Best Noise-Canceling Headphones

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 21, 2024
Turn on your headphones and turn off the world. Noise-canceling headphones can help you focus on the task at hand despite all the ...Read more
PROS

The headphones are equipped with an advanced active noise canceling system. Use the Action button to adjust the level of noise cancellation (strong, medium, weak) and take advantage of the Bose Connect app.

CONS

The microphone quality may not seem particularly high.

OUR VERDICT

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are wireless headphones with a built-in voice assistant that will allow you to be alone with your music. The model is made of high-quality materials, has good autonomy, and a quick 15-minute recharge will extend the operation of the headphones by 2.5 hours. Perfect for active lifestyle users.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Over-Ear, Full-Size

SENSITIVITY

110 dB

FREQUENCY RANGE

Not specified

CONNECTION

Bluetooth, Audio cable

NOICE-CANCELLATION TIME

Up to 20 hours (NC ON)

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

The Bose Connect app compatibility, Voice Assistants compatibility, Volume optimized EQ, Noise rejecting dual-microphone system, 15-minute charge for 2.5 hours of listening, USB charging cable, Audio cable, Carrying case

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The Speak-to-chat technology automatically reduces the volume during a call, so you can have a comfortable conversation. The Wearing detection stops the playback when the headphones are off.

CONS

The touch controls are not too responsive.

OUR VERDICT

These headphones give you the opportunity to enjoy impeccable audio quality both in the corded and cordless modes. Dynamic driver design and 40 mm neodymium drivers reproduce music over a wide frequency range. The headphones support LDAC technology for fast data transfer and comfortable listening.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Over-Ear, Full-Size

SENSITIVITY

105 dB

FREQUENCY RANGE

4 - 40 000 Hz

CONNECTION

Bluetooth, Audio cable, NFC

NOICE-CANCELLATION TIME

Up to 30 hours (NC ON)

Up to 38 hours (NC OFF)

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Personal noise cancelling optimizer and atmospheric pressure optimizing, DSEE Extreme™ and LDAC, Sony Connect app, Wearing detection, Adaptive sound control, 10-min charge for 5 hours of playback, Headphone cable, USB cable, Carrying case

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

These headphones use Apple's W1 single-chip system for easy setup and connection to any Apple device. Android compatibility is also supported.

CONS

It may seem that the headphones are not loud enough.

OUR VERDICT

Beats Studio3 wireless headphones deliver a superior listening experience with Pure Active Noise Cancelling. They constantly detect external sounds for optimal sound tuning. The model easily syncs with your devices, so you can listen to music and stay productive all day long.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Over-Ear, Full-Size

SENSITIVITY

Not specified

FREQUENCY RANGE

Not specified

CONNECTION

Bluetooth, Audio cable, NFC

NOICE-CANCELLATION TIME

Up to 22 hours (NC ON)

Up to 40 hours (NC OFF)

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Active Noise Cancelling, Foldable, With remote and mic, Inline volume control, Noise isolation, Spatial audio support, Compatible with iOS and Android, Carrying case, 3.5mm remote talk cable, USB charging cable, 10-minute charge gives 3 hours of play

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

Equipped with new 30 mm drivers, the headphones deliver clear sound and provide a wide range of frequencies, from low to high notes. The hands-free calls mean that you don't have to hold your phone to your ear.

CONS

The instructions are not particularly informative.

OUR VERDICT

This noise-cancelling wireless model provides high-quality, noise-free music listening in any environment. The model has a stylish and elegant design and will perfectly complement your style.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Over-Ear, Full-Size

SENSITIVITY

94 dB

FREQUENCY RANGE

7 - 20 000 Hz

CONNECTION

Bluetooth, Audio cable, NFC

NOICE-CANCELLATION TIME

Up to 35 hours (NC ON)

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Automatic Artificial Intelligence Noise Cancelling, Dual microphones, Ambient sound mode, 10 minutes of charging gives 60 minutes of playback, 30 mm drivers, Adjustable headband, Swivel design, Voice assistant compatible, Hands-free calls, Carrying pouch, Cable

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The innovative noise reduction system is able to isolate up to 90% of outside noise. There are 3 noise reduction modes available for outdoors, transport, and indoors.

