The Best Over-Ear Headphones

If you commute on noisy public transit, work in a noisy office with chatty co-workers or simply want to listen to your music without the distraction of distractions from outside, then over the ear headphones wireless noise cancelling-ear noise-canceling headphones can make all the difference. We've reviewed the top over-ear headphones that combine excellent audio quality and active noise cancellation.

Mpow Over-Ear Headphones

These Bluetooth headphones by Mpow are built well and provide premium audio quality for the price. They are designed to be over-ear headphones with ear cups that comfortably fit over the ear to block out noise from the outside. The earpads have a moderately thick cushion that effectively shields the ears to block out a significant amount of ambient sounds. However, they do not have the ability to cancel out noise. They weigh just over 11 ounces, and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

The Mpow headphones are simple in design, and not too different from other headphone designs for over-ear available. The headband that connects the two ear cups is hinged, allowing them to fold up into a compact package for transport and storage. The left earcup houses controls for volume, power and noise cancellation. The right earcup houses a microphone for hands-free calls.

The Mpow headphones offer very good sound quality, but they don't have the bass punch or clarity of the Sony WH1000XM5. The PRTF accuracy and the activation score are above average among bluetooth over ear headphones noise cancelling headphone models. This should result in a spacious and wide soundstage when listening music. However they're PRTF distance score is lower than average, meaning they will sound more closed in and less open than headphones that have more open-back, larger earcups.

They also have a decent amount of treble extension, which will give you a clear and crisp sound that can handle most kinds of music. The mids of Sony headphones are a bit more distinct, which creates more of a dynamic sound. This is perfect for music that has a lot of instruments. Some people find the bass to be a bit loud however you can adjust it to your own preference by altering the equalizer settings of your audio player.

The Mpow headphones are a great choice for those who want to listen to their music without interruptions. They feature an extremely long-lasting battery that can be used in wired mode after 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 favorite tunes without any interruptions. The manufacturer offers a 45-day return guarantee and over-ear noise cancelling headphones 18-month warranty for these headphones, and their customer service is known to be responsive.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is the latest over-ear headphone that is available in 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. The design of these headphones immediately feels luxurious when unboxed. The use of metals and materials with textured surfaces on the ear cups and headband gives them an impeccably put together feel. They also are comfortable on the head and ear, despite being slightly heavier than their competitors. The ear pads are easily removed and replaceable if they become worn out.

Like many of the best headphones, these models feature active noise cancellation, which minimizes the impact of external sounds while allowing you to listen to your music. The technology isn't perfect however, it does a fantastic job of keeping train and plane noises out of your canals, without affecting the balance between music passages.

The PX7 S2's soundstage is what really makes it stand out from its competition. It provides plenty of space between sound elements and offers a distinct separation. This gives clarity to music that can't be found on other Bluetooth headphones.

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

The earcups are made of the appearance of leather, a soft and soft material that is quite luxurious to touch. The ear cups are also lightweight, which makes them comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. The headband is designed for maximum comfort and doesn't squeeze too tight. This helps prevent headaches.

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

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 are the latest in the line of Sony's top over-ear noise cancelling headphones. They're a fantastic upgrade from their predecessors, namely the WH-1000XM2s and WH-1000XM4. Sony has improved its already impressive active noise cancellation. The fifth-generation headphones, for instance can now muffle low-frequency sounds like plane engines and subway car rumbles. They also can detect your location and automatically adjust the Ambient Sound Control settings accordingly.

You can still make use of a voice-activated assistant in order to control your music, receive directions and more. The microphones on the earcups have been upgraded to allow them to be used to make calls using hands-free technology and also to control Siri/Google Assistant. The headphones also support Bluetooth 5.0, which means they can be used with faster connecting and pairing speeds.

In our laboratory tests the WH-1000XM5 has earned top scores 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 sizes of heads. The headphones are able to be carried around and their flat design allows them to be easily tucked away in the backpack or suitcase.

The earcups are slightly larger than their predecessors and the headband features more refined curves to help to conceal the assembly points. The new synthetic leather material adds durability and luxury. The ear cup chamber is also bigger and is more comfortable to the ears. This may cause a slight pressure on the head when worn for long periods of time.

A few of the features of the WH-1000XM4s have been carried over to the XM5. You can still swipe or tap the right earcup in order to change music, pause audio and access Ambient sound mode. You can even place your hands over the right 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.

The XM5s are equipped with some minor improvements that make them a good choice for headsets that can block noise. The new ANC offers better isolation for low-frequency noise and the headphones will pause your music when you remove them off your head to conserve power. 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

For those that are seeking a pair of headphones for gaming, the ATH-ADX700 is a fantastic choice. They are comfortable and have superior audio. They are also light and won't feel heavy on your head and ears. They feature a self-adjusting 3D wing that adapts to your head and reduces pressure. They also come with a detachable cable that is simple to connect to your audio source.

These are open-air headphones which look very unique, due to their large earcups and honeycomb covers in black that reveal the driver inside. The unique design makes them stand out from the rest, but it's not the only factor that makes them stand out. These headphones are unique because of their self-adjusting wing-support construction, the brand new 53mm driver that has Bobbin wound CCAW voice coils and a lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing.

The ATH ADX700 has a stunningly wide frequency response that allows for a crisp and natural treble and midrange. The sound is not as bassy as other models because they're 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 teammates and Over-ear noise cancelling Headphones NPCs without being masked by a heavy bass.

The ATH-ADX700 headphones have an impedance rating of 32 ohms. However, they still require an amp of a good quality to perform optimally. It's not a problem when using them from a portable player, but it will be much easier to control and enjoy their full range of sound when used with an appropriate headphone amp.

The ATH ADX700 includes a 9.84 feet cable that has a gold-plated connector 1/8 inch and a flexible TPE sheath, which is resistant to the possibility of tangling and damaging. It also comes with a 1/4-inch adapter for mobile devices. The earpads are made of plush velour that feels soft and initially itchy, but will break in the end. The earpads are also made of a flexible elevated material that improves the comfort and durability.