Best Noise-canceling headphones are extremely popular among frequent travelers. They can be used in planes, trains, and automobiles to filter out sound from the outside world. Noise-canceling technology has been around for decades but recently there has been a surge of interest in consumer electronic devices that utilize this technology. Whether you’re interested in noise-canceling headphones because you travel often or simply want to enjoy your favorite music without distractions, here is everything you need to know about what makes them great and how they work!
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones: Buyer’s Guide
Follow these tips for a safe shopping experience.
1. Noise Canceling Headphones if You’re Hearing Impaired.
Second, without the outside noise of city life and other environmental sounds around you, it gives you peace of mind to be with the person who is speaking to you face-to-face, especially if they are nearby.
Third, your headphones can block out other noises that interrupt nearby people around you which also helps with privacy.
Fourth, noise-canceling headphones will provide better quality sound compared with non-noise canceling headphones.
2. Noise Canceling Headphones if You’re Non-Hearing Impaired.
You may want to get noise-canceling headphones if you’re non-hearing impaired for several reasons. First, it will make your travel time more enjoyable whether on the plane, train, bus, or car because of fewer outside noise distractions.
Second, you can listen to the music at a lower volume level which allows you to hear the music better because loud noises or sounds can damage your hearing ability.
Third, you can use noise-canceling headphones to listen to a movie at a lower volume level because again, loud noises or sounds may damage your hearing ability.
3. The Size of the Noise Canceling Headphones.
Whether you’re hearing impaired or not, you should consider the size of your noise-canceling headphones. If you often take public transportation to work or school and if the area is crowded with people like subways, buses, trains, and metros, you may want to get over-the-ear (on-ear) noise-canceling headphones to block out other noises around you.
4. The Degree of Noise Cancellation.
Whether you’re hearing impaired or not, you should consider the degree of noise cancellation your headphones can provide. As with any purchase, you want to make sure that what you are buying is worth the price for its value.
5. Recharge Time and Total Charged Time.
Noise-canceling headphone recharge time is important if you’re hearing-impaired or not. If the recharge time is too long, it may not be convenient for you especially if you don’t have a lot of extra time to spare on charging your headphones.
The total charged time refers to the amount of time that the battery can last after being recharged. Generally, noise-canceling headphones have a total charge time of about 10 to 15 hours.
6. Your Phone or Tablet Device.
Your noise-canceling headphone needs to be compatible with your phone or tablet device. So, take note that if you’re going to use it with the latest smartphones from Apple and Samsung for example, make sure they are compatible with your phones.
7. How Much Do Noise-Canceling Headphones Cost?
Our 03 Top Picks
BEST OVERALL
BEST VALUE
PREMIUM CHOICE
1. Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Key Features
Bose QuietComfort 35 II is wireless, noise-cancelling headphones that deliver premium sound and personalized comfort. Three levels of world-class noise cancellation let you choose the right amount of silence for every situation. And with Google Assistant built in, you can control your music and access information—just by using your voice.
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II wireless Bluetooth headphones II are engineered with world-class noise cancellation and innovative audio technology to deliver a premium, comfortable listening experience.
These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature a new design that’s lighter than the original QC35, with improved comfort and better sound quality. They also have an updated charging case that holds more charge for more listening time – up to 20 hours of playback on a single charge.
Key Features
PROS
- Great sound quality
- Amazing noise cancellation
- Top of the line for comfort
- Great Product That’s Worth the Price
CONS
- Works good until it stops working
- Nice headphones but terrible quality
2. Sony Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Headphones
Key Features
Sony’s industry leading noise canceling headphones have been redesigned from the ground up to be lighter, smaller and more comfortable. The new 1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones feature a sleek, modern design that is less than half the weight of previous models, making them easier to travel with. The WH-1000XM4 comes with a Quick Charge 3.0 USB Charging Dock that allows you to charge your headphones for 5 minutes and get 1 hour of playback time*..
Sony’s WH-1000XM4 wireless noise canceling headphones are the pinnacle of audio performance. With a new design and improved features, these headphones are engineered to perform with over 20 million songs. With Google Assistant built in, you can enjoy all your music and more, hands free. The Sony is co-developed by Sony Music Studios Tokyo and Sony engineers to reproduce clear sound with a powerful bass response that makes every beat sound as good as the original recording.
PROS
- Buy this thing for noise cancelation!
- SOOOO happy with my decision
- the better sound than xm3
- Initial Impressions: They’re good
CONS
- Very good but still has flaws!
