Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
Every music fan knows how to value great audio quality, especially when headphones are in question. Your choice of headphones can really make a big difference! Whether you’re in an office environment, in commute, or simply at your home, you often can’t enjoy your favorite music with a pair of basic headphones. The outside noise just gets in the way and raising the volume would spoil the sound further And that is where noise cancelling headphones come in.
With a special noise control option built-in, these headphones can reduce all unwanted outside noises, helping you to truly experience your favorite tunes in unspoiled high quality. And these headphones are not only great for music lovers – they can be a fantastic aid for sleeping in a noisy airplane, a bus, or any other place.
| Top Noise Cancelling Headphones | Specs |
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Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones |
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COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones |
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Bose QuietComfort 35 Bluetooth Headphones |
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Boltune Active Noise Cancelling Headphones |
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Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones |
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Table Of Contents
- How Do Noise Cancelling Headphones Work?
- Active noise cancelling
- Passive noise cancelling
- What Extra Features do Noise Cancelling Headphones Have?
- Amazon Alexa Compatibility / Handsfree
- Quick Charging
- User Action Controls
- Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
- 1. Editor’s Choice: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
- 2. Runner Up: COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- 3. Best Bluetooth: Bose QuietComfort 35 Bluetooth Headphones
- 4. Best active noise cancelling: Boltune Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- 5. Customer’s choice: Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones
- In Conclusion
How Do Noise Cancelling Headphones Work?
Most basic headphones don’t have any noise cancelling ability, and it often results in low quality of sound produced, and no way to cancel out the outside noises. Luckily, in recent years the technology of active noise cancelling emerged – relying on specially designed microphones to produce high frequency sounds that will filter out all noise. Such a built-in microphone creates a waveform frequency sound that is the exact opposite of the registered noise. This in turn combines the two and cancels out the unwanted sounds, melting in with the actual audio being reproduced and offering a clearer, high-quality sound without the need to raise the volume too much.
Active noise cancelling
Active noise cancelling relies on analog elements to generate these high frequency sounds in real-time. But that will also mean that these headphones will require more power to operate – either requiring a USB connection, or added batteries. It also makes them somewhat robust to wear, and increases the weight. On the other hand, users will experience a much higher quality of audio than on basic headphones.
Passive noise cancelling
Passive noise cancelling is another technology that is used to make noise cancelling headphones. Passive cancelling headphones rely on traditional techniques such as soundproofing, where a padded ear cup creates a seal that effectively blocks noises from the outside. Some earbuds as well can rely on this technology, by creating a tight fit in your ear.
What Extra Features do Noise Cancelling Headphones Have?
While noise cancelling is the main feature of these headphones, there are other additions that make them a proper multifunctional tech accessory that goes beyond simple music listening. Not to mention that there are certain functions and features that could truly make your life easier even if you’re not an audiophile. Here are some of the most popular features you can find in a pair of noise cancelling headphones.
Amazon Alexa Compatibility / Handsfree
Amazon Alexa connectivity allows you to complete tasks by simply using your voice to say commands. Some noise cancelling headphones utilize the wireless element to allow you to connect to Alexa. This can come in real handy when you are in a hurry, or your hands are occupied. No need to take out the phone in order to search for that other song. Just say it – and Alexa does it for you.
Quick Charging
Somehow, it seems that we’re always short on time- and when you’re hurrying to work, the last thing you want to see is that your battery is dead. Wireless noise cancelling headphones have an expected playback time with their batteries, and while this is often up to 30 hours, it can still easily happen that you’re stuck with a low battery and no time to charge. Luckily, many brands offer the option of Quick Charging, where just 10 or 15 minutes of charging will provide you with several hours of playback. Great when you are in a hurry.
User Action Controls
Don’t we all hate it when we’re listening to music and something or someone interrupts? And while you take off your earpiece to break the momentum, the song keeps playing – without waiting for you. Well, not anymore. Some brands offer a unique feature in their noise cancelling headphones. Once you lift that earpiece – the headphones react. The song is paused and you can simply focus on whatever else occurred. Once you put the headphones back on – the music continues from where you left off. A nifty feature!
