A list of the best noise cancelling headphones:
Sometimes listening to the sounds of nature or people around you can be pleasant, other times silence is necessary. As people who ride the subway every day, we know how important it is to sometimes "block out" the world, just to shield the stream of consciousness (and protect your hearing). Whether you're often in crowded places, working at your desk, or riding public transportation, noise cancellation can be a necessary feature, and noise-canceling headphones will be indispensable to you.
In addition to quality sound, good noise-canceling headphones provide a comfortable fit and eliminate unwanted noise. Without going into technical details, we should note that active noise cancellation (ANC) is achieved through built-in microphones that pick up what is going on around you. Thus, the headphones produce their own antiphase sound waves, which eliminate external noise. Due to the plethora of options (quite expensive, by the way), we decided to compile a list of the best quality noise-canceling headphones to narrow down the choice to a few models.
The best universal noise cancelling headphones - Sony WH-1000XM3
Despite all the prestige of the Bose brand, we can find no reason to recommend the QC35 II over the Sony WH-1000XM3. Yes, the Sony headphones really are that good.
After testing the WH-1000XM3, we found that the model not only has amazing active noise cancellation, but also has impeccable sound quality for a wireless headphone with ANC. It's comfortable, has a good battery, offers a great multifunctional app, sounds terrific for Bluetooth headphones - and costs $50 less than its main competitor. Admittedly, Sony has a number of advantages. Not to mention the touch controls and active noise cancellation, the app is what makes these headphones so stand out. With it, you can customize the sound the way you want it. You can change the bass frequencies, create a concert hall effect, and adjust the advanced EQ. Unfortunately, these features can only be used with SBC, so if you want the high bitrate LDAC available for Sony smartphones and devices running Android 8, you need to use the default profile.
Nevertheless, the WH-1000XM3s sound great (though rather "bassy") and will likely poach customers used to Bose. The predecessor of the WH-1000XM3 MDR-1000XM2, in our opinion, also wins over the original Bose QC35. As far as wireless headphones are concerned, this model can definitely be called one of the best, as it offers high bitrate listening and features a wide range, great features, long battery life and easy loading.
Speaking of noise isolation on a plane or subway, the only model that is superior to this one is the AKG N700NC. It's really hard to find anything better here, as these headphones block out a lot of low-frequency noise. Many people think it's all about XdB attenuation, but that's not the case. The attenuation characteristics of the WH-1000XM3 can be seen below, the results are indicated by different colors: pink - bad ANC, green - good, blue - excellent. Each 10 dB reduction in noise is a reduction of half the volume, so 20 dB in this graph means that outside noise is 25% louder than when the headphones are on (etc.).
The Sony WH-1000XM3s make the world melt around you and are great for extended use, making them the best noise-canceling headphones available.
These headphones do a great job of eliminating external noise that can be a nuisance for most vocals, low notes and most instruments.
If $350 is too expensive.
Just wait. As you know, the Sony WH-1000XM4s aren't long away from release. Once they hit the market, the price of the Sony WH-1000XM3 will drop a bit as retailers tend to try to get rid of old stock.
You may also be interested in the model that replaced the WH-1000XM3: the Sony WH-1000XM2. In many ways, these headphones offer the same features as the WH-1000XM3 for a much lower price, but they have thinner ear cushions and a microUSB charging port. We've long considered them the best noise-canceling headphones around, and the only reason they're not here now is because a successor has arrived. They'll be off the market soon, so if you want 90% of the features of our current favorite at a better price, get the Sony WH-1000XM2.
Last year's WH-1000XM2 winner is virtually identical to the new WH-1000XM3, and yet it should still be considered one of the best pairs of noise-canceling headphones.
I don't recommend buying the Bose QC35 Series I: they're priced at $329. They're not worth it, as there are other, better models available.
Building on the WH-1000XM3's reputation, Sony has released other noise-canceling headphones with a similar brand name. However, the WH-XB900N falls a little short when it comes to competing with other models on this list. On the other hand, for $250, it's not a bad buy.
Shure Aonic 50 is a great option for exceptional noise isolation
If noise isolation is your priority, consider the Shure Aonic 50. They are definitely superior to the Bose Headphones 700 and the Sony WH-1000XM3 in this regard. In addition, the headphones are characterized by excellent build quality and sound quality.
