The Best Wireless Over Ear Headset
Over-ear headphones can completely block out any external noise. Choose headphones that feature active noise cancellation and batteries that can last for at minimum 20 hours with music playing.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4s feature an outstanding ANC feature, with a convenient on-ear control, as well as a convenient app. The default sound profile offers punch and thump, but instruments and vocals can be moved into the background.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a great pair of headphones for people who love music and need the best wireless headset. They are light and come with a soft carry bag and can be folded flat to fit inside your bag. The controls on their touch screen are easy to use and intuitive, and their battery can last for 30 hours with ANC switched off. They even have an auto-pause feature that shuts off your headphones when they are removed from your head to conserve battery.
The WH-1000XM5 can be used with Sony's Headphones Connect app which offers an array of features and can be used to personalize your audio experience. The app is able to track your location and adjust the ambient sound effects based on your environment. The device also has built-in microphones for making calls without hands. The Sony WH1000XM5 can be used with music streaming via Bluetooth or via an electrical connection via the included cable. They support aptX codecs, aptX HD codecs, and adaptive codecs that provide high-quality audio through Bluetooth.
The WH-1000XM5 has the same headband and earcups as the XM4 but is lighter and more comfortable. They're easy to wear for long periods and are comfortable enough for commutes as well as longer flights. They are noise cancelling headphones that reduce background noise, but not compromise clarity or clarity. The Sony WH-1000XM5 have an adequate amount of bass for a pair of closed-back headphones. They have a superb soundstage that has a clear separation of instruments and vocals.
The low latency is an enormous positive. The lag is so small that it's almost imperceptible and they can be used for gaming on the go. They're not ideal for video gaming competitively however they're perfect for those who wish to use them for media consumption or to make hands-free calls.
Sony is dedicated to incorporating smart features into its products and the WH1000XM5 model is no different. The active noise cancellation is among the best I've heard and they include a whole suite of smart functions to improve the overall listening experience. Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine upscales compressed audio to a near-hi-res format. They also work with Sony's LDAC technology which streams higher-bitrate audio over Bluetooth (although not as high-quality as a dedicated headphone DAC).
2. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
Since the release of the first-generation PX7 in 2015, Bowers & Wilkins' flagship headphones have frequently featured on top lists of wireless headsets which puts them in the same category with the likes of Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose's QuietComfort. Its newest model, the PX7 S2, is an upgrade that takes the original headphones to the next level with improved ANC performance and a refreshed design.
The 40mm bio-cellulose drivers in the earcups are placed in a way that they point directly at your eardrums. This delivers a more intimate audio experience than other headphones with a closed back. The PX7 S2 does not disappoint in the bold claim. Vocals cut through clearly, and bass is a deep and rumbly when it's needed to be.
The PX7 S2 is also very good at voice calls. It provides crisp clean, clear sound that will not drown out your voice. The PX7 S2 also offers rapid charging, which can bring you back to full capacity in just two hours. They are also compatible with hi-res music, thanks to the aptX adaptive Bluetooth codesc which allow them to play 24-bit audio.
For most listeners, though, the most important upgrade is the enhanced noise-canceling and audio quality. In our tests the PX7 S2 eliminated nearly all of our simulated aircraft cabin noise with remarkable effectiveness and performed exceptionally when we played Mozart's Et In Carnatus Est and Sanctus from his Grosse Messe, demonstrating excellent insight into the dynamic shifts between the solo voice, wind trio and orchestral accompaniment.
The PX7 S2s aren't just noise-cancelling, they also have a variety of other features that make them comparable to other top-rated headphones. They are fully wireless and have Bluetooth multipoint support, which means you can pair two devices simultaneously. They also have an inbuilt microphone which allows hands-free calls using your phone assistant. The construction is durable and premium which means they'll last for a long time.
Of beats studio 3 wireless bluetooth noise cancelling headphones 're not perfect. The clamp force of the models we tested were a little more than we'd prefer, and they didn't have as many app features as other models. However, these aren't major concerns. The PX7 S2s is a fantastic wireless headset that is able to compete with other competitors in its class. It's hard to imagine a competitor to match them.
3. Focal Bathys Wireless
Focal Bathys is the ideal choice for audiophiles that value high-quality sound and are looking for headphones that can be used wirelessly to block out noise. The Focal Bathys are the first ANC headphones made by a French audio company that utilizes Bluetooth. They offer incredible sound both in Bluetooth mode and when connected via USB to a device for true hi-fi listeners with up to 24-bit/192kHz.
The Bathys are stunning, with their glossy finish and swooping curvatures that are reminiscent Focal's closed-back Celestee and open-back Elear headphones. The Bathys are constructed of premium materials like magnesium and aluminum that make them feel durable and comfortable. They are also worth the price.
In Bluetooth mode when Bluetooth is enabled, the Bathys provide a clear and lively sound quality that easily surpasses similarly priced consumer ANC options such as the Sony XM5/5 or Bose QC45. They can be improved further with direct DAC audio mode which makes them a bona fide option for serious hi-fi enthusiasts.
Using the Focal and Naim app users can alter their headphone's playback controls as well as the virtual assistant and Bluetooth pairing preferences. The app lets users choose between quiet and soft intensities for ANC. They can also alter the brightness of the LEDs that are on the earcups of the headphones, and tweak EQ settings. The app is fairly bare-bones but it has enough features to make it worthwhile.
The only drawback is the active noise cancellation, which isn't able to live up to the competition. The headphone does not eliminate all background noise as effectively as the top-rated XM5 and AirPods Max. Its treble accuracy also falls short and has a muddy high to mid range that takes away from vocals and instruments.
The Focal Bathys aren't the most portable headphones. Their ear cups don't fold up and weigh slightly more than other models, meaning they're not the best choice for travel. They're ideal for an environment at home where they can be used for long listening sessions or as an audio reference headphone for engineering purposes. The Bathys are comfortable to wear over long periods of time, despite their size and weight.
4. Sony WH-CH720N
The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are a good pair of wireless headphones that are worth the price. They feature a great noise-cancelling technology that does an excellent job of quelling ambient noise, making them perfect for those who commute or travel. They also add an appealing high-end look with their robust construction and attractive matte finish.
They have a similar look to Sony's 1000X and XB910N headphone models. They sport a slim headband, with the standard earcup hinges and a solid plastic build. They are light and comfortable, however they are a little too compressed for me. They have a USB-C charging port, 3.5mm jack and a decent-length cable in the box. They are multipoint Bluetooth which means you can connect to two devices simultaneously if you want.
In my tests the CH720N's hybrid tech for noise cancellation did a fantastic job at reducing ambient noise. There were only a few small blips while walking through Waterloo Station and London Victoria. The sound-silencers didn't zap every sound in the vicinity however, they struggled with low-frequency sounds such as the engine rumbling sound of buses and trains.
The CH720N's Bluetooth connection worked smoothly and displayed a minimal harmonic distortion. I tried a variety of genres and found they handled the intricate interplay between instruments well. It did a great job of taming the bass in rock tracks while keeping the mix in focus.
The Sony Headphones Connect App allows you to customize the CH720N's multipoint connection and ANC settings to suit your preferences. You can also choose from a range of audio presets. You can also use the app to activate DSEE, which upsacles compressed content and enhances its audio quality.
The WH-CH720N is a good value for PS130. It lacks some of Sony's most popular features (such as Speak-to-Chat and Fast Attention) however, it does come with a lot of great features. 360 Reality Audio, smart controls, and DSEE upscaling are all included. The only thing missing is LDAC Bluetooth high-res audio support which I believe would have been a welcomed inclusion.