Finding a way to tune out the distractions and concentrate on what’s truly important can be a game-changer in a world that can be filled with an overwhelming amount of noise. In cases like this, noise-cancelling headphones are an excellent investment.
The right pair of headphones can make all the difference in the world when you’re trying to concentrate on your schoolwork in a noisy environment, whether you’re a student trying to study in a busy coffee shop or a commuter fighting the sounds of a crowded train station.
In this article, we will examine the leading candidates for the title of “Best Noise Cancelling Headphones,” and we will also assist you in finding the ideal pair of headphones to meet your requirements.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Noise-Cancelling Headphones
When choosing noise-cancelling headphones, there are several factors to consider ensuring that you get the best pair to suit your needs. Here are some key factors to consider:
Type of noise-cancelling technology: There are two kinds of noise-cancelling technology: active noise cancellation (ANC) and passive noise isolation. Microphones in ANC headphones pick up ambient noise and cancel it out with an opposite sound wave.
Passive noise isolation, on the other hand, simply blocks out external noise by establishing a physical barrier between the ears and the outside world.
Comfort and fit: Because noise-cancelling headphones are typically worn for long stretches at a time, it is essential to find a pair that is both comfortable and well-suited to the wearer’s head.
Look for headphones that have padded ear cups and an adjustable headband. This will ensure that the headphones fit securely without being uncomfortable.
Battery life: Because active noise-cancelling technology consumes power, it is essential to choose headphones that have a substantial amount of playback time on a single charge.
Try to find a pair of headphones that can be used after being charged for at least ten to twenty hours.
Sound quality: Even though the main purpose of noise-cancelling headphones is to block out outside noise, sound quality is also important.
Look for headphones with a balanced sound profile and good bass response to make sure you can listen to music or podcasts without losing sound quality.
Additional features: Some noise-cancelling headphones include additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity, touch controls, or voice assistants. Consider which features are important to you and whether the higher price is justified.
By taking these factors into account, you can narrow down your options and find the best noise-cancelling headphones for your needs.
| Headphone Model | Features | Battery Life | Connectivity | Rating |
| Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Over the Ear | 20 Hours | Wireless | 9/10 |
| Sony WH-1000XM4 | Over the Ear | 30 Hours | Wireless | 9/10 |
| Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless | Over the Ear | 17 Hours | Wireless | 8/10 |
| Bose QuietComfort Earbuds | In Ear | 6 Hours | Wireless | 8/10 |
| Jabra Elite 85h | Over the Ear | 36 Hours | Wireless | 8/10 |
Top 5 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
1. Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The QuietComfort 35 II from Bose is a well-liked option due to the superior noise-cancelling capabilities of the headphones as well as their comfortable design.
It has a long battery life of up to 20 hours and uses active noise cancellation (ANC) technology to block out ambient noise.
It also integrates with Google Assistant and Alexa, which makes it simple to control your music and manage your schedule without having to physically use your hands.
Pros:
- Excellent noise-cancelling capabilities
- Comfortable fit with cushioned ear cups and an adjustable headband
- Long battery life of up to 20 hours
- Voice assistant integration with Google Assistant and Alexa
- High-quality sound with a balanced sound profile
- Can be used wired or wireless
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other noise-cancelling headphones on the market
- Bulky design may not be suitable for everyone
- No option to adjust the level of noise cancellation
- Limited customization options in terms of sound profile
- Not completely sweat or water-resistant, so may not be suitable for sports or outdoor use
2. Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is yet another leading candidate for the title of best noise-cancelling headphones on the market today.
It has an impressive battery life that can last for up to 30 hours and utilizes cutting-edge ANC technology to block out ambient noise.
Additionally, it supports voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant and comes equipped with touch controls.
Pros:
- Advanced noise-cancelling technology that adapts to your environment
- Long battery life of up to 30 hours
- High-quality sound with customizable EQ settings
- Touch controls and support for voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant
- Comfortable fit with a padded headband and ear cups
- Can be used wired or wireless
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other noise-cancelling headphones on the market
- Design may not be suitable for everyone
- May be too heavy for some users
- Limited customization options for touch controls
- Some users may experience connectivity issues with Bluetooth
3. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless headphones are an impressive pair of noise-cancelling headphones that also have a sleek design.
It has a long battery life that can last up to 17 hours and uses active noise cancellation technology to block out ambient noise. In addition to that, it has touch controls, and it is compatible with voice assistants.
Pros:
- Stylish design with high-quality materials
- Excellent noise-cancelling capabilities
- Impressive sound quality with customizable EQ settings
- Comfortable fit with cushioned ear cups and an adjustable headband
- Touch controls and support for voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant
- Can be used wired or wireless
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other noise-cancelling headphones on the market
- May not be suitable for those with larger heads
- Limited customization options for touch controls
- Battery life of up to 17 hours may not be sufficient for some users
- Some users may experience connectivity issues with Bluetooth
4. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are an excellent option for consumers looking for earbuds with noise-cancelling capabilities that also have a compact form factor.