The device practically "turns off" external noise. Take a look at the diagrams below: The Aonic 50 handles almost all frequencies, making it the perfect headset for the home office. The headphones are also great for those who plan to travel by air. Yes, they aren't cheap, but their powerful noise-canceling technology effectively fights low-frequency noise, such as the sound of airplane engines or air conditioning, and the rumble of a train.
Shure Aonic 50 offers superior noise isolation, achieved in part through high-density polyurethane foam ear cushions.
The dynamic drivers of the Shure Aonic 50 produce precise sound regardless of the genre of music.
Shure has equipped the Bluetooth 5.0 headset with all kinds of codecs: aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, AAC and LDAC. No matter what operating system you're using, enjoy high-quality sound from anywhere in the world. The headphones support multipoint connection: you can connect to two devices at the same time.
Microphone quality is excellent even in quiet environments. The system mutes low frequencies not because the microphone is not good enough, but to prevent the undesirable proximity effect where low frequencies are distorted and amplified if the speaker is too close to the microphone. Higher frequency sounds are needed for speech intelligibility, and the microphone does a good job of that.
The default sound signature is excellent, with a slight boost in the upper bass and midrange frequencies to enhance vocals. The midrange sound allows you to enjoy optimal sound regardless of the musical genre. Shure suppresses even the unpleasant natural resonances of the inner ear that occur in a certain range, hence the attenuation from 3-4.5 kHz. Again, the cost of the headphones is high, but that's what you should expect from top-of-the-line headsets like Bose and Sony... and now Shure.
ANC headphones like the Aonic 50 are a great solution for those working at home.
When we were compiling the top best headphones, this model was higher on this list. Whereas the Bose QC35 II is solidly in second position, Sony and Shure's options are 1a and 1b. When choosing between the Sony WH-1000XM3 and the Shure Aonic 50, it all depends on your budget and how much ANC performance is important to you.
The best over-the-ear headphones - AKG N60 NC
The value of noise-canceling headphones is determined by their battery performance. Sure, a large pair of headphones can be outfitted with a huge battery and get impressive battery life, but if you're interested in a slim, noise-canceling model that optimizes the battery life-to-size ratio, consider buying the AKG N60 NC.
Although the ANC in this model is somewhat weaker than the aforementioned headphones, the AKG N60NC is surprisingly comfortable and does a pretty good job of killing external noise. You'll always hear some bass noise coming through the back of your ear, but the thick padding and light weight allow you to maximize performance for long listening sessions (such as on a transcontinental flight).
If you want headphones that will last all day or more without recharging, AKG's N60NCs won't disappoint. You'll have to spend a little money, but if you value mobility and autonomy, this is the one for you. If you're a fan of stylish design, you might also like the Beats Solo Pro.
There are other options to think about
It's no secret that Bose have already made a name for themselves in the consumer space. They are known for their top quality comfortable headsets, and their noise cancellation technology is one of the best in the segment. The Bose QC35 II has many of the same features as the previous model, but unlike it, they have a voice assistant feature.
As far as quality goes, you might want to look at other models if you want extra-heavy bass or precise sound. In addition to ANC, the headphone cups contain built-in controls that allow you to adjust volume, switch tracks, pause/play, and use Siri or Google Now. In addition, the headphones have two microphones, "noise elimination technology that works even in windy conditions" and several new useful changes.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Whether you have an Android or iOS device, the playback controls should work the same when connected via Bluetooth. Bose has also added a built-in battery, doing away with the AAA battery needed for the QC 25. You can plug in and charge the headphones just like any other device. This is both good and bad, because most people don't like to put multiple devices on charge every night. On the other hand, the device now has twenty hours of use with Bluetooth and ANC turned on, so the headphones are enough to charge 2-3 times a week. The kit includes a hard case - you can not worry about the safety of the device in the bag.
But are they worth their $349? No, but they are definitely better than the $400 Bose 700. And now that the QuietComfort 35 II is struggling with Sony headphones and the latest Bose model, you can find them online for around $250 to $300. Just make sure the necessary upgrade is installed successfully.
Jabra Elite 85h.
If you want a durable waterproof pair of headphones with ANC, the Jabra Elite 85h is a great choice. The internals are treated with a water-resistant nano-coating that will protect against the spring rains. Instead of a matte plastic or metal finish, the Elite 85h is covered with a textured fabric, making it very comfortable to use.
