The Best Over-Ear Headphones

If you travel on public transportation or work in an office with chatty co-workers or just want to listen to your music without the distraction of outside distractions, headphones that block out noise can make all the difference. We reviewed the top headphones for over-ear use that combine great sound quality with impressive active noise cancellation.

Mpow Over Ear Headphones

These Bluetooth headphones from Mpow are well-built and offer excellent audio quality for the price. They are designed as over-ear headsets with Ear cups that sit comfortably over the ear to block out ambient noise cancelling head phones. The earpads are a moderately padded cushion that protects the ears sufficiently to block a large portion of ambient sounds. However they don't have the ability to cancel out noise. They weigh slightly more than 11 ounces and are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

These headphones are a simple design that isn't too different from other models of over-ear headphones available. The headband which connects the two ear cups is hinged, which allows them to fold up into a compact package to be transported and stored. The left earcup houses the controls for power, volume and noise cancellation. The right ear cup has an audio microphone for hands-free calls.

The sound quality from the Mpow headphones is excellent but 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 higher than average for Bluetooth headphones, which should provide an expansive and wide soundstage when listening to music. Their PRTF distance score, however, is below average. This means they sound more closed in and less open when compared to headphones with larger, open-backed earcups.

The treble extension is excellent, so you can enjoy a clear and crisp sound that will work with most music genres. Their mids are a little bit more pronounced than those from the Sony headphones and give them an overall more lively sound that is great for music with lots of instruments. The bass can be overpowering for some people, but it's an individual preference that can be corrected by altering the equalizer settings in your audio player.

The Mpow headphones come with a long battery life, and can be utilized in wired mode when your charge runs out. They come with a cable and a USB charger included in the box, allowing you to continue to enjoy your favorite tunes without any interruptions. The manufacturer offers a 45-day money back guarantee and a warranty of 18 months for these headphones and their customer support is known to be quick and responsive.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 are the latest headphones for over-ears that have graced the 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 feels immediately luxurious when unboxed. The use of metals and materials with textured surfaces on the earcups and headband give them a perfectly constructed feel. The headphones are also more comfortable on the ears and head even though they are slightly heavier. The ears snap off and on easily and can be replaced when they wear out.

These headphones are equipped with active noise cancellation. This helps to block out external sounds but still allows you to listen to your music. The technology isn't flawless however it does a great job of keeping the whir of an aircraft engine or the train's rumble out of your ears, while not altering the balance of music pieces that may occupy the same frequency.

One thing that sets the PX7 S2 apart from their competition is their soundstage which provides plenty of space and headphones that block out noise strong separation between individual sound elements. This brings a clarity to songs that can't be found on other Bluetooth headphones.

While the PX7 S2s aren't as lightweight as their rivals, they come with a great carry case. The case is cushioned and the headphones fold flat when not in use.

The ear cups are covered with a soft, leather-like material that's quite indulgent to the touch. The ear cups are light, making them comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. The headband is designed to provide maximum comfort and doesn't over-stretch. This helps prevent headaches.

The headphones are equipped with a variety of features, including Bluetooth multipoint that allows them to connect to two devices at once. They support all popular Bluetooth codecs and high-res audio, if your streaming service allows it. They have a headphone amplifier that gives them an extra boost when used with low-powered electronics such as laptops.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH-1000XM5 are the latest in Sony's premium headphones for over-ear noise cancellation. These headphones are an excellent upgrade to their predecessors, WH1000XM2s or the WH1000XM4. Sony has enhanced its already impressive active noise cancellation. For instance, the fifth generation headphones are now able to eliminate low-frequency sounds such as subway car and plane engine rumbles. They can also detect where you are 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 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 that they can pair and connect more quickly.

In our lab tests, the WH-1000XM5 have earned the top marks for comfort, user-friendliness and sound quality. The lightweight headset is comfortable to wear for long listening sessions, and the earcup can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of heads. The headphones are foldable and flat, making them easy to fit into a suitcase or backpack.

The ear cups are a bit larger than their predecessors and the headband features more refined curves that help to conceal the assembly points. They're covered in a modern synthetic leather material that adds additional durability and luxury. The ear cup's chamber is also bigger and more comfortably fits the ears. This can cause slight pressure on the head when worn for long periods of time.

A few of the features from the WH-1000XM4s are transferred to the XM5. You can swipe or tap the right ear cup to switch between music, pause audio and access the Ambient sound mode. You can even hold your fingers over the left ear cup to temporarily reduce the volume of the volume of your music and increase the ambient sound, which can be helpful when you need to hear what's happening around you.

There are a few subtle enhancements to the XM5s that make them a great buy for noise-canceling headphones. The new ANC offers better isolation of low-frequency sounds and the headphones will pause music when lifted off your head in order to save energy. You can also choose a transparent listening mode to let in more exterior 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 set of gaming headphones. They provide excellent sound quality and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. 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 adapt to fit your head. They also include a detachable cable that is simple to connect to your audio source.

These are open-air headphones that look rather unusual, thanks to their massive earcups as well as honeycomb covers made of black which reveal the drivers inside. The unique design is what makes these headphones stand out however that's not all they have to provide. The self-adjusting wing support construction, new 53 mm drivers with bobbin wound CCAW voice coils as well as the aluminum casing that is lightweight and honeycomb are the main reasons these headphones are special and worth the cost.

The ATH-ADX700 has an impressively wide frequency response that gives a crisp and natural treble and midrange. The sound isn't as bassy as other pairs because they're designed for an average music lover who does not like being bombarded by low frequencies. They are an excellent pair of headphones for gamers since they allow you to hear the voices of your fellow gamers and NPCs without being muffled by a booming bass.

The ATH ADX700 headphones have an impedance rating of 32 ohms but still require a high-quality amp to operate at its best. It's not a problem when using them from a portable player however, it will be much more manageable and enjoy their full range of sound when used with a headphone amp that is suitable.

The ATH ADX700 includes a 9.84 feet cable that has a gold-plated connector 1/8 inches and an elastic TPE sheath that is resistant to damaging and tangling. It also includes a 1/4-inch adapter for mobile devices. The earpads have a plush velvet material that initially squishy and soft, but will eventually break in. They also have a flexible raised fabric that improves comfort and durability.