The Best Over-Ear Headphones
If you travel on public transportation, work in an office with noisy coworkers or simply want to listen to your music without the distraction of distractions from outside, then over-ear noise-canceling headphones can make all the difference. We've reviewed the top headphones for over-ear use that combine great audio quality with active noise cancellation.
Mpow Over Ear Headphones
These Bluetooth headphones from Mpow have a nice, sturdy build and feature high-quality audio that is impressive considering their price. They are designed as over-ear headsets with ear cups that comfortably fit over the ears to block ambient noise. The earpads have a moderately padded cushion that effectively shields the ears to block a large portion of ambient sounds. However, they do not have the ability to cancel out noise. The earpads are a little heavier than 11 ounces, but they are comfortable to wear over long periods.
best over the ear headphones noise cancelling feature an elegant design that's not too different from other over-ear headphone models on the market. The headband which connects the two ear cups is hinged, which allows them to fold down into a compact size to be transported and stored. The left earcup contains the controls for volume, power and noise cancellation. A microphone is housed in the right earcup for hands-free phone calls.
The sound quality from the Mpow headphones is very good but they don't have the bass power of Bose or the clarity of the Sony WH-1000XM5. The PRTF accuracy and activation score are higher than average among Bluetooth headphone models. This should result in a large and wide soundstage while listening to music. Their PRTF distance score is below average. This means they sound more closed in and less open compared to headphones with larger, more open-backed earcups.
The treble extension is also excellent, so you can get a crisp and clear sound that will work with most music genres. The mids of the Sony headphones are more prominent, which gives them more of a dynamic sound. This is perfect for music that has a lot of instruments. Some users find the bass to be slightly too loud however you can adjust it to your personal preference by changing the equalizer settings of your audio player.
The Mpow headphones have a long battery life and can be used in wired mode when your charge runs out. They come with a cable and a USB charger included in the box, which means you can continue to listen to your music without interruptions. The manufacturer offers a 45-day money back guarantee and an 18-month warranty on the headphones and their customer support is known to be 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 larger collection of wireless headphones which also includes the PI5 and PI7. Unboxed, the style of these headphones instantly invokes an impression of luxuriousness. The use of metals and textures on the ear cups give them a high-end feel. They also are comfortable on the head and ears although they are slightly heavier than their counterparts. The earpads are easily removed and replaceable if they become worn out.
These headphones are equipped with active noise cancellation. This can reduce external noise but still allows you to enjoy your music. The technology isn't flawless however, it does a great job of keeping the whirring of an airplane engine or the train's rumble out of your ears while not altering the balance of music passages that could be in the same frequency.
One thing that distinguishes the PX7 S2 apart from their rivals is the soundstage they provide which provides plenty of space and great separation between individual audio elements. This provides clarity to music that can't always be heard on other Bluetooth headphones.
Although the PX7 S2s aren't as portable as their competition, they come with a nice carry case. The case is well-padded and the headphones fold flat when not in use.
The earcups are made of an enveloping, soft leather that is quite luxurious to the touch. They're also very lightweight which makes them ideal for long listening sessions. The headband is designed to provide maximum comfort and doesn't squeeze too tightly. This helps to 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 popular Bluetooth codecs, as well as high-res audio, in the event that your streaming service supports it. They also have an amplifier for headphones that gives them an extra boost when used with low-powered electronics like laptops.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 are the latest in Sony's premium headphones that are over-ear and noise cancelling. These headphones are a great upgrade to their predecessors, the WH1000XM2s or the WH1000XM4. Sony has made improvements to 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 also know where you are, and adjust the Ambient sound control settings in line with your location.
You can still make use of voice-activated assistants to control your music or get directions. The microphones in the earphones have been upgraded, so 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 WH-1000XM5 has earned high scores for comfort, ease of use and the sound quality. The lightweight headset is comfortable to wear for long listening sessions, and the earcup can be adjusted to accommodate different head sizes. The headphones are foldable and flat which makes them easy to fit into a suitcase or backpack.
The ears have a slight curvature and the headband is more refined. This helps to hide points of assembly. The new synthetic leather provides durability and a luxurious. The earcup space is also larger and is more comfortable to the ear. This could cause a little pressure on the head if 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 songs, pause audio, and access the Ambient Sound mode. You can even place your hand over the right ear cup to temporarily turn down the volume of your music and increase ambient sound. This is useful when you need to hear what's happening around you.
The XM5s come with a few small improvements that make them a great option for headphones that block out noise. The new ANC provides better isolation of low-frequency noises, and the headphones will stop music when you take them off your head to save 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 ATH-ADX700
If you're looking to purchase a set of headphones for gaming The ATH-ADX700 is a great option. They have high-quality sound and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They are lightweight, which means you won't feel them on your head or ear. They come with a self-adjusting 3D wings that adjust to your head and reduces pressure. The headphones include a cable that is easily connected to your audio source.
Open-air headphones with a unique design, these headphones come with large earcups that show the drivers. The unique design makes these headphones stand out however that's not all they have to offer. The self-adjusting wing support construction, new 53 mm drivers with bobbin wound CCAW voice coils, and the lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing are the reasons why these headphones are distinctive and worth the investment.
The ATH ADX700 has a broad frequency response that allows for an unmistakably natural, crisp treble. The sound is not as bassy as other models because they are designed for a general music listener that doesn't like to be bombarded by low frequencies. These headphones are ideal for gamers as they let you hear your friends and other NPCs without being muffled.
While the ATH-ADX700 comes with an impedance of 32 ohms, they still require a decent amplifier to achieve the best performance. This is not a problem when using them on an audio player that is portable however it will be much easier to manage and enjoy their full range of sound when they are paired with an appropriate headphone amp.
The ATH ADX700 includes a 9.84 foot cable with a gold-plated connector 1/8 inches and a TPE sheath, which is resistant to tangling and damage. It also comes with a 1/4" adapter for mobile devices. The earpads are made of plush velour that feels soft and is initially itchy but will break the end. The earpads are made of a soft, higher-quality material that enhances comfort and durability.