Starting with firmware version 1.4.1, the Elite 85h supports AAC for high-quality streaming. A slightly attenuated bass allows vocals and mids to resonate clearly in almost all recordings. Moreover, the treble is free of hiss (it is also slightly attenuated).
The battery life is fantastic: you get 34.58 hours from a single charge, and a full cycle takes only 2.5 hours. Considering such autonomy, that's not long at all. If you're in a hurry, though, 15 minutes of charging gives you about five hours of playback. The Jabra Elite 85h costs $50 less than its direct competitors, with their full feature set and water-resistant design.
What other models to look out for
- AKG N700NC: While the N700NC has its flaws, the headphones have a number of pluses. The model has an exceptional design and meets a premium price point. What's more, Ambient Aware technology is available here, allowing you to hear your surroundings during playback. AKG guarantees firmware updates via a free app.
- Beats Solo Pro: The latest Beats noise-canceling model is an absolute hit. The earpieces feature a more stylish design than the AKG N60 and a long battery life of 22 hours. They have a built-in H1 chip, so iPhone users will get automatic pairing and access to Siri.
- Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC: These expensive ANC headphones offer amazing sound and microphone quality. They didn't make our top list of the best noise-canceling headphones because the reliability of the model is questionable. Beyerdynamic lets you get updates through their desktop app.
- Bowers & Wilkins PX: While this device is clearly aimed at competing with the top-notch devices listed here, it's still under development. The hardware is pretty good, but the headphones lag behind in terms of sound quality, noise cancellation, feature set, and price.
- Edifier W860NB: These headphones sell for around $170 and provide excellent noise cancellation. Unfortunately, the build quality and touch controls are questionable, especially when compared to the Sony WH-1000XM3.
- Master & Dynamic MW65: In addition to the great design, the headphones have excellent sound quality thanks to aptX support. The biggest drawback is the price.
- Sennheiser Momentum Wireless 3.0: The manufacturer tries to keep up with Sony and Bose. And while the headphones have good noise cancellation, they can't be compared to any of the top brands. Also, they are $50 more expensive than the already expensive Bose 700. However, if you can't resist a stunning retro design and want good wireless performance, you might want to consider this option.
- Sennheiser PXC 550: This model isn't worth its money the way Sony or AKG headphones are, but it works great and has a more accurate bass response than the Sony.
What you should know about noise-canceling headphones
Active noise cancelers enhance the quality of music by using destructive interference to prevent audio masking. Simply put, external noise ("masker") almost completely mutes similar frequency notes. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology not only improves the sound distorted by noise, but also reduces the pressure on the inner ear.
If music notes are quieter than the external noise masking threshold, they will be almost inaudible.
It should be understood that noise reduction does not mean that the noise completely disappears and cannot reach the ear. By using noise-canceling headphones, you are still at risk for noise-induced hearing loss because the headphones do not block out all noise. You should limit your exposure to unwanted sound above 85 dB if possible. This may be an impossible task on trans or intercontinental flights, but listening to music needs to be quiet, here ANC is more of a last resort.
If you do use headphones with ANC, there's nothing wrong with that! But it's not unreasonable to consider other options as well. Also, keep in mind that Bluetooth sometimes fails, and sound quality is almost always better when listening through wired headphones.
Sound waves of the same amplitude shifted by 1/2 wavelength result in compression waves with an amplitude of 0, neutralizing the sound.
For the best sound possible, you may also need to upgrade your phone if it is a few years old. As I noted earlier, Bluetooth can "crash." This tool is a complex set of standards that don't fit together well. Unless you have a flagship phone like the iPhone, Galaxy, or V20, chances are high that you're stuck on an old, crappy codec. When looking at the specs, you should make sure that both the phone and the headphones support AAC, LDAC, or aptX. Android 8.0 versions and above have these standards set by default.
Active noise cancellation requires the use of batteries. Another option is to forego active noise isolation in favor of passive noise isolation. In that case, the best solution would be in-ear headphones. Some people think they are uncomfortable, but personally I was lucky with Comply's polyurethane foam ear cushions. They fit perfectly to the ear canal, which provides not only excellent insulation with any headphones, but also maximum comfort.