These earbuds have a battery life of up to 6 hours and use active noise cancellation (ANC) technology to block out ambient noise. In addition to this, they have support for voice assistants and touch controls.
Pros:
- Compact design makes them easy to carry around
- Excellent noise-cancelling capabilities
- Comfortable fit with StayHear Max tips that come in different sizes
- High-quality sound with balanced sound profile
- Touch controls and support for voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant
- Sweat and water-resistant with an IPX4 rating
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other earbuds on the market
- Battery life of up to 6 hours may not be sufficient for some users
- May not be suitable for those with larger ears
- Limited customization options for touch controls
- No option to adjust the level of noise cancellation
5. Jabra Elite 85h
The noise-cancelling headphones made by Jabra are called the Elite 85h, and they are a versatile pair of headphones that are great for both work and play.
They feature active noise cancellation (ANC) technology that eliminates ambient noise and have a long battery life (up to 36 hours).
They also have a rating of IP52, which indicates that they are resistant to water and dust, making them appropriate for use outside.
Pros:
- Advanced noise-cancelling technology that adapts to your environment
- Long battery life of up to 36 hours
- High-quality sound with customizable EQ settings
- Comfortable fit with a padded headband and ear cups
- Water and dust-resistant with an IP52 rating
- Touch controls and support for voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons:
- Design may not be suitable for everyone
- May be too heavy for some users
- Limited customization options for touch controls
- No option to adjust the level of noise cancellation
- No wireless charging option
These five noise-cancelling headphones stand out for their impressive features, comfort, and sound quality, making them some of the best options on the market.
2. How to Maximize the Effectiveness of Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Here are some pointers to help you get the most out of your noise-cancelling headphones:
Select the best fit: It is critical to select noise-cancelling headphones that fit properly and completely cover your ears. Outside noise can still enter if the fit is not perfect, defeating the purpose of noise-cancelling technology.
Use the proper headphones. Over-ear headphones are more effective at noise cancellation than in-ear or on-ear headphones.
However, the effectiveness of noise-cancelling technology is also dependent on the quality of the headphones, so choose a pair with good noise-cancelling capabilities.
When listening to music, use noise-cancelling technology. Noise-cancelling technology generates sound waves that cancel out external noise.
Use your headphones with music or white noise to get the most out of them. This will help to reduce any residual outside noise and create a more immersive listening experience.
Turn up the volume: While it’s important to protect your ears, slightly increasing the volume can help block out outside noise. Just don’t turn it up too loud, or you’ll damage your hearing.
In quiet areas, wear noise-cancelling headphones. Noise-cancelling headphones are most effective in noisy environments, but they can also be effective in quiet environments.
When there is no ambient noise, the headphones will cancel it out, making it easier to concentrate on your work or music.
Maintain the charge of your headphones: Because noise-cancelling technology requires power, ensure that your headphones are fully charged before using them. Noise cancellation can be less effective when the battery is low.
In the following situations, use noise-cancelling headphones: Noise-cancelling headphones are ideal for blocking out background noise while traveling, working, or studying.
They are not, however, appropriate for activities that require you to be aware of your surroundings, such as running or cycling. When deciding whether or not to use them in these situations, use your best judgment.
Conclusion
Finally, noise-cancelling headphones can be an excellent investment for those who want to listen to music or work without being disturbed by outside noise.
When shopping for noise-cancelling headphones, keep comfort, sound quality, battery life, and price in mind. To get the most out of noise-cancelling headphones, get the right fit, use noise-cancelling technology with music, keep your headphones charged, and use them in the right situations.
With these suggestions, you can get the most out of your noise-cancelling headphones and enjoy a more immersive, distraction-free listening experience.
Frequently asked questions
How do Noise-cancelling Headphones Work?
In order to eliminate ambient noise, noise-cancelling headphones first listen to the surrounding environment through built-in microphones and then produce waves of sound that are polar opposites of the sounds picked up by the microphones.
When these waves reach your ears, they cancel out the noise that is coming from the outside, resulting in a more relaxing experience for you as you listen to music.
Can Noise-Cancelling Headphones Damage your Hearing?
There is no risk to your hearing from wearing noise-cancelling headphones by themselves. However, you run the risk of causing permanent damage to your hearing if you turn the volume up too high in an attempt to drown out background noise.
Do Noise-Cancelling Headphones Work on all Types of Noise?
The hum of an airplane engine and the noise of traffic are two examples of the types of low-frequency noise that can be effectively blocked out by using noise-cancelling headphones.
It is possible that they are not as effective as others at blocking out high-frequency noise, such as the sound of a baby crying or a dog barking.
