The Best Over-Ear Headphones
If you travel on public transit, work in an office with chatty co-workers or just want to listen to your music without a lot of outside distractions, headphones that block out noise can make all the difference. We've reviewed the best over-ear headphones that combine excellent sound quality with active noise cancellation.
Mpow Over Ear Headphones
These Bluetooth headphones from Mpow feature a great, sturdy build and feature high-quality audio that is impressive considering their price. They are designed as over-ear headsets with ear cups that fit comfortably over the ears to block out ambient noise. The earpads are made of a moderately thick cushion that insulates your ears well enough to block out a large portion of ambient sounds, though they do not come with a noise canceling feature. They weigh about 11 ounces and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
These headphones are 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 cups is hinged, allowing them to fold into a compact package for transport and storage. The left ear cup is home to the controls for volume, power and noise cancellation. A microphone is built into the right ear cup to allow hands-free phone calls.
The sound quality from the Mpow headphones is excellent, although they do not have the bass power of Bose or the clarity of the Sony WH-1000XM5. The PRTF accuracy and activation score are above average among Bluetooth headphones. This should result in a large and wide soundstage when listening to music. Their PRTF distance score, however, is lower than average. This means they will sound more closed-in and less open than headphones with larger, more open-backed earcups.
They also have a decent amount of treble extension which will provide an uncluttered and clear sound that is able to handle all genres of music. The mids of the Sony headphones are a bit more prominent, which gives them an even more lively sound. This is great for music with lots of instruments. Some users find the bass to be to be a bit loud however you can adjust it to your own preference by altering the equalizer settings on your audio player.
The Mpow headphones are a great choice for those who want to listen to their music without interruptions. They come with a long-lasting battery and can be utilized in wired mode if the battery runs out. The headphones come with an USB charger and a cable, so you can enjoy your favorite music without interruption. The manufacturer offers a 45-day money back guarantee and a warranty of 18 months for these headphones, and their customer service is known to be quick and responsive.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 are the most recent headphones that are over-ear to be featured in the Bowers & Wilkins catalog. They replace the PX7 model and are part of a wider line of wireless headphones that also includes the PI5 and PI7. The design of these headphones is immediately luxurious when unboxed. The use of metals and textured materials on the ear cups and headband give them an exquisitely designed and constructed feel. They also feel comfortable on the ears and head even though they weigh a bit more than their competitors. The ears snap off and on easily which means they can be replaced when they wear out.
The headphones are equipped with active noise cancellation. This reduces external sounds, while still allowing for you to listen to your music. The technology isn't perfect however, it does a fantastic job of keeping train and plane noises out of your canals, without affecting the balance between music tracks.
The soundstage of the PX7 S2 is what distinguishes it from the rest. It has plenty of space between sound elements and provides a clear separation. This gives clarity to songs that can't always be heard on other Bluetooth headphones.
Although the PX7 S2s aren't as portable as their competition however, they come with a fantastic carry case. It's also well-padded, and the headphones fold flat to make it easy to store when not in use.
The earcups are made of the appearance of leather, a soft and soft material that feels luxurious to touch. The ear cups are also lightweight, which makes them comfortable to wear during long listening sessions. The headband is designed to be as comfortable as it can and doesn't cinch too tightly, which can help prevent headaches over time.
The headphones have a variety of features including Bluetooth multipoint, which allows them to be connected with two devices simultaneously. They support all the well-known Bluetooth codes, and also high-resolution audio when your streaming service supports it. They come with a headphone amplifier that gives them an additional boost when used with low-powered electronic devices like laptops.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 is a new model in Sony's premium noise cancelling over-ear headphones. These headphones are an excellent 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 block low-frequency sounds like 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 use voice-activated assistants to control your music and receive directions. The microphones in the earphones are upgraded, which means they can be used for calls that are hands-free and Siri/Google Assistant commands. The headphones also support Bluetooth 5.0 which means they can be used with faster pairing and connection speeds.
In our lab tests the WH-1000XM5 has earned high scores for comfort, user-friendliness and the sound quality. The lightweight headset is comfortable enough to wear for long listening sessions without feeling too tight on the head, and the ear cups can be adjusted to fit different sizes of heads. The headphones are portable, and their flat design allows them to be easily tucked away in the backpack or suitcase.
The earcups are slightly curvier than their predecessors, and the headband features more refined curves that hide points of assembly. They're covered with a brand new synthetic leather material, which provides more durability and a luxurious look. The ear cup's chamber is also bigger and fits more snugly to the ear. This can cause small amount of pressure on your head when worn for long periods of time.
The XM5 keeps some of the core features of the WH1000XM4s. You can still swipe and tap on the right ear cup to change songs, pause your audio and open Ambient Sound Mode. You can place your hands on the right earcup to temporarily lower the music and boost ambient sounds. This is useful if you need to hear things around you.
There are a few subtle improvements in the XM5s that make them an excellent buy for noise-canceling headphones. The new ANC gives better isolation for low-frequency sounds, and the headphones will pause your music when you remove them off your head to conserve power. You can also select a transparent 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 purchase a set of headphones for gaming The ATH-ADX700 is a fantastic choice. They are comfortable and have high-quality audio. They are also light and won't feel heavy on your head and ears. They feature a self-adjusting 3D wing that can relieve the pressure and adjust to the shape of your head. The headphones come with a cable that is easily connected to your audio source.
These are open-air headphones that look quite unique, thanks to their massive earcups as well as black honeycomb covers that reveal the driver inside. The unique design is what makes these headphones stand out, but that's not all they have to offer. good over ear noise cancelling headphones -adjusting wing support construction and the new 53mm drivers with bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils and the lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing are what make these headphones so special and worth the cost.
The ATH ADX700 has a wide frequency response that allows for an unmistakably natural, crisp treble. The sound isn't as bassy as other models because they're designed for a general music listener that doesn't like to be bombarded by low frequencies. They're a great pair of headphones for gamers as they let you hear the voices of your fellow gamers and NPCs without being obstructed by a booming bass.
The ATH-ADX700 headphones have an impedance rating of 32 ohms, but still require a high-quality amp to function optimally. If you are using them with a portable device, this is not an issue, but using a headphone amplifier makes it easier to control the sound and experience the full range of sound.
The ATH ADX700 comes with a 9.84-foot cable with 1/8-inch connector that is gold-plated and an elastic TPE sheath to prevent tangling and damage. The ATH-ADX700 includes an 1/4" adapter for mobile devices. The earpads are made of a soft velvet material that initially itchy and soft, but then breaks in. They also feature a flexible fabric that is raised to increase comfort and durability.