The Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear noise cancelling headsets can make a big difference for those who commute on noisy public transport, work with chatty colleagues or simply want to listen to music without being distracted by outside noise. We've reviewed the best over-ear headphones that combine excellent audio quality and active noise cancellation.
Mpow Over Ear Headphones
These Bluetooth headphones from Mpow have a good, sturdy build and feature high-quality audio that is impressive for their price range. These headphones are designed to be worn over the ears, and come with earcups that are comfortable to wear over your ears. This helps to block out background noise. The earpads consist of a moderately padded cushion that encases your ears sufficiently to muffle out a good part of the sounds that surround you however, they do not come with a noise canceling feature. The earpads are heavier than 11 ounces, but they're comfortable to wear over long periods of time.
These Mpow headphones have a simple design that isn't too far removed from most other over-ear headphone models on the market. The headband that connects the two cups is hinged, allowing them to fold down into a compact size to transport and store. The left earcup is home to the controls for power, volume and noise cancellation. The right ear cup has an audio 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. The PRTF accuracy and activation score are above average for Bluetooth headphones. This should result in a spacious and wide soundstage while listening to music. However they're PRTF distance score is lower than average, which means they will sound tinier and less open than headphones with more open-back, larger earcups.
The treble extension is good, and you will have a clear and crisp sound that is compatible with a wide range of genres. The mids of Sony headphones are more prominent, which gives them more of a dynamic sound. This is perfect 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 on your audio player.
The Mpow headphones come with a long battery life and can be utilized in wired mode when your charge runs out. The headphones come with an USB charger as well as an audio cable, which means you can listen to your favorite music without interruption. The manufacturer offers a 45-day money back guarantee as well as an 18-month warranty for these headphones. Their customer service is also renowned for being responsive.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 is the newest over-ear headphone that is available in Bowers & Wilkins' catalog. The PX7 is replaced by the PX7 S2 and are part of a larger collection of wireless headphones which also includes the PI5 & PI7. Unboxed, the design of these headphones instantly evokes an impression of luxury. The use of metals and textured materials on the earcups and headband give them an exquisitely constructed feel. The headphones are also more comfortable on the head and ear even though they are slightly heavier. over the ear headphones with noise cancelling are easily removed and can be replaced when they are worn out.
As with many of the top headphones, these models feature active noise cancellation, which reduces external sounds while still allowing you to hear your music. The technology isn't perfect however it does a great job of keeping plane engines and train rumbles out of your ear canals, without affecting the balance between music and other sounds.
The PX7 S2's soundstage is what really distinguishes it from its competition. It has plenty of space between the sound elements and a strong separation. This clarity is not always found in other Bluetooth headphones.
The PX7 S2s might not be as portable as other models however they come with a great carry case. The case is cushioned and the headphones fold flat when not in use.
The ear cups are encased with soft, leather-like material that's quite indulgent to the feel. The earcups are 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 avoid headaches.
The headphones are equipped with various features, including Bluetooth multipoint which allows them to be paired with two devices simultaneously. They support all of the most popular Bluetooth codecs and high-res audio in the event that your streaming service supports it. They have a headphone amplifier that gives them an additional boost when used with electronics 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. These headphones are a great improvement to their predecessors, WH1000XM2s or the WH1000XM4. Sony has improved its already impressive active noise cancellation. The fifth-generation headphones, for example can now muffle low-frequency sounds, such as plane engines and subway car rumbles. They can also detect the location of your head and adjust the ambient sound control settings to suit your location.
You can still make use of a voice-activated assistant in order to control your music, get directions and more. The microphones in the earcups have been upgraded to allow them to be used to make hands-free phone calls and also to control Siri/Google Assistant. The headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible which means they can pair and connect quicker.
The WH-1000XM5 received high scores in our lab tests for comfort, user-friendliness and the quality of its sound. The lightweight headset is comfortable enough to wear for long listening sessions without feeling too tight on the head, and the ears can be adjusted to accommodate different head sizes. The headphones are lightweight and their flat foldable design allows them to be easily tucked away in the backpack or suitcase.
The ear cups are slightly curvier than their predecessors, and the headband has more refined curves that help hide points of assembly. They're covered in a modern synthetic leather material that adds additional durability and luxury. The earcup space is also larger and fits more snugly to the ears. This may cause a slight pressure on the head if worn for long periods of time.
The XM5 has some of the basic features of the WH1000XM4s. You can swipe or tap the right earcup to switch songs, pause audio, and access the Ambient Sound mode. You can also place your fingers over the left ear cup to temporarily lower your music volume and boost the ambient sound, which can be beneficial when you want to hear what's going on around you.
The XM5s are equipped with a few small improvements that make them a good choice for headsets that can block noise. The new ANC gives greater isolation from low-frequency noise, and the headphones will pause your music when you remove them from your head in order to save power. You can also switch to an unobtrusive listening mode to let 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
If you're looking to get a set of headphones for gaming, the ATH-ADX700 is a great choice. They are comfortable and provide high-quality audio. They are light, so you don't feel them on your head or ear. They feature a self-adjusting 3D design that will relieve pressure and adapt to fit your head. The headphones come with a cable that can be easily connected to your audio source.
Open-air headphones with a distinctive design, these headphones feature large earcups which reveal the drivers. The unique design makes them stand out from the rest, but it's not the only thing that sets them apart. 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 that is lightweight and honeycomb are the main reasons these headphones are special and worth the investment.
The ATH ADX700 features a wide frequency response, which allows for a crisp, natural treble. The sound is not as bassy as other models because they're designed for an average music lover who isn't one to be surrounded by low frequencies. These headphones are great for gamers, as they allow you to hear your teammates and other NPCs without being muffled.
The ATH ADX700 headphones have an impedance rating of 32 ohms. However, they still require an amp of a good quality to operate at its best. It's not a problem using them from a portable device however it will be much more manageable and enjoy the full range of sound when they are paired with a headphone amp that is suitable.
The ATH ADX700 comes with a 9.84-foot cable that features a gold-plated 1/8-inch connector and an elastic TPE sheath to resist tangling and damage. It also comes with a 1/4-inch adapter for mobile devices. The earpads are made from plush velour that feels soft and soft at first but will break over time. They also feature a flexible fabric that is raised to increase comfort and durability.