The Best Over-Ear Headphones
If you commute on noisy public transit, work in a noisy office with chatty co-workers or just want to listen to your music with no interruptions of outside distractions, headphones that block out noise can make all the difference. We reviewed the best over ear headphones that combine excellent sound quality and active noise cancellation.
Mpow Over Ear Headphones
These Bluetooth headphones from Mpow have a nice solid build and offer excellent audio quality that is impressive 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 made of a modestly thick cushion that shields your ears well enough to block out a significant portion of environmental sounds however, they do not come with a noise canceling feature. They weigh slightly more than 11 ounces and are comfortable to wear for extended durations of time.
These Mpow headphones have simple design that’s not too different from other over-ear headphone models available. The headband that connects the two earcups has a hinge and can be folded for storage or transportation. The left earcup houses the controls for volume, power and noise cancellation. The right ear cup has a microphone for hands-free calls.
The Mpow headphones offer a good sound quality, but they don’t have the bass punch or clarity of the Sony WH1000XM5. Their accuracy in the PRTF and activation scores are above average for bluetooth over ear headphones noise cancelling headphones, which should provide an expansive and wide soundstage when listening to music. However their PRTF distance score is lower than average, which means they will sound closed in and less open than headphones with larger, open-back earcups.
The treble extension is also excellent, so you can get a crisp and clear sound that will work with all genres of music. The mids are a more prominent than those from the Sony headphones and give them an overall more lively sound that is ideal for music that is instrument-rich. Some people find the bass slightly too loud, but you can adjust this to your preference by altering the equalizer settings in your audio player.
The Mpow headphones are a good option for those who want to enjoy their favorite music without interruptions. They have an extended battery life and can be used in wired mode after the battery runs out. The headphones come with a USB charger as well as the cable, so you can enjoy your favorite music without interruption. The manufacturer offers a 45-day money back warranty, along with 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 over-ear headphones to grace the Bowers & Wilkins catalog. They replace the PX7 model and are part of a larger line of wireless headphones that also includes the PI5 and PI7. The design of these headphones feels immediately elegant when they are unboxed. The use of metals and soft materials on the ear cups gives them a high-end feel. They also feel comfortable on the head and ear even though they weigh a bit more than the other models. The ears snap on and off easily which means they can be replaced as they wear out.
Like many of the best budget noise cancelling headphones headphones, these models come with active noise cancellation, which reduces the sound of outside sounds while allowing you to listen to the music. The technology isn’t perfect however, it does a decent job in keeping the whir of an airplane engine or the train’s rumble out of your ears while not affecting the balance of music passages that might be on the same frequencies.
One thing that really distinguishes the PX7 S2 apart from their rivals is the soundstage they offer which provides ample space and a strong separation between distinct sound elements. This clarity is not always present in other Bluetooth headphones.
The PX7 S2s might not be as compact as their counterparts however they come with a fantastic carry case. The case is well-padded and the headphones fold flat when not in use.
The earcups are made of the appearance of leather, Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones Noise Cancelling a soft and soft material that feels luxurious to the touch. They’re also light, making them comfortable for long listening sessions. The headband is designed to be as comfortable as is possible and doesn’t cinch too tightly, which can help keep headaches at bay over time.
The headphones come with many features like Bluetooth multipoint that allows them to be paired with two devices simultaneously. They are compatible with all the most popular Bluetooth codes, and also high-resolution audio when your streaming service supports it. They also have a headphone amplifier that can give you an extra boost when you use headphones with electronics that are not powered, such as laptops.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 are the newest model in the premium line of headphones that are over-ear and noise cancelling. They’re a great upgrade over their predecessors, the WH-1000XM2s and the WH-1000XM4. Sony has enhanced its already impressive active noise cancellation. For instance, the fifth generation headphones are now able to eliminate low-frequency sounds such as subway car and plane engine 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 that are in the earphones have been upgraded, meaning they can be used for calls that are hands-free and Siri/Google Assistant commands. The headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible which means they can pair and connect more quickly.
In our laboratory tests the WH1000XM5 received top scores for comfort, user-friendliness and the sound quality. The lightweight headset is comfortable for long listening sessions and the ear cup can be adjusted to fit various head sizes. The headphones fold flat, making them easy to fit into a suitcase or backpack.
The ear cups are slightly curvier than their predecessors, and the headband has more refined curves that help to conceal the assembly points. The new synthetic leather provides durability and a luxurious. The earcup cavity is also larger and more comfortably fits the ear. This can cause little pressure on the head when worn for extended periods of time.
The XM5 keeps some of the core features of the WH1000XM4s. You can swipe or tap the right earcup to switch between songs, pause audio, and access the Ambient Sound mode. You can even hold your fingers over the left ear cup to temporarily reduce the volume of the volume of your music and increase the ambient sound, which can be beneficial when you want to hear what’s going on around you.
There are some subtle improvements to the XM5s which make them a great purchase 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 from your head in order to save power. 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
If you’re seeking a pair of headphones to accompany their gaming setup The ATH-ADX700 is a fantastic choice. They provide excellent sound quality and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They are light, so you don’t feel them on your ears or head. They feature a self-adjusting 3D design that will relieve the pressure and adjust to fit your head. They also come with a detachable cable that can be easily connected to your audio source.
Open-air headphones with a unique design, these headphones feature large earcups that reveal the drivers. The unique design makes them stand out from the rest but it’s not their only factor that makes them stand out. The self-adjusting wing support structure, new 53 mm drivers that feature bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils as well as the aluminum casing made of honeycomb are what make these headphones so unique and worth the extra cost.
The ATH-ADX700 has an impressively broad frequency response, which allows for a crisp and natural treble and midrange. The sound isn’t as deep as other headphones however, this is because they are aimed at an audience of general music lovers who does not want to be blasted by excessive low frequencies. They’re a great pair of headphones for gamers as they allow you to hear the voices of your friends and NPCs without being obstructed by a booming bass.
Although the ATH-ADX700 has an impedance of 32 Ohms, they require a high-quality amplifier for optimal performance. If you are using them with a portable player it’s not an issue, but a headphone amplifier will make it easier to control the sound and experience the full range.
The ATH-ADX700 comes with 9.84-foot cable that features 1/8-inch connector that is gold-plated and an elastic TPE sheath to prevent tangling and damage. It also comes with a 1/4-inch adapter for mobile devices. The earpads are made from soft velour that is soft and initially itchy but will break the end. The earpads are made of a flexible elevated material that improves the comfort and durability.