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With the increasing prevalence of wireless headphones, many users have embraced the convenience they offer during commutes or leisure time at home. Wireless headphones free users from the hassle of tangled cords, allowing for a seamless audio experience without sacrificing sound quality. For those seeking immersive sound alongside comfort, over-ear wireless headphones often stand out as a top choice, enveloping the ears to provide a rich listening experience that smaller earbuds may not fully achieve.
The market for over-ear wireless headphones is vast, catering to a range of preferences that include features like active noise cancellation (ANC), extended battery life, and comfortable designs suited for extended wear. For individuals with specific needs—whether it’s compact earbuds for on-the-go use, gaming headsets for immersive gameplay, or budget-friendly alternatives—there are tailored buying guides available. However, if the focus is on premium wireless headphones that deliver exceptional sound alongside ergonomic design, this guide will help navigate the top contenders available today.
Best Wireless Headphones for 2025
Noise cancellation: Yes | Multipoint: Yes | Battery life: 30 hours | Weight: 0.55 pounds | Water resistance: None | Assistant support: Google Assistant | Color options: Black, Midnight Blue, Smoky Pink, Silver
Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review
Sony’s 1000X series has held a prominent place in our rankings for wireless headphones, maintaining its status due to an impressive array of high-end features, superb sound quality, and effective noise cancellation capabilities. The latest model, the WH-1000XM5, showcases a design revamp that enhances comfort for prolonged usage—an essential trait for over-ear models. Testing revealed substantial upgrades in noise cancellation, powered by a dedicated V1 chip that works alongside the prior QN1, and an improved microphone setup that allows for better isolation of background sounds, including vocal frequencies.
Features that distinguish the 1000XM5 include an impressive 30-hour battery life and superior audio fidelity with a well-balanced sound signature. Control options like touch-sensitive surfaces and physical buttons offer easy access to audio playback and calls without the need for a mobile device. The “Speak-to-Chat” functionality dually enhances usability by automatically pausing audio during conversation, and the device smartly adapts noise cancellation settings based on environment and activity. Despite these enhancements, the price may deter some, as it is set at $400, which is $50 higher than its predecessor.
Noise cancellation: Yes | Multipoint: Yes | Battery life: 60 hours | Weight: 11.5 ounces | Water resistance: None | Assistant support: Google Assistant, Siri | Color options: Black/Silver
Read our full Noble Audio FoKus Apollo review
Noble Audio adopts an intriguing dual-driver configuration, utilizing both dynamic and planar magnetic elements in the FoKus Apollo model, resulting in a sound profile that delivers pronounced bass alongside crystalline highs. While its active noise cancellation doesn’t quite compete with the industry leaders, the standout feature here is the exceptional sound quality, making it worth the premium price tag, albeit at $649. Battery life is commendable, reinforcing its credentials as a quality audio device.
Noise cancellation: Yes | Multipoint: Yes | Battery life: 30 hours | Weight: 10.8 ounces | Water resistance: None | Assistant support: Not specified | Color options: Anthracite Black, Cloud Grey, Forest Green, Ocean Blue, Ruby Red
Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e review
The Px7 S2e targets audiophiles with a reworked DSP engine promoting high-resolution streaming. Enhanced acoustics result in a broader soundstage, and Bowers & Wilkins consistently provide a user-friendly experience with tactile controls. While lacking some of the advanced features found in rivals, they nevertheless deliver robust sound quality, making them a solid choice for listeners who prioritize audio fidelity over additional tech frills, priced at $249.
Noise cancellation: No | Multipoint: Yes | Battery life: 60 hours | Weight: 1.42 pounds | Water resistance: None | Assistant support: Not specified | Color options: Black, White
Read our full Audio-Technica M20xBT review
Audio-Technica promises comfort without a steep price with their M20xBT model, a Bluetooth rendition of the popular M20x setup. With a commendable battery uptime and multipoint capabilities, convenience is prioritized at just $79. While it may lack some high-tech features, its value in terms of comfort and battery longevity makes it an attractive entry-level offering.
Noise cancellation: Yes | Multipoint: Yes | Battery life: 24 hours | Water resistance: None | Assistant support: Google Assistant, Siri | Color options: Black, White Smoke, Lunar Blue, Deep Plum
Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra review
Bose enhances its flagship line with the QuietComfort Ultra headphones, promising significant advancements in active noise cancellation—applauded as the quietest they have ever produced. The improved ANC features and microphone enhancements cater to clearer call quality. Users can switch seamlessly between various sound modes to adapt to their environments. However, some inconsistencies exist within its immersive sound capabilities, which rely heavily on digital signal processing.
Noise cancellation: Yes | Multipoint: Yes | Battery life: 50 hours | Weight: 0.65 pounds | Water resistance: None | Assistant support: Amazon Alexa | Color options: Black, Silver
Read our full Technics EAH-A800 review
Technics debuted their A800 models with an impressive 50-hour battery life paired with ANC. The design and acoustic performance meet expectations, offering comfort during extended use, and features are adequately balanced for their price point of $220.
