Best Over-Ear Headphones

Unlike earbuds, over-ear headphones cover your ears completely and allow larger drivers to deliver deeper bass and wider soundstages. A majority of them feature Bluetooth technology and active noise cancellation.

The Master & Dynamic MMW65 has been updated with better audio and features, including multiple ANC mode and an impressive battery life.

1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

Sony has made improvements to an already great pair of headphones with the WH-1000XM4 Wireless. They're lighter, feel more built, feature an improved sound profile that is more balanced (though still bass-heavy), and come with an app that allows some audio adjustments. They have improved their active noise cancellation, eliminating more ambient sounds and have a longer battery life.

These headphones utilize Bluetooth 5.0, with support for SBC, AAC, bluetooth Headpones and Sony's own LDAC codec. The latter is able to transfer high-resolution music, but you'll need to use compatible devices and streaming services. Additionally, the WH-1000XM4s can connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously and switch between them if needed. You can enable this feature via the Sony Headphones Connect app and it is extremely effective.

A subtle improvement over the XM3 is the sensitiveness of their touch panels. They respond faster to a tap on panels and are simpler to manage when making a phone call or listening to music. Sony also included an option that makes voices sound clearer and more precise during calls, which is noticeable and a nice addition.

The WH-1000XM4s aren't perfect, but they are among the best wireless headphones we've ever examined. They're comfortable, feel well made, and have an outstanding battery that can last more than 30 hours continuously. They can also be used using an TRS cable, which is ideal for those who travel or want to conserve power.

The WH-1000XM4s make a better choice over the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless over-ears. The Sonys are more comfortable, and their ANC can block out more ambient noise. They also have an app that lets you tweak their audio performance and EQ settings are more flexible than B&W's. The B&Ws are more robust and can be paired with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. They also support aptX HD, and they have a unique AI-driven engine that attempts to boost compressed music to high-resolution. This is called DSEE Extreme and it does well in improving the clarity of music, particularly when listening to lossless files.

2. Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless

The $329 Bose QuietComfort45 noise-canceling headset is the most recent version of a headset that has become a favorite among commuters and travelers all over the world. The new model doesn't reinvent the wheel. It retains the same formula that was the basis of its predecessor's success with the addition of the USB-C port and improved noise cancellation.

Similar to the QC 35 II before them, these over-ear Bose headphones feature a luxurious look and feel that oozes quality. The headband is made of plastic, but is a solid feel, with metal hinges at pivot points and the familiar ratcheting action when you extend or retract the ear cups. The cups feature soft cushioned pads that are securely positioned over your ears and don't put pressure to your head. They weigh 238 grams and are fairly compact when folded. They can be paired with a sweater or coat because they function even when they are not on the head.

Despite their reputation for comfort, the QC45s don't offer the most impressive sound quality for this price range. The frequencies are tinny and lack the details that more expensive headphones may be able to bring out. The upper registers are amplified which is acceptable for most music genres but could be a problem for more delicate and complex genres. The bass is decent, but lacks power.

One feature that's not present is the ability to pause playback whenever you take the headset off. This is a feature Bose's competitors have offered for several years. Another omission is the absence of an in-app EQ. Bose has preset EQs in the app, but it would be nice if there was an option to control the EQ manually.

Bluetooth 5.0 is supported, with multipoint as well as more advanced codecs, such as aptX Adaptive. Download the Bose Audio App to adjust your headsets sound and voice settings.

The QC45s have four microphones inbuilt to pick up your voice while on the phone. The headphones have good call quality, but they don't allow you to muffle the sound during playback as other wireless headphones. Update: As of February 2022, a firmware upgrade to the QC45s gave you manual EQ options within the audio app which is a welcomed improvement.

3. Focal Bathys Wireless

Focal is a French audio company that makes high-performance headphones. They are well-known for their style and comfort that let listeners know that they're listening to something special. The Bathys are their first wireless noise cancelling headphones. They look and sound stunning. They come with a high-performance USB DAC built in, making them suitable both for wireless and wired listening.

The Bathys are very efficient in terms of battery life, with Focal claiming 30 hours of continuous Bluetooth playtime. We were able to get more than 40 hours of playback on average on a single charge. If you have to charge your headphones, the indicator light on the right earcup will turn red.

They offer a good amount of features for edge Headphones of this price point that include support for multiple devices simultaneously and automatic pairing (though you'll need to select the source device every time you need to listen). They have a built-in microphone that supports voice assistants like Siri or Alexa. The headphones also have an easy-to-use interface that makes it simple to control your music as well as make calls.