CONS

The included audio cable is somewhat short.

OUR VERDICT

The Soundcore AK-A3025011 will please not only with good sound without the outside noise, but also with good autonomy, fast charging technology, 2 microphones to reduce background noise during phone calls, and BassUp technology for powerful beats that audiophiles will enjoy.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Over-Ear, Full-Size

SENSITIVITY

Not specified

FREQUENCY RANGE

16 - 40 000 Hz

CONNECTION

Bluetooth, Audio cable

NOICE-CANCELLATION TIME

Up to 30 hours (NC ON)

Up to 60 hours (NC OFF)

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Hi-res audio, Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, BassUp technology, 2 mics, Crystal clear calls, 5 minutes of charging gives 4 hours of playback, Travel pouch, 3.5 mm AUX cable, Micro USB cable

WARRANTY

18 months

Forget the Noise

Enjoy your music without the entire background ambience. The Bose noise cancelling headphones are perfect for audiophiles – or just about anyone who doesn’t like being disturbed. Powerful and smart, these headphones are a real find for iOS and Android users.

Did you know you could pick the exact level of noise cancellation? Well, now you definitely do. Use the Action button – or the handy Bose Connect app to pick one of the options. The strong one is perfect for the really crowded places, while the medium and weak are ideal for the less noisy spaces. Whatever you choose, the upscale active noise cancellation system will be there to eliminate distractions and sounds of the outside world.

These headphones are Alexa enabled, which means you can play tracks, give voice commands, or check out the weather outside without ever taking them off. And if you’re a fan of the AR, the headset will readily provide you with the contextual audio, wherever you may be. How? By simply using the multidirectional motion sensor. Opt for the really smart modern headphones by deciding on the Bose.

Enjoy Quality Sound

Great, but what about the audio quality? Don’t worry, it’s simply great, and the noise cancelling doesn’t make your music sound unnatural or muffled. You’ll get the excellent audio all across the range, including the deep bass. Enjoy your favorite artists the way they’re meant to be listened to – and give your audio experiences a nice boost.

All right, and what’s with the microphone? Unfortunately, it could be better, so keep this in mind if the mic quality is paramount to your buying decision.

Made of high quality materials, this headset is super comfy and light, so you can use it for hours to enjoy music, play games, or watch some shows. Get ready for the much less ear fatigue than you’ve been used to.

As for the battery life, you can use the headset for up to 20 hours on a single charge. And if you want or need it quick, then charge it up for 15 mins, and it will go for up to 2.5 hours after that. Perfect for active lifestyle people, the Bose is simply made to use it on the go – and without the pains of constant power-up.

In short, the Bose headset comes very close to the ultimate noise cancelling and listening experience in its price range.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B0756CYWWD

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight(4.5)

I love the headphones. They are very light weight. Extremely easy to pair to a device.

Features(4.6)

The wireless range, the sound quality, and the battery life (20 hours) is all top notch for such a portable package.

Power(4.7)

Battery life is outstanding. I've used these for 4-6 hours a day about five days in a row without having to recharge.

Perfect for Music & Calls

The background noise can spoil any listening experience. To avoid this, pick the Sony WH-1000XM4 premium noise cancelling headphones. Impressive sound quality and strong battery life are only some of their obvious perks.

To begin with, this headset features the advanced Dual Noise Sensor tech that absolutely eliminates the noise. Listen to your favorite artists or make important calls without the distractions from the outside world. In fact, you can even take them on a flight – and be impressed as to how good they are for their price tag. Perfect for active people, the Sony 100% supports your lifestyle by being fit for many places and circumstances.

What if there’s a caller on the line? Don’t rush to push any buttons or grab your phone; these headphones automatically reduce the volume during the convos. Business or private, any call will go extra smoothly with this smart headset. And when you take them off, the special wearing detection feature will stop the playback without any extra fuss. If there is a user-centric headset, the Sony is definitely higher up the list.

