The Best Over-Ear Headphones

If you commute on noisy public transportation or work in a noisy office with noisy coworkers or just want to enjoy your music with no interruptions of outside noise, gaming headphones with noise cancellation on the ear can make all the difference. We've reviewed the top headphones for over-ear use that combine great audio quality with active noise cancellation.

Mpow Over Ear Headphones

These Bluetooth headphones by Mpow are built well and provide high-quality audio for their price. They are designed as over-ear headsets with Ear cups that sit comfortably over the ears to block ambient noise cancelling over ear headphones. The earpads are made of a modestly thick cushion that insulates your ears to muffle out a good portion of environmental sounds, though they do not have a noise cancellation feature that is active. The earpads weigh a bit heavier than 11 ounces, however, they are comfortable to wear for long periods.

These headphones are an elegant design that's not too far removed from most other over-ear headphone models on the market. The headband which connects the two ear cups is hinged, allowing them to fold down into a compact unit for transport and storage. The left earcup houses controls for volume, power and noise cancellation. The right earcup has a microphone that allows hands-free calling.

The sound quality from the Mpow headphones is excellent however they don't have the bass power of Bose or the clarity of the Sony WH-1000XM5. The PRTF accuracy and activation scores are above average for Bluetooth headphones. This should result in a spacious and wide soundstage while listening to music. Their PRTF distance score, however, is lower than average. This means that they will sound more closed-in and less open than headphones with larger, more open-backed earcups.

The treble extension is also good, and you will have a clear and crisp sound that will work with all genres of music. Their mids are a bit more pronounced in comparison to the Sony headphones, which gives them an overall more lively sound that is ideal for music that is instrument-rich. The bass can be overpowering for some people, but it's an individual preference that can be redressed by changing the equalizer settings of your audio player.

The Mpow headphones are a great option for those looking to listen to their music without interruptions. They come with an extremely long-lasting battery that can be used in wired mode when the charge runs out. They come with a cable and a USB charger included in the box, allowing you to continue to listen to your music without interruptions. The manufacturer offers a 45 day money back guarantee, as well as an 18-month warranty on these headphones. Their customer service is also known for its speedy response.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 are the latest headphones for over-ears that have graced the Bowers & Wilkins catalog. They replace the PX7 model and are part of a wider range of wireless headphones that also includes the PI5 and PI7. Unboxed, the design of these headphones instantly invokes the feeling of luxuriousness. The use of textured materials and metals on the ear cups and headband give them a perfectly constructed feel. They also feel comfortable on the head and ear even though they weigh a bit more than their competitors. The ear pads snap on and off easily which means they can be replaced when they wear out.

These headphones come with active noise cancellation. This can reduce external noise, while still allowing for you to listen to your music. The technology isn't perfect however it does a great job of keeping train and plane sounds from your ear canals without altering the balance between music and other sounds.

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

The PX7 S2s may not be as compact as their competitors but they do come with a superb carry case. The case is well-padded, and the headphones can fold into a flat position when not in use.

The ear cups are made of a leather-like, soft material that feels luxurious to touch. They're also extremely light, making them comfortable for long listening sessions. The headband is designed to be as comfortable as is possible and it doesn't clamp too tightly, which can help keep headaches at bay over time.

The headphones come with various features, including Bluetooth multipoint that allows them to be paired with two devices simultaneously. They support all of the popular Bluetooth codecs as well as hi-res audio in the event that your streaming service supports it. They also have an amplifier for headphones that gives you extra boost when using them with low-powered electronics, such as laptops.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 are the newest model in the premium line of headphones for over-ear noise cancellation. These headphones are a great upgrade to their predecessors, WH1000XM2s and WH1000XM4. Sony has improved its already impressive active noise cancellation. The fifth-generation headphones, as an example can now block low-frequency sounds like plane engines and subway car rumbles. They can also determine where you are and adjust the ambient sound control settings to suit your location.

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

In our laboratory tests the WH1000XM5 received top marks for comfort, user-friendliness and sound quality. The lightweight headset is comfortable for long listening sessions and the ear cup can be adjusted to suit different head sizes. The headphones are portable, and their flat design allows them to easily fit into the backpack or suitcase.

The ear cups are a bit curvier than their predecessors, and the headband features more refined curves that hide points of assembly. They're covered in a modern synthetic leather that provides additional durability and luxury. The ear cup cavities are also larger and are more comfortable against the ears, which could cause a bit of pressure to the head after wearing them for prolonged periods of time.

The XM5 keeps certain of the features of the WH1000XM4s. You can still swipe and tap the right earcup to switch songs, pause your audio and access Ambient Sound Mode. You can even hold your fingers over the left ear cup to temporarily turn down the volume of your music and increase ambient sound, which is useful when you need to hear what's going on around you.

There are some subtle enhancements to the XM5s which make them a great purchase for noise-canceling headphones. The new ANC offers greater isolation from low-frequency noise and the headphones will pause your music when lifted from your head to save power. You can also choose an open listening mode that lets in more exterior 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

If you're seeking a pair of headphones for gaming The ATH-ADX700 is a great choice. They offer high-quality sound and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They are lightweight, which means you won't feel them on your head or ears. They feature a self-adjusting 3D wings that eliminate pressure and adapt to accommodate your head. They also come with a detachable cable that can be easily connected to your audio source.

Open-air headphones with a distinctive design, these headphones feature large earcups that show the drivers. The unique design makes these headphones stand out, but they also have a lot to offer. The self-adjusting wing support construction and the brand new 53 mm drivers with bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils, and the aluminum casing that is lightweight and honeycomb are the reasons why these headphones are distinctive and worth the investment.

The ATH ADX700 has a wide frequency response, which allows for an unmistakably natural, crisp treble. The sound is not as bassy as other models because they are designed for the general music lover who does not like being bombarded by low frequencies. They're a great pair of headphones for gamers because they allow you to hear the voices of your friends and NPCs without being masked by a loud bass.

Although the ATHXX700 has an impedance of 32 Ohms, they still require a decent amplifier to ensure optimal performance. It's not a problem using them on a portable player, but it will be much easier to control and enjoy the full range of sound when they are paired with an appropriate headphone amp.

The ATH ADX700 comes with a 9.84 feet cable that has a gold-plated connector 1/8 inch and a TPE sheath, which is resistant to damaging and tangling. It also comes with a 1/4-inch adapter for mobile devices. The earpads are made from soft velour that is soft and initially itchy but will break eventually. They also come with a flexible, raised fabric that improves the comfort and durability.