Best Over the Ear Headphones
Wireless headphones allow you to listen to music or podcasts anywhere, without the necessity of running a wire from your audio device. These headphones are ideal for use in public transport, at the office or at home.
Wireless over-ear headphones may have an elegant design and superior noise cancellation. They are usually packed in a stylish case.
Soundcore Q30
A major improvement over the Soundcore Life 2 from late-2018 The new over-ears look better, feel sturdier and are generally more polished. They're still mostly plastic, but the hinges are a bit more secure and the soft protein leather ear cups are a bit bigger. You can also swap out the 3.5mm cable for a premium USB-C model to make use of them with portable Hi-Fi systems as well as stationary Hi-Res players. They also have two microphones built-in, which work well in our tests for FaceTime, Skype, and Microsoft Teams calls.
The Soundcore app has a huge range of EQ presets, which can be altered and saved so you can listen to podcasts and music in the style you prefer. This is what sets these headphones apart from other ANC headphones, and the Soundcore app is extremely simple to use.
The Q30's 40mm speakers effectively eliminate almost all ambient sound when ANC is turned on. This makes for an extremely pleasant listening experience. The Q30's sound quality is natural, however it lags it's a bit harsh on the treble. Some might be disappointed by the bass response (we had better results using the Bass Booster Equalizer). However, you can rectify this using the Soundcore app, as there is an 8-band equalizer that can help you tweak.
These headphones have the power button and a pairing button on the left ear cup along with the USB-C port for charging. The right earcup is equipped with buttons for play/pause, volume control and volume up/down. By double-clicking these controls, you can skip tracks or repeat the previous one. They also come with an option to speak to them which allows you to ask to switch the mode or set an alarm. The right earcup can also be covered by your hand to enable ambient mode, so you can be aware of what is happening around you without removing the headphones.
The battery life on these headphones is excellent 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 an extended flight or working for a long time. The USB-C cord included in the kit lets you quickly recharge them. You'll also get a warning when the battery is getting close to empty.
Focal Bathys Wireless
Focal's Bathys Wireless are a set of premium over-ear headphones that provide both active noise cancellation as well as Bluetooth playback. These headphones are made to be high-end, premium headphones that can be used at home or on the go. The headphones are a higher priced than comparable headphones, but their outstanding sound quality is what makes them stand out.
The Focal Bathys come in a compact, slim and attractive, white, fabric-finished box with all the accessories you require inside. The headphone carry case folds flat, and comes with a case, USB-C to USB-C cable, 1.2mm SE cable and an audio adapter.
The 600mAh battery can last a whole day of listening to music casually. They also come with an audio input that you can use wired. Wirelessly, beats studio wireless headphones connected via Bluetooth. You can control their functions with an app (now called Focal and Naim in line with English Naim's products that are network-aware) or by pressing the button on the left earcup, which scrolls through ANC profiles like silent, soft 'transparent,' and 'full.
The app lets you modify various settings, including the brightness of the LEDs and the EQ presets (including music's profile, that sounds more neutral and brighter than the other profiles) and the battery life. You can also select the ANC mode and level as well as set an 'acoustic environments' to adjust the sensitivity in order to simulate the sound of the headphones in a different room.
The Focal Bathys have a bass-rich sound profile that adds extra warmth, punch and impact to your favorite tracks. This means that instruments and vocals are pushed back into the mix and can sound dull, while other details such as cymbals sound somewhat less prominent than you'd expect from other headphones. The headphones are also less effective in active noise cancellation, compared to other over-ears that have more advanced technology, such as the Sony WH1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Max.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony headphones are well-known for their high-end quality and the WH1000XM5 is not an exception. It is at the top end of the mainstream over-ear headphone market, but it is also dipping into the 'luxury lifestyle' sector where brands like Bang & Olufsen, Apple and Montblanc hang out. The XM5s are costly however, if you are able to get them, you won't find a better wireless headphones for over-ear use.
The XM5s are loaded with a number of features that make life easier for the listener, and also automate tasks that they'd otherwise be required to do manually. Sony's DSEE Extreme Engine (which upscales music compressed to near hi-res) as well as Bluetooth's LDAC Technology are included. This allows streaming of high-quality audio at rates that are higher than traditional Bluetooth. There's even a built-in microphone that can be used for making hands-free calls.
Like the previous generation of WH headphones the XM5s excel at noise cancellation. They are among the best at cutting down on the constant drones that are heard in underground and train carriages. The XM5s do a great job isolating listeners from the traffic noises of busy streets and airports also.
The sound quality is also great. The XM5s lack as high a resolution in the low frequency range as the XM4, however they do have a greater sense clarity and openness. For example the bass track on Rage Against The Machine's Bullet in the Head flexes the Sonys' muscles with real power and definition, without reducing everything else. The XM5s also have the ability to provide precise and accurate bass notes in Massive Attack's Angel.
The battery life is also excellent, offering up to 30 hours of audio with ANC active and up to 40 hours when it's off. This is plenty for a weekend getaway or several days of heavy use.
The XM5s are not water resistant or dust resistant. Sony actually advises against sweating into them or taking them out in the rain. This might not be a problem for most people, but for those who spend long hours in the gym or live in a rainy location, it could be a big issue.
Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max is a pair of wireless headphones which feature Bluetooth technology and noise cancellation. Apple created dynamic drivers measuring 40mm with a neutral audio profile that emphasizes highs and mids, but not going too loud. This makes them perfect for both music and movies. They also provide better sound quality than many other headphones.
The headphones are light and comfortable on the head. The ear cups, which are constructed of memory foam and covered with woven fabric, sit comfortably over the ears they do not place pressure on the sides or forehead. Ear cups can be flipped and rotated to accommodate different head shapes. The spring-loaded hinges have a solid but not overly strong clamping force, which ensures that the earcups remain in place throughout listening sessions.
Toggle noise cancelling mode by pressing a small button located at the top of the right earcup. You can also utilize the jog dial that is a push-button like the digital Crown on the Apple Watch. You can turn it to control the volume and press it once three, twice, or even three times for playback controls. Siri can be activated by pressing and pressing the button. These buttons are placed well and simple to use, however I would have liked an option to turn the headphones off when they are not in use. The headphones are put into standby when they are removed from your ears or when they are put in their case. They only come back into use when you put them on your head.
Another feature that is quite cool is spatial audio, which makes use of the accelerometers and gyroscopes of the AirPods Max and your iPhone or iPad to figure out the direction you're going, and then repositions sound to appear as if they're coming from those places. This creates a cinema-like experience for movies and videos recorded in 5.1, 7.1 or Dolby Atmos. Only iOS devices can be used to listen to spatial audio.
The AirPods Max is a decent pair, but I would feel a bit ripped off for spending $549 at an Apple Store knowing that the next-generation model will be better within a year. The AirPods Pro have more advanced features and a better battery life, making it hard to justify the extra cost for most people.