The Best Wireless Over Ear Headset
Over-ear headphones can block out external noise. Find headphones with active noise cancellation, and an endurance of at 20 hours or more.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4s come with amazing ANC as well as a handy app, and easy-to-use on-ear controls. The default sound provides an energizing thump. However, vocals and instruments can be put in the background.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a fantastic pair of headphones for people who love music and want the most wireless headset. They are light and have a soft carrying bag and fold flat to fit in your bag. The controls are easy to use and intuitive and their battery can last for 30 hours with ANC turned off. They even include an auto-pause feature that shuts off your headphones when they're removed from your head to conserve battery.
The WH-1000XM5 can be used with Sony's Headphones Connect app which offers an extensive range of features that can be used to tailor your audio experience. The app can be used to track your location and adjust the sound quality of your surroundings. They also have an inbuilt microphone that can be used to make calls without hands. The Sony WH-1000XM5 is able to play music via Bluetooth or via a wired connection using the cable included. They support aptX, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive to deliver high quality audio over Bluetooth.
The WH-1000XM5 comes with the same headband and ear cups to the XM4 however it is lighter and more comfortable. They're easy to wear for long periods of time and are comfortable enough for commutes and longer flights. They are noise cancelling headphones that can cut down background noise but not sacrifice clarity or detail. The Sony WH1000XM5 headphones feature plenty of bass, especially for a closed-back pair. They also have excellent soundstages and clear separation between vocals and instruments.
The low latency is an enormous positive. The lag is so small that it's barely noticeable, and they can also be used for gaming on the go. They're not the best choice for games that are competitive, however and are best for those who are using them for media consumption and for making calls using hands-free technology.
Sony is adamant about including smart features into its products and the WH1000XM5 is no exception. The active noise cancellation feature was one of the most effective I've used and they have a whole range of smart features to improve your listening experience. Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine upscales compressed audio to a near-hi-res format. They're also compatible with Sony's own LDAC technology which streams higher-bitrate audio over Bluetooth (although not as high-quality as the headphone DAC that's dedicated).
2. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
Bowers & Wilkins flagship headphones, the PX7 S2 have always been on top wireless headset lists since the launch of the first-generation PX7 in 2015. They are in the same class as Sony WH1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort. The PX7 S2 is the latest model that takes the original headphones to the next level, with a boost in ANC performance and a fresh appearance.
The bio-cellulose drivers that measure 40mm inside the earcups are angled so that they directly hit your eardrums. This provides an audio experience that is more intimate than other headphones with a closed back. The PX7 S2 lives up to this claim with a fervent zeal. Vocals are clear and clear and bass is rich and rumbly when it needs to be.
The PX7 S2 also performs very well when it comes to voice calls, with clear and crisp audio that doesn't overpower your own voice. The PX7 S2 also offers an extremely fast charge that will allow you to return fully charged in just two hours. They're also compatible with hi-res music, thanks to aptX adaptive Bluetooth codesc that allow the playback of 24-bit audio.
For most listeners, the most important upgrade is the improvement in noise cancellation and audio quality. In our tests we were able to eliminate nearly all of the simulated aircraft noises with the PX7 S2. They also performed exceptionally well in Mozart's Et In Carnatus Est and Sanctus which provide great insight into the shifting dynamics between the solo vocal, wind trio, and orchestral accompaniment.
As well as In addition to improved ANC Alongside improved ANC, in addition to improved ANC, PX7 S2s come with a variety of other features that make them very comparable to other top-rated noise-canceling headphones. They're wireless and have Bluetooth multipoint support, so you can pair them with two devices at the same time and also include a built-in microphone which supports hands-free calling with your phone's assistant. They're also extremely robust, with premium-feeling and durable construction that will last for years of regular use.
They're not perfect, of course. The clamp force of our test models were a bit more than we'd prefer and there weren't as many app features as the other options. But these are minor complaints. The PX7 S2s are a fantastic wireless headphone that is among the best in their class, and it's difficult to imagine them being outclassed by any other headphone.