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
1. Editor’s Choice: Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Sometimes we all just want to enjoy our favorite tunes without sacrificing the style aspect. And with these elegant noise cancelling headphones – we can. Offering a modern and innovative design, these headphones give you exceptional sound quality while also making sure that they don’t feel or look clunky on your head. These headphones boast high-quality 47mm drivers that ensure that crisp and clear sound. The active noise cancelling works fantastic and responds to the surrounding noises up to the minutest detail.
The frame of the headphones is designed from carbon fiber, guaranteeing superb durability and longevity that not many of their competitors can offer. However, one of the finest aspects of these headphones is actually their reaction to your every move. Whenever you have to raise one ear cup to hear something, the music automatically pauses. Place the ear cup back on your ear and the music continues – not a moment is lost. And it’s that simple! These headphones have an amazing 30-hour battery life, with the option of a 15-minute quick charge that gives you 6 hours of playback. Great for every situation – and for every music aficionado.
Who Should Buy This Product?
If quality is your number one concern – you are looking at the right headphones for your needs. Although the price might be a bit steep, the Bowers & Wilkins headphones are well worth the investment if you put a premium on durability and exceptional audio playback. Don’t hesitate to splurge in order to enjoy music the way professionals do!
Pros
- Excellent comfort for the wearer
- Bowers & Wilkins quality as used in Abbey Road studios
- Sleek and stylish design
- Great battery life
- Superb sound quality
Cons
- Pricey
- Carry case is a bit too large and impractical
Specs for Comparison:
Available color(s): Space Grey, Silver
Driver size: 43mm
Noise Cancellation: Adaptive Noise Cancelling
Battery Life: 30 hours, or a 15-minute quick charge for 6 hours of playback
2. Runner Up: COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
This is a great example that goes to show that a good pair of noise cancelling headphones doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag attached. These affordable headphones boast a balanced, professional design with all the best design features that make for a good pair of noise cancelling headphones. Right off the bat, it is worth mentioning their powerful 40mm speaker drivers, which ensure that the reproduced sounds are rich, vibrant, and powerful.
Advanced Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC connectivity really work spotless here, with literally no hitch at all. And with its great 30-hour battery life, you can rest assured that these will have you covered through a long commute with ease. These budget-friendly headphones proudly utilize their own Active Noise Cancelling function, which works extremely well for those low-frequency noises that we all deal with – cars, trains, lawnmowers, traffic, and the general urban hum.
Who Should Buy This Product?
Budget is sometimes tight – and it’s completely understandable if new noise cancelling headphones can’t be a spending priority at the moment. However, there’s no need to yearn for those high-end headphones when you can’t spare a few hundred dollars – when there are options that cost far less and do a decent job. Good quality, handy features, and a reasonable price make these a popular choice on the market
Pros
- Great 750 mAH battery
- Affordable
- Great bass sound
- Comfortable ear padding
- Good quality noise cancellation
Cons
- Excess jostling might interfere with noise cancelling
- Bright LED light when the headphones are on
Specs for Comparison:
Available color(s): Black, Blue, Green, Purple, Red, White
Driver size: 40mm
Noise Cancellation: 28dB Active Noise Cancelling
Battery Life: 30 hours, 4 hour charge time
3. Best Bluetooth: Bose QuietComfort 35 Bluetooth Headphones
Combining style and function into one design, these noise-cancelling headphones offer one of the most well-rounded audio experiences on the market. Bose worked hard to deliver the best possible audio performance at every volume setting – resulting in a balanced playback to emphasize audio quality. Three levels of great noise cancellation ensure the perfect isolation from outside sounds, while the 20-hour battery life gives you tons of options.
The QuietComfort 35 also features an awesome addition – compatibility with Amazon Alexa. With a simple push of the button you can add a new level of flexibility to your listening. “Alexa, play 90’s rock”. “Alexa, play Elton John”. “Alexa, add milk to my shopping list”. The options are endless. But it certainly makes things easier and hassle-free. Complete things on the go – wherever you are. With nothing but your voice. And who doesn’t want that?
Who Should Buy This Product?
