10 Best Wireless Over-Ear Headphones in 2023

Featuring Cowin’s Professional Active Noise Cancellation Technology, these earphones offer excellent sound quality, and the 40mm large-aperture drivers produce deep, precise bass. They can be worn for a staggering thirty hours without needing to be charged. And they have a high-quality, in-built microphone, which makes hands-free calls a breeze.

You can be assured of comfort, too, as these earphones are not only lightweight, but they have swiveling earcups that adapt to your ears. This makes them some of the best noise cancelling headphones to buy for comfort. Frequent fliers will love these earphones for their ability to last and to completely silence the roar of the airplane. They are excellent earphones.

Pros:
+ 30-hour battery life
+ Powerful, clear sound quality
+ Wireless connection range of fifty feet
+ First-rate noise cancellation
+ Comfy to wear

Why We Liked It - Combining high-quality sound, with effective noise cancelling technology, while remaining comfortable and including useful extras like the in-built microphone, the Cowin E7 Active Noise is a safe, wireless investment.

The E7 Pro headphones by Cowin offer many of the same, great features as the E7 Active Noise. There are some important differences, though, as the E7 Pro model is an upgrade on the E7 Active Noise. This pair comes with 45mm large-aperture drivers, which means that even the subtlest sounds are picked up.

Music fans will love how their favorite songs sound on these headphones. Another improvement with these headphones on our previous model is the decibel level that the Active Noise Cancelling Technology will work at. These will silence any sound up to 30db.

Pros:
+ Incredible sound quality
+ Lightweight and comfortable to wear
+ Thirty hours of playtime
+ High-level noise cancellation
+ Bluetooth 4.0 technology

Why We Liked It - Cowin’s E7 Pro have everything you could desire, but music fans will especially love listening to the incomparable sound quality that they offer. If you're looking for the best sound, buy a pair of these!

Bose are renowned for creating some of the best audio equipment on the market. These SoundLink around-ear headphones provide such good audio quality that it’s easy to immerse yourself in the best music you can get. But it isn’t just what you hear which is good with these.

The dual microphone system on these Bose noise cancelling headphones works so well that you could be outside on a windy day talking to someone and they’d never know. The battery life is a respectable 15 hours after a full charge. But a quick 15-minute charge will also get you 2 hours of battery life. They’re light and comfy to wear, too.

Pros:
+ Dual microphone system means clear phone calls
+ Immersive sound
+ Option to use a cable for non-wireless hardware
+ Very light
+ Latest Bluetooth technology
+ Bose noise cancelling headphones

Why We Liked It - Every piece of equipment made by Bose comes with a guarantee of deep, rich sound, but these Bose noise cancelling headphones also include a microphone that is just as good as the speakers. They're a great buy if you talk a lot with your earphones.

If you’re looking for a more affordable pair of wireless headphones, then the Mpow 059 might be for you. Without having to break the bank when you buy, you can get 20 hours of wireless battery life, a built-in microphone for hands-free calls, and a balanced, robust sound that comes from dual aperture 40mm drivers.

The over-ear design means they sit snugly over your ears too, as they feature soft, memory-protein earpads. They use Bluetooth 4.1 technology, so they’ll hook up to pretty much all of your devices. They’re also foldable. So, when you’re not using them, you can easily store them until you fancy getting them back out to listen to some tunes. This makes them one of the best pairs to buy if you're a commuter.

Pros:
+ Great value-for-money
+ Foldable and portable
+ Balanced sound
+ Built-in microphone
+ Memory-protein earpads for comfort

Why We Liked It - The combination of price and quality make the Mpow 059 wireless headphones serious contenders to become your next pair of headphones. These over-ear earphones are an amazing buy.

Plantronics are currently designing and selling some of the best headphones ever produced. Before we consider the audio quality for this pair, let’s look at the battery life. A single charge will give you 24-hours of battery life. They offer incredible freedom, allowing you to go 330 feet from the class 1 Bluetooth device you’re connected to and still be in range.

They have Plantronics’ signature audio system, which means deep bass, crisp highs, and very natural middle tones. If you choose to use the active noise cancelling technology, then you’ll find yourself completely lost and immersed in the music.

Pros:
+ 24-hour playtime
+ Brilliant for bass-heads
+ A range of 330 feet
+ Smart sensor controls for ease-of-use
+ ANC technology

Why We Liked It - If music is important to you, especially songs with thudding bass, then the Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2 won’t disappoint you. And the battery life is in a league of its own with these over-ear earphones.

These earphones feature some of the best active noise cancelling technology that’s on the market. You only need to press a button and all external noise will be completely silenced. You are even able to adjust the noise cancellation to suit your surroundings. And, as these are made by Bose, then you get superb, well-balanced, rich sound.

The dual-microphone system offers disturbance-free phone calls. It doesn’t matter where you are; the sound of your voice will sound clear to the other person. They are also enabled for Siri and Alexa. You pay more for Bose, but you’re never disappointed with their products.

