The Best Over-Ear Headphones

If you commute on noisy public transport, work in a noisy office with a lot of chattering colleagues or just want to listen to your music with no interruptions of outside noise, headphones that block out noise can make all the difference. We analyzed the top headphones for over-ear use that combine excellent sound quality and active noise cancellation.

Mpow Over-Ear Headphones

These Bluetooth headphones from Mpow have a nice solid build and offer high-quality audio that is impressive for their price. They are designed to be over-ear headphones with ear cups that comfortably fit over your ears to block ambient noise. The earpads are constructed of a moderately thick cushion that encases your ears sufficiently to muffle out a good portion of environmental sounds however, they do not have active noise canceling capability. The earpads are heavier than 11 ounces, however, they are comfortable to wear over long periods of time.

These Mpow headphones have an elegant design that's not too far removed from most other models of over-ear headphones available. The headband which connects the two ear cups is hinged, allowing them to fold into a compact size for transport and storage. The left ear cup houses the controls for volume, power and noise cancellation. The right ear cup has a microphone for hands-free calls.

The Mpow headphones have a very excellent sound quality, however they don't have the bass power or clarity of the Sony WH1000XM5. The PRTF accuracy and the activation score are higher than average among Bluetooth headphones. This will result in a wide and wide soundstage while listening to music. However they're PRTF distance score is lower than average, which means they will sound tinier and less open than headphones with larger, open-back earcups.

They also have a decent amount of treble extension which will provide a clear and crisp sound that can handle most music genres. The mids are a more prominent than the Sony headphones which creates an overall more lively sound that is ideal for music with lots of instruments. The bass is a little excessive for some people but it's a personal preference that can be adjusted by altering the equalizer settings of 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 utilized in wired mode if the charge runs out. They come with a cable and a USB charger included in the box, which means you can continue to enjoy your music without interruptions. The manufacturer offers a 45-day money-back guarantee as well as an 18-month guarantee on these headphones. Their customer service is also known for its speedy response.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 are the latest headphones that are over-ear to be featured in the Bowers & Wilkins catalog. The PX7 is replaced by the PX7 S2 and are part of a wider line of wireless headphones, around Ear Noise cancelling headphones which includes the PI5 & PI7. The design of these headphones immediately feels elegant when they are unboxed. The use of textured materials and metals on the earcups and headband gives them an impeccably put together feel. The headphones are also more comfortable on the head and ears, despite being slightly heavier. The earpads are easily removable and can be replaced when they are worn out.

As with many of the top headphones, these models feature active noise cancellation that minimizes the impact of external sounds while allowing you to hear the music. The technology isn't perfect, but it does a good job of keeping the whirring of a plane engine or the rumble of a train away from your ears while not affecting the balance of music pieces that could be in the same frequency.

One thing that really makes the PX7 S2 apart from their competition is the soundstage they provide that provides plenty of space and great separation between individual sound elements. This clarity isn't often found in other Bluetooth headphones.

While the PX7 S2s aren't as portable 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 is very indulgent to the sensation. The ear cups are lightweight, which makes them comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. The headband is designed to be as comfortable as possible and it doesn't clamp too tightly, which can help prevent headaches over ear headphones with noise cancelling time.

The headphones have a range of features, including Bluetooth multipoint that allows them to connect with two devices simultaneously. They support all popular Bluetooth codecs and high-res audio in the event that your streaming service supports it. They also come with an audio amplifier that can give you an extra boost when you use headphones with electronics that are not powered like laptops.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 are the latest in the line of Sony's top over-ear noise cancelling headphones. These headphones are an excellent upgrade to their predecessors, the WH1000XM2s or WH1000XM4. Sony has improved on its already impressive active noise cancellation. The fifth-generation headphones, for instance can now block low-frequency sounds, such as plane engines and subway car rumbles. They can also recognize your location and automatically adjust the Ambient Sound Control settings accordingly.

You can still make use of voice-activated assistants to control your music and receive directions. The microphones on the earcups have been upgraded to allow them to be used to make hands-free phone calls and Siri/Google Assistant command. The headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible which means they can pair and connect faster.

The WH-1000XM5 received top marks in our lab tests for comfort, ease-of-use and audio quality. The lightweight headset is comfortable enough to wear for long listening sessions without feeling tight on your head. The ears can be adjusted to accommodate various head sizes. The headphones fold flat which makes them easy to fit into a suitcase or backpack.

The ears have a slight curvature, and the headband is more refined. This helps to hide points of assembly. They're covered in a modern synthetic leather material that adds extra durability and luxury. The earcup cavities are also larger and fit more comfortably against the ear, which could cause a bit of pressure to the head after wearing them for prolonged durations of time.

Some of the core features of the WH-1000XM4s have been carried over to the XM5. You can swipe and tap the right earcup to switch songs, pause your audio and access Ambient Sound Mode. You can place your hands on the right earcup to temporarily turn off the music and amp up ambient sounds. This is useful when you need to hear what's happening around you.

The XM5s are equipped with some minor improvements which make them an excellent choice for headsets that can block noise. The new ANC improves the isolation of low-frequency sounds and the headphones will pause music when lifted off your head to conserve energy. You can also select an open 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 ATH-ADX700

The ATH ADX700 headphones are a excellent choice for those looking to purchase a pair of gaming headphones. They are comfortable and provide high-quality audio. They are also lightweight and don't feel heavy on your head and ears. They feature a self-adjusting 3D wing that can relieve pressure and adjust to accommodate your head. The headphones come with a cable that can be easily connected to your audio source.

These are open-air headphones which look rather unusual, thanks to their huge earcups and honeycomb covers in black that reveal the drivers inside. The unique design is what makes these headphones stand out but they also have a lot to offer. They stand out because of their self-adjusting wings-support construction, the new 53mm driver featuring bobbin wound CCAW voice coils and a lightweight honeycomb aluminium casing.

The ATH ADX700 features a wide frequency response that allows for a crisp, natural treble. The sound isn't as booming as some other pairs, but that's because they are aimed at an audience of general music lovers who does not want to be blasted by excessive low frequencies. These headphones are great for gamers because they let you hear your friends and other NPCs without being obstructed.

The ATH-ADX700 headphones have an impedance rating of 32 ohms. However, they still require a high-quality amp to operate at its best. When used with a portable player it's not a problem, however an amplifier for headphones will make it easier to control the sound and enjoy its full range.

The ATH-ADX700 comes with a 9.84-foot cable with a gold-plated 1/8-inch connector and an elastic TPE sheath that helps keep it from tangling and causing damage. It also includes a 1/4-inch adapter for mobile devices. The earpads are made of velvety velour, dj which feels soft and soft at first, but will break in over time. The earpads are also composed of a flexible elevated material that improves the comfort and durability.