Over-Ear Wireless Headphones Review

Wireless headphones are a great way to block out background noise and enjoy your favorite music without having to worry about cables. Our reviewers put the latest over-ear models to the test by evaluating the sound quality, comfort and features.

The Marshall Major IIIs appear sleek and hook over ear headphones simple, but their earcups are large enough to accommodate large batteries that help them last for 30 hours on a single charge (playtime varies with volume). The Marshall Major IIIs also come with hi-res audio through the included carrying case.

Comfort

The most effective headphones will be comfortable enough to be able to listen to for long periods of time, without causing any soreness or pain in the head or ears. The degree of comfort is subjective and every person must test various pairs to determine the perfect size. Over-ear headphones are typically more comfortable than in-ear headphones as they don't put more pressure on ears. They are also less bulky and have a thicker padding than in-ear headphones.

Over-ear wireless headphones can also feature larger drivers that enable them to cover a greater range of frequencies. They can reproduce the nuances of your music and a more natural space and make it appear as if you're listening to your music in real-time. They could also come with more active noise cancellation capabilities, which can help to isolate you from the outside world.

There are many amazing wireless over-ear headphones available. Our current favorites include the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, that are slimmer than their predecessors, and enhanced noise cancellation. Bowers & Wilkins PX7S2 headphones are also a good option. They have premium materials and a remarkable audio quality, which puts them at the top of wireless headphones that are over-ear. The Sivga Oriole headphones are another good choice, with a unique geometric design that's elegantly subtle and quite affordable for the features they include.

Earbuds can be an excellent choice, particularly for those who are active and don't like to feel music in their ears. They are more portable than over-ear ones and can be paired to Bluetooth devices, such as smartphones. You can find earbuds which are rated IP-rated for use during sports, as well as options that are compatible with a gym-friendly jogging clip. There are even high-end studio headphones available that aren't necessarily very comfortable, but they are specifically designed for professional use and are designed to last and have excellent sound quality. It's important to test out wireless headphones prior to purchasing them.

Design

As the name suggests that over-ear headphones completely cover the listener's ears. They typically are larger than earbuds and allow for larger drivers and more room for the latest technology, such as active noise cancellation. However this also means that they can be heavier and more difficult to keep in a safe place.

Over-ear headphones are often more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time than on-ear headsets because the headbands don't press against the head quite as much. The ear cups also have a larger size that makes them more comfortable for ears to rest, without pressing against the head. Over-ear wireless headphones make an excellent option for long flights and commutes.

They're also a great choice for anyone who wants to block out the world while being able to hear what's going on around them. Earbuds are able to do a bit of passive noise cancellation however they aren't able to block out all ambient sounds because they're only in the ear canal. Some of our top wireless over-ear headphones feature active noise cancellation technology, which uses the microphones in order to detect ambient sounds and create additional sound waves to counteract them.

Premium headphones should feature outstanding sound quality, a comfortable fitting and a good over ear noise cancelling headphones noise cancellation. Some models are capable of playing music for up 40 hours on a single battery charge. They also support several devices. Some models are designed for audiophiles, and feature large soundstages with great detail.

You can still get our top picks for wireless headphones for over-ear for those on a budget. We have selected models with an easy and secure fit and also long battery life. Some are also light and fold up into an easy-to-carry case for storage in your bag or backpack.

For an impressive mix of audio quality, comfort and performance we recommend the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless. These premium headphones offer 60-hour battery life, a user-friendly app, a wealth of features, and an enthralling adaptive noise cancellation. The closed-back design stops audio from getting into the headphones. Large high-quality drivers provide a powerful sound to transport you to a private music-filled space.

Sound

Over-ear wireless headphones do like their name implies they are positioned over the ears, not in the canal. They are able to block out background noise better than earbuds that don't feature active noise cancellation. They also typically provide more sound quality than on-ear headphones, as well as more comfort. Some of the top over-ear headphones are premium brands like Focal and Marshall. These headphones are made from premium materials and are built to last. These headphones are perfect for long listening sessions, or in studios.

Over-ear Bluetooth headphones usually have larger ear cups and have a different design than earbuds, allowing them to form a seal around your ears. This helps reduce noise leakage which is perfect for listening while in noisy environments or at the office. They're not as lightweight as earbuds and can be more bulky on the head.

Earbuds are smaller and lighter to carry in a backpack or jacket pocket however, they aren't always able to create a tight seal around your ears. They may be prone to leakage of sound when you listen at higher volume. They also exert pressure on your ear canal and can become uncomfortable after prolonged time.

Wireless over-ear headsets are the best over ear headphones 2023 choice for those who want comfortable, portable headphones that will last for hours. They usually come with a rechargeable battery built-in, which can give you up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge. You can find models that have wireless Bluetooth technology in a range of price points, from less than $100 up to over $700.

Some headphones have additional features, such as noise cancellation, voice assistants, and high-resolution audio support. You can pick between closed and open back styles based on your personal preferences. Closed-back headphones are ideal for audio professional applications since they can isolate the sound from the other people in the space. Open-back headphones are more flexible, however they may not be as comfortable for listening to music in public.

The Focal Wireless Bathys are high-end Bluetooth over-ear headphones specifically designed for audiophiles. The V-shaped sound profile provides extra bass while brightening vocals and a lead instrument. The graphic EQ and presets available in the companion app allow you to customize them to your liking. They can be used with native hi-res as well as aptX streaming for a truly immersive audio experience at home or on the move.

Battery life

Over-ear headphones generally cost more than wireless earbuds. The top models cost around $250 / £200/AU$450. There are cheaper options, but they might have a shorter battery life or a less excellent sound quality. When it comes to selecting a pair for everyday use you want to get the most out of your investment. And that means finding a great-sounding pair of headphones with a long battery life.

Hook over ear headphones-ear headphones have longer battery lives however, they'll require recharges on a regular basis according to the amount of music you play and if you have active noise cancelling enabled. For example, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones can provide up to 60 hours of playback without active noise cancellation, and up to 28 hours when using it.

This is contingent on a variety of aspects, including the build and design as well as how comfortable they wear, and the extra features included. Some models come with an inbuilt microphone for hands-free calls, which is great for business travelers or commuters. Some models include a USB charging port, which is helpful if you want to charge them while on the go.

Certain models come with intelligent features that automatically adjust the audio settings depending on what you are doing. This is especially beneficial for busy office workers. The Sony WH1000XM5s for instance, can sense when they are being used for calls and automatically change the audio profile to acoustic to enhance clarity. They also have a noise cancellation feature that is that is designed to cut down background noise in conference rooms.

Some wireless headphones over-ear have a 3.5mm jack which allows you to connect wires if the battery runs out. This is not an option in all pairs, however it's important to check the product description to ensure your choice will include this feature.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 offers Bluetooth compatibility, multi-device pairing, and hook over ear Headphones a control application for easy access to audio content. The Bowers & Wilkins S2 is a little more costly than the Sonys but their premium design and quality of build will entice many. They're also comfortable to wear for long periods of time and can offer a great seal for glasses-wearers. The default equaliser leans more towards bass-heavy music, but they can be customised through the headphone app.