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Over-the-ear noise-canceling headphones typically offer the most comprehensive set of features we want for our listening pleasure. The best of these wireless options combine stellar audio with powerful active noise cancellation (ANC) and other useful tools to create as complete a package as possible. Of course, some companies do this better than others. For Engadget’s guide to the best wireless headphones, we tested several different models with a variety of features, including noise cancellation and sound quality. Plus, our favorites span a range of prices so you can decide how much you’re comfortable spending.
Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony’s 1000X line has been our top pick for the best wireless headphones for a long time. Until another company can cram in as many features as Sony – and do it with a stellar mix of sound and effective ANC – the crown is secure. With the WH-1000XM5, Sony redesigned its flagship headphones, making them much more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The company also made notable improvements to active noise cancellation, adding a separate V1 chip on top of the QN1 that was inside the M4. There are also now eight ANC mics in total – the previous model only had four. All of this combines to better block out background noise and high frequencies, including human voices.
The 1000XM5 still has all the features that normally make Sony’s top-of-the-line headphones the best. That includes a 30-hour battery life and crisp, clear sound with balanced tuning and powerful bass. A combination of touch controls and physical buttons gives you built-in access to music, calls, and noise modes without reaching for your phone. Speak-to-Chat automatically stops audio when you start to speak, and like Sony’s previous headphones, the M5 can switch noise modes based on your activity or location. Also, this model offers better call quality than most of the competition. The only real downside is that they’re $50 more than the full-price WH-1000XM4 ($400).
Runner Up: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
I admit, I didn’t expect Bowers & Wilkins to make the best headphones of the year list, or even to be in the running for a spot. However, the company’s reviewed Px7 headphones impressed me during my review. The Px7 S2s are $399, but the Bowers & Wilkins pairs impressive audio quality with solid ANC performance. In fact, the Px7 S2 are my favorite headphones right now in terms of sound. There’s also a more refined design that doesn’t look too clingy and the earbuds fit comfortably even after hours of use. Call quality, ambient sound, and auto-pause aren’t the best here, but they get the job done. At the end of the day, the design, sound quality, and noise cancellation make the Px7 S2 a solid choice in today’s field of true wireless earbuds.
Best Budget: Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
Audio-Technica has introduced affordable wireless headphones in the past, and while they didn’t offer active noise cancellation, they’re still worth considering. The company’s latest is the M20xBT, a Bluetooth version of AT’s popular M20x wired cans. For just $79, you can expect a comfortable fit and up to 60 hours of battery life. Bluetooth multipoint connectivity lets you connect to multiple devices at once, and physical buttons provide reliable onboard control. The design isn’t quite as polished as the company’s more expensive models, like the M50xBT2, but you get most of what makes Audio-Technica’s cheaper options so good.
Another solid option: Bose QuietComfort 45
The Bose 700 was one of our best wireless Bluetooth headphones last time around, but the company recently revived a workhorse with the QuietComfort 45. The design is largely unchanged from previous QC models, which could be a factor. decisive for some. Once you get past that, though, the QC45 combines Bose’s excellent active noise cancellation with clear, balanced audio. You can expect up to 24 hours of battery life on a charge and a comfortable fit that doesn’t get dull during long listening sessions. We’ve already seen them on sale for $50 less than regular price, which makes the QuietComfort 45 even more appealing.
Another solid option: Technics EAH-A800
Back at CES 2022, Panasonic announced the EAH-A800: a new set of active noise canceling headphones under the iconic Technics brand. While most of the features are what you’d see in any number of wireless headphones, one figure stood out. The company says you can expect up to 50 hours of battery life on the A800, and that’s with active noise cancellation enabled. These are currently in my stable of review units for further analysis, but I already tested them on a long flight. The ANC is impressive, and they’re comfortable enough to avoid becoming a burden after several hours. Sound quality is pretty good too (there’s LDAC support, too) and there are enough features here to justify the premium price.
Another solid option: Master and dynamic MW75
While Master & Dynamic is known for its design prowess, the company’s on-ear headphones needed an update. With the MW75 debuting in June, the company went for a look that takes inspiration from its MG20 gaming headset and mixes it up with a combination of aluminum, leather, and tempered glass. The company’s signature sound quality returns with multiple ANC modes and surround sound options for a variety of situations. At $599, the high-end look doesn’t come cheap, but if you’re looking for something beyond the pure plastic fashion of most headphones, M&D has you covered.
Another solid option: Sennheiser Boost 4
I’ll be honest, I had a hard time choosing between the Px7 S2 and the Momentum 4 for second place. However, Bowers & Wilkins gets the upper hand in terms of design even though the Px7 S2 and Momentum 4 have very similar sound quality. They’re the two best-sounding sets of Bluetooth headphones I’ve tried this year, and they’re not even close. Sennheiser has an impressive 60-hour battery life going for it, and improved ANC performance. Those two items alone might be enough to get you to overlook the very generic design.
