The Best Over-Ear Headphones

If you commute on noisy public transportation or work in a noisy office with a lot of chattering colleagues or just want to listen to your music with no interruptions of distractions from outside, then headphones that block out noise can make all the difference. 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 built well and provide excellent audio quality for the price. They are designed as over-ear headphones with Ear cups that sit comfortably over the ear to block ambient noise. The earpads consist of a moderately thick cushion that shields your ears to block out a significant part of the sounds that surround you but they don't come with a noise canceling feature. They weigh about 11 ounces and are fairly comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

These headphones are an elegant design that's not too far removed from most other models of over-ear headphones available. The headband that connects the two earcups is hinged, and can be folded to store or transport. The left earcup 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 of the Mpow headphones is very good however they don't have the bass power of Bose or the clarity of the Sony WH-1000XM5. Their accuracy in the PRTF and activation scores are above average for Bluetooth headphones, which should provide an expansive and wide soundstage when listening to music. However, their PRTF distance score is below average, meaning they will sound more closed in and less open than headphones with larger, open-back earcups.

They also have a good amount of treble extension, which will give you a clear and crisp sound that can handle most music genres. The mids of the Sony headphones are a bit more prominent, which gives them more of a dynamic sound. This is perfect for music that has a lot of instruments. The bass can be a bit excessive for some people, but it's a personal preference that can be redressed by changing the equalizer settings on your audio player.

The Mpow headphones are a great choice for those who want to listen to their favorite music without interruptions. They feature an extended battery life and can also be used in wired mode after the battery is exhausted. The headphones come with a USB charger and an audio cable, which means you can enjoy your favorite music without interruption. The manufacturer offers a 45-day return guarantee and a warranty of 18 months for the headphones, and their customer service is known to be responsive.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 are the most recent over-ear headphones to grace the Bowers & Wilkins catalog. The PX7 is replaced by the PX7 S2 and are part of a larger line of wireless headphones, which includes the PI5 and PI7. The design of these headphones feels immediately elegant once they are removed from the box. The use of textured materials and metals on the ear cups as well as the headband gives them an impeccably constructed feel. They also are comfortable on the ears and head even though they weigh a bit more than the other models. The ear pads are easy to snap on and off, so they can be replaced as they wear out.

As with many of the top headphones, these ones feature active noise cancellation that reduces external sounds while still allowing you to hear your music. The technology isn't perfect however, it does a fantastic job of keeping plane engines and train noises out of your canals, without affecting the balance between music tracks.

One thing that sets the PX7 S2 apart from their competition is their soundstage which provides ample space and a strong separation between the various sound elements. This clarity is not always present in other bluetooth over ear headphones noise cancelling headphones.

While the PX7 S2s aren't as movable as their competition but they come with a nice carry case. The case is well-padded and the headphones can be folded flat when not in use.

The ear cups are covered in a soft, leather-like material that's quite indulgent to the feel. They're also very lightweight which makes them ideal 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 to avoid headaches over time.

The headphones have a range of features that include Bluetooth multipoint that allows them to connect with two devices at the same time. They are compatible with all the popular Bluetooth codecs as well as high-res audio when your streaming service allows it. They also come with a headphone amplifier that provides extra power when you use them with devices that aren't powered like laptops.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 is the newest model in the line of premium noise-cancelling over-ear headphones. These headphones are a great upgrade to their predecessors, the WH1000XM2s or the WH1000XM4. Sony has improved its already impressive active noise cancellation. For instance, the fifth generation headphones are now able to block out low-frequency sounds like plane engines and subway car rumbles. They can also determine the location of your head and adjust the Ambient sound control settings accordingly.

You can still use voice-activated assistants to control your music and receive directions. The microphones that are in the earphones have been upgraded, meaning they can be used for calls that are hands-free and Siri/Google Assistant commands. The headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible, which means that they can be connected and pair quicker.

In our lab tests the WH1000XM5 received high marks for comfort, user-friendliness and sound quality. The lightweight headset is comfortable enough to wear for long listening sessions without feeling too tight on the head, and the ear cups can be adjusted to accommodate various head sizes. The headphones fold flat, making them easy to put into backpacks or suitcases.

The Ear cups have a slight curvature, and the headband is more refined. This allows for a more subtle appearance. the assembly points. The new synthetic leather material adds durability and luxury. The ear cup space is also larger and more comfortably fits the ear. This may cause a small amount of pressure on your head when worn for long periods of time.

Some of the key features of the WH1000XM4s are transferred to the XM5. You can still swipe or tap the right earcup to switch between songs, pause audio and access the Ambient Sound mode. You can hold your hand on the right earcup to temporarily reduce the volume and amp up ambient sounds. This is useful when you need to hear things around you.

There are some subtle improvements in the XM5s that make them a great buy for noise-canceling headphones. The new ANC provides better isolation of low-frequency noises, and the headphones will stop music when you take them off your head in order to conserve energy. Transparent listening mode lets in more external 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 ATH-ADX700

The ATH-ADX700 headphones are a ideal choice for those looking to purchase a set of gaming headphones. They provide superior sound quality and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They are also lightweight and won't feel heavy on your head and ears. They come with a self-adjusting 3D wings that can adjust to your head and reduces pressure. The headphones include a cable that is easily connected to your audio source.

These are open-air headphones which look quite unique, thanks to their large earcups and honeycomb covers in black that reveal the drivers inside. The unique design makes these headphones stand out, but it's not all they have to provide. They stand out because of their self-adjusting wings-support construction, the new 53 mm driver with bobbin wound CCAW voice coils and a lightweight honeycomb aluminium casing.

The ATH ADX700 has a stunningly wide frequency response, which allows for a crisp and natural midrange and treble. The sound isn't as booming as some other pairs, but that's because they are aimed at the general music lover who doesn't want to be blasted by excessive low frequencies. These headphones are great for gamers because they let you hear your teammates and [Redirect-Java] other NPCs without being muffled.

The ATH ADX700 headphones have an impedance rating of 32 ohms, but still require a decent amp to perform optimally. When using them with a portable player it's not a problem, but a headphone amplifier will make it easier to control the sound and experience its full range.

The ATH-ADX700 comes with a 9.84-foot cable that features 1/8-inch connector that is gold-plated and an elastic TPE sheath to prevent tangling and damage. The ATH-ADX700 comes with a 1/4" adapter for mobile devices. The earpads are made from soft velour that is soft and initially itchy but will break over time. They also feature a flexible raised fabric that increases the comfort and durability.