The Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear noise cancelling headsets can make a huge difference for those who commute on noisy public transportation system, have a chatty work environment, or simply want to listen to music without being distracted by external noise. We reviewed the top headphones for over-ear use that combine excellent sound quality and 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 for their price range. They are designed as over-ear headsets with Ear cups that sit comfortably over the ears to block out ambient noise. The earpads are constructed of a moderately thick cushion that shields your ears sufficiently to block out a significant portion of ambient sounds but they don't have active noise canceling capability. The earpads are a little heavier than 11 ounces, but they're comfortable to wear for long periods.
noise cancelling wireless headphones feature a simple design that isn't too far removed from most other models of over-ear headphones on the market. The headband that connects the two earcups is hinged, and can be folded up for storage or transportation. The left earcup houses the controls for power, volume and noise cancellation. The right earcup has a microphone for hands-free calls.
The Mpow headphones offer very excellent sound quality, however they don't have the bass punch or clarity of the Sony WH1000XM5. The PRTF accuracy and activation scores are above average among Bluetooth headphones. This should result in a spacious and wide soundstage when listening to music. However they're PRTF distance score is lower than average, which means that they will sound tinier and less open than headphones that have large, open-back earcups.
The treble extension is also good, and you will get a crisp and clear sound that can be used with all genres of music. The mids of the Sony headphones are a bit more distinct, which creates 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, but you can adjust this to your own preference by changing the equalizer settings on your audio player.
The Mpow headphones have a long battery life, and can be used in wired mode for when your charge runs out. They come with a cable and USB charger in the box, allowing you to continue to listen to your favorite tunes without any interruptions. The manufacturer offers a 45-day return guarantee and 18-month warranty for the headphones and their customer support is known to be responsive.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 is the newest over-ear headphones to be found in Bowers & Wilkins' catalog. The PX7 is replaced by the PX7 S2 and they are part of a wider collection of wireless headphones which includes the PI5 & PI7. Unboxed, the style of these headphones immediately evokes a sense of luxury. The use of metals and textures on the ear cups give them a luxurious feel. They also are comfortable on the ears and head although they are slightly heavier than their counterparts. The ears are easy to snap on and off, and can be replaced if they wear out.
Like many of the best headphones, these ones have active noise cancellation that minimizes the impact of external sounds while allowing you to listen to the music. The technology isn't perfect however, it does a good job in keeping the whir of an airplane engine or the rumble of a train out of your ears while not altering the balance of music tracks that may occupy the same frequency.
One thing that really sets the PX7 S2 apart from their competitors is the soundstage they offer, which offers plenty of space and strong separation between distinct audio elements. This clarity isn't always present in other Bluetooth headphones.
While the PX7 S2s aren't as lightweight as some of their competitors but they come with a nice carry case. It's also well-padded, and the headphones fold flat for easy storage when not in use.
The earcups are covered in a soft, leather-like material that's quite indulgent to the touch. The ear cups are also lightweight, which makes them comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. The headband is designed for maximum comfort and doesn't squeeze too tightly. This helps prevent headaches.
The headphones are equipped with a variety of features that include Bluetooth multipoint, which allows them to connect with two devices simultaneously. They support all of the most popular Bluetooth codecs, as well as high-res audio, if your streaming service allows it. They also come with an amplifier for headphones that gives you extra boost when you use headphones with electronics that are not powered, such as laptops.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 is a new model in the line of premium noise cancelling over-ear headphones. They're an excellent upgrade from their predecessors, the WH-1000XM2s and the WH-1000XM4. Sony has improved its already impressive active noise cancellation. The fifth-generation headphones, as an example, can now mute low-frequency sounds like plane engines and subway car rumbles. They can also detect your location and automatically adjust the Ambient Sound Control settings to match.
You can still make use of a voice-activated assistant to control your music, find directions and more. The microphones in the ear cups are upgraded, which means they can be used for hands-free calls and Siri/Google Assistant commands. The headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible which means they can be connected and pair more quickly.
In our lab tests, the WH-1000XM5 have earned the top scores for comfort, ease of use and the sound quality. The lightweight headset is comfortable enough to wear 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 foldable and flat which makes them easy to fit into backpacks or suitcases.
The ear cups are slightly larger than their predecessors and the headband features more refined curves to help hide points of assembly. The new synthetic leather material adds durability and luxury. The ear cup's space is also larger and is more comfortable to the ear. This can cause slight pressure on the head when worn for extended periods of time.
A few of the features of the WH1000XM4s are transferred to the XM5. You can swipe and tap on the right ear cup to switch songs or pause your music and access 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 helpful when you need to hear what's going on around you.
The XM5s are equipped with a few minor enhancements that make them a great choice for noise-canceling headsets. The new ANC offers better isolation for low-frequency noise and the headphones will stop your music when lifted from 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 looking to purchase a set of headphones to accompany their gaming setup the ATHXX700 is a great option. They have high-quality sound and are comfortable to wear for long periods 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 adjust to your head and eliminates pressure. They also include a detachable cable that is simple to connect to your audio source.
These are open-air headphones that look quite unique, thanks to their huge earcups and black honeycomb covers that reveal the drivers inside. The unique design helps them stand out from the crowd however it's not the only factor that makes them stand out. The self-adjusting wing structure and the brand new 53 mm drivers with bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils, and the aluminum casing that is lightweight and honeycomb are what make these headphones so unique and worth the extra cost.
The ATH ADX700 has a broad frequency response that allows for natural, clear treble. The sound isn't as deep as some other pairs however, this is because they're aimed at an audience of general music lovers who isn't looking to be sprayed by excessive low frequencies. They're an excellent pair of headphones for gamers as they allow you to hear the voices of your teammates and NPCs without being muffled by a loud bass.
The ATH-ADX700 headphones come with an impedance rating of 32 ohms but still require an amp of a good quality to function optimally. When used with a portable player, it's not an issue, but a headphone amplifier will make it easier to control the sound and experience its full range.
The ATH-ADX700 comes with 9.84-foot cable that features a gold-plated 1/8-inch connector and an elastic TPE sheath to prevent tangling and damage. The ATH ADX700 comes with an 1/4" adapter for mobile devices. The earpads have a plush Velour material that initially itchy and soft, but then breaks into. The earpads are made of a flexible higher-quality material that enhances the comfort and durability.