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The Best Over-Ear Headphones
If you travel on public transportation or work in a noisy office with noisy coworkers or just want to listen to your music without the distraction of outside noise, headphones that block out noise can make all the difference. We've reviewed the best over-ear headphones that combine excellent sound quality with active noise cancellation.
Mpow Over-Ear Headphones
These Bluetooth headphones from Mpow are well-built and offer premium audio quality for the price. They are designed as over-ear headphones with ear cups that fit comfortably over the ears to block ambient noise. The earpads are a moderately thick cushion that effectively shields the ears to block out a significant amount of ambient sounds. However they don't have an active noise cancellation feature. The earpads are a little heavier than 11 ounces, however, they are comfortable to wear over long periods of time.
The Mpow headphones are simple in design, and similar to other headphone designs for over-ear available. The headband connecting the two earcups has a hinge and can be folded for storage or transportation. The left ear cup houses the controls for power, volume and noise cancellation. A microphone is integrated into the right ear cup for hands-free calling.
The sound quality of the Mpow headphones is excellent however they don't have the bass power of Bose or the clarity of the Sony WH-1000XM5. Their PRTF accuracy and activation scores are well above average for Bluetooth headphone models which should give an expansive and wide soundstage when listening to music. Their PRTF distance score, however, is below the average. This means they sound more closed in and less open compared to headphones with larger, open-backed earcups.
The treble extension is decent, so you should get a crisp and clear sound that will work with a wide range of genres. Their mids are a more prominent than those from the Sony headphones which creates a somewhat more dynamic sound that is ideal for music that is instrument-rich. Some users find the bass to be slightly too loud however, you can adjust this to your own preference by altering the equalizer settings on your audio player.
The Mpow headphones have a fairly long battery life and can be used in wired mode for when the battery is exhausted. They come with a cable and USB charger included in the box, so you can continue to listen to your music without interruptions. 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 being responsive.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 are the most recent headphones that are over-ear to be featured in the Bowers & Wilkins catalog. They replace the PX7 model and are part of a wider collection of wireless headphones which also includes the PI5 and PI7. The design of these headphones feels immediately elegant when they are unboxed. The use of metals and materials with textured surfaces on the earcups and headband gives them an impeccably designed and constructed feel. They also are comfortable on the ears and head even though they weigh a bit more than the other models. The earpads are easily removed and can be replaced in the event that they wear out.
As with many of the top headphones, these cans have active noise cancellation that reduces the sound of outside sounds while allowing you to hear your music. The technology isn't perfect, but it does an excellent job of keeping train and plane noises out of your canals, without affecting the balance between music and other sounds.
The PX7 S2's soundstage is what makes it stand out from the rest of the competition. It offers plenty of space between the sound elements and provides a clear separation. This clarity is not always present in other Bluetooth headphones.
The PX7 S2s might not be as lightweight as other models however they come with a superb 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 a soft, leather-like fabric that is very indulgent to the feel. The earcups are lightweight, which makes them comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. The headband is designed to provide maximum comfort and doesn't squeeze too tightly. This helps to prevent headaches.
The headphones are equipped with a variety of features including Bluetooth multipoint that allows them to be used with two devices simultaneously. They support all of the well-known Bluetooth codes, as well as hi-res audio in the event that your streaming service supports it. They have an audio amplifier that gives them an additional boost when used with electronics that aren't powered like laptops.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 are the newest model in Sony's premium headphones for over-ear noise cancellation. noise cancelling over ear headphones 're a fantastic upgrade over their predecessors, the WH-1000XM2s and the WH-1000XM4. Sony has improved its already impressive active noise cancellation. The fifth-generation headphones, as an example, can now mute low-frequency sounds like plane engines and subway car rumbles. They can also determine where you are, and adjust the ambient sound control settings to suit your location.
You can still use voice-activated assistants to control your music and get directions. The microphones in the ear cups are upgraded so that they can be used to make hands-free calls and Siri/Google Assistant command. The headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 compatible which means that they can connect and pair quicker.
In our lab evaluations the WH-1000XM5 has earned top scores for comfort, ease of use and sound quality. The lightweight headset is comfortable enough to wear for long listening sessions without feeling too tight on the head, and the ears can be adjusted to accommodate different head sizes. The headphones fold flat, making them easy to pack into backpacks or suitcases.
The Ear cups have a slight curvature and the headband is more refined. This helps to hide points of assembly. They're covered in a modern synthetic leather material, which provides additional durability and luxury. The ear cup cavities are also larger and are more comfortable against the ears. This may add a little pressure to the head after wearing them for extended periods of time.
The XM5 retains some of the basic features of the WH1000XM4s. You can still swipe or tap the right ear cup to switch between songs, pause audio and access Ambient sound mode. You can even hold your hand over the right earcup to temporarily reduce the volume of your music and boost ambient sound, which is helpful when you need to hear what's happening around you.
The XM5s have a few minor enhancements that make them a good choice for noise-canceling headsets. The new ANC improves the isolation of low-frequency sounds and the headphones will stop music when lifted off your head in order to conserve energy. You can also select a transparent listening mode to let in more exterior 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 looking to purchase a pair of gaming headphones. They offer excellent sound quality and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They are also lightweight, so they won't feel heavy on your head or ears. They feature a self-adjusting 3D wings that can adjust to your head and reduces pressure. The headphones come with a cable that is easily connected to your audio source.
Open-air headphones that have a unique design, these headphones have large earcups that show the drivers. The unique design helps them stand out from the rest but it's not their only thing that sets them apart. The self-adjusting wing structure and the new 53mm drivers with bobbin wound CCAW voice coils and the lightweight honeycomb aluminum casing are what make these headphones so distinctive and worth the cost.
The ATH-ADX700 features an impressively wide frequency response that provides a clear and natural treble and midrange. The sound isn't as bassy like other models but that's because they're aimed at the general music lover who isn't looking to be sprayed by excessive low frequencies. They're an excellent pair of headphones for gamers as they allow you to hear the voices of your fellow gamers and NPCs without being muffled by a heavy bass.
Although the ATHXX700 has an impedance of 32 Ohms, they still require a good amplifier to ensure optimal performance. When using them with a portable player it's not a problem, however a headphone amplifier will make it easier to control the sound and experience its full range.
The ATH ADX700 comes with a 9.84-foot cable that has an 1/8-inch gold-plated connector as well as an elastic TPE sheath that helps resist tangling and damage. It also includes a 1/4-inch adapter for mobile devices. The earpads feature a plush velvet material that initially squishy and soft, but will eventually break into. The earpads are made of a soft, elevated material that improves comfort and durability.