The Best Over-Ear Headphones
If you commute on noisy public transport, 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 headphones for over-ear use that combine great audio quality with active noise cancellation.
Mpow Over-Ear Headphones
These Bluetooth headphones from Mpow have a nice robust and sturdy design. They also offer premium audio that is remarkable considering their price. These headphones are designed to be worn over your ears and feature ear cups that are comfortable to wear over your ears. This will help block out noise from the outside. The earpads have a moderately thick cushion that insulates the ears well enough to block a large portion of environmental sounds. However they don't have an active noise cancellation feature. The earpads weigh a bit heavier than 11 ounces however, they are comfortable to wear over long periods of time.
The Mpow headphones feature a simple design that isn't too different from other models of over-ear headphones available. The headband that connects the two earcups is hinged, and can be folded in for storage or transportation. The left earcup houses the controls for volume, power and noise cancellation. A microphone is built into the right ear cup to allow hands-free calling.
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 activation score are higher than average among Bluetooth headphone models. This should result in a spacious and wide soundstage when listening music. However they're PRTF distance score is lower than average, meaning they will sound closed in and less open than headphones that have larger, open-back earcups.
The treble extension is also excellent, so you can have a clear and crisp sound that is compatible with a wide range of genres. The mids are a bit more pronounced in comparison to the Sony headphones which creates an overall more lively sound that is ideal for music with lots of instruments. The bass is a little overpowering for some people however this is an individual preference that can be adjusted by changing 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 charge runs out. They come with a cable and USB charger in the box, so you can continue to enjoy your favorite tunes without any interruptions. The manufacturer offers a 45 day money-back guarantee, as well as an 18-month warranty on these headphones. Their customer service is also known for its responsiveness.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 are the most current headphones that are over-ear to be featured in the Bowers & Wilkins catalog. The PX7 is replaced by the PX7 S2 and they are part of a larger collection of wireless headphones that includes the PI5 and PI7. The design of these headphones immediately feels luxurious when unboxed. The use of metals and materials with textured surfaces on the ear cups and headband give them an exquisitely put together feel. The headphones are also more comfortable on the ears and head although they weigh a bit more. The ear pads snap on and off easily which means they can be replaced if they wear out.
Like a lot of the top headphones, these ones come with active noise cancellation that reduces external sounds while still allowing you to hear the music. The technology isn't perfect however it does a decent job in keeping the whir of an aircraft engine or the rumble of a train out of your ears while not affecting the balance of music tracks that may occupy the same frequencies.
One thing that really makes the PX7 S2 apart from their rivals is their soundstage that provides ample space and a strong separation between individual audio elements. This clarity isn't always present in other Bluetooth headphones.
While the PX7 S2s aren't as lightweight as their competition however, they come with a nice carry case. The case is cushioned and the headphones can fold flat when not in use.
The ear cups are covered with a soft, leather-like fabric that is very indulgent to the sensation. 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 possible and it doesn't clamp too tightly, which can help to avoid headaches over time.
The headphones are equipped with various features, including Bluetooth multipoint that allows them to be connected with two devices simultaneously. They are compatible with all the popular Bluetooth codecs as well as high-resolution audio, in the event that your streaming service supports it. They also have an audio amplifier that gives you extra boost when using headphones with electronics that are not powered, such as laptops.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH1000XM5 is a new model in the line of premium noise cancelling over-ear headphones. They're an excellent upgrade over their predecessors, the WH1000XM2s and WH-1000XM4. over the ear headphones with noise cancelling has improved its already impressive active noise cancellation. The fifth-generation headphones, for instance, can now mute low-frequency sounds, such as plane engines and subway car rumbles. They can also determine where you are and adjust the Ambient sound control settings in line with your location.
You can still make use of a voice-activated assistant to control your music, get directions and more. The microphones inside the ear cups 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 that they can connect and pair quicker.
In our lab tests the WH1000XM5 received the top marks for comfort, ease of use and the sound quality. The lightweight headset is comfortable to wear for long listening sessions, and the ear cup can be adjusted to accommodate various head sizes. The headphones are foldable and flat, making them easy to pack into a suitcase or backpack.
The ear cups have a slight curvature and the headband is more refined. This allows for a more subtle appearance. points of assembly. The new synthetic leather adds durability and luxury. The earcup cavity is also larger and is more comfortable to the ears. This could cause a small amount of pressure on your head when worn for extended periods of time.
A few of the features of the WH1000XM4s are carried over to the XM5. You can swipe or tap the right earcup in order to change music, pause audio and access the Ambient Sound mode. You can put your hand on the right earcup and temporarily lower the music and boost ambient sounds. This is useful when you need to hear things around you.
The XM5s are equipped with a few minor enhancements which make them an excellent choice for headsets that can block noise. The new ANC improves the isolation of low-frequency noises, and the headphones will stop music when lifted off your head in order to conserve energy. You can also select an unobtrusive 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
The ATH-ADX700 headphones are a excellent choice for those who want to buy a set of gaming headphones. They are comfortable and offer excellent audio. They are lightweight so you will not feel them on your ears or head. They feature a self-adjusting 3D wings that can adjust to your head, and eliminates pressure. 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 have large earcups that reveal the drivers. This unique design makes them stand out from the crowd but it's not their only factor that makes them stand out. They are distinctive because of their self-adjusting wings-support construction, the new 53mm driver that has bobbin wound CCAW voice coils and a lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing.
The ATH ADX700 has a stunningly broad frequency response, which allows for a crisp and natural midrange and treble. The sound isn't as bassy as some other headphones because they are designed for a general music listener that isn't one to be surrounded by low frequencies. These headphones are great for gamers because they allow you to hear your teammates and other NPCs without being muffled.
While the ATH-ADX700 comes with an impedance of 32 ohms they still require a good amplifier to achieve the best performance. It's not a problem using them with an audio player that is portable however it will be much more manageable and enjoy the full range of sound when used with a suitable headphone amplifier.
The ATH-ADX700 comes with a 9.84-foot cable that features 1/8-inch connector that is gold-plated and an elastic TPE sheath that helps keep it from tangling and causing damage. The ATH-ADX700 includes a 1/4" adapter for mobile devices. The earpads have a plush velvet material that initially itchy and soft, but then breaks into. They also come with a flexible, fabric that is raised to increase the comfort and durability.