Best wireless over-ear headphones of 2025: Tested and reviewed

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• A quality pair of headphones can make or break a plane ride, commute or really just a normal day. These four have my full stamp of approval.

Whether you're an audiophile, a casual music and podcast listener or just enjoy jamming to the same playlist on repeat during your evening walks, a solid pair of wireless over-ear headphones is a worthwhile investment.

With so many options to choose from, it can get a bit overwhelming determining which one fits your lifestyle and preferences best. 

So, to make your shopping experience a bit (or a lot) easier, we've done the vetting and listed the four best wireless over-ear headphones that our expert has tried and tested. Options from well-known brands like Sony, Sonos and Bowers & Wilkins make the cut, with some exceeding our expectations. 

From a pair with up to 45 hours of battery life on a single charge to another that has the best noise-canceling performance of any brand we've tested, there are options here for everyone.

• Best overall: Sony WH-1000XM5
• Best battery life: Marshall Monitor II A.N.C.
• Best design: Sonos Ace
• Best noise-cancelation: Bowers & Wilkins Px8

How we test

When testing headphones, we try them out for at least a week (usually longer), focusing on environmental and standardized sound, fit, connectivity to other devices and overall product packaging. 

From testing if the noise-canceling technology is strong enough to drown out the sound of a plane engine or crying baby to how long it takes for different ear pads to negatively affect comfort, we've put it all to the test.

Four different brands of headphones in four different styles — find out which is best for you

We then compare the findings to determine how well each product performs so you can choose the best pair of wireless over-ear headphones for you. 

Why trust us

Our expert team has been testing products and writing reviews for many years, covering a wide range of lifestyle picks. 

Moriba has been thoroughly testing and reviewing tech products for over six years as an experienced writer and editor. 

His reviews are honest, impartial and based on real-world testing to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed buying decision.

Best wireless over-ear headphones 2025

Our verdict

If I were to buy any of the over-ear headphones on this list, I would go with the Bowers & Wilkins Px8. Though they're the priciest of the bunch, they excel in so many areas — some of which other options on the list fall short.

If noise-cancelation quality and performance ranks highest on your list of priorities, these are top of the line and carry out this feature best out of the products listed. While reviewing this pair, the price was the only setback I found that would be a possible deterrent for shoppers.

But if that $699 sale price is too hefty for you, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a suitable runner up that will surely give you so much bang for your buck. While the design isn't as luxe and life-proof as that of the Px8, it's the only one on this list that comes closest to the powerhouse noise-cancelation performance of the Bowers & Wilkins pair.

Take a look at each pair and its corresponding case

FAQs

What brand has the best over-ear headphones?

Based on my experience in testing headphones over the years, Sony has the most diverse range of over-ear headphones that are worth buying at all price points. The brand is also known for boasting some of the most competitive noise-canceling technologies in the industry.

From the WH-1000XM5 pair mentioned in this story to the bass-centric ULT Wear headphones that pack a punch for music listening and DJing, Sony's over-ear headphones range has been one of the most consistent and thorough for years.

What are the most comfortable over-ear headphones for all-day use?

When looking for over-ear headphones for extended wear, look for a pair that has well-padded and cushioned ear cuffs. Based on my years of testing headphones, the pairs with the roomiest ear pads are the most comfortable to wear, and, on this list, the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bowers & Wilkins Px8 come out on top.

I've worn both pairs consistently for over eight hours on multiple occasions, and they're two of the few that don't feel restricting on my ears or head.

A closer look at the Sony WH-1000XM5's control buttons and included aux cord with 3.55 mm connector

Are headphones better in-ear or over-ear?

This is a matter of personal preference, but many listeners and headphone users who prefer to avoid putting headphones inside their ears (i.e. the necessary way to wear in-ear headphones), opt, instead, for over-ear headphones since they're less obstructive.

I've found in my years of testing both headphone types that over-ears tend to give you a more well rounded sound since the ear pads surround your entire ear, giving the noise-canceling feature a real chance to shine. With in-ear headphones, outside sound has a higher chance of disrupting your listening experience since there is not a physical barrier helping to keep that sound from entering.

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