The Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear noise cancelling headsets can be a big help if you commute in a noisy public transportation system, work with colleagues who are chatty, or simply want to listen to music without being distracted by outside noise. We've reviewed the top headphones that offer superior sound quality with active noise cancellation.

Mpow Over-Ear Headphones

These Bluetooth headphones from Mpow have a good solid build and offer excellent audio quality that is impressive for their price. They are designed as over-ear headsets with ear cups that fit comfortably over the ear to block ambient noise. The earpads consist of a moderately thick cushion that shields your ears well enough to block out a large part of the sounds that surround you, though they do not have a noise cancellation feature that is active. The earpads are heavier than 11 ounces however, Jbl Live 660 Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones White they are comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

These headphones are simple design that's not too different from other models 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 package to be transported and stored. The left ear cup contains the controls for power, volume and noise cancellation. A microphone is built into the right ear cup to allow hands-free phone calls.

The sound quality of the Mpow headphones is very good, although they do not have the bass power of bose quietcomfort 35 ii over ear noise cancelling bluetooth headphones or the clarity of the Sony WH-1000XM5. The PRTF accuracy and activation score are above average for Bluetooth headphones. This should result in a large and wide soundstage when listening music. Their PRTF distance score, however, is below average. This means they sound more closed in and less open compared to headphones with earcups that are larger and open.

They also have a decent amount of treble extension, which should give you a clear and crisp sound that is able to handle all kinds of music. Their mids are a little more prominent than those from the Sony headphones which creates an overall more lively sound that is ideal for instrument-rich music. The bass can be overpowering for some people, but this is a personal preference that can be redressed by altering the equalizer settings of your audio player.

The Mpow headphones have a long battery life and can be used in wired mode for when the battery is exhausted. They come with a cable and USB charger in the box, allowing you to continue to enjoy your music without interruptions. The manufacturer offers a 45 day money back warranty, along with an 18-month guarantee on these headphones. Their customer service is also known for its speedy response.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is the latest over-ear headphone to grace Bowers & Wilkins' catalog. They replace the PX7 model and are part of a wider line of wireless headphones that also includes the PI5 and PI7. The design of these headphones immediately feels luxurious when unboxed. The use of textured materials and metals on the earcups and headband gives them an impeccably constructed feel. They also are comfortable on the head and ears although they are slightly heavier than their competitors. The ear pads are easily removed and replaceable when they are worn out.

Like a lot of the top headphones, these cans have active noise cancellation, which reduces the sound of outside sounds while allowing you to listen to the music. The technology isn't perfect, but it does a fantastic job of keeping train and plane engine rumbles out of your ear canals without altering the balance between music and other sounds.

One thing that distinguishes the PX7 S2 apart from their competitors is the soundstage they offer that provides ample space and a strong separation between distinct components of sound. This provides clarity to songs that can't always be found on other Bluetooth headphones.

Although the PX7 S2s aren't as portable as some of their competitors, they come with a nice carry case. The case is cushioned and the headphones can fold into a flat position when not in use.

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

The headphones are equipped with many features like Bluetooth multipoint which allows them to be used with two devices simultaneously. They support all of the most popular Bluetooth codecs and high-res audio, when your streaming service allows it. They also have an audio amplifier that provides extra power when you use them with devices that aren't powered, such as laptops.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 is the latest in the line of premium noise cancelling over-ear headphones. They're a fantastic upgrade over their predecessors, the WH-1000XM2s and the 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 to control your music, get directions, and much more. The microphones in the ear cups are upgraded, which means they can be used for hands-free calls and Siri/Google Assistant commands. The headphones are also Bluetooth 5.0 which means they can be used with faster pairing and connection speeds.

In our laboratory tests the WH1000XM5 received top marks for comfort, user-friendliness and audio quality. The lightweight headset is comfortable enough to wear for long listening sessions without feeling too tight on the head, and the ear cups are adjustable to fit different sizes of heads. The headphones are able to be carried around and their flat foldable design makes them able to be easily tucked away in the backpack or a suitcase.

The ear cups are a bit more curly than their predecessors, and the headband has more refined curves that hide points of assembly. They're covered with a brand new synthetic leather that provides extra durability and luxury. The ear cup chamber is also bigger and more comfortably fits the ear. This could cause a little pressure on the head when worn for long periods of time.

The XM5 retains some of the basic features of the WH1000XM4s. You can still swipe or tap the right earcup to switch songs, pause audio and access the Ambient Sound mode. You can also place your hand over the right ear cup to temporarily turn down your music volume and boost ambient sound. This is helpful when you need to hear what's happening around you.

The XM5s come with a few minor enhancements that make them a good choice for headsets that can block Jbl live 660 noise cancelling over ear headphones White. The new ANC offers better isolation of low-frequency noises, and the headphones will pause music when you take them off your head to conserve energy. Transparent listening mode lets 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 buy a set of gaming headphones. They are comfortable and provide high-quality sound. They are also lightweight, so they won't feel heavy on your head or ears. They feature a self-adjusting 3D wings that eliminate pressure and adjust to the shape of your head. They also include a detachable cable that is easy to connect to your audio source.

These are open-air headphones that look rather unusual, thanks to their large earcups and honeycomb covers in black that reveal the driver inside. The unique design makes these headphones stand out however it's not all they have to offer. They stand out due to their self-adjusting wing-support construction, the new 53 mm driver with Bobbin wound CCAW voice coils and the aluminum casing made of honeycomb that is lightweight.

The ATH-ADX700 has an impressively wide frequency response that gives a crisp and natural midrange and treble. The sound isn't as deep as some other pairs however, this is because they're designed for a more general music listener who does not want to be blasted by excessive low frequencies. These headphones are ideal for gamers as they let you hear your teammates and other NPCs, without being muffled.

The ATH-ADX700 headphones come with an impedance rating of 32 ohms, but still require an amp of a good quality to function optimally. When using them with a portable player, it's not an issue, but using a headphone amplifier makes it easier to manage the sound and enjoy the full range.

The ATH-ADX700 comes with 9.84-foot cable with an 1/8-inch gold-plated connector as well as an elastic TPE sheath to resist tangling and damage. It also comes with a 1/4-inch adapter for mobile devices. The earpads feature a plush Velour material that initially itchy and soft, but will eventually break in. They also come with a flexible, raised fabric that improves the comfort and durability.