Noise cancellation: Yes | Multipoint: Yes | Battery life: 28 hours | Weight: 0.75 pounds | Water resistance: None | Assistant support: Compatible with native voice assistants | Color options: Various leather finishes
Read our full Master & Dynamic MW75 review
The MW75 from Master & Dynamic integrates luxurious materials with professional audio features, enhancing the listening experience. With customizable ANC settings, these headphones cater to various environments, though their premium design comes at a price of $599.
How to Choose the Best Wireless Headphones for You
When selecting wireless headphones, the initial consideration should be the style of wear—whether on-ear or over-ear suits your needs better. Over-ear headphones are predominantly emphasized here due to their superior noise isolation capabilities, a crucial aspect for those interested in ANC. It’s important to assess your environments and determine if noise cancellation is necessary; if your listening spaces tend to be quieter, opting out of ANC can also save costs.
Next, consider which features are important. Determining which features are essential versus those that may be disregarded can enhance the value of your purchase. Basic functionality such as automatic pausing and Bluetooth multipoint connectivity should not be overlooked, as not every manufacturer provides these. Reviewing user experiences related to specific features can further guide your decision on whether to invest in additional capacities. Moreover, be cautious of manufacturers’ battery life claims, ensuring they align with real-world testing outcomes.
Sound quality remains somewhat subjective, making it advisable to try headphones before purchasing when possible, despite the challenges posed by online shopping. Pay close attention to immersive audio formats such as Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos to ensure compatibility with your media consumption. Additionally, low latency is important for video and gaming purposes, as delays can disrupt the experience.
How We Test Over-Ear Headphones
Our evaluation of wireless headphones revolves around extensive wear over a period of one to two weeks, permitting thorough assessment even if stringent deadlines impede full testing. We blend music listening with podcast enjoyment and testing both voice and video call capabilities. To validate battery life claims, we run looping music tests at a moderate volume level (around 75 percent), turning off the headphones regularly to emulate daily use.
Assessing sound quality includes listening across genres while monitoring consistency at varied volumes. For phone call quality, we record audio responses and obtain feedback during calls from external parties. Each model’s companion app is scrutinized, evaluating the effectiveness of all features presented and re-evaluating previous iterations for any enhancements or declines. Competition models are also compared alongside new releases to ensure thorough understanding and analysis.
Other Wireless Headphones We Tested
AirPods Max
The AirPods Max from Apple represent a high-end design combined with solid ANC and spatial audio capabilities. However, at $550, they may not deliver value for all users, despite potential discounts making them more attractive for dedicated Apple enthusiasts.
Dyson On-Trac
Dyson’s On-Trac headphones offer customizable design features, yet their overall sound quality lacks the dynamic profile expected from $500 headphones, and the ANC remains average without significant supplemental functions aside from a useful hearing health monitor.
Sonos Ace
The Sonos Ace marks a strong entry into the headphone market, showcasing stylish design and commendable sound quality, alongside some unique home theater features. However, average ANC performance and functionality are still evolving for users.
Sony ULT Wear
For enthusiasts seeking enhanced bass, the ULT Wear headphones provide robust low-end sound. While they may lack some of the refinement found in higher-end models, they include useful features for a competitive price of $200.
Sony WH-CH720N
The WH-CH720N serves as an affordable option in Sony’s lineup; however, they are criticized for construction quality and somewhat less reliable ANC when compared to rivals in the budget category.
Beats Studio Pro
The Studio Pro model from Beats is limited in basic features like automatic pausing, with multipoint connectivity restricted to Android. Although sound quality has improved, comfort may be inadequate for those with larger head sizes.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose’s latest release includes numerous advanced features and stellar ANC capabilities. Yet, inconsistencies in its Immersive Audio function raise questions about its true value against competing models.
Master & Dynamic MH40 (2nd Gen)
The MH40 headphones exhibit a penchant for natural sound representation in an elegantly designed frame. However, limited customization options and reduced battery lifespan restrict their appeal in a more competitive market.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8
The Px8 headphones exemplify signature sound quality from Bowers & Wilkins, though they come at a higher price and may lack the comfort level found in the Px7 S2 model.
Wireless Headphones FAQs
How can you tell the quality of wireless headphones?
Quality can typically be gauged through design, sound fidelity, and feature set. Analyzing the build quality can reveal whether a product feels cheap. Sound quality involves a balanced representation of frequencies, ensuring clarity and a spacious soundstage. Features should not be overlooked, and missing basic functionalities can denote lower overall quality.
How do I choose the best quality wireless headphones?
Choosing the “best” can be subjective; thus, experiencing headphones firsthand is often beneficial before purchasing. If that isn’t feasible, understanding your core priorities—whether sound quality, ANC, or convenience—can guide your decision. Researching noise-canceling technologies and battery life will yield informed choices.
Which brand has the best wireless headphones?
Sony’s 1000X series consistently ranks at the top due to its exemplary blend of sound, ANC, and an array of features. While some brands may excel in specific areas, Sony encapsulates overall quality and performance across its headphones.
Do expensive wireless headphones sound better?
While premium price tags do not guarantee superior sound experiences, many brands offer affordable models with commendable audio profiles. It ultimately depends on personal preference—luxury does not always equate to excellence in sound quality.
Source
www.engadget.com