Top-Performing Over-Ear Headphones: Results from Recent Evaluations
In the latest issue of 'Computer Bild' (Issue 18/2025), a comprehensive test and rating of over-ear headphones under 500 euros was conducted, featuring models from various manufacturers. Among the top contenders were the Sonos Ace, Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3, and JBL Tour One M3 Smart TX.
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 stood out for its balanced, detailed sound. With a V-shaped sound profile, it offers strong sub-bass and treble, although the mids are recessed and may require EQ adjustment. The PX7 S3 boasts excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) that is only surpassed by Bose, a premium build, and around 30 hours of battery life with ANC on. It excels in immersive spatial audio, making it ideal for movies and gaming. The design and finish of the PX7 S3 received a 5/5 rating, with both the ANC and sound quality also highly rated.
The Sonos Ace was praised for its best sound balance for watching movies and its luxurious, slim design. It offers effective ANC but not as complete as Sony or Bose headphones. The Ace lacks advanced features like health tracking or touch controls and may struggle somewhat with wind noise outdoors, but it excels for indoor and casual use where sound balance and comfort are prioritized.
The JBL Tour One M3 Smart TX is less detailed in reviews but is included among the best noise-cancelling models of 2025. It has decent battery life (~24 hours), competes well in noise cancellation, and generally offers good sound quality and comfort. It is often considered a good balance of performance and price but the PX7 S3 and Sonos Ace have more highlighted strengths in sound fidelity and premium design.
Here's a summary of the key features for each headphone:
| Feature / Headphone | Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 | Sonos Ace | JBL Tour One M3 Smart TX | |-------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Sound Profile | V-shaped, bassy and treble detailed | Balanced sound, best for movies | Good sound quality, balanced | | Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Excellent, just behind Bose QC Ultra | Effective, less complete than Sony/Bose | Good, solid ANC but less highlighted | | Battery Life | ~30 hours with ANC | Not specified clearly; likely comparable | ~24 hours | | Design and Comfort | Luxurious, slim, 5/5 rating | Luxury build, slim and less bulky | Comfortable, with mesh canopy design | | Special Strengths | Immersive spatial audio, detailed sound | Best sound balance for watching movies | Reliable noise cancellation and sound quality | | Downsides | Recessed mids needing EQ | No extra features like touch controls, wind noise issue | Moderate bass control; some frustration reported in touch controls |
If sound fidelity, immersive spatial audio, and a premium finish are your priorities, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 is the top choice. For balanced sound and comfort focused on media consumption, the Sonos Ace excels. If cost-effectiveness with solid performance is key, the JBL Tour One M3 Smart TX is a solid pick but less standout in reviews.
Notably, out of the eight top models, priced between 299 euros and 500 euros, four received the rating of 'very good'. The Sonos Ace is priced at 360 euros, while the PX7 S3 from Bowers & Wilkins retails at 320 euros. The Tour One M3 Smart TX from JBL are the third-cheapest model, priced at 400 euros. The Sonos Ace headphones are praised for their slide control for quick volume adjustment, making them easy to use. The Tour One M3 Smart TX comes with a transmitter that allows headphone control without the need for a smartphone. The PX7 S3 from Bowers & Wilkins have effective noise cancelling features.
The newcomer, the Sonos Ace, stands out among the top models tested and was named "Best Value Champion" due to its impressive performance and reasonable price point. The PX7 S3 from Bowers & Wilkins also received a score of 1.3 and was highly rated. The Tour One M3 Smart TX from JBL came in third place with a score of 1.3. The selection of headphones tested is not exactly small, making it a challenging task to find the perfect pair for your needs.
- In addition to over-ear headphones, the latest issue of 'Computer Bild' (Issue 18/2025) also tested and rated various gadgets and technology products.
- The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3, known for its excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) and premium design, was not only a top contender in the headphones category but also excelled in the immersive spatial audio capability, making it appropriate for movies and gaming.
