Engadget has published its 2026 guide to the best wireless over-ear headphones, based on hands-on testing across price ranges and use cases. The guide is aimed at readers seeking comfort and immersive sound rather than portability, distinguishing this category from the outlet's separate guides to earbuds, gaming headsets and budget options.

The top overall pick is Sony's WH-1000XM6, praised for a more comfortable redesign, improved active noise cancellation via a new QN3 chip and 12 microphones (up from eight), and better sound quality from new drivers, though it costs $50 more than its predecessor at $450. For sound quality specifically, the Sennheiser HDB 630 is highlighted for its USB-C dongle enabling high-resolution wireless audio up to 24-bit/96kHz, detailed EQ customisation and up to 60 hours of battery life with noise cancellation active. A runner-up in the sound quality category, the Noble Audio FoKn, is also mentioned but not detailed in the excerpt.