Upscale Sound

Now to the sound quality, which is nothing short of excellent, both in the corded and cordless modes. The dynamic driver design and the 40 mm neodymium drivers support the playback across a wide frequency range. Enjoy the pleasant and accurate sound, especially for instrumental music, as well as the sufficient bass.

As for the quality of transmission, the Sony excels here as well. The LDAC tech allows for maximum speed data transmission, so no annoying lags or blackouts for you. Listen to your favorite artists and playlists without any interruptions.

Are these headphones comfortable to wear? Yes, definitely. They feel light and natural on your head, reducing the ear strain when you have them on for a long time. The built-in Alexa will help you switch between tracks, check out the weather, or give voice commands. The only nuisance is that the touch controls could be more responsive.

Finally, to the battery life, which is up to 30 hours on the full charge and 5 hours on a quick 10-min one. Perfect for short trips or nature hiking, these headphones will take good care of your entertainment needs.

So, is there any reason not to get the Sony WH-1000XM4? Very hardly so.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B0863FR3S9

Removes Ambient Sound

Say ‘bye’ to the annoying noises and enjoy your music like in a quiet room with the Beats Studio3 headphones. The powerful noise cancellation, upscale sound quality, and wearing comfort are what set this model apart from the competitors.

Pure adaptive noise cancelling is the key to your seamless audio experience. The headphones constantly detect external sounds for the optimal tuning. No more ambient sound when you’re in a noisy, crowded place; it’s only you and your favorite music. Take this wireless headset with you on a short trip or a hike, and enjoy what’s in the headphones, not on the outside.

Syncing this headset with your smart devices is a piece of cake. Turn on some ambient music and stay productive with your laptop or a tablet all through the day. Naturally, the headset goes along with iOS and Android devices; just make sure they are up to date.

Does this headset give you enough volume? Not exactly; if you like it really loud, you may be a bit disappointed with what it has to offer. Still, it’s nothing deal-breaking for moderate listeners, so keep this in mind.

Highly Connectable

What about the sound quality? The Beats Studio3 doesn’t let you down in this aspect, providing the clear and well-balanced audio for connoisseurs and regular listeners. Actually, you’ll be surprised at how good this headset sounds compared to many of those you’ve owned before. Get ready to enjoy the really immersive sound with no interruptions, all thanks to the Beats.

Don’t worry about lags or dropouts with these headphones. The Apple’s W1 chip plus the advanced Bluetooth tech keep you connected even at greater distances. Perfect if you can’t – or don’t want to – drag your phone around the house to listen to the music. Simply connect the headset to any Apple device – or an Android one, for that matter – and start the playback.

As for the wearing comfort, the Beats can last for hours on your head – and not cause you any trouble or pain. With this in mind, they stay on really well and don’t fall off easily.

Lastly, the battery, which gives you up to 22 hours of music on a single charge. Power up your headset for 10 mins and go for 3 hours; yes, it’s this convenient.

Overall, the Beats Studio3 are impressive with noise cancellation – and keep the bar up high in the sound quality department.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B085296FLT

Shuts Out the Noise

Upscale noise cancellation and hands-free calls, all in one headset; this sounds so much like the Sony WHCH710N. If you’re on the fence as to which noise cancelling headphones to get, this one may be your best choice.

First off, this headset cancels the outside/ambient noise like a pro. In fact, you’re sometimes better off without this feature, as it can make you less aware of the surroundings. Even better; the system automatically senses the environment you’re in via the Dual Noise Sensor tech. Focus on your fav artists, and not what’s going on in the outside world.

The 30 mm driver units are ideal for the clear, high quality sound. Experience the wide range and sufficient volume; audiophiles and regular listeners will find this headset equally enjoyable. Oh, and the earcups can swivel flat, which makes this unit a breeze to carry around.

If you’re looking for a stylish, elegant headset, congrats, you’ve just found one. Don on these sleek and modern headphones, and they’ll be bound to turn a few heads. This Sony model actually scores in every department, including the design.

Call in Comfort

Need to make a call with the headphones on? Couldn’t be easier with the Sony. It supports not only the hands-free mode, but also the voice assistant, so you won’t have to drag out your smartphone to take a call. Active lifestyle users and business people with an ear for music will definitely find it appealing.