- Wind noise defect
3. Soundcore Noise Cancelling Headphones with Multiple Modes
Key Features
The Q30 is the perfect blend of style and substance. It’s a premium-quality headphone that delivers powerful sound, with active noise cancellation to block out the world around you so you can focus on what matters most. Enjoy your music without distractions at home, at work, or on the go. The lightweight design makes it comfortable for extended listening, while the tangle-free flat cable and magnetic earbuds make it easy to store and keep them safely together when not in use.
The Life Q30s are perfect for the active lifestyle, featuring a compact design and lightweight materials that won’t weigh you down. They’re great for running, working out, or just listening to music on the go. These headphones have been engineered with a patented hybrid active noise canceling technology that reduces external noise by up to 98% without affecting your hearing range. The result is a crisp clear sound at all times. Additionally, our IPX5 water-resistant design allows you to use these headphones in any environment without worrying about damaging them.
PROS
- Excellent Value
- Great Sound! Better than XM3
- Surprisingly great
- ASD Life Changing
CONS
- Transparency mode is out of control
4. Sony WH000XM3 Noise Cancelling Headphones
Key Features
Sony’s WH-1000XM3 is the best noise-canceling headphones to date. It has an awesome battery life, it blocks out all unwanted noises and makes you feel like you are in your own world. The Sony WH-1000XM3 has a lot of features that make it stand out from other headphones such as its wireless charging case, touch controls on-ear cups, and its auto play/pause feature when removing them from your head.
Sony’s new flagship noise-canceling wireless headphones offer the most immersive listening experience with the deepest level of noise cancellation, plus a suite of smart features like quick attention mode and multi-device connectivity. The Sony WH1000XM3 are the best in-ear headphones for travel, offering superior comfort and sound quality. They come with three sizes of ear tips (XS/S/M) to ensure a comfortable fit. The earbuds also feature an ergonomic design that rests comfortably against your ears without falling out during exercise or daily use.
PROS
- Battery life
- Sound quality
- Noise cancellation
- Quality of material
- Volume control
- Bass quality
CONS
- The microphone is literally useless.
- The hinge broke on the first trip while in the case
5. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, Bluetooth
Key Features
The world’s best headphones for travelers and frequent flyers. QuietComfort® 700 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones II feature the industry’s most advanced noise-canceling technology to help you focus on your music — not your environment. Hear everything with clarity — from crisp vocals, deep bass, and soaring highs to every detail in between. The Bose Connect app gives you complete control over your listening experience and lets you choose among five presets optimized for different environments. Adjust settings like volume and noise canceling.
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are engineered to deliver balanced audio across all genres, from your favorite songs to the latest blockbuster. These headphones feature an innovative design that makes them comfortable for hours of listening, and their noise canceling technology allows you to tune out distractions so you can focus on what matters.
PROS
- Great pair of ANC headphones!
- Ultimate headphones for business travelers
- A well rounded ANC wireless headphone
- Bose to retake the throne of noise-canceling headphones!
CONS
- Good NC but doesn’t support Windows!!
6. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling
Key Features
The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Overhead Headphones are the industry’s best noise-canceling headphones, featuring dual sensors that use both outside and inside noise to actively cancel out ambient noise. The WH-1000XM4 offers a comfortable fit with a luxurious headband and ear pads made of high-quality protein leather and Alcantara® material. They also feature touch controls, which allow you to adjust volume or change tracks without having to take your smartphone out of your pocket.
Sony’s WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-canceling headphones are the industry-leading pair of headphones. These wireless, over-ear headphones have a touch-sensitive control pad to adjust volume and skip tracks with ease. The best part is that they also feature Sony’s patented HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1 which gives you an unparalleled listening experience.
PROS
- An excellent headset that CAN function
- as a Gaming Headset with a few hacks!
- Glad I got them over the XM3
- Awesome Noise-Cancelling and Comfort for On the Go!
CONS
- Very good but still has flaws!
7. Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH700N
Key Features
The Sony WH-CH700N Over-Ear Headphones are designed for use with your mobile device, but they can be used to listen to music or watch TV. They feature noise cancellation and a built-in microphone. The headphones also come with an audio cable so you can plug them into other devices, like an MP3 player or CD player. These headphones have a folding design that makes them easy to pack when traveling.
If you’re looking for the best noise-canceling headphones, Sony has what you need. The Sony WH-CH700N headphones offer superior sound quality and a comfortable fit — plus, they have impressive battery life. These wireless over-ear headphones are perfect for travel and work. They’re lightweight and foldable so they take up minimal space in your bag or backpack when not in use. And with their soft ear pads and headband cushion.
PROS
- The best headphones in my collection
- Excellent all-rounders
- Best from SONY
- Very good headphones with just two little tweaks.
CONS
- NOT FOR TV’S
- No actual PC support and dubious quality.
8. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones for Apple devices
Key Features
Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones for Apple devices are engineered to sound better than ever. They’re made with the same deep, powerful sound you expect from Bose, now with a design that’s lighter and more comfortable. And they still let you enjoy your music at lower volumes. So your favorite songs will always sound their best—even on the noisiest plane or train ride.
Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones for Apple devices feature a comfortable around-ear fit you can wear all day long. Maintain the quality of your music with Bose noise-canceling headphones, which reduce surrounding distractions so you can enjoy the better sound quality and focus on what you’re hearing. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable around-ear fit that will keep them in place while you move about throughout your day.
PROS
- Expensive, but worth the money.
- Comfortable and high quality
- I love that even without listening to music
- What Outside Noise? Amazing Headphones.
CONS
- Started not to work after 6 months…
- The left ear stopped functioning after 23 months.
9. Sony MDRZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones
Key Features
Sony’s MDRZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones are engineered for high-quality sound and maximum comfort. The headphones feature a closed design that provides noise isolation, so you can enjoy your music without the distraction of outside noise. These over-ear headphones also include a built-in microphone and remote control, so you can take calls hands-free or adjust the volume on the go.
Sony MDRZX110NC Noise Cancelling Headphones are engineered to deliver deep, rich sound. They feature a noise canceling function that reduces background noise by up to 98% when switched on, so you can enjoy your music without distractions. The cans also offer an adjustable headband and soft earpads for added comfort.
PROS
- I highly recommend this product
- They work great on my long flights overseas
- Comfortable, decent sound canceling.
- Outstanding Value,
- Good Performance
CONS
- Poor quality
- They look good, but sound awful!
10. Soundcore by Anker Life Q35 Noise Cancelling Headphones
Key Features
Soundcore by Anker Life Q35 Multi-Mode Active Noise Cancelling Headphones are the best-selling premium wireless headphones on Amazon.com and have been designed to be the perfect companion for your active lifestyle, with a stylish design and superior sound quality. The Q35s feature built-in noise-canceling technology that helps you focus on your music so you can block out distractions and stay motivated during exercise, or just enjoy your favorite tunes in peace without all the background noise. With its lightweight design and 12 hours of battery life, it’s also great for travel Headphones.
The premium wireless headphones combine a comfortable design with advanced technology to deliver an exceptional listening experience. Product Description in paragraph form: Soundcore by Anker’s Life Q35 active noise-canceling wireless headphones are engineered for maximum comfort and sound quality. These Bluetooth 4.2 headphones feature a sleek, lightweight design with a softly padded headband, breathable ear cushions, and an adjustable fit.
PROS
- So far an excellent product
- Like the Q30 but way better hardware
- Awesome Headphones & Best Equalizer Application
- Great headphones enhanced by customer service
CONS
- Amazing product, but my unit came DEFECTIVE
FAQS
Which headphone cancels the most noise?
The best noise-canceling headphone in the market today is undoubtedly the Bose QuietComfort 35. With little competition, it has proven itself to be the most inexpensive yet promising noise-canceling headphone. This sleek and fashionable Bluetooth headphone dominates this year’s list of top 10 best sellers with its exceptional performance that beats all other headphones in its category.
Is it worth buying noise-canceling headphones?
Noise-canceling headphones are pricier than ordinary types. It is therefore impractical for someone to purchase noise-canceling headphones if they are just buying them for the sake of it. One’s main reason for purchasing this type of headphone should be to use them in situations where there is a lot of background noise that interferes with one’s activities (listening to music, watching a movie, chatting on the phone).
Are there any headphones that block out all noise?
Unfortunately, noise-canceling headphones can never block out all noise. If you want to completely eliminate the sounds of the world around you, there is no other choice.
Why can I still hear with noise Cancelling headphones?
No matter how good the noise-canceling technology is, there will always be some external sound that can penetrate through your headphones. For example, if you are listening to music in a train, the constant dings of the train doors opening and closing will likely cut into your music albeit just temporarily.
Why does noise-canceling hurt my ears?
Noise-canceling headphones use a constant flow of air to block out external noises. However, this requires the constant use of pressure on your eardrums which can cause you some discomfort after prolonged listening. The most common side effect is ear fatigue and soreness. You should try not to wear these types of headphones for more than an hour at a time.
Is AirPods noise-canceling?
No, the AirPods are not noise-canceling headphones. They do not block out all external noises but merely reduce it to a level that is acceptable. However, these earbuds excel in other areas such as Bluetooth connectivity and sound clarity.
Conclusion paragraph:
Hi, I’m Regina. I’m a writer on Headphones, Shoes, for your unique needs. Regina is a self-professed Headphones, Shoes with a passion for experimenting with the latest Headphones, Shoe products, and trends. She helps create engaging content for smartliter.com’s audience.