3. Focal Bathys Wireless
For audiophiles who appreciate high fidelity and are looking for a top-quality wireless noise cancelling headset The Focal Bathys are difficult to beat. They're the French audio company's first-ever ANC headphones that use Bluetooth and they offer incredible audio quality in both Bluetooth mode and when connected to an device via USB to enjoy hi-fi quality sound with up to 24 bit/192kHz (the headset is also capable of passively blocking external sound with its closed ear cups).
The Bathys look gorgeous, with their glossy black finish and swooping curves that are reminiscent of Focal's premium open-back Elear and closed-back Celestee headphones. They also come with premium materials such as magnesium and aluminum to create solid construction that is comfortable, solid and worth the price.
In Bluetooth mode when Bluetooth is enabled, the Bathys offer a clear and lively sound quality that easily beats similar priced consumer ANC alternatives like the Bose QC45. They can be improved further by using direct DAC audio mode, making them an excellent choice for serious hi-fi enthusiasts.
Utilizing the Focal and Naim app users can change the playback controls on their headphone as well as the virtual assistant and Bluetooth pairing preferences. The app allows users to choose between quiet and soft intensities for ANC. Users can also adjust the brightness of the LEDs that are on the earcups of the headphones, and alter the EQ settings. The app is not complete however it provides enough functionality to warrant the cost of downloading.
The only issue is the active noise cancellation, which doesn't measure in the same way as the other models. The headphone doesn't cut out all the background noise as the most rated XM5 or AirPods Max, and its treble accuracy is subpar, with a muddy mid - to high range that detracts from vocals and instruments.
The Focal Bathys headphones aren't the most transportable. Their earcups don't fold down and weigh slightly more than other models, meaning that they're not ideal for use on the road. They're ideal for a home environment where they can be used for lengthy listening sessions or as an example headphone for sound engineering purposes. The Bathys are comfortable to wear over long periods of time, despite their size and bulk.
4. Sony WH-CH720N
The Sony WHCH720N headset is a excellent pair of wireless over ear headsets for the price. They feature a great noise-cancelling system that does a great job of quelling ambient noise, making them ideal for commuters and travellers. They also add an appealing design that reflects premium quality, thanks to their robust construction and attractive matte finish.
They look similar to Sony's 1000X and XB910N headphone models. They have a slim headband with the typical ear cup hinges and a sturdy plastic build. They are lightweight and comfortable, but they feel a bit too compressed for me. They come with a USB-C charge port, 3.5mm jack and a decent-length cable included in the box. They support multipoint Bluetooth pairing, which means you can connect to two devices simultaneously If you want to.
In my tests the CH720N's hybrid tech for noise cancellation did an excellent job of reducing ambient noise. There were only a few glitches while walking around Waterloo Station and London Victoria. They weren't magic sound-silencers that zapped every single nearby sound, however, they struggled with lower frequency noises like the rumbling engine noises of buses and trains.
The CH720N's Bluetooth connection was a breeze and showed a low level harmonic distortion. I tested a variety of genres and found that they could handle the intricate interplay among instruments with ease. best overhead headphones wireless did a great job of reducing the bass in rock tracks, and keeping the mix focused.
I like the possibility of adjusting the Sony Headphones Connect app to modify the CH720N's ANC as well as multipoint connectivity settings to your preference and also include a variety of audio presets. You can also enable DSEE via the app, which improves sound quality and upsacles compressed audio files.
The WH-CH720N isn't equipped with some of Sony's primetime functions compared to the XM5 (such as Speak-to -Chat and Quick Attention) they do come with a solid feature set for PS130. It comes with 360 Reality Audio and a variety of smart controls and the aforementioned DSEE upscaling feature. The only thing missing is LDAC Bluetooth high-res audio support I believe it would have been a great inclusion.