Great, but what about the connectivity? Never worry; these headphones offer the excellent stability and range. No need to be tied to your phone to stay connected, as this unit can do that at a distance – and with the perfect ease. Forget the lags and dropouts when you’re listening to music or podcasts.

Now let’s talk about the battery, which can last for the impressive 35 hours on a charge. As for the quick charging, power it up for 10 mins and get 60 mins of playback. There is also the cable option if you can’t charge the headset at the moment. Spare the battery – and go on listening for days on end without any fuss.

As evident, the Sony WHCH710N headphones cancel out the noise while giving you the upscale sound and battery life. Get them for yourself – or surprise a friend or family member with a classy gift.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B085RNVJ3P

No Ambient Sounds

Time to shut down all the annoying noises that prevent you from enjoying music. The Soundcore Anker Life Q20 does just that – along with giving you the quality sound, strong bass, and a handful of nice features.

Let’s start with the noise cancellation that stops up to 90% of ambient sounds. The 4 integrated ANC mics and digital active noise cancelling make sure that these headphones will work in real life scenarios, eliminating the low to mid frequency noises (cars, plane engines, etc.). You can use this headset at noisy jobs – and get the first-class noise protection even without the music.

What’s more, you get to pick one of the noise cancelling modes that best suits your environment. Choose the outdoor, transport, or indoor mode – and let yourself enjoy your favorite tracks without the distractions.

Add in the exclusive BassUp tech that supports the bass output, and you’re in for a top listening experience. This headset will satisfy the audiophiles and regular customers alike with the crisp highs and enhanced lows. This says a lot about the sound quality that the Q20 has to offer.

More Charging Options

These headphones are amazing not only for music fans, but also for business people that like taking calls on the go. The built-in microphone boosts the voice pick-up, making you sound much clearer to the recipient. Be understood from the first try with the Q20 – and also make the hands-free calls if you’d like.

Now to the battery life, which is quite decent for this headset. Yes, it may be lower than the stated 40 hours with ANR, but you still won’t be recharging it every few hours. And if you need your music quick, there’s the fast charging option (5 minutes = 4 hours of listening). Use this when you’re in a hurry – and never stop enjoying the playback. In case you want unlimited playtime, the included audio cable will come in handy, although it’s rather short.

Finally, the Q20 is a breeze to wear, no matter for how long. The earcups are complete with the memory foam and embrace your ears in a gentle and comfortable fashion. Less ear fatigue and no headaches because of how tight they could be.

All in all, these smart headphones by Soundcore are a great pick for cancelling the outside noise – and taking in the high quality sound.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07NM3RSRQ

Infographics


What Are Noise-Cancelling Headphones?

Headphones are quite a usual appliance millions of people use every day, and noise-canceling headphones can bring listeners to an absolutely new level of sound experience! What's so special about noise-canceling headphones? Unlike other headphones, they isolate all unwanted noises, preserving the original sound. With a pair of noise-canceling headphones, you won't need to turn up the volume to "overlap" external sound anymore. Wearing noise-cancelling headphones, you can listen to clear sound in any place you want!

If you often spend time playing video games, you may want to use a decent-quality gaming headset to improve your gaming experience by bringing surround sound and effects to a pro level! In case you're not convinced which type of headphones you'd really like to have, you may compare tech specs of wireless headphones, earbuds, and earphones.

What Features to Compare

Type

Roughly, all headphones can be divided into two main types: in-ear and over-the-ear. Which headphones are better? There is no simple answer. All depends on your preferences. In-ear models are much smaller and compact. Plus, they are definitely a better bet if you wear glasses. Yet, if you are looking for the best noise-cancellation possible, we suggest you consider over-ear headphones. They can reduce even low-frequency noise such as humming sound of an airplane engine.

Sound Features

When it comes to sound, there are several specs to evaluate, among which the crucial ones are sensitivity (measured in dB) and frequency range. The frequency range may vary a bit from a model to model, but the optimal one is from 15-20 Hz to 18-22 kHz which is perceived by a human ear best. Sensitivity is responsible for sound volume, the higher it's been ranked, the louder headphones will sound. For safe listening to music with headphones on, sensitivity shouldn't exceed 130 dB.

