The Best Over-Ear Headphones
If you commute on noisy public transportation, work in an office with chatty co-workers or simply want to listen to your music with no interruptions of outside distractions, headphones that block out noise can make all the difference. We have reviewed the best over-ear headphones that combine excellent audio quality and active noise cancellation.
Mpow Over-Ear Headphones
These Bluetooth headphones from Mpow are sturdy and provide excellent audio quality for the 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 a moderately padded cushion that protects the ears sufficiently to muffle a good portion noises from the outside. However they do not come with the ability to cancel out noise. The earpads are a little heavier than 11 ounces however, they are comfortable to wear over long periods.
The Mpow headphones feature an elegant design that’s not too far removed from most other models of over-ear headphones on the market. The headband that connects the two cups is hinged, beats Studio 3 wireless Bluetooth noise cancelling headphones allowing them to fold down into a compact package to transport and store. The left earcup houses controls for volume, power and noise cancellation. A microphone is built into the right ear cup for Beats Studio 3 Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones hands-free calling.
The sound quality from the Mpow headphones is very good but they don’t have the bass power of bose over the ear headphones noise cancelling or the clarity of the Sony WH-1000XM5. Their accuracy in the PRTF and activation scores are well above average for Bluetooth headphone models which should give large and expansive soundstage when listening to music. However, their PRTF distance score is below average, meaning they will sound closed in and less open than headphones with larger, open-back earcups.
The treble extension is excellent, so you can get a crisp and clear sound that is compatible with a wide range of genres. The mids of Sony headphones are more pronounced, giving them a more dynamic sound. This is great for music with lots of instruments. Some people find the bass a bit too strong however you can adjust this to your own preference by changing the equalizer settings on your audio player.
The Mpow headphones are a good option for those who want to listen to their favorite music without interruptions. They have an extended battery life and can also be used in wired mode when the battery 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 guarantee on these headphones. Their customer service is also renowned for being 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 line of beats Studio 3 wireless bluetooth noise cancelling headphones headphones that also includes the PI5 and PI7. Unboxed, the style of these headphones instantly invokes an impression of luxury. The use of metals and soft materials on the ear cups gives them a luxurious feel. They also are comfortable on the head and ears, despite being slightly heavier than their competitors. The earpads are easily removed and replaceable when they are worn out.
Like many of the best headphones, these ones feature active noise cancellation, which minimizes the impact of external sounds while allowing you to listen to the music. The technology isn’t perfect however, it does a great job of keeping train and plane engine rumbles out of your ear canals, without affecting the balance between music tracks.
The soundstage of the PX7 S2 is what really sets it apart from the rest of the competition. It offers plenty of space between sound elements and provides a clear separation. This provides clarity to music that can’t always be found on other Bluetooth headphones.
The PX7 S2s may not be as portable as their competitors however they come with a fantastic 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 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 for maximum comfort and doesn’t squeeze too tightly. This helps to prevent headaches.
The headphones have a variety of features including Bluetooth multipoint which allows them to be connected with two devices simultaneously. They support all popular Bluetooth codecs and high-resolution audio, in the event that your streaming service supports it. They also have an audio amplifier that provides extra power when using headphones with electronics that are not powered like laptops.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 is a new model in Sony’s premium noise cancelling over-ear headphones. These headphones are a great upgrade to their predecessors, the WH1000XM2s or the WH1000XM4. Sony has improved its already impressive active noise cancellation. For instance, the fifth generation headphones are now able to eliminate low-frequency sounds, such as plane engines and subway car rumbles. They can also detect your location and automatically adjust the Ambient Sound Control settings accordingly.
You can still use voice-activated assistants to control your music and get directions. The microphones on the earcups have been upgraded so that they can be used to make hands-free calls and Siri/Google Assistant commands. The headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible, which means that they can connect and pair quicker.
In our laboratory tests, the WH-1000XM5 have earned the top marks for comfort, ease of use and audio quality. The lightweight headset is comfortable to wear for long listening sessions, and the ear cup can be adjusted to suit various head sizes. The headphones are portable, and their flat design allows them to be easily tucked away in the backpack or suitcase.
The earcups are slightly larger than their predecessors and the headband is fitted with more refined curves that hide points of assembly. They’re covered in a modern synthetic leather material that adds extra durability and luxury. The earcup chamber is also bigger and fits more snugly to the ears. This may cause a little pressure on the head when worn for extended periods of time.
Some of the key features from the WH-1000XM4s are transferred to the XM5. You can swipe and tap the right ear cup to change songs or pause the audio and open Ambient Sound Mode. You can even place your hand over the right earcup to temporarily reduce the volume of your music volume and boost ambient sound. This is beneficial when you want to hear what’s going on around you.
There are a few subtle enhancements to the XM5s that make them an excellent purchase for noise-canceling headphones. The new ANC offers better isolation for low-frequency noise, and the headphones will pause your music when lifted from your head in order 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
The ATH-ADX700 headphones are excellent choice for those looking to purchase a pair of gaming headphones. They are comfortable and have high-quality sound. They are light, so you don’t feel them on your head or ear. They feature a self-adjusting 3D wings that can adjust to your head and eliminates pressure. They also have a detachable cord that can be easily connected to your audio source.
Open-air headphones with a distinctive design, these headphones have large earcups that show the drivers. The unique design makes them stand out from the rest however it’s not the only factor that makes them stand out. These headphones are unique because of their self-adjusting wing-support construction, the new 53mm driver featuring bobbin wound CCAW voice coils, and the 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 is not as bassy as other pairs because they’re designed for the general music lover who doesn’t like to be bombarded by low frequencies. They are an excellent pair of headphones for gamers since they allow you to hear the voices of your friends 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 perform optimally. It’s not a problem when using them on an audio player that is portable however it will be much more manageable and enjoy the full range of sound when used with an appropriate headphone amp.
The ATH ADX700 includes a 9.84 foot cable with a gold-plated connector 1/8 inch and an elastic TPE sheath that is resistant to tangling and damage. It also comes with a 1/4-inch adapter for mobile devices. The earpads are made from velvety velour, which feels soft and soft at first, but will break in over time. They also come with a flexible, raised fabric that increases the comfort and durability.