The Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear noise cancelling headsets can make a big difference if you commute in a noisy public transport, work with colleagues who are chatty, or simply want to listen to music without being distracted by external noise. We've reviewed the best over-ear headphones that combine excellent audio quality with active noise cancellation.

Mpow Over-Ear Headphones

These Bluetooth headphones from Mpow are sturdy and provide premium audio quality for the price. They are designed as over-ear headsets with Ear cups that sit comfortably over the ear to block out ambient noise. The earpads are constructed of a moderately padded cushion that encases your ears well enough to block out a significant portion of environmental sounds but they don't come with a noise canceling feature. The earpads are a little heavier than 11 ounces however, they are comfortable to wear over long periods of time.

The Mpow headphones feature simple design that's not too different from other over ear headphones noise cancelling bluetooth-ear headphone models available. The headband that connects the two cups is hinged, allowing them to fold up into a compact package for transport and storage. The left ear cup houses the controls for power, volume and noise cancellation. A microphone is housed in the right ear cup to allow hands-free phone calls.

The sound quality from the Mpow headphones is very good, although they do not have the bass power of Bose or the clarity of the Sony WH-1000XM5. Their accuracy in the PRTF and activation scores are well above average for Bluetooth headphones, which should provide an expansive and wide soundstage when listening to music. However they're PRTF distance score is below average, which means they will sound tinier and less open than headphones with more open-back, larger earcups.

They also have a good amount of treble expansion, which should give you an uncluttered and clear sound that will be able to handle the majority of genres of music. Their mids are a little more prominent than those from the Sony headphones which creates an energizing sound that is ideal for music that is instrument-rich. The bass can be a bit too loud for some however this is a personal preference that can be redressed by altering the equalizer settings on your audio player.

The Mpow headphones are a great option for those who want to enjoy their favorite music without interruptions. They come with an extremely long-lasting battery that can be used in wired mode after the battery is exhausted. They come with a cable and a USB charger in the box, which means you can continue to enjoy your music without interruptions. The manufacturer offers a 45-day money back warranty, along with an 18-month warranty for these headphones. Their customer service is also renowned for its responsiveness.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 are the most current headphones for over-ears that have graced the Bowers & Wilkins catalog. They replace the PX7 model and are part of a wider collection of wireless headphones which also includes the PI5 and PI7. The design of these headphones immediately feels elegant when they are unboxed. The use of metals and textured materials on the ear cups and headband give them a perfectly put together feel. They also are comfortable on the head and ears although they are slightly heavier than their competitors. The ear pads are removable and can be replaced if they become worn out.

Like many of the best headphones, these models come with active noise cancellation, which reduces the sound of outside sounds while allowing you to listen to the music. The technology isn't perfect, but it does a great job of keeping plane engines and train noises out of your canals without altering the balance between music tracks.

The soundstage of the PX7 S2 is what really sets it apart from its competition. It provides plenty of space between sound elements and offers a distinct separation. This clarity isn't always present in other Bluetooth headphones.

Although the PX7 S2s aren't as movable as their competition however, over Ear Wireless headphones noise cancelling they come with a fantastic carry case. The case is well-padded and the headphones can fold flat when not in use.

The ear cups are made of an enveloping, soft leather that is extremely luxurious to the touch. They're also very lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions. The headband is designed to provide maximum comfort and doesn't over-stretch. This helps prevent headaches.

The headphones have a range of features that include Bluetooth multipoint that allows them to connect with two devices at once. They support all of the well-known Bluetooth codecs as well as high-resolution audio if your streaming service supports it. They come with an amplifier for headphones that gives them an additional boost when used with electronics that aren't powered such as laptops.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 is the newest model in the line of premium noise-cancelling over-ear headphones. These headphones are an excellent upgrade to their predecessors, WH1000XM2s and WH1000XM4. Sony has improved its already impressive active noise cancelling. The fifth-generation headphones, for instance can now block low-frequency sounds, such as plane engines and subway car rumbles. They can also detect where you are, and over ear Wireless headphones Noise cancelling adjust the Ambient sound control settings accordingly.

You can still make use of a voice-activated assistant to control your music, find directions, and much more. The microphones in the earphones have been upgraded to allow them to be used to make hands-free phone calls and also to control Siri/Google Assistant. The headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible which means that they can pair and connect quicker.

The WH-1000XM5 received high scores in our lab tests for comfort, ease-of-use and audio quality. The lightweight headset is comfortable for long listening sessions and the ear cup can be adjusted to fit various head sizes. The headphones are portable, and their flat design allows them to easily fit into the backpack or a suitcase.

The earcups are slightly larger than their predecessors and the headband features more refined curves that hide points of assembly. The new synthetic leather material provides durability and a luxurious. The earcup chamber is also bigger and is more comfortable to the ear. This may cause a slight pressure on the head when worn for extended periods of time.

Some of the key features of the WH-1000XM4s have been transferred to the XM5. You can swipe or tap the right ear cup to switch songs, pause audio, and access Ambient sound mode. You can even place your hands Over Ear Wireless Headphones Noise Cancelling the left ear cup to temporarily turn down your music and boost ambient sound, which is beneficial when you want to hear what's happening around you.

There are a few subtle improvements to the XM5s that make them a great purchase for noise-canceling headphones. The new ANC offers better isolation of low-frequency sounds and the headphones will stop music when lifted off your head in order to conserve energy. You can also select an unobtrusive listening mode to let in more outside sound. A new battery-power-consumption algorithm gives the XM5s the same 30-hour battery life rating as their predecessor, and a quick press of the power button will alert you to your remaining charge.

Skullcandy ADX700

The ATH ADX700 headphones are a excellent choice for those who want to purchase a pair of gaming headphones. They provide excellent sound quality and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They are light, so you will not feel them on your ears or head. They feature a self-adjusting 3D wings that can adjust to your head and reduces pressure. The headphones include a cable that can be easily connected to your audio source.

These are open-air headphones which look very unique, due to their huge earcups and honeycomb covers made of black which reveal the drivers inside. The unique design makes them stand out from the rest but it's not their only thing that sets them apart. They stand out due to their self-adjusting wing-support construction, the brand new 53 mm driver with Bobbin wound CCAW voice coils, and the lightweight honeycomb aluminium casing.

The ATH-ADX700 has an impressively wide frequency response that provides a clear and natural treble and midrange. The sound isn't as bassy as other pairs since they are geared towards an average music lover who doesn't like to be bombarded by low frequencies. These headphones are great for gamers as they let you hear your teammates and other NPCs without being obstructed.

Although the ATH-ADX700 has an impedance of 32 ohms they require a high-quality amplifier for optimal performance. When used with a portable device, this is not a problem, but an amplifier for headphones will make it easier to control the sound and enjoy the full range of sound.

The ATH ADX700 includes a 9.84 foot cable with a gold-plated connector 1/8 inch and a TPE sheath that resists tangling and damage. It also includes a 1/4-inch adapter for mobile devices. The earpads are made from velvety velour, which feels soft and initially itchy, but will break in over time. They also have a flexible raised fabric that increases the comfort and durability.