Pros:
+ World-class, adjustable noise cancellation technology
+ Dual-microphone system for clear phone calls
+ Rich, immersive sound
+ 20 hours of wireless playtime
+ Earcups made from premium materials for great comfort

Why We Liked It - The best wireless headphones offer noise cancelling technology these days, but Bose do it better than anyone else. This versatile, over-ear pair is one of the best on the market.

Mpow have received criticism in the past for the quality and durability of the headbands on their earphones. They have now corrected this issue, and the Mpow H5 Bluetooth headphones feature a headband that has passed the 10,000+ bending test. They are sturdy for the price.

They also include effective noise cancelling technology that should allow you to immerse yourself in the music, regardless of where you are. They promise 30 hours of battery life when the battery is fully charged. They also have 40mm large-aperture drivers. You’ll be impressed by the superior bass that these drivers produce.

Pros:
+ Durable headband
+ Active noise cancellation technology
+ Very affordable
+ A CVC 6.0 noise-canceling microphone
+ Balanced sound
+ 30 hours battery life

Why We Liked It - These wireless headphones offer good quality ANC without the hefty price tag that headphones with this feature often come with. They have a whole 30 hours of battery life. They're some of the best wireless headphones for someone on a budget.

Sometimes you don’t need to spend a lot to get a decent pair of durable headphones. These ones, made by iJoy, have an extendable headband so that they can be adjusted for comfort. The memory-protein earcups are also very soft. There is always a worry that budget headphones will be uncomfortable to wear, but it’s not the case with these.

The sound is good too. The bass is deep and powerful. They have all the extra features you might want, such as an in-built microphone, and controls on the headphones themselves. They also have a radio receiver built into them.

Pros:
+ Comfy, soft memory-protein earcups
+ Very cheap
+ Adjustable headband with snug pad
+ Ergonomically designed
+ In-built microphone

Why We Liked It - The number one reason why we like these headphones from iJoy is their price tag. They are very affordable, but they aren’t flimsy like the other headphones in this price range.

Since 2003, Skullcandy have been producing innovative and high-quality products.

These headphones feature more bass control than the other headphones on our list. They use an adjustable dual-channel bass system, so that if you want to not just hear the bass, but feel it too, then you can.

And you can feel it for a long time, as once they are fully charged, you’ll get 40 hours of wireless battery life out of them. As with all Skullcandy products, they are stylish without being showy. If the bass is more than a sound, but a way of life, then these are your ideal headphones.

Pros:
+ Haptic bass slider for bass control
+ Powerful bass that you can feel
+ 40 hours of wireless playtime
+ Cool and understated looking
+ Memory foam pads for noise cancellation

Why We Liked It - These are some of the best wireless headphones for bass; you feel as if you are stood next to the speaker at a club. The bass is that heavy. Not only that, but the battery life is amazing.

Over-ear headphones can often be heavy and a drag to wear. The Avantree ANC032, however, are anything but heavy. They only weigh 180 grams, but they're far from flimsy. The lightweight material is still durable. The ANC technology is particularly effective at silencing low-frequency noises, such as engine sounds. They're the best wireless headphones

The 40mm stereo drivers give out dynamic, rich sound. If you plan on using your over-ear headphones to watch movies, then you might want to consider these, as they pride themselves on providing no audio delay, when used in conjunction with a recommended transmitter.

Pros:
+ No audio delay
+ Light as a feather
+ Hi-fidelity sound quality
+ Foldable and portable design
+ Noise cancellation technology that quells low-frequency noises

Why We Liked It - The best wireless, noise cancelling earphones will be light and comfortable to wear. With these, you can easily forget they’re on your head. The combination of comfort, amazing sound, and an affordable price, make them a great investment.

Wireless Over-ear Headphones Buyers Guide

What to Look for When Buying Over-ear Headphones

Some people think that when it comes to getting a good headphone, wireless options will impact the sound. But that's not true at all. If you’re looking to buy a new pair of over-ear headphones, then you might be overwhelmed by the vast number of them that are on the market. Each pair will give you a different experience. There are a number of things that you should look out for when you come to make your choice. The best wireless headphones are what's best for you. Here are the most important of them:

Noise Cancellation Technology

Some over-ear headphones will come without any noise cancelling technology at all. These tend to be more budget headphones. Then again, it isn’t a guarantee that more expensive headphones will come with this technology either. To be able to completely immerse yourself in your listening experience, then canceling out external noise is imperative.

There are two types of noise cancelling technology. The first is passive noise cancelling technology. This noise cancelling ability is created through the shape and material of the earcups. Some headphones that use this technology will block out a lot of background noise, but others won’t. The second type of noise cancellation technology is far more effective.

