Best wireless over-ear headphones of 2025: Tested and reviewed models from Sony, Sonos, Bowers & Wilkins and more

Tested by Moriba Cummings

These have been my go-to wireless over-ear headphones for well over three years now. While I’ve since tested options that were sturdier and pricier, I kept reaching for these since they’re the most well-rounded in design, performance and price.

Of all of the pairs I’ve tested, these fit the most comfortably and loosely on my ears (and my ears are pretty large). While I thought this would cause the headphones to move around or shift if I went for a jog or lied back, they stayed put while maintaining a secure but non-restricting fit.

The sound quality on these is also impressive. While the clarity can sometimes be a bit compromised, especially when compared to the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 , these Sony headphones excel in loud environments, especially when active noise cancelation is turned on. I even put them to the ultimate test on a few flights and they not only drowned out the ringing sound of the plane engine, but even overpowered the sound of a crying baby by about 90%.

If you’re looking for a pair of well-rounded, excellent over-ear headphones that will stand the test of time, these are my top recommendation.

Tested by Moriba Cummings

These bad boys hold a special place in my heart since they were my first pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones that didn’t suck.

While they didn’t best the Sony and Bowers & Wilkins models I’ve tested in terms of sound performance and noise canceling technology, where they truly excelled is in battery life. The brand advertised that you get up to 45 hours on a single charge when active noise cancelation is turned off, and after putting that feature to the test, I can confirm that they’re not lying.

When first testing these over-ear headphones, I used them exclusively for five days in eight-hour daily intervals (give or take an hour or two), and the battery only dropped to under 10% after using them for a little over 43 hours, in total.

Impressive battery life aside, these headphones are also thoughtfully designed for easy portability. They collapse to fit into a pouch that doesn’t take up much space in your backpack, briefcase or personal item bag.

And like all of the headphones I’ve reviewed on this list, they also have a 35mm headphone jack and come with an accompanying cable, allowing you to use it in its wired state as well — a feature that comes in handy on planes!

Tested by Moriba Cummings

I had high hopes for this pair since Sonos is known for its sound performance with its well-reviewed and loved soundbars and Bluetooth speakers ranking at the top of expert lists (ours is coming soon)! And, based on my tests, my expectations were valid and met.

These headphones have a build that feels almost indestructible, but manages to remain lightweight and slim. In fact, it’s the slimmest pair of the bunch and doesn’t feel like you have a heavy weight of tech on your head. It’s also the second lightest of the bunch (the Sony WH-1000XM5 takes the cake for the lightest pair).

Where the Sonos Ace truly thrives is in its clear sound performance, and luxe design that’s neither too bold nor too minimal. They have a clean build that’s not overpowered by distracting branding or patterns, and it helps that they also look flattering on just about any head shape.

After three hours of constant wear, though, my ears began to feel a bit numb at the edges where the ear pads pressed against them. So if they were just a bit larger, they would have received a perfect rating.

It’s worth mentioning that these also come in my favorite travel case of the bunch since it’s the slimmest and hardest. The seamless Sonos app also makes pairing with your phone and other devices a breeze.

Tested by Moriba Cummings

It’s rare that a pair of headphones scores high marks in both sound performance and design, but the Px8 is one of the few that easily passes both tests — and then some — with flying colors.

I call these the Porsche of headphones. They’re luxurious and have a timeless design, but those aesthetic factors don’t come at the expense of the sound quality and best-in-class noise-cancelation technology.

The Px8 also boasts some of the best noise-cancelation that money can buy. I tested this all-star feature while sitting one row behind two crying toddlers on a flight and once activated, I heard nothing — literally nothing . No outside sounds slipped through at all.

That theme of excellence continues through the premium materials used to create these headphones. Genuine Nappa leather is the main material used to create this beauty.

Of course, that lends to a heftier price tag when compared to other models, making this a definite splurge, but it’s one that you won’t regret if you’re a constant headphone user.