The Best Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear noise-canceling headsets can make a big difference when you travel on a noisy public transportation system, have a chatty work environment, or simply want to enjoy music without being distracted by external noise. We've reviewed the best Over ear headphones noise-cancelling headphones that offer superior audio quality with active noise cancellation.

Mpow Over-Ear Headphones

These Bluetooth headphones from Mpow feature a great solid build and offer high-quality audio that is impressive considering their price. They are designed as over ear headphones noise cancelling bluetooth-ear headphones with ear cups that fit comfortably over the ear to block out noise from the outside. The earpads consist of a modestly thick cushion that shields your ears to muffle out a good part of the sounds that surround you however, they do not come with a noise canceling feature. They weigh about 11 ounces, and are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

These Mpow headphones have simple design that's not too far removed from most other models of over-ear headphones on the market. The headband connecting the two earcups is hinged, and can be folded up for storage or transportation. The left earcup houses controls for volume, power and noise cancellation. The right earcup houses an audio microphone for hands-free calls.

The Mpow headphones have a very excellent sound quality, however they don't have the bass punch or clarity of the Sony WH1000XM5. The PRTF accuracy and the activation score are above average for Bluetooth headphone models. This should result in a spacious and wide soundstage when listening to music. However they're PRTF distance score is lower than average, meaning they will sound 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. Their mids are a little more prominent than the Sony headphones, which gives them an energizing sound that is ideal for music that is instrument-rich. The bass can be excessive for some people, but it's a personal preference that can be redressed by changing the equalizer settings of your audio player.

The Mpow headphones are a good option for those who want to enjoy their favorite music without interruptions. They have an extremely long-lasting battery that can be utilized in wired mode if the battery runs out. The headphones come with an USB charger as well as an audio cable, which means you can enjoy your favourite music without interruption. The manufacturer offers a 45-day return guarantee and 18-month warranty for these headphones and their customer service is known to be responsive.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 are the most current headphones for over-ears that have graced the Bowers & Wilkins catalog. They replace the PX7 model and are part of a larger range of wireless headphones that also includes the PI5 and PI7. Unboxed, the design of these headphones immediately evokes an impression of luxuriousness. The use of metals and textured materials on the ear cups gives them a luxurious feel. They also are comfortable on the head and ear although they are slightly heavier than their counterparts. The Ear pads snap on and off easily so they can be replaced as they wear out.

These headphones come with active noise cancellation. This helps to block out external sounds and allows you to enjoy your music. The technology isn't perfect, but it does a great job of keeping plane engines and train sounds from your ear canals without altering the balance between music tracks.

One thing that sets the PX7 S2 apart from their rivals is the soundstage they provide that provides plenty of space and great separation between the various sound elements. This gives clarity to music that cannot always be heard on other Bluetooth headphones.

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

The earcups are covered with a soft, leather-like material that's quite indulgent to the sensation. They're also very lightweight which makes them ideal for long listening sessions. The headband is designed to be as comfortable as possible and doesn't hold too tightly, which can help to avoid headaches over time.

The headphones are equipped with a variety of features, including Bluetooth multipoint, which allows them to pair with two devices at once. They are compatible with all the most well-known Bluetooth codes, as well as high-resolution audio if your streaming service supports it. They come with an amplifier for headphones that gives them an additional boost when used with electronics that aren't powered like laptops.

Sony WH-1000XM5

The WH1000XM5 is a new model in Sony’s premium noise cancelling headphones for over-ear use. These headphones are a great upgrade to their predecessors, WH1000XM2s and the WH1000XM4. Sony has improved on its already impressive active noise cancellation. The fifth-generation headphones, for instance can now muffle 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 to match.

You can still use a voice-activated assistant to control your music, receive directions and more. The microphones that are in the earphones are upgraded, Best over ear headphones noise-cancelling which means they can be used for calls that are hands-free and Siri/Google Assistant commands. The headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 which means they are faster in connecting and pairing speeds.

The WH-1000XM5 has received top scores in our tests of comfort, ease-of-use and audio quality. The lightweight headset can be worn for long listening sessions without feeling tight on your head, and the ear cups can be adjusted to accommodate various head sizes. The headphones are lightweight and their flat foldable design allows them to easily fit into a backpack or a suitcase.

The ears have a slight curvature, and the headband is more refined. This makes it easier to conceal the assembly points. The new synthetic leather gives it a more durable and luxurious. The earcup cavity is also larger and more comfortably fits the ear. This could cause a slight pressure on the head when worn for extended periods of time.

The XM5 retains certain of the features of the WH1000XM4s. You can swipe and tap the right earcup to change the music or pause your music and switch to Ambient Sound Mode. You can put your hand on the left earcup to temporarily reduce the volume and amp up ambient sounds. This is helpful if you want to hear sounds 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 of low-frequency noises, and the headphones will pause music when you take them off your head in order to save 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

For those that are seeking a pair of headphones for gaming The ATH-ADX700 is a great option. They provide superior sound quality and are comfortable to wear for a long period of time. They are also light and won't feel heavy on your head and ears. They come with a self-adjusting 3D wings that can adjust to your head and reduces pressure. The headphones include an audio cable that can be easily connected to your audio source.

Open-air headphones with a distinctive design, these headphones have large earcups that reveal the drivers. The unique design makes these headphones stand out but that's not all they have to provide. They are distinctive because of their self-adjusting wing-support construction, the brand new 53 mm driver with bobbin wound CCAW voice coils and a lightweight honeycomb aluminium casing.

The ATH ADX700 has a stunningly broad frequency response, which allows for a crisp and natural midrange and treble. The sound isn't as deep as some other pairs but that's because they are aimed at an audience of general music lovers who isn't looking to be sprayed by excessive low frequencies. These headphones are great for gamers because they let you hear your teammates and other NPCs without being obstructed.

While the ATH-ADX700 comes with an impedance of 32 ohms they require a high-quality amplifier for optimal performance. When used with a portable player it's not an issue, but a headphone amplifier will make it easier to manage the sound and enjoy the full range of sound.

The ATH ADX700 includes a 9.84 feet cable that has an gold-plated connector 1/8 inch and a TPE sheath that resists damaging and tangling. The ATH-ADX700 includes an 1/4" adapter for mobile devices. The earpads are constructed of velvety velour, which feels soft and is initially itchy, but will break in the end. They also come with a flexible, fabric that is raised to increase the comfort and durability.