10 Best Wireless Over-Ear Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Beats Studio Pro wireless headphones offer a robust set of features that cater well to anyone seeking quality sound and convenience. The sound quality is top-notch with the Beats' custom acoustic platform, providing rich and immersive audio for both music and calls. The inclusion of lossless audio via USB-C and three distinct sound profiles allows for a tailored listening experience.

Battery life is impressive at up to 40 hours, with a quick 10-minute charge offering an additional 4 hours of playtime, making it great for long periods of use without frequent recharging. Comfort and fit are also well-considered with over-ear design and faux leather material, suitable for extended wear. Noise cancellation is advanced with fully-adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode, giving you control over how much of your environment you hear.

Connectivity is seamless with one-touch pairing, and the headphones are compatible with both Apple and Android devices, thanks to Bluetooth 5.3 technology. Controls are user-friendly with on-ear buttons for taking calls, controlling music, and activating Siri. Durability is promising, though it’s worth noting these headphones are not water-resistant, which may be a limitation for outdoor or fitness use. The woven carrying case adds an extra layer of protection during travel. The Beats Studio Pro excels in sound quality, battery life, comfort, and connectivity, making it a solid choice for music enthusiasts, frequent travelers, and anyone needing reliable, high-quality headphones for daily use.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are a standout option in the wireless over-ear category, particularly praised for their sound quality and noise cancellation capabilities. The Dual Noise Sensor technology offers premium noise canceling, making them ideal for users who need to block out background noise, whether for travel, work, or relaxation. Battery life is impressive, boasting up to 30 hours of use with quick charging options that provide 5 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge – a real convenience for users who are on the go.

Comfort is also a key strength, with an updated design that relieves pressure during extended listening sessions, making them suitable for prolonged use. Connectivity is seamless, thanks to the multipoint connection feature that allows pairing with multiple devices at once. The touch sensor controls provide easy management of music and calls, while features like Speak-to-Chat and wearing detection enhance the user experience by automatically adjusting playback based on activity.

However, the headphones are not water-resistant, which may be a drawback for users who need a versatile option for various conditions. Durability and build quality are solid, though they are primarily made from plastic, which might not feel as premium to some users. The lack of water resistance could be a limitation for those looking for headphones that can withstand different weather conditions. Despite these few drawbacks, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offers a comprehensive package with superior call quality, adaptive sound control, and edge AI for enhancing music playback, making them a top choice for most users seeking high-quality wireless over-ear headphones.

The Apple AirPods Max delivers excellent sound quality thanks to its custom dynamic drivers and the Apple H1 chip, which work together to produce clear and immersive audio. One standout feature is the personalized spatial audio that adapts to your ear shape, creating a surround sound feel, especially nice for movies and select music. Battery life is solid, offering up to 20 hours of listening with active noise cancellation turned on, which is competitive for wireless over-ear models.

Comfort is well thought out with memory foam ear cushions and a knit-mesh canopy that helps the headphones fit securely and seal in sound, but the weight of about 13.6 ounces might feel a bit heavy during long sessions for some users. Noise cancellation is strong, blocking out a significant amount of background noise, while the transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings clearly without removing the headphones. Apple’s seamless connectivity—especially with iPhones and other Apple devices—makes pairing and switching devices effortless. The controls are intuitive, featuring a Digital Crown for volume and playback, similar to the Apple Watch, and a dedicated noise control button. Charging via USB-C is convenient and matches other modern Apple products.

The AirPods Max lacks water resistance, so they’re not ideal for sweaty workouts or rainy conditions. Also, the premium features come with a high price tag that may not fit every budget. For users deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem who want a high-end wireless headphone with great sound, advanced noise cancellation, and smart features, the AirPods Max represents a strong choice. Those who prioritize lightweight comfort or need water-resistant headphones might want to explore other options.