. They have a rich and full sound, with enough thump to support EDM however vocals and instruments are not excluded. They have an app companion to the music and ANC presets that can adjust the sound to your preference.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 by Sony is the latest version of its well-known headphones. It offers an automatic noise cancellation that can block out background noise. With a staggering 27-hour playback time they are great for long commutes and long trips. The WH1000XM5 also features an excellent feature that lets users to pair up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between music and calls. The WH-1000XM5's sleek and minimalist design and environmentally friendly packaging (using recycled plastic specifically developed for Sony) make an appealing choice for anyone who is concerned about sustainability.
The XM5s come with an easier and more comfortable headband that fits snugly over your ear and puts less pressure on your skull. jbl headphones wireless are also more stylish and have a sleek design that can be incorporated into most outfits. They're also available in a matte black that looks better than the glossy black of previous generations.
One of the best features is their intelligent noise cancellation feature, which detects when you've removed the headphones and then pauses the audio. When you put the headphones back on, they automatically resume. This is a fantastic way to conserve battery and it's a great option.
The XM5s are a great choice for audio quality thanks to their LDAC codec and DSEE Extreme upscaling. Rage against the Machine's dark Bullet in the Head shows off the bass skills of Tim Commerford with real power as Billie Eilish's Bad Guy features a delicate but deliberate vocal fade.
A warning for those who exercise and who live in rainy climes The WH-1000XM5s do not have an IP rating, therefore they can't be trusted around humid conditions. In the manual, it is stipulated that you shouldn't use the headset in the rain or sweat into it.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 is a refreshing update to B&W's previous flagship wireless headphone model, the PX7. The Series 2 is not just an incremental update, but a significant improvement in the quality of audio and ANC. The design also gets a bit more refined, with a style that is more mature than the glossy, tech-forward looks of Sony's XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.
A switch to turn off power makes it clear when the headphones are on, and the dedicated buttons for play/pause and volume make it simple to navigate through your music library. The left earcup has a button that is customizable and can be remapped for your voice assistant. There's also an ambient pass-through mode that allows you to hear what's going on around you.
streaming a 16-bit/44.1kHz master of Dennis Wilson's River Song from his Pacific Ocean Blue album via the S2s The soundstage is large and clear, with layered harmonies and atmospheric textures coming through clearly. The vocals are focused and there's plenty of low-end amplitude.
One area in which the S2s aren't as good is in EQ control: you can increase or decrease treble and bass by 6dB, however there aren't any EQ presets that can help you find your preferred balance. This isn't an issue for most listeners, however those who prefer to self-sculpt their audio will likely need to look elsewhere.
Overall, the PX7 S2s are a solid option for those who want an active noise-canceling headset with a premium feel and finish. They're not as flexible as the XM5s mentioned above however, they're still an excellent option for most listeners. You'll have to decide if superior ANC and audio quality is worth the slightly higher cost.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 are a solid pair of over ear wireless headphones that feature great noise cancellation and a 24-hour battery life. They're also lightweight and comfortable enough to wear around the home. They can be controlled with the built-in buttons as well as an accompanying app, however the customization options are limited (sorry there's no equalizer). You can pick from various sound profiles based on circumstances, like when you're on the road or working from home. The QC45s also feature an Aware Mode that lets outside sounds be heard when using ANC which can be useful for people who want to hear their children and traffic while out and out and about.
The sound quality of the headphones isn't as good as the WH-1000XM5s, but they're still quite good. The bass isn't as intense, but it does give decent depth and a decent amount of sound quality. The highs and mids are well-rounded and there's not a hint of shrillness or harshness.
One issue is that QC45s tend to prefer the higher frequencies, which may cause a slight sibilance when listening to certain songs. This isn't an issue that causes a huge issue and can be easily fixed by altering the headphone settings within 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-functional Action Button is also available. It can be used as a power toggle and voice assistant, as well as controlling volume. There's also a mic for phone calls and Siri or Alexa support.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The ATH-M20x are a stylish pair of headphones that give excellent sound quality for the price. The headphones are sturdy and well-constructed. The headband and earcups are made of plastic, however, they are sturdy enough to last for an extended period of time. The earcups can be adjusted by as much as 15 degrees which means they can be placed in a comfortable position on the majority of ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x features Bluetooth 5.0 which lets you listen to your music wirelessly. They boast a long battery life that can last up to 30 hours of music listening time. They come with an USB cable to charge.
The headphones are simple to use. Three buttons are located on the left earcup and allow you to control the playback of music as other functions. These buttons allow you to playback, pause, switch tracks, and even adjust the volume. The ATH-M20x has built-in microphones for voice commands and calls. The headset comes with low-latency modes that make it ideal for video calls and gaming.
While the ATH-M20x headphones have great audio quality, they are not ideal for all genres of music. Vocals can sound a little flat, and there isn't a real bass response. The high frequencies are crisp and clear though. These headphones are renowned for their Treble. They're a great choice for pop, classical and jazz.
The ATH-M20x is a light headphone that weighs just under 190g without the cord. The ear cups are padded, but they cannot fold. They'll be heavy to carry around in backpacks and might not fit easily into the bag of a handbag. The cable cannot be removable. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are a better choice for those who want a set of headphones that are more portable. It is more comfortable thanks to an adjustable design that folds, swiveling ear cups that lay flat, and a removable cable. It's more expensive, but it provides better isolation and more bass.
Skullcandy Dime 2.
The Dime 2 is Skullcandy’s best-sounding true wireless headphones. It comes with a small, compact case that is easy to slip into pockets or purses. It also comes with various ear gel sizes to fit different ears. It's also lighter than other wireless headphones that we tried.
The earbuds come with two microphones that are great for capturing your voice and lessening background noise when you make phone calls. They are not suitable for use outdoors since noises from the outside can be a distraction to your voice. They also struggle with winds and can cut certain portions of your speech.
The earbuds are still very great sounding, despite these minor issues. They have a clear and clear high-end that doesn't bleed into the mids. They also have a good amount of mid-bass to give your music some punch.
The AirPod Pro has a dual-tap function that is decent but not as intuitive as the Apple AirPod Pro. You must place your thumb on the bottom of the stem for stability and then press the logo to execute an action. It's a bit awkward, and it does not feel as responsive as a pinch-gear system.
The earbuds are able to last for about four hours on a single charge and have a quick-charge capability for two more hours. They're also classified as IPX4 for resistance to sweat and water. The earbuds come with a carrying case that features two openings that can accommodate the buds, and an elastic loop for securing them to clothing. The case comes in several colors and styles, including Doritos red. They are available on the internet for less than $30 USD.