The Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear noise cancelling headsets can make a big difference if you commute in a noisy public transportation system, work with chatty colleagues or simply want to listen music without being distracted by outside noise. We reviewed the best headphones for over-ear use that combine excellent sound quality and active noise cancellation.

Mpow Over-Ear Headphones

These Bluetooth headphones from Mpow are well-built and offer high-quality audio for their price. They are designed as over-ear headphones with Ear cups that sit comfortably over the ears to block out ambient noise. The earpads are constructed of a modestly thick cushion that shields your ears to block out a large portion of environmental sounds but they don't have a noise cancellation feature that is active. They weigh about 11 ounces and are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

The Mpow headphones are simple in design, and not much different from other designs of over-ear headphones on the market. The headband which connects the two ear cups is hinged, allowing them to fold down into a compact size for transport and storage. The left ear cup contains the controls for volume, power and noise cancellation. A microphone is built into the right ear cup for hands-free phone calls.

The Mpow headphones offer a good over ear noise cancelling headphones sound quality, however they don't have the bass power or clarity of the Sony WH1000XM5. Their PRTF accuracy and activation scores are higher than average for Bluetooth headphone models which should give a wide and spacious soundstage when listening to music. However they're PRTF distance score is below average, meaning they will sound more closed in and less open than headphones with large, open-back earcups.

They also have a good amount of treble expansion, which should give you an uncluttered and clear sound that is able to handle all music genres. The mids of the Sony headphones are a bit more prominent, which gives them a more dynamic sound. This is perfect for music that has a lot of instruments. Some users find the bass to be to be a bit loud however, you can adjust this to your preference by changing the equalizer settings on your audio player.

The Mpow headphones are a good option for those who want to listen to their favorite music without interruptions. They feature a long-lasting battery and can also be used in wired mode after the battery runs out. They come with a cord and USB charger included in the box, which means you can continue to listen to your music without interruptions. The manufacturer offers a 45-day return guarantee and a warranty of 18 months for these headphones, and their customer service is known to be quick and responsive.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is the most recent over-ear headphone that is available in Bowers & Wilkins' catalog. They replace the PX7 model and are part of a larger collection of wireless headphones which also includes the PI5 and PI7. Unboxed, design of these headphones instantly evokes the feeling of luxuriousness. The use of metals and soft materials on the ear cups gives them a luxurious feel. They also feel comfortable on the ears and head although they are slightly heavier than their counterparts. The ear pads are easily removed and replaceable when they are worn out.

The headphones are equipped with active noise cancellation. This helps to block out external sounds, while still allowing for you to listen to your music. The technology isn't flawless however, it does a great job of keeping the whirring of an aircraft engine or the rumble of a train out of your ears, while not affecting the balance of music pieces that could be in the same frequencies.

The soundstage of the PX7 S2 is what distinguishes it from the rest of the competition. It provides plenty of space between the sound elements and offers a distinct separation. This clarity is not always found in other Bluetooth headphones.

While the PX7 S2s aren't as movable as their competition however, they come with a nice carry case. It's also well-padded and the headphones can fold flat for easy storage when not in use.

The ear cups have the appearance of leather, a soft and soft material that feels luxurious to touch. They're also very lightweight which makes them ideal for long listening sessions. The headband was designed for maximum comfort and doesn't over-stretch. This helps to prevent headaches.

The headphones come with many features like Bluetooth multipoint which allows them to be used with two devices simultaneously. They are compatible with all the popular Bluetooth codecs as well as high-res audio, in the event that your streaming service supports it. They also have an amplifier for headphones that gives them an additional boost when used with low-powered electronic devices such as laptops.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 is the most recent model in the line of Sony's top over-ear noise cancelling headphones. These headphones are an excellent upgrade to their predecessors, the WH1000XM2s or the WH1000XM4. Sony has made improvements to its already impressive active noise cancellation. The fifth-generation headphones, for example can now muffle low-frequency sounds like plane engines and subway car rumbles. They can also determine where you are, and 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 inside the earphones have been upgraded, so they can be used for over-ear noise cancelling headphones hands-free calls and Siri/Google Assistant commands. The headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 which means they can be used with faster connecting and pairing speeds.

The WH-1000XM5 has received high marks in our lab tests for comfort, user-friendliness and audio quality. The lightweight headset can be worn for long listening sessions without feeling tight on your head. The ear cups can be adjusted to accommodate various head sizes. The headphones are lightweight and their flat design allows them to easily fit into the backpack or suitcase.

The ear cups have a slight curvature, and the headband is more refined. This helps to hide the assembly points. The new synthetic leather adds durability and luxury. The ear cup cavities are also a bit larger and sit more snugly against the ears, which could cause a bit of pressure to the head after wearing them for prolonged durations.

The XM5 keeps some of the core features of the WH1000XM4s. You can swipe or tap the right ear cup in order to change music, pause audio and access the Ambient Sound mode. You can hold your hand on the right earcup to temporarily reduce the volume and increase ambient sound. This is useful if you want to hear sounds around you.

The XM5s are equipped with some minor improvements that make them a great option for headphones that block out beats studio 3 noise cancelling headphones. The new ANC offers better isolation for low-frequency sounds, and the headphones will stop your music when lifted off your head to conserve power. You can also select a transparent 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 ideal choice for those looking to purchase a set of gaming headphones. They are comfortable and provide superior audio. They are lightweight, which means you don't feel them on your ears or head. They come with a self-adjusting 3D wings that can adjust to your head and eliminates pressure. The headphones include a cable that is easily connected to your audio source.

Open-air headphones with a unique design, these headphones feature large earcups which reveal the drivers. This unique design makes them stand out from the rest however it's not the only factor that makes them stand out. They stand out due to their self-adjusting wing-support construction, the brand new 53mm driver featuring Bobbin wound CCAW voice coils, and the lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing.

The ATH ADX700 features a wide frequency response that gives natural, clear treble. The sound is not as bassy as some other headphones because they are designed for a general music listener that isn't one to be surrounded by low frequencies. They're a great pair of headphones for gamers because they allow you to hear the voices of your fellow gamers and NPCs without being obstructed by a loud bass.

The ATH-ADX700 headphones have an impedance rating of 32 ohms. However, they still require a decent amp to function optimally. If you are using them with a portable device, this is not a problem, however using a headphone amplifier makes it easier to control the sound and experience the full range.

The ATH-ADX700 comes with a 9.84-foot cable that has a gold-plated 1/8-inch connector and an elastic TPE sheath to keep it from tangling and causing damage. It also comes with a 1/4-inch adapter for mobile devices. The earpads are made from soft velour that is soft and is initially itchy, but will break in the end. The earpads are also made of a soft, higher-quality material that enhances comfort and durability.