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Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

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Experienced product tester and reviewer with 5+ years, providing unbiased reviews and ensuring product quality and user satisfaction.
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Overall Pick
Sony WH-1000XM5

Main Features

  • Advanced noise-cancelling technology
  • High-resolution audio support
  • Touch-sensitive controls
  • Voice assistant integration
  • Up to 30 hours of battery life

Product Overview

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the latest iteration in Sony’s acclaimed noise-cancelling headphone lineup. Featuring advanced noise-cancelling technology, these headphones effectively block out ambient sounds, allowing you to immerse yourself in your music or calls.

The sound quality is superb, with rich bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, thanks to the 40mm drivers and Sony’s proprietary LDAC codec, which supports high-resolution audio streaming. Additionally, the WH-1000XM5 comes with touch-sensitive controls, voice assistant integration, and an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours.

Comfort is also a key feature, with plush ear pads and a lightweight design that makes them suitable for extended use.

PROS
  • Exceptional noise-cancelling performance
  • High-resolution audio quality
  • Comfortable for long periods
CONS
  • Premium price point
  • Touch controls can be sensitive

Product Specifications

  • Driver size 40mm
  • Battery life Up to 30 hours
  • Weight 254 grams
  • Wireless range Up to 30 feet
  • Codec support LDAC, AAC, SBC
Best Price / Quality
Bose QuietComfort 45

Main Features

  • Industry-leading noise cancellation
  • Exceptional comfort
  • Intuitive controls
  • Durable build
  • Up to 24 hours of battery life

Product Overview

Bose has long been a leader in noise-cancelling technology, and the QuietComfort 45 is no exception. These headphones offer some of the best noise cancellation available, effectively muting outside noise so you can focus on your music, podcasts, or calls.

The sound quality is well-balanced, with deep bass and clear highs. One of the standout features is the exceptional comfort provided by the plush ear cushions and lightweight design, making them perfect for long listening sessions.

Additionally, the QuietComfort 45 comes with intuitive controls, a durable build, and a long battery life of up to 24 hours. They also support quick charging, giving you 3 hours of playback with just a 15-minute charge.

PROS
  • Outstanding noise cancellation
  • Extremely comfortable
  • Quick charge feature
CONS
  • Higher price range
  • No customizable EQ settings

Product Specifications

  • Driver size 40mm
  • Battery life Up to 24 hours
  • Weight 240 grams
  • Wireless range Up to 30 feet
  • Charging time 2.5 hours

Main Features

  • High-fidelity audio
  • Active noise cancellation
  • Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
  • Luxurious design
  • Seamless Apple device integration

Product Overview

The Apple AirPods Max are designed to offer a premium listening experience, featuring high-fidelity audio and active noise cancellation. The over-ear headphones come with custom-built drivers that deliver deep bass, accurate midrange, and crisp high frequencies.

One of the standout features is spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, which provides a theater-like experience for movies and TV shows. The design is luxurious, with a stainless steel frame and memory foam ear cushions for a comfortable fit.

The headphones also support seamless integration with Apple devices, making them a great choice for iPhone users. The battery life is impressive, offering up to 20 hours of playback time with noise cancellation and spatial audio enabled.

They also come with a Smart Case that puts the headphones in an ultra-low-power state to preserve battery life.

PROS
  • Premium sound quality
  • Luxurious and comfortable design
  • Seamless integration with Apple devices
CONS
  • Heavier than competitors
  • Expensive

Product Specifications

  • Driver size 40mm custom-built
  • Battery life Up to 20 hours
  • Weight 385 grams
  • Wireless range Up to 30 feet
  • Charging time 2 hours

Main Features

  • High-quality audio performance
  • Adaptive noise cancellation
  • Sleek and modern design
  • Intuitive touch controls
  • Up to 30 hours of battery life

Product Overview

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones combine high-quality audio performance with adaptive noise cancellation, making them an excellent choice for discerning listeners. The headphones feature Sennheiser’s signature sound quality, with deep bass, natural mids, and detailed highs.

The adaptive noise cancellation adjusts to your surroundings, providing an immersive listening experience no matter where you are. The design is sleek and modern, with comfortable ear cushions and a foldable design for easy portability.

The Momentum 4 Wireless also includes intuitive touch controls, voice assistant support, and a long battery life of up to 30 hours. These headphones are built to last, with a durable construction and premium materials.

