Best Over the Ear Headphones

Wireless headphones allow you to listen to music and podcasts without the requirement to connect a wire to your audio device. They are an excellent choice for public transport, while at work or at home.

Wireless over-ear headphones may have an elegant design and superior noise cancellation. They are usually packed in a sleek case.

Soundcore Life Q30

These over-ears are a major upgrade over the Soundcore Life 2 of late-2018. They appear better and are more durable and have a more polished appearance. They're still mostly plastic, however the hinges are more secure and the soft leather ear cups are larger. You can also switch the 3.5mm cable for a better USB-C version so that you can use them with stationary Hi-Fi systems and mobile Hi-Res players. They also feature two microphones built-in, which work well in our tests for FaceTime, Skype, and Microsoft Teams calls.

The Soundcore app has a huge selection of EQ presets that can be altered and saved so you can listen to music and podcasts in your preferred style. This is the thing that sets these headphones apart from most other ANC headphones and the Soundcore app is very easy to use.

When ANC is on, the Q30's 40mm drivers effectively block out most of the ambient noise, and provide an extremely pleasant listening experience. They have a natural sounding signature that is a bit on the treble side, which some might find lacking in bass response (we had better results using the Bass Booster Equalizer preset). But, you can fix this by using the Soundcore application, as there's an equalizer with 8 bands that can help you tweak.

The left ear cup has an power button, a pairing button, and USB-C charging port. The right earcup features buttons for play/pause, volume up/down and volume up/down. Double-clicking on these buttons allows you to skip tracks or replay previous ones. They also have a voice command which allows you to request to change the mode or introduction of bluetooth technology set an alarm. You can also cover the right earcup by using your hands to activate ambient modes, to allow you to hear everything around you without taking off the headphones.

The battery life on these headphones is fantastic as well. The Q30 lasted an hour longer in our tests when ANC was turned on than its competitors. This leaves plenty of time for long flights or working for a long time. The USB-C cord included in the kit lets you quickly recharge the batteries. You'll also receive a warning when the battery is about to run out.

Focal Bathys Wireless

Focal's Bathys Wireless is a pair of high-quality over-ear Bluetooth headphones that feature active noise cancellation, as well as Bluetooth playback. They're designed as an elite, high-end headphone that are ideal for listening to podcasts and music on the go but also sound amazing when used to listen to audiophile music at home too. They're a little more expensive than similar headphones, but their superior audio quality is the primary selling factor.

The Focal Bathys come in a compact elegant white box with a textured finish. It comes with all the accessories you'll need. The package includes a fold-flat headphone carrying case, USB-C to USB-C cable, 1.2mm SE cable and an audio adapter.

The 600mAh battery can last for a full day of casual listening. They also come with an audio input that you can connect wired. When connected wirelessly, they're paired via Bluetooth and you can manage their functions via an app (now known as Focal & Naim likely in the same line as their English Naim brand's products that are network-aware) or by pressing the button located on the left earcup that allows you to switch between ANC profiles like'soft','silent transparent', and 'full'.

Utilizing the app, you are able to alter various settings like the brightness of the LED and EQ presets, including a "music profile' that sounds brighter and more neutral than the others and their battery duration. You can also choose the ANC level and mode and select an 'acoustic environment that adjusts the sensitivity to simulate the sound introduction Of Bluetooth technology the headphones in a different acoustic room.

The Focal Bathys feature bass-rich, rich sound profiles that adds extra energy, impact and warmth to your favorite tracks. The result is that vocals and instruments can be muted, and details like cymbals might be less prominent than on other headphones. The headphones are also less effective at active noise cancellation compared to other headphones that feature more advanced technology, like the Sony WH1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Max.

Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are known for their high-end quality and the WH1000XM5 is no exception. It is at the top portion of the headphones for over-ear, and is slipping into the luxury lifestyle category where brands like Bang & Olufsen, Apple and Montblanc are a common sight. This means that the XM5s have a premium price tag, but when you can afford it, there are more superior wireless over-ear headphones on the market.

The XM5s are loaded with a number of features that simplify the lives of the listener and automate tasks that they'd otherwise have to do manually. Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine (which upscales music that has been compressed to near high-res), as well as Bluetooth's LDAC Technology, are included. This allows for streaming of high-quality audio at bitrates higher than conventional Bluetooth. It also has a built-in microphone for making calls hands-free.

Like the previous generation of WH headphones the XM5s excel at noise cancellation. They're among the top-performing headphones for removing the continuous drones that can be heard in train and underground carriages. The XM5s are also great in separating the listener from the hum of busy streets and airports.

Sound quality is also excellent. The XM5s lack as much detail in the low-frequency range like the XM4, however they do possess more clarity and a greater sense of openness. For instance the bass on Rage Against The Machine's Bullet in the Head flexes the Sonys' muscles with real power and definition without flattening everything else. In the same way, Massive Attack's grooving Angel showcases the XM5's ability to create precise and precise bass notes.

Battery life is excellent with up to 30 hours listening time when ANC is in use and 40 hours if off. This is enough to cover an entire weekend or a few days of heavy use.

The XM5s aren't dust or water resistant. Sony actually advises against sweating in them or taking them out in the rain. This may not be a problem for the majority of people, but for those who spend much time in the gym or live in a humid region this could be a significant issue.

Apple AirPods Max

The Apple AirPods Max are a pair of wireless headphones that fit over the ear equipped with Bluetooth technology and noise cancelling. They have 40mm dynamic drivers that are designed by Apple and have a an audio profile that is neutral and is focused on the mids and highs without going overboard on either end of the spectrum. This makes them ideal for movies and music. They also provide better sound quality than many competing pairs of headphones.

The headphones have a light design that is comfortable on the head. The ear cups are constructed from memory foam covered in woven fabric, and they sit comfortably on the ears without pressing on the sides of the face. The ear cups can tilt and rotate to accommodate various head shapes. The spring-loaded hinges offer an incredibly firm, yet not too much clamping force to ensure that the earcups remain in place throughout listening sessions.

A small button at the top of the right ear cup lets you toggle noise cancelling modes. You can also use an earphone-style jog dial with a push button like the digital Crown on the Apple Watch. You can turn it around to control volume and press it one three, twice, or even three times for playback controls. Siri is activated by pressing and holding the button. The buttons are easy to use and well-placed, however I would have liked to see a power button that would turn off the headphones when not in use. The headphones are put into standby mode when removed from your ears, or when placed in their case. They return to life when you place them over your head.

Spatial audio is another cool feature. It uses the gyroscopes, accelerometers, and iPhones and iPads to determine where you are moving. Then, it alters the position of the sound to make it appear to originate from the location you are in. This creates an immersive theater experience for films and videos recorded in 5.1, 7.1 or Dolby Atmos. The only catch is that spatial audio requires an iOS device to be used and it won't allow you to experience it on other devices.

The AirPods Max is a decent pair, but I'd be a bit disappointed if I spent $549 in an Apple Store knowing that the second-generation model would be better within a year. AirPods Pro are more expensive, but they have better battery life and advanced features.