The Best Over-Ear Headphones

If you commute on noisy public transit, work in an office with chatty co-workers or just want to enjoy your music without a lot of distractions from outside, Headphones Shop then over-ear noise-canceling headphones can make all the difference. We've reviewed the top headphones that offer superior sound quality with active noise cancellation.

Mpow Over Ear Headphones

These Bluetooth Headphones Shop from Mpow have a good, sturdy build and feature high-quality audio that is impressive for their price range. They are designed as over-ear headphones with ear cups that comfortably fit over the ear to block out noise from the outside. The earpads are constructed of a modestly thick cushion that shields your ears sufficiently to muffle out a good portion of ambient sounds however, they do not have active noise canceling capability. They weigh slightly more than 11 ounces and are fairly comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

The Mpow headphones have simple in design, and not much different from other over-ear headphone designs available. The headband connecting the two earcups has a hinge and can be folded up for storage or transportation. The left earcup houses controls for power, volume 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. Their accuracy in the PRTF and activation scores are well above average for Bluetooth headphone models that should offer a wide and spacious soundstage when listening to music. Their PRTF distance score is below average. This means that they sound more closed-in and less open compared to headphones with larger, open-backed earcups.

The treble extension is excellent, so you can enjoy a clear and crisp sound that is compatible with a wide range of genres. The mids are a more prominent in comparison to the Sony headphones, which gives them a somewhat more dynamic sound that is ideal for music with lots of instruments. The bass is a little too loud for some but this is a personal preference that can be adjusted by changing the equalizer settings in your audio player.

The Mpow headphones are a good option for those looking to listen to their favorite music without interruptions. They have a long-lasting battery and can be used in wired mode when the battery runs out. They come with a cable and USB charger included in the box, which means you can continue to listen to your music without interruptions. The manufacturer provides a Premium White Smoke Bose QC® 45 Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones-day money-back guarantee and 18-month warranty for these headphones, and their customer service is known to be responsive.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 is the newest over-ear headphone to grace Bowers & Wilkins' catalog. The PX7 is replaced by the PX7 S2 and they are part of a larger collection of wireless headphones that includes the PI5 and PI7. The design of these headphones is immediately elegant once they are removed from the box. The use of textured materials and metals on the ear cups and headband give them a perfectly put together feel. The headphones are also more comfortable on the head and ears although they weigh a bit more. The ears snap on and off easily and can be replaced if they wear out.

These headphones come with active noise cancellation. This reduces external sounds, while still allowing for you to listen to your music. The technology isn't perfect however it does an excellent job of keeping train and plane engine noises out of your canals, without affecting the balance between music tracks.

The PX7 S2's soundstage is what makes it stand out from its competition. It provides ample space between sound elements and provides a clear separation. This clarity isn't always found in other Bluetooth headphones.

The PX7 S2s might not be as lightweight as their counterparts but they do come with a great carry case. The case is well-padded and the headphones fold flat when not in use.

The ear cups have the appearance of leather, a soft and soft material that is quite luxurious to touch. They're also extremely light and comfortable for 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 time.

The headphones have many features like Bluetooth multipoint which allows them to be paired with two devices simultaneously. They support all popular Bluetooth codecs, as well as high-res audio, when your streaming service allows it. They have a headphone amplifier which gives them an additional boost when used with electronics that aren't powered 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 over their predecessors, the WH-1000XM2s and the WH-1000XM4. Sony has made improvements to its already impressive active noise cancellation. For instance, the fifth-generation headphones are now able to eliminate low-frequency sounds like subway car and plane engine rumbles. They can also detect 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 inside the ear cups have been upgraded, so they can be used for hands-free calls and Siri/Google Assistant commands. The headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible which means they can pair and connect quicker.

In our lab evaluations, the WH-1000XM5 have earned high marks for comfort, user-friendliness and sound quality. The lightweight headset is comfortable for long listening sessions and the earcup can be adjusted to suit different sizes of heads. The headphones are able to be carried around, and their flat foldable design allows them to easily fit into the backpack or a suitcase.

The ear cups are a bit more curly than their predecessors, and the headband is fitted with more refined curves to help conceal assembly points. The new synthetic leather material adds durability and luxury. The ear cup cavity is also larger and more comfortably fits the ear. This may cause a slight pressure on the head when worn for extended periods of time.

Some of the core features of the WH1000XM4s are transferred to the XM5. You can swipe and tap the right ear cup to change songs or pause your music and open Ambient Sound Mode. You can hold your hand on the left earcup to temporarily turn off the music and increase ambient sound. This is helpful if you need to hear what's happening around you.

The XM5s are equipped with a few minor enhancements which make them an excellent option for headphones that block out noise. The new ANC offers better isolation of low-frequency noises, and the headphones will stop music when you take them off your head 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 ADX700

If you're seeking a pair of headphones to accompany their gaming setup the ATHXX700 is a fantastic choice. They have high-quality sound and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They are light, so you don't feel them on your ears or head. They have self-adjusting 3D wings that eliminate the pressure and adjust to the shape of your head. They also have a detachable cord that is simple to connect to your audio source.

These are open-air headphones that appear quite unique, thanks to their large earcups and honeycomb covers made of black which reveal the drivers inside. The unique design helps them stand out from the rest, but it's not the only factor that makes them stand out. The self-adjusting wing support structure and the brand new 53 mm drivers that feature bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils as well as the aluminum casing made of honeycomb are what make these headphones so special and worth the investment.

The ATH-ADX700 features an impressively broad frequency response, which provides a clear and natural midrange and treble. The sound is not as bassy as some other headphones 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 as they allow you to hear the voices of your teammates and NPCs without being obstructed by a heavy bass.

Although the ATHXX700 has an impedance of 32 Ohms, they require a high-quality amplifier to ensure optimal performance. This is not a problem when using them from a portable device, but it will be much easier to manage and enjoy their full range of sound when paired with a suitable headphone amplifier.

The ATH ADX700 comes with a 9.84 feet cable that has a gold-plated connector 1/8 inches and an elastic TPE sheath that is resistant to tangling and damage. It also comes with a 1/4" adapter for mobile devices. The earpads have a plush velvet material that initially squishy and soft, but will eventually break in. The earpads are also made of a soft, elevated material that improves comfort and durability.