If the price is not an issue and you want the highest audio quality you can get, go for the Bose QuietComfort 35 which offers superior sound quality bundled with all the perks of modern technologies you can think of. Solid features and great performance that comes with a reasonable price tag make these headphones an all-around great choice.
Pros
- Amazon Alexa compatibility for hands free use
- Balanced price
- Long-lasting battery
- Comfortable to wear
- Stylish
Cons
- 20 hours of battery use – less than other brands
- Some crackling can occur at times
Specs for Comparison:
Available color(s): Black, Silver, Rose Gold
Driver size: 40mm
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancelling
Battery Life: 20 hours
4. Best active noise cancelling: Boltune Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Here is another affordable design that gives you the option to enjoy the quality, noise-free sound without having to spend several hundred dollars in order to do so. Boltune might not be a recognizable brand name, but that doesn’t mean that these headphones won’t offer some fantastic design elements. These well-made headphones feature the excellent AMS as3435 noise cancelling technology, which is perfected to battle those pesky low-frequency noises that we most often experience.
And the superior performance doesn’t mean that the battery life will be subpar as a result. With the nifty addition of low consumption, high-performance stereo codec, Boltune ensured that its 500mAH battery can play around 30 hours – with just 1 hour of charging. Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity is also of excellent quality, with a range of up to 66 feet. These headphones also feature double microphone noise reduction, with built-in CVC 6.0 mics that are designed to battle all those irritating outside noises – but also substantially upgrade your call quality. Another great feature of these headphones is their ergonomic design: the style is toned down and designed for the wearer’s comfort above all else.
Who Should Buy This Product?
Powerful active noise cancelling headphones such as these are ideal when you really need to block out your surroundings- they might even be a bit overwhelming if all you need is to tune out the mild urban hum. But if you want no other sound standing between you and your playlist, these handy headphones got you covered.
Pros
- Good battery life
- Affordable
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Quick charge
- Efficiently block all outside sounds
- Comfortable to wear
Cons
- Not as durable as some of their competitors
Specs for Comparison:
Available color(s): Black, Gray, Pink
Driver size: 40mm Large Aperture drivers
Noise Cancellation: AMS Active Noise Cancelling
Battery Life: 30 hours
5. Customer’s choice: Sony WH1000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones
Sony headphones were always synonymous with quality and high-end designs, and these noise cancelling headphones definitely meet the company’s standards. The first major design element that stands out is the Digital Noise Cancellation – superb noise cancelling that completely blocks out unwanted noises and ensures unparalleled audio clarity from whatever you’re listening to. Sony also ensured that the battery in these headphones is of the best quality. A full charge offers you full 30 hours of playback. But if you are in a hurry and the battery is out – no worries. With only 10 minutes of charging you get an amazing 5 hours of playback.
Simple touch controls give you the option of quick and simple use, while the compatibility with Amazon Alexa really gives true meaning to hands-free experience. Last but not least – the looks. Sony always emphasized stylish designs, and these headphones are no exception. Sleek, modern, and unique – these headphones can easily double as an urbanite’s fashion addition.
Who Should Buy This Product?
The price of these Sony headphones might be a bit high, but for anyone who puts a premium on durability and quality – this shouldn’t be an obstacle. Sony is the brand name that everyone knows as the top in its field, and these popular noise cancelling headphones perfectly illustrate the reasons for it.
Pros
- 10 minutes of charging for 5 hours of playback
- Superb audio quality
- Digital Noise Cancellation feature
- Stylish and sleek design
- Amazon Alexa compatibility
Cons
- Phantom touch issues can occur after a while
- Can be bass-heavy
Specs for Comparison:
Available color(s): Black, Silver
Driver size: 40mm
Noise Cancellation: Digital Noise Cancelling
Battery Life: 30 hours
You may be interested in: Noise Cancelling Ear Plugs
In Conclusion
Whether you are a real music enthusiast or simply want to enjoy listening to podcasts and audiobooks on your way to work, you’ll definitely value crystal clear audio quality and the ability to fully immerse into the sound. With noise cancelling headphones you get to focus on the audio you’re playing and tune out all the sounds from the environment that would normally disrupt your music listening sessions. Offering you the best audio quality while cancelling out all types of noise around you – these headphones really offer the best of both worlds.