Are You In Search Of Inspiration? Check Out Best Over Ear Wireless Headphones
Best Over-Ear Wireless Headphones
Take a look at these if you're searching for wireless headsets. These headphones aren't just comfortable, but they also have active noise cancellation that reduces background noises so that you can concentrate on your music.
The first wireless headphones from Focal are the ultimate dream of audiophiles. They have a rich sound with enough thump for EDM but vocals and instruments aren't excluded. They include a companion app and ANC presets so you can customize the sound to meet your tastes.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 model from Sony is the latest version of the well-known headphones. It offers an automatic noise cancellation that can block out background noise. They're great for commutes and long travel days with a staggering 27 hours of playback time. The WH-1000XM5 also has an excellent feature that lets you to pair it with up to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch from music and calls. The WH1000XM5 is attractive to anyone who is interested in sustainability due to its minimalist, sleek design and environmentally friendly packaging.
Comparatively to their predecessors, the XM5s are lighter and more comfortable thanks to headbands that fit comfortably around your ears and puts less pressure on your noggin. They also look more fashionable, with a new stealthy style that is a perfect match with all outfits. They're also available in a matte black that looks better than the glossy black of the previous generations.
One of the most impressive features is their intelligent noise cancellation function, which detects when you've removed the headphones and pauses the audio. When you put your headphones back on the audio will resume automatically. This is a great way to save battery, and it's a great option.
In terms of audio quality, the XM5s excel in both LDAC codec support and DSEE Extreme audio 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.
For those who exercise and who live in areas with rain, a word of caution: the WH1000XM5s don't have an IP rating. They shouldn't be used near water. There's even best on-ear headphones wireless in the manual that recommends you not sweat into the headset or wear it in the rain.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 represents a refreshing version of B&W's flagship wireless headphone, PX7. The Series 2 is not just an iterative update, but a significant improvement in audio quality and ANC. The design is also more refined. It's an older look rather than the shiny, futuristic looks of Sony's XM5 or Apple's AirPods Max.
A slider switch for power makes it clear when the headphones are on, and buttons for play / pause and volume make it simple to navigate your music library. The left earcup has an adjustable button that can be changed to match your voice assistant. There's also an ambient pass-through mode that allows you to hear what's happening around you.
Streaming the 16-bit/44.1kHz master of Dennis Wilson's River Song from his Pacific Ocean Blue album via the S2s, the soundstage is expansive and rich with layered harmonies and atmospheric textures coming through clearly. The vocals are focused and there's good low-end extension.
The S2s are not the most effective in EQ control. You can adjust bass and treble by up to 6dB, however there aren't any presets to allow you to find the ideal balance. This isn't a big issue for most listeners, but music fans who like to create their own audio will need to look elsewhere.
Overall, the PX7 S2s are the perfect choice for those looking for a noise-canceling active headphone with an elegant design and feel. Although they're not as versatile as the XM5s discussed above however, they're still an excellent option for most listeners. You'll have to decide if the superior ANC and audio are worth the slightly higher cost.
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a pair of wireless over-ear headphones that provide excellent noise cancellation. They also have an extended battery life of 24 hours. They're also lightweight and comfortable enough to be worn throughout the house. The built-in buttons can be controlled with an app that is included with the headphones, but customization is only limited. (Sorry there's no equalizer). You'll be able to choose from a range of sound profiles to suit different situations, such as travelling or working from home. The QC45s also come with a feature called Aware Mode that lets outside sounds be heard when using ANC, which can be useful for people who want to hear kids and traffic while out and about.
The audio quality of the headphones isn't as high as the WH-1000XM5s, but it's still pretty good. The bass isn't as intense, but it does provide decent depth and a good amount of texture. The highs and mids are nicely balanced and there's not a hint of harshness or shrillness.
The QC45s have a tendency to favor higher frequencies. This can cause some slight sibilance when listening to certain music. This isn't a big deal and can be easily corrected in software by tweaking the headphone's settings.
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-function Action Button is also included. It can serve as a power toggle and voice assistant in addition to controlling the volume. There's also a microphone for phone calls as well as Siri or Alexa is supported.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The ATH-M20x are a stylish pair of headphones that provide excellent sound quality for the price. They are built well and have a an incredibly solid feel. The headband and earcups are made of plastic but they are strong enough to last for a long time. The ears can rotate up to 15 degrees so they will fit comfortably on most ears.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x has Bluetooth 5.0 that allows you to listen to your music wirelessly. They have an impressive battery life of up 30 hours of listening time. They come with an USB cable for charging.
The headphones are simple to use. There are three buttons on the the left earcup which let you control playback as well as other functions. These buttons let you playback, pause, switch tracks, and alter the volume. The ATH-M20x also has a microphone that can be used to make calls or voice commands. The headset has low-latency technology that makes it ideal for gaming and video calls.
The ATH-M20x headphones are great for some music genres however, not all. Vocals may sound a bit flat, and there's not much bass. The high frequencies sound clear and clear. These headphones are renowned for their treble. They're a great choice for pop, classical and jazz.
The ATH-M20x is a lightweight headphone, weighing just under 190g without the cord. The ear cups are well padded, but they cannot be folded. They are large and won't fit in a bag or backpack. They don't have an untidy cable, either. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a better option for those who want a more compact set of headphones. It is more comfortable due to a folding design, swiveling ear cups that are flat and have removable cables. It's more expensive but offers better isolation and a bit more bass.
Skullcandy Dime 2.
The Dime 2 is Skullcandy’s best-sounding true wireless headphones. It comes with a small, compact case that's easy to put in pockets or purses. It also comes with several ear gel sizes to accommodate different ears. It's also a little lighter than other true wireless headphones we've tried.
The dual microphones are great for picking up your voice when you call and reducing background noise. However, they're not ideal for use outdoors because the ambient noise can drown out your voice. The earbuds can also be unsuitable in windy environments and they may cut off specific parts of your speech.
Despite these minor issues the earbuds are solid in bass and other sound quality. They have a crisp high end that doesn't bleed into the mids, and they feature a nice amount of mid-bass which adds some punch to your music.
They also have a decent dual-tap feature for executing voice commands, but they're not as user-friendly as Apple's AirPod Pro. You must place your thumb on the bottom stem to ensure stability, and then press the logo to initiate a command. It's not as flexible as the pinch gesture system and is a bit inconvenient.
The earbuds can last for around four hours with one charge. They also have the ability to charge quickly, which lets them last for another two hours. The earbuds are also IPX4 certified for their resistance to water and sweat. The earbuds come with a carrying case that features two openings that can accommodate the earbuds, as well as an elastic loop for securing them to clothing. It's a stylish case that's available in multiple colors, including Doritos red. You can find them online for under $30 USD.