The Best Over-Ear Headphones
If you commute on noisy public transit, work in an office with noisy coworkers or just want to enjoy your music without a lot of outside distractions, over-ear noise-canceling headphones can make all the difference. We've reviewed the top headphones that offer superior audio quality and active noise cancellation.
Mpow Over-Ear Headphones
These Bluetooth headphones from Mpow are well-built and offer high-quality audio for their price. They are designed as over-ear headsets with ear cups that fit comfortably over your ears to block out noise from the outside. The earpads are constructed of a moderately padded cushion that shields your ears to muffle out a good part of the sounds that surround you but they don't come with a noise canceling feature. They weigh slightly more than 11 ounces and are comfortable to wear for extended durations of time.
The Mpow headphones have simple and similar to other headphone designs for over-ear on the market. The headband that connects the two cups is hinged, which allows them to fold up into a compact size for transport and storage. The left ear cup contains the controls for volume, power and noise cancellation. The right earcup houses an audio microphone for hands-free calls.
The sound quality from the Mpow headphones is excellent however they don't have the bass power of Bose or the clarity of the Sony WH-1000XM5. The PRTF accuracy and the activation score are above average among Bluetooth headphones. This should result in a spacious and wide soundstage when listening music. Their PRTF distance score, however, is below the average. This means that they sound more closed in and less open when compared to headphones with larger, more open-backed earcups.
They also have a decent amount of treble extension, which will provide a clear and crisp sound that can handle most genres of music. Their mids are a more prominent than the Sony headphones which creates an energizing sound that is great for instrument-rich music. The bass can be overpowering for some people, but this is a personal preference that can be corrected by changing the equalizer settings of your audio player.
The Mpow headphones are a good option for those looking to listen to their favorite music without interruptions. They feature a long-lasting battery and can also be used in wired mode when the battery is exhausted. The headphones come with a USB charger and a cable, so you can enjoy your favorite music without interruption. The manufacturer offers a 45 day refund guarantee, as well as an 18-month warranty on these headphones. Their customer service is also known for its speedy response.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 are the latest over-ear headphones to grace the Bowers & Wilkins catalog. They replace the PX7 model and are part of a larger range of wireless headphones that also includes the PI5 and PI7. The design of these headphones immediately feels elegant when they are unboxed. The use of metals and materials with textured surfaces on the ear cups as well as the headband gives them an impeccably designed and constructed feel. The headphones are also more comfortable on the head and ear, despite being slightly heavier. The ear pads are easily removed and replaceable in the event that they wear out.
These headphones come with active noise cancellation. This helps to block out external sounds, while still allowing for you to listen to your music. The technology isn't perfect, but it does a fantastic job of keeping plane engines and train rumbles out of your ear canals, without affecting the balance between music and other sounds.
The soundstage of the PX7 S2 is what sets it apart from the rest of the competition. It provides plenty of space between the sound elements and provides a clear separation. This clarity isn't often present in other Bluetooth headphones.
over-ear noise cancelling headphones might not be as portable as other models, but they do come with a fantastic carry case. The case is well-padded and the headphones fold into a flat position when not in use.
The ear cups have the appearance of leather, a soft and soft material that is extremely luxurious to touch. The earcups are light, making them comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. The headband is designed to be as comfortable as is possible and doesn't hold too tightly, which helps to avoid headaches over time.
The headphones come with a variety of features that include Bluetooth multipoint, which allows them to connect to two devices simultaneously. They support all of the well-known Bluetooth codecs, as well as hi-res audio when your streaming service supports it. They have an amplifier for headphones that gives them an additional boost when used with electronics that aren't powered like laptops.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 is the most recent model in the line of Sony's top headphones for over-ear noise cancellation. These headphones are a great improvement to their predecessors, WH1000XM2s and the WH1000XM4. Sony has improved its already impressive active noise cancellation. The fifth-generation headphones, as an example, can now mute 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 a voice-activated assistant to control your music, receive directions and more. The microphones inside the earphones have been upgraded, so 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 faster.
In our lab tests the WH-1000XM5 has earned high marks for comfort, user-friendliness and sound quality. The lightweight headset can be worn for long listening sessions without feeling tight on the head. The ear cups can be adjusted to fit different sizes of heads. The headphones are foldable and flat making them easy to fit into backpacks or suitcases.
The ear cups are a bit more curly than their predecessors, and the headband features more refined curves that help conceal assembly points. They're covered in a new synthetic leather that provides extra durability and luxury. The earcup cavities are also larger and fit more comfortably against the ears. This may add a little pressure to the head when worn for long durations of time.
Some of the core features of the WH-1000XM4s have been transferred to the XM5. You can swipe and tap the right earcup to change the music, pause your audio and open Ambient Sound Mode. You can hold your hand on the right earcup to temporarily lower the music and boost ambient sounds. This is useful when you need to hear what's happening around you.
The XM5s come with some minor improvements that make them a good option for headphones that block out noise. The new ANC provides 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 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 a excellent choice for those who want to purchase a set of gaming headphones. They are comfortable and have high-quality sound. They are also light and won't feel heavy on your head or ears. They have self-adjusting 3D wings that eliminate pressure and adjust to accommodate your head. The headphones come with a cable that is easily connected to your audio source.
These are open-air headphones that appear rather unusual, thanks to their large earcups and black honeycomb covers that reveal the driver inside. The unique design helps them stand out from the rest but it's not their only feature that makes them stand out. They are distinctive because of their self-adjusting wing-support construction, the new 53mm driver featuring Bobbin wound CCAW voice coils and a aluminum casing made of honeycomb that is lightweight.
The ATH ADX700 features a wide frequency response that gives a crisp, natural treble. The sound is not as bassy as other pairs because they're designed for a general music listener that does not like being bombarded by low frequencies. They're an excellent pair of headphones for gamers because they allow you to hear the voices of your teammates and NPCs without being muffled by a booming bass.
Although the ATH-ADX700 has an impedance of 32 ohms they require a high-quality amplifier to ensure optimal performance. This is not a problem when using them on a portable device, but it will be much easier to manage and enjoy their full range of sound when used with an appropriate headphone amp.
The ATH ADX700 comes with a 9.84 foot cable with a gold-plated connector 1/8 inch and a TPE sheath that is resistant to tangling and damage. The ATH ADX700 comes with an 1/4" adapter for mobile devices. The earpads are made of plush velour that feels soft and initially itchy, but will break in eventually. They also come with a flexible, raised fabric that improves comfort and durability.