Operation Time

Just like common headphones, noise-canceling headphones can work via a cord or wirelessly, from Bluetooth and NFC. However, what differs them from non-noise-canceling headphones is that for active noise cancellation they use a battery and, thus, the operation time for these earphones usually makes around 10 hours. Basically, this time is pretty good and can be enough to provide non-stop listening experience throughout a whole day. However, if you often go on long trips, several more hours on top of those 10 would be a welcome feature. Also, most noise-canceling headphones can be used with a regular audio cable.

Additional Features

Everyone would love to have not just a basic pair of headphones but something more hi-tech, something with additional functionality. Even a simple carrying bag can add to users' experience by making the transportation more convenient. Headphones can have a built-in microphone which allows answering a phone even without taking it out of your pocket. Some pairs can be connected to several devices at a time and, for example, allow you to watch a movie and talk to a friend.

So, look through our review and choose the best pair to cut yourself off from the outside world and dive into the world of sound!

FAQ:

Q: Should I get a regular pair of headphones or the ones that feature a noise-canceling technology?
A: This is one of those questions that will be hard to answer without knowing what kind of environment you usually subject yourself to and what kind of lifestyle you tend to lead. If you're the kind of person that works in an office far from the business center of your city and you commute to that office using your car, a noise-canceling headphones may be a bit of an overkill. But if you're the kind of person that often flies, find yourself in the middle of a crowded street or at the train station on a semi-regular basis, a noise-canceling headphones will work wonders for you. You should also be interested in a pair of these types of headphones if you're the kind of person that simply does not like to be distracted by the outside noise, no matter how loud or consistent it is.

Q: How does noise-canceling technology work?
A: There's a large variety of different companies out there that produce these types of headphones and the majority of them feature some kind of unique noise-canceling technology that can substantially differ from the ones their competition offers. But most noise-canceling technologies could be broken down into one of these two categories - active and passive ones. Speaking from a technical standpoint, any kind of headphones generally provides some passive noise reduction simply because the materials of the headphones themselves will be able to obstruct some of the sound waves, especially those at higher frequencies. The best passive noise-canceling headphones, however, tend to be the circum-aural types that are specifically developed and structured to maximize noise-filtering properties. Active noise-canceling headphones are capable of doing everything that passive ones can do since their structure itself creates an impediment that restricts high-frequency sound waves. On top of that, they also manage to provide an extra level of noise reduction by promptly removing the lower-frequency sound waves. How are noise-canceling headphones capable of achieving this feat? They basically generate sound waves of their own that mimic the incoming noise in every aspect except one: the headphone's sound waves are 180 degrees out of phase with the incoming waves.

Q: What source of power do they usually come with?
A: There are different types of structures when it comes to these headphones. Some of them are wired, some of them work off AA batteries, but the majority of present-day models generally tend to be wireless, featuring a rechargeable battery and being able to connect to the source of entertainment through Bluetooth of WiFi technologies.

Q: What is the average battery life of a decent model?
A: Naturally, it depends on the model and the developer behind it, but if the device that you're interested in isn't capable of providing at least 15 hours of battery life, you might want to look for a different pair of noise-canceling headphones.

Q: How do I switch on noise cancellation?
A: Again, this type of question cannot be answered without knowing the kind of model you have at your hand, but most of them are either capable of detecting outside noise automatically or come with a simple button somewhere around the ear that can turn that technology on and off.

Sources:

1. Headphone Buying Guide, Consumer Reports. August 2016.

2. David Brown Noise-canceling headphones guide, Crutchfield. December 21, 2016.

3. How to Choose Headphones, wikiHow.

4. Steve Guttenberg Here's what you need to know about headphone specifications, CNET. June 20, 2015

5. Geoffrey Morrison Are Noise Cancelling Headphones Worth It? Forbes. 2014.

6. Active Noise Control, Wikipedia.

7. William Harris How Noise-canceling Headphones Work, HowStuffWorks. 2016.

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