The Best Over-Ear Headphones
Over-ear noise cancelling headsets can make a big difference if you commute in a noisy public transport system, work with colleagues who are chatty, or simply want to listen to music without being distracted by outside noise. We've reviewed the top over-ear headphones that combine excellent sound quality with active noise cancellation.
Mpow Over-Ear Headphones
These Bluetooth headphones by Mpow are well-built and offer excellent audio quality for the price. They are designed as over-ear headphones with ear cups that comfortably fit over your ears to block out ambient noise. The earpads consist of a moderately thick cushion that insulates your ears to muffle out a good portion of environmental sounds but they don't have a noise cancellation feature that is active. They weigh just over 11 ounces and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
These Mpow headphones have a simple design that isn't too different from other over-ear headphone models on the market. The headband that connects the two earcups is hinged and can be folded in to store or transport. The left earcup houses controls for power, volume and noise cancellation. A microphone is built into the right ear cup for hands-free calls.
The sound quality from the Mpow headphones is very good but they don't 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 sound more closed in and less open when compared to headphones with earcups that are larger and open.
The treble extension is excellent, so you can have a clear and crisp sound that can be used with all genres of music. The mids of Sony headphones are a bit more distinct, which creates an even more lively sound. This is perfect for music with lots of instruments. Some people find the bass a bit too strong however you can alter this to your own preference by altering 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 battery runs out. The headphones come with a USB charger and the cable, so you can enjoy your favourite music without interruption. The manufacturer offers a 45-day return guarantee and a warranty of 18 months for the headphones and their customer service is known to be quick and responsive.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 is the newest over-ear headphone to grace Bowers & Wilkins' catalog. The PX7 is replaced by the PX7 S2 and are part of a larger range of wireless headphones, which includes the PI5 & PI7. Unboxed, design of these headphones immediately evokes an impression of luxury. The use of metals and textured materials on the ear cups and headband give them an exquisitely put together feel. The headphones are also more comfortable on the ears and head even though they are slightly heavier. The Ear pads are easy to snap on and off, so they can be replaced as they wear out.
Like many of the best headphones, these ones come with active noise cancellation that reduces the sound of outside sounds while allowing you to hear your music. The technology isn't perfect however, it does a great job of keeping the whir of an aircraft engine or the rumble of a train away from your ears while not altering the balance of music tracks that may occupy the same frequencies.
The soundstage of the PX7 S2 is what distinguishes it from the rest. It offers plenty of space between sound elements and offers a distinct separation. This clarity isn't always present in other Bluetooth headphones.
While the PX7 S2s aren't as portable as their rivals, they come with a great carry case. The case is well-padded and the headphones fold flat when not in use.
The ear cups have the appearance of leather, a soft and soft material that is quite luxurious to touch. They're also very lightweight, making them comfortable for long listening sessions. The headband is designed to be as comfortable as it can and doesn't cinch too tightly, which can help to avoid headaches over time.
The headphones have a range of features that include Bluetooth multipoint which lets them pair with two devices simultaneously. They support all of the popular Bluetooth codecs as well as hi-res audio if your streaming service supports it. They also have an amplifier for headphones that gives you extra boost when you use them with low-powered electronics like laptops.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 are the latest in Sony's premium headphones for over-ear noise cancellation. These headphones are a great upgrade to their predecessors, WH1000XM2s and 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 determine the location of your head and adjust the Ambient sound control settings in line with your location.
You can still use a voice-activated assistant to control your music, find directions, and much more. The microphones in the earphones have been upgraded, meaning they can be used for calls that are hands-free and Siri/Google Assistant commands. noise cancelling headset with mic are also Bluetooth 5.0, which means they can be used with faster connecting and pairing speeds.
In our laboratory tests the WH-1000XM5 has earned high marks for comfort, user-friendliness and audio quality. The lightweight headset is comfortable enough to wear for long listening sessions without feeling tight on your head. The ear cups can be adjusted to accommodate different head sizes. The headphones are foldable and flat, making them easy to fit into backpacks or suitcases.
The ear cups are slightly curvier than their predecessors, and the headband is fitted with more refined curves to help to conceal the assembly points. The new synthetic leather provides durability and a luxurious. The ear cup cavity is also larger and is more comfortable to the ears. This could cause a small amount of pressure on your head if worn for long periods of time.
The XM5 has certain of the features of the WH1000XM4s. You can still swipe and tap on the right ear cup to switch songs or pause your music and access Ambient Sound Mode. You can even hold your hand over the right ear cup to temporarily turn down the volume of your music and increase ambient sound, which is useful when you need to hear what's happening around you.
The XM5s are equipped with some minor improvements which make them an excellent choice for noise-canceling headsets. The new ANC improves the isolation of low-frequency noises, and the headphones will pause music when you take them off your head in order to conserve energy. You can also switch to a transparent listening mode that 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
For those that are looking to get a set of headphones for their gaming setup The ATH-ADX700 is a great choice. They offer superior sound quality and are comfortable to wear for a long period of time. They are lightweight, which means you don't feel them on your head or ears. They come with a self-adjusting 3D wings that adjust to your head, and eliminates pressure. They also have a detachable cord that can be easily connected to your audio source.
These are open-air headphones that look quite unique, thanks to their large earcups and honeycomb covers made of black that reveal the driver inside. The unique design makes these headphones stand out, but it's not all they have to offer. They stand out because of their self-adjusting wing-support construction, the brand new 53 mm driver with Bobbin wound CCAW voice coils and the lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing.
The ATH ADX700 has a stunningly broad frequency response, which allows for a crisp and natural treble and midrange. The sound isn't as booming as other headphones however, this is because they're designed for a more general music listener who isn't looking to be sprayed by excessive low frequencies. These headphones are great for gamers because they let you hear your teammates and other NPCs without being muffled.
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 a problem, however a headphone amplifier will make it easier to manage the sound and enjoy the full range.
The ATH-ADX700 comes with a 9.84-foot cable with an 1/8-inch gold-plated connector as well as an elastic TPE sheath to keep it from tangling and causing damage. The ATH ADX700 comes with a 1/4" adapter for mobile devices. The earpads are made of a soft velour material that is initially squishy and soft, but will eventually break in. The earpads are also made of a soft, elevated material that improves comfort and durability.