Best Wireless Over-Ear Headphones 2022/2023 (mid-price segment)

3 Wireless headphones in comparison (mid-price segment)

In the hotly contested wireless headphone market, manufacturers vie for buyers’ favor with circumaural (over-ear) headphones with active noise cancellation. We take a look at three popular models from well-known manufacturers with comparable specifications here.

Sennheiser Momentum 4

Sennheiser’s latest descendant of the Momentum line, the first under the aegis of Sonova, could overcome the critical voices of the hi-fi world, who criticized the limited soundstage of its predecessors, with a deeper spatial sound and improved wearing comfort. The two built-in microphones pick up little background noise and allow for trouble-free phone calls.

The revised active noise cancelling (ANC) can be adjusted in intensity on the headphones via capacitive touch controls.

At around 60 hours, the battery life is more than doubled compared to the predecessor.

Via the Smart Control App (available for iPhone and Android), spatial “Sound Zones” can be defined, through which ANC, as well as equalizers can be configured individually.

+ Good sound
+ Comfortable
+ Long battery life
– Mid-range noise cancellation

MSRP: $350

Apple AirPods Max

The Apple AirPods Max, which were introduced in 2020, impressed critics and reviewers with excellent ANC, great sound and high-quality workmanship.

The chic headphones in the Apple-typical aluminum housing are praised for the superior Active Noise Cancelling and spatial sound experience.

The large 40mm drivers provide a detailed and wide sound experience, which makes a good figure regardless of genre and also in comparison to open headphones .

Apple claims a battery life of 20 hours.

+ Excellent noise cancellation
+ High-quality workmanship
+ Good sound
– Heavy

MSRP: $600 (but now available for significantly less).

B&O Beoplay HX

An old and respected name in the hi-fi game, Bang & Olufsen also offers an updated line of circumaural wireless headphones.

With genuine leather ear pads, a luxuriously pleasant lightweight construction (<250g) with a noble finish and convincingly warm sound, the headphones, together with the possibility to listen to analog signals via cable, offer a well-rounded package for music lovers and hi-fi beginners.

One criticism is the mediocre ANC, which lets noise through better than, say, the flagship AirPods Max due to the low-mass design.

+ Good, neutral sound
+ High-quality build, yet lightweight
+ Comfortable
– Mid-range noise cancellation

MSRP: $499 (in the meantime, they are often available at lower prices)

read also: True Wireless: In-Ear Models 2022/2023