Be On The Lookout For: How Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
The Best Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones
You'll need the top headphones that block out noise regardless of whether you wish to block out the hum of your HVAC system or are looking to combat the roar of jet engine noises. The newest Sony WH-1000XM5s have become the new kings of active noise cancellation and their predecessors are also fantastic.
We've considered the adjustability of ANC and touch controls as well as on-ear ear detection for paused music when headphones are removed. Our top picks have high-quality audio and comfortable, spacious earphones.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
The fifth generation of Sony's top headphones is a major improvement over the previous model, featuring improved noise cancellation and audio quality. Its remarkable ANC creates an enveloping cone over your head, blocking out a surprising amount low-frequency sound. The earphones block out mid- to treble range sounds such as passenger chatter as well as the sound of creaking metal and clanging dishware.
Unlike some noise cancelling headphones that can sound hollow or unnatural, the WH-1000XM5s are very natural-sounding. They are able to render the drums of Billie Eilish with astonishing clarity, while keeping the edges clean and pristine. It's an absolute pleasure listening to them on an extended flight or on a commute.
A capacitive touch-surface on the right ear cup handles the most commonly used controls, including play/pause volume up/down, and skip forwards/backwards. It can also stop and answer calls and switch between ANC mode and ambient sound. You can also press and hold the power button for several seconds to get an audio message telling you how much battery capacity is left.
The QN1 microphone is another significant improvement over the XM5s. It was designed to capture high quality audio when recording videos and podcasts. The microphone is more sensitive than the previous models and has a greater audio range which makes it easier for you to pick up your voice.
Other features of the XM4s have carried over to the XM5 including its adaptive ANC system that automatically optimizes performance based on your surroundings. The 'Wearing Detection" feature detects when the headset is removed, and will pause music or video. It will then resume it when the headset is put back on. It's also compatible with Sony's DSEE Extreme engine, which claims to boost compressed music to near-high-resolution quality.
2. Sony WH-1000XM4
The WH1000XM4s of Sony are the most recent version of their industry-leading over-ear headphones. They feature top-of-the-line performance, even though they don't have the same active noise cancellation features as the WH1000XM5s. In addition to having stronger Bluetooth and a more efficient noise-canceling algorithm, the WH-1000XM4s have a brand new audio chip that upscales music files to HD quality and offers more advanced voice controls.
Sony has upgraded the WH1000XM4s of the most recent version by adding padding to the headband and moving the microphones outwards. This makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions.
You can also choose between five different sound settings based on the surrounding. Sony headphones come with an app that allows you to customize your EQ settings. They're a great choice for travelers, and the app lets you monitor your activity and automatically optimize their settings on the fly.
Another big improvement is the WH1000XM4's noise cancellation, which is now more effective by increasing the sensitiveness and improving the way it eliminates low frequencies. This can be tested by looking at graphs like the one above. The higher the peaks, more sounds are being blocked out. The WH1000XM4s are also superior at reducing low-frequency noises like the hum of an air conditioning unit or the constant rumble from a plane engine.
The WH-1000XM4s have a great set of features which include batteries that last up to 30 hours, and a built-in USB-C charging port. They also have Quick Alert, which lets you tap the right earcup to reduce the sound and activate transparency mode; Speak to Chat stops media when you speak (and works well, although it may not always detect taps) and Sony's Smart Listening technology, which can recognize and analyze your environment to deliver better audio.
3. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II
The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II headphones (or QC35 Wireless 2018, as they're also known) were released in September 2017. While they've been replaced by the 2021-released Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 They are still popular and affordable, and are worth a look if you're looking for a noise cancelling headphone.
The QC35 II is a great pair for mixed-use wireless headphones. They provide a comfortable fit as well as a neutral sound quality by default. They also provide outstanding noise isolation. They can be used in noisy areas as well as while on the move and last for more than a day on one charge. They also work with a variety of smart assistants and can be activated with a dedicated button. You can ask them to play music, answer trivia questions or even read notifications from your smartphone.
They have a wide opening in the ear padded that can accommodate a variety of types of ear sizes and shapes. They also are lightweight. The hinges on the housings fold down and make them easy to put in backpacks or bags. The controls on the right side of the headphones are well placed and feel good to use. A series of taps will control playback, including skipping and rewinding songs.
We heard The Beatles' Let It Be, as well as the drum and piano beats. The QC35 II deliver crisp, clear audio that's well-rounded and detailed. They are able to detect subtleties, like Paul McCartney's unsteady timing as he builds to the chorus or Gerard Way’s snarl when he rants about the teen-like persona in teenagers.
The QC35 II is compatible with the majority of smart assistants and is able to connect to up to 2 devices at once. The QC35 II also come with an accessory case for carrying and a USB cable that charges quickly.
4. Sony WH-CH720N
Sony has a reputation for building excellent headphones that are priced at a reasonable price. The budget-friendly WHCH720N earphones from Sony aren't any different. They have many of the same features of the WH1000XM5 flagship headphones, but with a more budget friendly design. They offer a great deal of active noise cancellation, but at an affordable price.
Like the WH-1000XM5 headphones, these headphones have 30mm dynamic drivers that provide ample bass and crisp high frequencies. They have an unbalanced sound that works well with a variety of genres of music. They also feature an expansive, immersive soundstage.
The WH-CH720N headphones have buttons instead of the touch controls or gestures used by the XM5 headphones. This can be a bit of an issue, since the buttons are initially confusing. The controls are well-placed and clearly labeled. One press of the '-' button lowers the volume, while double pressing pauses and plays audio. Pressing and holding the button activates voice assistants and rejects calls.
These headphones last up to 35 hours with ANC on. This is the highest battery performance we've ever seen in over-ear headphones. They come with a standby feature to conserve battery.
The WH-CH720N headphones can be connected to Android phones and iOS devices via Bluetooth. They support LDAC, which lets them play high-quality audio on compatible devices. They also work with PlayStation consoles that use an analog 1/8" TRS cable and can be used as wired headphones on a computer with the included USB dongle. The Sony Headphones Connect app lets you personalize your headphones with an adjustable EQ slider and presets as well as multipoint connectivity, as well as secure listening.
5. B&W PX7 S2
The PX7 S2 follow on from the success of their predecessor, but aren't an unfinished update that rides on its coattails. Featuring a sleeker look and a brand new app that delivers on the promise of top-quality build with audio that is designed to faithfully express the artist's vision. They are also extremely comfortable to wear throughout the day.
They don't offer the same noise cancellation as the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II or the Sony WH1000XM5, but they are effective of blocking out ambient noise so you can concentrate on your music or podcasts. They have a six-microphone setup (four for noise cancellation and two for voice pick-up) and a revised algorithms that cut down on ambient noise by 30dB. They are also among the only a handful of Bluetooth headphones that we've tested that can be used in a passive manner and allow users to listen to their media without having to power up the drive units.
The B&W Music app is also compatible, a free download which provides a variety of features that compliment the great noise cancellation. The Quick Action button can be set to turn on the voice assistant on your device to cycle through three settings for the environment and display battery life. It is annoying to have to press and hold it. A single press would be more intuitive and easier.
over ear noise cancelling headphones is an excellent pair of headphones that will delight music lovers. They're not as well suited to the demanding music of genres such as rock and metal that tend to favor heavy bass and muddy low frequencies, as they are to classics, folk, and Acoustic music, but will still be awe-inspiring to those who appreciate audiophile cred which is also practical and easy to use.