When it comes to the best noise canceling headphones, there are a lot of different factors to consider.
Whether you’re looking for headphones that can drown out the sound of a busy city street or simply want a pair that will help you focus while you work, there’s a set of headphones out there that’s perfect for you.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market and provide you with a buyer’s guide to help you choose the perfect pair for your needs.
Top 10 Noise Cancelling Headphones List
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Reviews
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless
I got these headphones for a long road trip before the new year started, and I’m happy to say they’ve helped me keep my sanity. The noise canceling technology is fantastic, the earphones are very comfortable to wear, and they have a nice, neutral sound that I can customize to my needs. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to use. Even though they’re wireless, I don’t have to worry about losing them or having to charge them – they’re simply there when I need them, and they turn on automatically as long as they’re not in my pocket.
The best part about my new headphones is that they’re just as great as the old ones, and they’re now even more comfortable. Overall, I’d recommend these Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless to anyone looking for an excellent pair of noise canceling headphones.
Pros
- They are incredibly comfortable
- You can customize their sound using the app
Cons
- They don’t block out as much noise as the Sony
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony’s latest WH-1000XM5 headphones are the best noise cancelling headphones I’ve ever used. When I first heard about them, I was skeptical that a set of headphones would be able to block out the background noise, but Sony has really outdone themselves with the WH-1000XM5, an upgrade from their previous WH-1000XM4.
The noise cancellation works even better than I expected it to, and I’m glad that Sony has included a “breathing mode” as well. I use this feature every time I run, and it’s a great way for me to clear my head and enjoy the freedom that running provides.
Pros
- DSEE is an incredibly powerful feature that still manages to be easy to use
- Uses LDAC for high-resolution audio
- Noise cancellation is incredibly powerful and the Sony WH-1000XM5 has the best noise cancellation yet
Cons
- Folding up the ear cups and headband is a bit of a letdown
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
It’s Bose’s second attempt at a set of true wireless earbuds, and the QuietComfort Earbuds are leaps and bounds better than the older SoundSport Free. Not only is the design a lot better, but the noise cancellation is also exemplary, especially for earbuds. Sound quality is also really very good – although we found it to be a touch less bassy as compared to Sony’s – with superb clarity. They’re incredibly comfortable and well-balanced too, despite their bulky form factor, although we do wish there were on-board volume controls.
The case could offer more charge too and is a little on the bulky side, much like the earbuds themselves. However, in exchange, you know you’re sure of excellent quality overall. It’s hard to see past that rich audio quality despite the flaws here.
Pros
- Well balanced sound quality
- Fantastic noise cancellation
- Great form factor
Cons
- The wireless technology is a little slow
- The case a bit bulky
Apple AirPods Max Wireless
I had been using Beats for a while and I was happy with them. But I was recently reading about the Apple AirPods and I was very curious. I ordered these and I have to say that I love the AirPods. They’re lightweight and comfortable; the sound quality is great and they have a good fit on my head. The only thing I wish they had is an inline remote, but I don’t really care because I don’t use the inline remote feature anyways.
Although I’ve only had these for a few days, I think these are a great product and I highly recommend them.
Pros
- Noise cancellation is really good
- If you are an iPhone user, you can access Spatial Audio to follow your head movements and have the best sound.
- They have an adaptive EQ feature with a few presets.
Cons
- They are heavy and bulky.
- Not everyone has the same fit.
- The “Taptic Engine” beats makes your ears hurt a little.
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless
These headphones are truly an amazing product. The sound quality is fantastic, especially considering the price. The price is unbeatable too. The sound is crystal clear and has amazing bass.
What a great product for those who want to travel with their headphones. I have had these for about a month now and still they sound great. The sound quality and comfort is great.
Pros
- They’re portable and easy to use
- They have good battery life
- They’re relatively affordable
Cons
- The color is not eye-catching
- They don’t have volume controls
How to choose the best noise-cancelling headphones for you
Design is hugely important, as a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones need to be comfortable for long listening sessions – look out for padded earcups and headbands in materials like memory foam for ultimate comfort.
- Padded earcups also help with passive noise cancellation – in other words, they physically block sound from entering your ears. This works in tandem with active noise cancellation, with the best noise-cancelling headphones using a combination of the two methods to get rid of outside noise.
- Not a fan of over-ear headphones? Nowadays, you can even find true wireless earbuds with effective noise cancellation built-in, so there really is an option for everyone as you’ve seen above.
- As with any pair of headphones, the sound quality needs to be good, even if your focus is blocking out the world around you. How you define good sound quality depends on your personal taste. Do you like a warm, well-rounded sound
FAQs
Is it worth buying noise cancelling headphones?
If you’re looking for a more effective way to hear conversations and still focus on your work, noise-cancelling headphones are worth it. Noise-cancelling technology has a major impact on overall sound quality. With the right pair, you may notice that it can provide an improved experience over standard headphones, but do keep in mind that they won’t be a replacement for hearing protection.
Are there completely noise cancelling headphones?
If your heart is set on getting a completely wireless pair of noise-cancelling earbuds, the 1More True Wireless ANC is the best option. This pair is the most effective at reducing airplane noise, the buds are small and fit securely and comfortably in your ears, and the sound quality is quite good.
Does noise-cancelling get worse over time?
I’m not sure how the same question can be asked of ten different tech products. It’s like the old saying, “If you’ve got a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” An audio product that was designed to cancel out background noise should cancel out background noise. If it doesn’t, then the product is useless. A product that cancels out noise should improve over time. There is no way to fix a bad product.
What’s the difference between noise-cancelling and active noise cancelling?
I believe the difference between passive and active noise cancellation is that passive noise cancellation is less expensive and the effectiveness of a passive noise cancellation product is dependent on the quality of the ear cups, while active noise cancellation is more expensive and the effectiveness of an active noise cancellation product is dependent on the quality of the microphone and speakers.