Active noise cancellation relies upon an electric device that is fitted in the headphone, which has a microphone that analyses the external sounds and then cancels these noises by generating a waveform that opposes them. There is some criticism that this process comes at a price, as this type of noise cancelling technology can harm the sound. Then again, the roar of a car or an airplane engine damages any enjoyment of the sound too. Not only that, but a good pair of noise cancelling headphones might cost a lot more too.

But, if outside noise bothers you, playing extra for ANC is well worth it.

In-built Microphone

If you plan to use your headphones to make calls or for video games, then you’re going to need an in-built microphone. Not every over-ear pair of headphones come with this component. There is also a range of microphones that you’ll find in certain headphones. Some will be basic, and the quality of your calls will suffer.

But some manufacturers use a dual-microphone system that isolates your voice and manages to block out external noises, such as wind, which can be very useful if you make calls while on the go.

Wireless Battery Playtime

The amount of battery life or playtime that you will get from your headphones will depend upon the features that you are using. For example, with the AN cancellation function turned on, you will notice that the battery drains much quicker than when it is off. If you like to travel, you will probably want to consider choosing headphones that have a battery life of thirty hours or more.

Besides just the length of battery life, you should also check how long the headphones must charge to create this battery life. Some headphones can get two hours of battery life from a quick, ten- or fifteen-minute charge.

Comfort

There are three main elements to your headphones that will affect comfort. The first is weight. It's a matter of taste as to how heavy you like your headphones. If you prefer to not be conscious that you're wearing the headphones, though, then you should make sure you go for a pair made from lightweight plastic. Your comfort will also be affected by the material of the earcups.

You preferably want a material that will adapt to your ears, such as a memory-protein. The earcups themselves should swivel too so that you can move more freely. The final important element to comfort is the material and quality of the headband. For more comfort, you should seek a headband that is cushioned or padded.

Sound Quality

Of course, the whole point of wearing headphones is to listen to something, and whether it’s music, an audiobook, or a movie you’re listening to, you will want high-quality sound. To check what sort of sound quality that your headphones will offer, then check what its frequency range is. The larger the range, the more you will hear. A good pair of over-ear wireless headphones will offer a range of between 20 Hz to 25,000 Hz.

Wireless Range

If you plan to hook up your headphones to your device while you walk around the house, then you’ll have to check what the wireless range is that they offer. This is also important if you are connected to your television or console but sit a distance away. Some headphones will allow you to get fifty feet or further away from the device while continuing to offer a good connection. Others won’t offer anywhere near this range.

What is the difference between close-backed and open-backed headphones?

Close-backed headphones have a sealed back. This means that external noises are blocked out, and the sound is also sealed into the headphones. Open-backed headphones have gaps in the back of the cups that will allow air to pass through.

This means that you get a better sound and that your ears won’t get overheated, but it comes at a cost, as external sounds will also easily pass into your ears, and, of course, sounds will leak out too. Unless you’re using your headphones at home or in a quiet environment, then you’ll want to get close-backed headphones, even if the sound isn’t as good.

Can I use my headphones to control Siri or Alexa?

It depends on the headphones. But there are a lot of over-ear wireless headphones available in 2023 with this option. If they have an in-built microphone, you might want to check whether this function is available too.

How much should I be looking to spend on over-ear headphones?

When it comes to sound equipment, you tend to get what you pay for. If you’re looking for some simple earphones, without AN cancellation technology or an in-built microphone, then you don’t have to pay a lot, and you’ll still get good sound quality. If you’re looking for a pair that offers more than great sound, then you’re going to have to pay a lot more, and preferably choose a brand that is renowned for quality.

If you're looking for more high end, wireless earphones you could also check out the Jabra Elite, or the Sennheiser Momentum 3. Both the Jabra Elite and Sennheiser momentum 3 are excellent wireless choices.

Did you know?

ANC technology was created because Dr. Amar Bose, the founder of Bose, was on a flight back to his home in Switzerland and wanted to watch a film on the new ‘in-flight’ entertainment system. But all he could hear was the roar of the engine. So, he got out his notebook and started designing a way to cancel out the annoying noise. So now, when you listen with the best noise cancelling earphones available, think of this.

Expert Tip

When you are choosing a pair of over-ear headphones, the playtime that the manufacturer boasts about on their product description will be how long the battery lasts when using the headphones wirelessly, but with features like noise cancellation turned off.

Conclusion

In 2023, you won’t struggle to find an excellent pair of wireless over-ear headphones. Even the cheapest earphones will offer you great sound quality. But you have to decide whether that’s all that matters to you. If external noises are constantly leaking into your listening experience, then you can’t appreciate the sound quality at all.

Spending the extra money to purchase over-ear headphones with either passive or ANC technology is really worth it. For convenience, it also makes sense to go for earphones that have a wireless playtime of at least thirty hours. You should never compromise on comfort either.

A lightweight pair that have earcups that will adapt to your ears made from a breathable material is a must. You only need to think of how long you might be wearing them for at a time, and you’ll realize that comfort should be a key consideration when making your choice.

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