PROS
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Adaptive noise cancellation
  • Long battery life
CONS
  • Touch controls can be finicky
  • Higher price range

Product Specifications

  • Driver size 42mm
  • Battery life Up to 30 hours
  • Weight 298 grams
  • Wireless range Up to 30 feet
  • Charging time 2 hours

Main Features

  • Excellent call quality
  • Active noise cancellation
  • SmartSound technology
  • Eight-microphone system
  • Up to 36 hours of battery life

Product Overview

The Jabra Elite 85h headphones are designed with professionals in mind, offering excellent call quality and noise cancellation. These headphones feature Jabra’s SmartSound technology, which automatically adjusts the audio based on your environment.

The active noise cancellation effectively blocks out background noise, making them perfect for use in noisy environments. The eight-microphone system ensures that your voice is heard clearly during calls, even in windy or noisy conditions.

The sound quality is impressive, with rich bass and clear highs. The Elite 85h also boasts a long battery life of up to 36 hours with noise cancellation on, and quick charging capabilities provide 5 hours of playback with just a 15-minute charge.

The headphones are also water-resistant, making them durable enough for everyday use.

PROS
  • Superb call quality
  • Long battery life
  • Water-resistant design
CONS
  • Bulky design
  • No customizable EQ settings

Product Specifications

  • Driver size 40mm
  • Battery life Up to 36 hours
  • Weight 296 grams
  • Wireless range Up to 30 feet
  • Charging time 2.5 hours

Understanding Noise Cancelling Technology

Noise cancelling headphones work by using microphones to pick up ambient sounds and then generating sound waves that are the exact opposite (phase-inverted) to cancel them out. This technology can be broadly divided into two types:

  1. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): This uses built-in microphones and speakers to actively counteract external noise.
  2. Passive Noise Isolation: This relies on the physical design of the headphones to block out sound, such as snug-fitting ear cups.

Key Factors to Consider

Sound Quality

While noise cancellation is crucial, sound quality shouldn't be compromised. Look for headphones that offer a balanced sound profile with clear highs, mids, and lows. Audiophiles might prioritize models that provide high-fidelity sound, but for most users, a well-balanced audio experience will suffice.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is essential, especially if you plan to wear the headphones for extended periods. Over-ear headphones typically offer the most comfort due to their padded ear cups and headbands. However, in-ear and on-ear options might be more convenient for portability. Look for adjustable headbands and ear cups that can swivel or fold for a better fit.

Battery Life

Battery life is a crucial factor, especially for wireless headphones. Most high-quality noise cancelling headphones offer at least 20 hours of battery life on a single charge. Some models also feature quick-charging capabilities, providing several hours of playback with just a short charging time.

Build Quality and Durability

Investing in a well-built pair of headphones can save you money in the long run. Look for materials like metal and high-quality plastic that can withstand daily wear and tear. Water and sweat resistance might also be important if you plan to use the headphones during workouts or in inclement weather.

Connectivity and Features

Modern noise cancelling headphones often come with a plethora of additional features. Bluetooth connectivity is standard for wireless models, but newer versions like Bluetooth 5.0 offer improved range and stability. Some headphones also support multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously.

Other features to consider include touch controls, voice assistant integration (like Google Assistant or Siri), and customizable sound settings through companion apps. Some high-end models even offer adaptive noise cancellation, which adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on your environment.

Popular Brands and Models

Several brands have established themselves as leaders in the noise cancelling headphones market. Here are a few notable mentions:

  • Sony WH-1000XM4: Known for its excellent noise cancellation and sound quality, this model also offers long battery life and a comfortable design.
  • Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700: Renowned for its superior ANC capabilities and clear, balanced sound, this model also features a sleek, modern design.
  • Apple AirPods Max: Offers a premium build and exceptional sound quality, though it comes with a higher price tag.
  • Sennheiser Momentum 3: Combines robust build quality with excellent sound and effective noise cancellation.

Testing and Reviews

Before making a final decision, it's wise to read reviews and, if possible, test the headphones yourself. Look for reviews that evaluate both objective criteria (like frequency response and battery life) and subjective experiences (such as comfort and usability). Many electronics stores offer demo units that you can try out to get a feel for the headphones.

Budget Considerations

Noise cancelling headphones come in a wide range of prices. While high-end models offer the best features and performance, there are also budget-friendly options that provide decent noise cancellation and sound quality. Determine your budget beforehand and try to find a model that offers the best value for your money.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best noise cancelling headphones requires a balance of sound quality, comfort, battery life, and additional features. By thoroughly researching and considering your specific needs, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your listening experience for years to come.