Headphones Noise Cancelling: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Which Over the Ear Headphones Are the Best?
On the train or in the office the noise-cancelling headphones can be the perfect solution for anyone who likes to listen. Which ones are the best, though?
Sony's flagship headphones are a fantastic value. They feature a brand new design and a superior sound quality, and also enticing features. From the forceful chorus to Sinead O'Connor's trembling bridge, these headphones provide amazing clarity and real-world realism.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony is an expert in noise cancellation, and its WH-1000XM5 headphones are the top model of this line. A few well-thought-out improvements over the XM4s make this model an excellent all-round pair of headphones, specifically for those who commute or travel. They're comfortable, feature multipoint technology that allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously and have the most powerful ANC Sony has produced yet. They are lightweight and can run up to 27 hours without charging. This is enough time to get through a week of commutes or long-haul flights.
The WH1000XM5s are sleek and minimalist in appearance. They are made of ABS which is an eco-friendly and recycled plastic. The branding is minimalist. You'll find the tiny Sony logo on every hinge of the earcup. The headband and earcups feature soft, plush material that is comfortable for all types of heads except the largest. The earcups can be adjusted to perfect fit your head.
Unlike previous models that focused on reducing low-frequency noise the XM5s amplify high-frequency sound waves to cancel out background noise. This improves the overall quality of sound and helps to block out the noise of engines and cabins on flights, for instance. The XM5s are equipped with another processor to enhance noise cancellation further on airplanes and the audio application can also automatically adapt the listening environment to data on air pressure.
The WH-1000XM5s also has an assistant for voice that is easy to use, and works with Alexa as well as Google Assistant, Siri, and many more. You can also pair the XM5s to other Sony audio products for stereo and multi-room music playback separation. They're compatible with Bluetooth high-bitrate audio streaming using LDAC codec from Sony however they don't support the aptX codec or aptX HD.
2. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Sennheiser has been making headphones for more than 50 years. You can expect a superior sound quality, and a cosy fit. With their latest headphones, dubbed Momentum 4 Wireless, they deliver on both fronts. They've updated the design to eliminate certain elements that gave the original models the look of an aviator headset and also improved the active noise cancellation with their advanced Adaptive Noise Cancellation technology. The headphones are designed to last 60 hours with ANC on, which is double the battery life of a lot of competitors.
The new model is more portable, as it folds up and is a bit smaller. They're made from synthetic PU leather for the re-usable ear pads and headband that are comfortable on my ear even if I wear them for the entire working. There isn't a lot of clamping force that keeps them in place which means they'll remain comfortable during flights and during longer workouts.
The sound is well-balanced and clear, however there are some highs that can cause a little muddiness to mixes. The bass can be a bit overemphasised, adding some extra energy and thump to genres like EDM or hip-hop. It's not a major issue however some listeners might find it irritating. The high-mid also has an uneven balance, bringing vocals and instruments forward in the mix, but at the expense of bringing out a few vocals.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless comes with all the standard features like bluetooth wireless connectivity, a transparent mode that blends outside sounds into your music to enhance awareness and mobile apps that support custom and preset EQ options. They can also be connected with a 3.5mm cable when connecting to your phone via wire. They are able to connect to your device via SBC, AAC HD, and aptX Adaptive codes, and they can reduce latency by up to a quarter second.
3. B&W PX7 S2
The original PX7s were a top pick on many lists of the most reliable Bluetooth headsets due to their outstanding ANC and sound quality. But like most wireless headphones, the PX7s have been getting older and needed an update and hence the PX7 S2. B&W hasn't merely tweaked the design for this new model, but they've made significant improvements to ANC and also added voice-call features, too.
The first thing you notice when you open the box and pick up the PX7 S2 is just how light they are. This makes them extremely comfortable for long listening sessions. A lot of the design is reminiscent of the previous model, such as the cool oval aluminum earcup top, the hook-like accent on the headband, which glides rather than clicks as you expand it and the actual physical buttons. The earcups are a bit smaller, however, and the headband feels a little less large overall.
The software from B&W lets you adjust the EQ settings of bass and treble. However you aren't as in control as you would with more expensive headphones. over-ear noise cancelling headphones on left earcup toggles the environmental modes. It can also be programmed to summon the voice assistant on your device through the Bowers & Wilkins Music App.
The PX7 S2 sounds great for all musical styles, and has a a soundstage that offers plenty of space and excellent separation between the various sound elements. It shines particularly on pieces featuring acoustic instruments like Rachmaninoff's Cello Sonata in G Minor Op. 19 by pianist Yuja Wang and cellist Gautier Capeucon, with a woody tone and the feeling of air. It's also capable of handling heavier fare as well, thanks to the bass punch and midrange clarity on Entombed's garage/death-n'roll crossover curiosity To Ride, Shoot Straight and Speak the Truth creating a wall of sound while allowing to be able to discern vocal details such as Lars-Goran Petrov's gritty growl.
4. Bose QuietComfort 35
Bose is one of the first companies that brought active noise cancelling headphones into the mainstream. Though they had a stranglehold on the market for years but they are now competing against newer headsets that have more features and higher audio quality. QuietComfort 35 remains a great choice for those who want to listen to music or podcasts with no hums or rumbles.
They're also comfortable to wear and come with a an excellently balanced default sound profile. The ANC is excellent at eliminating background noise. However it tends to emphasize lower frequencies more than other headphones such as the Sony WH1000XM5.
If you're looking for a pair that can be used to listen to audiobooks or podcasts, the QC35s have an amazing passive noise cancellation feature which reduces ambient sounds while ensuring you are completely insulated from the hum of the environment around you. The QC35s also let you connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time and "audio-share" so you can listen to music on one pair of headphones and answer an incoming call on the other.
The Bose Connect app is decent but it doesn't have the vast EQ options of some other headphone apps. The QC35s are also available in wired mode, however the sound quality is significantly reduced and the battery life is not as good as wireless models.
The QC35s are an Bose product, but it may not be a favorite for all. Other manufacturers offer sleeker designs. However, you can add a touch of personalization by purchasing a decal cover-up from companies like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker. In the near future you'll be able to alter the color of the earcups and headbands, just like the earlier QC25.
5. Sony WH-1000XM3
Sony's WH1000XM3 is the best wireless headphone that has active noise cancellation that you can purchase right now. They're more expensive than the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless, but they are able to block out more ambient noise and feel much better-built. The app is also better and comes with a variety of sound-related options for customization.
The XM3s have an excellent sound quality, and since their release, they've been enhanced to give an even better experience. They're equipped with a little more detail in the frequency spectrum. The noise cancellation is more effective at all levels of volume. They also have better controls like Quick Attention mode and Speak-to Chat. They also have a brand new feature called Adaptive Sound Control that adjusts automatically how much external sound is allowed in, based on the location you're at and what you're doing.
However, they aren't without shortcomings. The midrange can sound a bit receding, and the treble may sometimes be too loud. They still have the tendency to increase the bass too much on some tracks, making the sound too heavy and full. You can fix this in the Sony app or in the headphone setting.
The XM3s are a great pair of headphones, particularly for frequent travelers or commuters. They are more comfortable, feel and look premium, and last longer over the JBL Live 650 BTNC wireless. They also have a better battery and one of the top noise cancellation features available. They're also more versatile and better-equipped to use on the go than Audio-Technica's M50X wireless, though their noise cancellation isn't as impressive. They're not waterproof which could be a deal-breaker for some.